Where Is She? Read online

  ROGER RAPEL

  WHERE IS SHE?

  by

  Roger Rapel

  Copyright © Roger Rapel 2016

  Cover Copyright © Amy Parle Design 2016

  Published by Black Hawk

  (An Imprint of Ravenswood Publishing)

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher and/or author.

  Ravenswood Publishing

  1275 Baptist Chapel Rd.

  Autryville, NC 28318

  http://www.ravenswoodpublishing.com

  Printed in the U.S.A.

  ISBN-13: 978-1537152301

  ISBN-10: 1537152300

  Thank you to Amy Parle for the cover design amyparledesign.co.uk

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  14

  15

  16

  17

  18

  19

  20

  21

  22

  23

  24

  25

  26

  27

  28

  29

  30

  31

  32

  33

  34

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  CHAPTER ONE

  Detective Sergeant Jim Broadbent was sat at his desk mulling over the files that were piling up; he was completing the normal end of investigative reports ready for filing. The end of case work had to be right; it had to include all the issues and conclusions. So that if someone came in cold and read the report they would immediately get the gist of the investigation.

  Detective Superintendent Langton came out of his office requesting Jim to come in. Jim raised his eyebrows and thought ‘what now?’

  Jim went in saying ‘yes guv?’ ‘Please Jim, sit down. I have just received this report from Central, I think we should take it on; have a read and see what you think?’ Langton handed over the report as Jim skimmed through it; he took the file away with him to inwardly digest.

  He sat at his desk as he began to read the report which highlighted a woman who had been reported missing by the boyfriend. He continued reading the background of the case; Janet Crosby a 25 year old shop worker who had moved in with her boyfriend Charles Sumner, then sometime later had gone missing. On the surface it appeared to have been a loving relationship of some 3 years; there appeared to have been no reason for her disappearance.

  The police investigation appeared to have been thorough with the normal procedures having been adopted. He then picked up a report from the original investigating officer; who had concluded ‘I’m not happy with Sumner, there is something about him, I don’t know what, but he doesn’t seem right to me.’

  Jim knew too well about the sixth sense; as he would often get the same feelings when investigating cases himself, especially if matters didn’t add up.

  Jim picked up the phone and called the division where the officer worked and made an appointment for the following morning. He then made a list of witnesses to re interview.

  Although he knew this would take some time, turning over stones looking to see what crawled out as the original investigation was now some 15 months old. There would be an acceptance of the inevitable that, Janet had either run off, or perhaps in hiding, or worse lying dead somewhere, but there had been no build up to this, nothing to suggest foul play.

  Jim called it a day and went home to find Jackie in the kitchen wearing one of his shirts bopping from one foot the other as she listened to the radio preparing the evening meal. Jim as normal came up behind her lifting the shirt tail and patted her bum then wrapped his arms around her kissing her neck. Jackie raised her head to give him free access to the sensitive areas. She sighed and moaned at the sensation he caused. ‘Stop it Jim, later, dinners nearly ready.’ He patted her bum then went and got changed.

  He came back out and opened a bottle of wine filling two glasses; he took a good mouthful of wine, he liked the selection that Jackie chose. ‘Come and get it the plates are hot.’ Jim carried his plate of hot stew and dumplings with a cloth to the table. They ate as they discussed their day.

  They later went to bed early making the most of each other relishing in their favourite sexual preferences.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Jim arrived at Central where he met PC Cooke; they went to the canteen where they sat and discussed the issues of the case, including what he felt about Janet Crosby, and the feeling he had about Sumner. ‘I can’t put a finger on it, he just seemed so false,’ Jim listened to the officer’s thoughts and how he had conducted the investigation. Jim thanked him for his time then began the long slog of re-interviewing the witnesses and friends. He ticked off the list one by one as he slogged his way through.

  There was nothing outstanding from the witnesses only that it was totally out of character for Janet to go off with no communication; she was devoted to her parents and her sister Lynne; there was no way she would have gone without letting someone know where she was going. She wouldn’t have gone for all this time without contacting her family letting them know she was alright.

  Jim knocked on the door of Christine Williams who according to the file was the best friend of Janet. The door opened slightly as he heard a voice say ‘who’s there?’ Jim showed his warrant card. The door then half opened as he saw a really pretty woman. ‘Yes how can I help you?’ ‘Sorry to disturb you, I am re-looking at the case of Janet Crosby and wondered if I could have a chat with you.’ Christine nodded as she fully opened the door and stepped back inviting Jim inside.

  Jim accepted the offer of coffee as he sat at the Kitchen table chatting about the area and the work she did. Jim admired her body as she was making the coffee. He thought what a lovely bum. Then pulled his attention back to the reason why he was there.

  ‘Okay Christine can you tell me about Janet, hold nothing back the full story, warts and all?’ Christine then let him know about her relationship with Janet. He picked up on the fact that Janet had changed when she met Charlie. Jim noticed her eye’s narrow as she spoke of him.

  ‘Tell me about him why didn’t you like him?’ ‘He was controlling her, he was so jealous of her; he kept her a virtual prisoner in the house he wouldn’t let her out. We used to go out all the time for a girlie night out; sometimes just me and her and other times in a group. But then she stopped going out, she used to make excuses, but I knew he was controlling her.’ ‘Was he violent to her?’ ‘Not that I know of just emotionally abusive, but Janet wouldn’t speak about it much.’ ‘Tell me about the emotional abuse?’ ‘When we met during the day for coffee, she would tell me how he would threaten her with eviction from the flat where they lived as he owned it. If he did evict her, she would have nowhere to live. She said he would sometimes raise his hand, but never hit her or so she said, I wasn’t sure.’ ‘What makes you unsure?’ ‘Well, there was one occasion when I went to hold her arm comfort, as I took hold of her she winced and pulled away holding her bicep. I asked her what was wrong, she just said she had banged it against a door, but I didn’t believe her.’

  Christine offered more coffee Jim nodded
as she got up. Jim looked at her figure more closely; as she leant forward to stand up her top to billowed open, it was then he noticed her full cleavage. He thought wow what a pair. Christine caught his gaze and inwardly smiled at his attention.

  Coffee made she sat back down curling one leg under her as she sat on it; then continued. ‘After that incident we never really met again, only the odd phone call. It appeared he was keeping her as his prisoner.’ ‘This is all good background knowledge for me, thank you. Tell me do you know of any other friends that Janet had who I could speak to?’ ‘Not really they all drifted away as she stopped coming out.’ ‘Okay; what do you know about him?’ ‘I didn’t know him before he met Janet; I’d seen him in pubs and clubs, he always appeared to be in the company of women, but that’s all really.’ ‘Did you know any of the women?’ ‘Look I’m not sure where this is leading; do you think she is dead?’ ‘I don’t know I’ve been asked to re-look at the case to ensure nothing has been missed so please bear with me.’ ‘Okay this never came from me right!’ ‘Okay go on?’ ‘There is one woman she was once his girlfriend, but she got out of the relationship and ran away.’ ‘Where did she run to?’ ‘This is the problem only a couple of people know, including me.’ ‘Go on?’ ‘More coffee?’ ‘Please.’ Christine stood up again and over emphasized her lean showing on purpose her cleavage. Jim smiled as she stood up as she smirked and made the coffee washing the cups. She knew Jim was watching her so wiggled her bum as she washed the cups, her loose track suit bottoms moving with her motion.

  The coffee served she continued ‘look her name is Sandra she moved out of the area, she was really afraid of him, in fact shit scared of him. I think he had been violent to her as well.’ ‘Where did she move to?’ ‘This never came from me right?’ Jim nodded as Christine got up and collected her handbag rummaged inside then took out an address book; she flicked through the pages as Jim was poised with his pen. ‘Right here we go; her name as said is Sandra; Sandra Rose, she moved to 24, Smith Court, Winters Town; but promise, this didn’t come from me?’ ‘I promise; have you a phone number for her?’ ‘No she just cut all contact with me when she went and changed her number.’ ‘How long ago was that?’ ‘Oh some three years ago; I haven’t seen her for a long while, although she does ring now and again, but I haven’t heard from her for ages, she refused to give me her number, she was so scared of him.’ ‘Okay Janet you have been a great help thanks for the coffee. I may need to call back at some time; have you a number I can call you on?’ Christine then rattled off her mobile number. Jim then left as she opened the door saying goodbye.

  Jim thought what a body she’s got, fucking hell, I could give her one. Then drove back To HQ’s where he researched the address, but no Sandra Rose listed in the voters register; although that wasn’t unusual, especially if it was a rented property.

  Jim then made a list of people to see the following day including the parents and sister of Janet.

  Langton enquired as to the progress. Jim went into his office as he debriefed him on the conversation with Christine. Langton nodded saying ‘any thoughts Jim?’ ‘Not at the moment to early, but PC Cooke had a bad feeling about Sumner and I’m starting to get the same feeling, a bit to early yet; perhaps after talking with Sandra Rose it may give me a better understanding.’ Langton nodded as he reached for the bottom drawer and poured two fingers of scotch. Jim raised his glass as he nodded in appreciation.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Jim made his way to Winters Town, he found Smiths Court, which was a small mews of town houses in a row of similar houses; all with nicely kept gardens. He found number 24; he looked at the curtains, thinking it looked like a woman’s house. He took a deep breath trying to work out how to approach the reason he was there and how he had found out about her address.

  He pressed the doorbell, but there was no reply. He looked down the mews and saw the postman delivering the mail. He waited till he got closer. He identified himself showing his warrant card then asked if he was aware of the occupant of 24. Postie said ‘as far as I know just one occupant; Sandra Rose, although I have never seen her; the house is always the same as it is now.’ ‘Okay thanks.’

  Jim had no alternative so left a note for her to call him. He then saw a neighbour going next door. ‘Excuse me love, I am trying to find the occupant of next door I have a message for her, do you know when she will be home?’ ‘Oh I’m so sorry, I hardly ever see her, she comes and goes at all different times, sorry I can’t help much.’ He thanked her then posted the message through the letterbox.

  Jim then went to speak to the parents of Janet; they were so distant from the situation, Janet had left home to live with Sumner and she never came home or made much contact after she moved in with him, much to the parent’s dismay they had been cut off from her and that hurt, they knew something was sadly wrong. They were now so worried for her, they couldn’t sleep and her younger sister Lynne who Janet used to call her every day was so concerned for her safety as well, as she hasn’t heard from Janet either.

  ‘Is Lynne here?’ ‘Yes she’s upstairs doing her course work for her A levels, do you want to speak to her?’ Jim nodded ‘yes please.’ Mrs Crosby called upstairs asking Lynne to come down. Jim went into the lounge where he spoke with Lynne.

  Lynne was a teenager who was hoping to get into university; she was studying hard to obtain the necessary grades for the prerequisite subjects.

  ‘Look Lynne I’m here investigating the disappearance of Janet. Can you help in anyway? Anything no matter how small could help, did she confide in you about her relationship with Charles Sumner?’

  Lynne was a little unsure then said, ‘yes she told me about Charles and how he used to hit her, I told her to get out but, she was too proud, she didn’t want to come home and admit she had been wrong.’ ‘Did she talk about the violence and what he did to her?’ ‘Not really although once she said he had slapped her face and then on another occasion he had punched her arm so hard, she thought he had broken it.’ ‘Did she have any friends you know of who might be able to help?’ ‘Her best friend was Christine, but I think you know about her?’ ‘Thanks, you have been a great help, if you think of anything else here’s my card.’

  Jim continued the rounds talking with her friends, but the same story was told; Charles Sumner had been dominating Janet, keeping her under his control. Jim was now nearly ready to have a session with him, he just wanted to talk with Sandra first as she may hold the key or certainly may have some ammunition to assist him in the interview.

  There was nothing for it, unless she called him he would sit outside of her address I the morning until she left for work.

  Jim got home where he saw Jackie in one of his shirts bopping to music as she cooked tea. She heard him come in, but liked the feeling that he was going to try and surprise her, so didn’t acknowledge his arrival. Jim crept up behind lifting the shirt tail and patting her bum as he slid his hands up inside the shirt cupping a breast in each hand as he kissed her neck.

  ‘That’s nice Jim I like that.’ She turned and kissed him saying ‘get changed dinner is nearly ready.’ Jim changed and opened a bottle of wine pouring two glasses as he laid the table. Jackie bought in two plates holding them with oven gloves. ‘Mind, the plates are piping hot.’ ‘That smells really good babes.’

  They chatted about their day and how each of them had heavy workloads. Jim helped with the washing up then opened his A4 book looking at the interviews trying to get his head around the possibility that Sumner had killed Janet, then dumped or buried her somewhere.

  The hairs standing up at the back of his neck, if Christine was right then he could have had a fit of jealously and hit her; accidently killing her; he then started to think of all the scenarios. Then Jackie shouted at him ‘give it a rest Jim and come here I need you. Jim went into the bedroom and saw Jackie standing in one of her Anne Summers outfits, his eyes were out on stalks as he walked up to her. ‘Come her Broadbent and perform my favourite.’ With that
she sat on the bed dragging his head between her thighs, she moaned as she felt him performing her favourite oral; feeling his warm breath and tongue manipulating her, she quickly climaxed time after time with his expert attention on her. Jim loved and savoured her taste. They carried on through the night pleasing each other to the full.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Jim arrived early as he sat outside of Sandra Rose’ house; at about 7am he saw the upstairs lights come on. Well at least someone’s at home he thought. He waited for some 20 minutes then knocked the door having seen the downstairs lights come on. The door was opened by a woman. ‘Sandra Rose?’ ‘Yes, who are you?’ ‘From the police, I left you a note to ring me.’ ‘Yes what do you want?’ ‘Can I pop in for five minutes or make an appointment for another time?’ ‘I can only give you five minutes as I get ready for work.’

  Jim was shown to the kitchen. ‘How can I help you?’ ‘I am investigating a missing person called Janet Crosby and wondering if you may be able to help.’ ‘I don’t know her; I don’t recognize the name either.’ Sandra started to brush her hair as she made coffee, then she placed a mug on the table for Jim, as he nodded in appreciation. ‘Janet was a girlfriend of Charles Sumner; I believe you were close to him as well at some time is that true?’ ‘Who told you that?’ ‘I’m sorry I can’t divulge that; I just need some background on him.’

  Sandra looked frightened as she brought her hand to her mouth. ‘Oh my god, I don’t know what to say, he’s an arsehole.’ ‘What does that mean?’ ‘Sorry I haven’t got time now can you come back tomorrow as I’m off work.’ ‘What time would suit you?’ ‘Say 11am.’ Jim finished his coffee then left. He was definitely getting one of those feelings again.

  Jim went back to HQ’s checking his in-tray. He sat thinking of his previous investigations where he had the same feelings as he had now. He knew he was right on the previous occasions, and even without speaking with Sumner he was getting the same bad feeling again.