Offender Of The Faith

Chapter 2

Chapter 2A blast of heat hit him, and Alex stepped back in surprise when the door was yanked open by Edna Gallacher. It was clear she'd been standing waiting at the door because he'd barely had the chance to lower his hand from pressing the doorbell.

Small and rake thin, a shock of pure white curls crested the lady's wizened old face. She peered at Alex's warrant card before pointing to a closed door. “They're in there, sitting at the kitchen table. They said they wanted me to give them some privacy. You'd better go on in.”

“Not just yet,” Alex replied. “I'd like to ask you some questions first, if I may. Is there somewhere we can sit? Tall and muscular, Alex was a big man in any circumstances, but by contrast, standing next to the old lady, he appeared to be a giant.

Mrs Gallacher shuffled forward and led them through to her formal lounge. The room could have been taken straight out of the nineteen-fifties. It was adorned with a fuss of heavy, dark brown furniture and covered in a profusion of ornaments. Everything looked old and worn but there was a pronounced and pleasant odour of beeswax polish and not a speck of dust to be seen anywhere.

Accepting her invitation, Alex and Phil sat down on a heavily-stuffed, deep buttoned sofa and were surprised by the comfort.

“Would you like me to make you a cup of tea?” she asked. Although appalled by the circumstances of their meeting, Mrs Gallacher was hospitable and appeared pleased to have company.

“Thank you, but no,” Alex replied. “We won't keep you long and we have a lot of other things to take care of.

She nodded slowly then lowered herself into a matching armchair, before looking up expectantly.

Trying his best to put her at ease, Alex noted her personal details and asked about her circumstances, confirming his suspicions that Edna had lived in this flat for most of her life. A widow and now aged eighty-eight, this had been her first and only home after she'd married, some sixty-five years ago. She'd raised her children here, although both boys had grown and married, before emigrating to New Zealand. Besides Christmas and birthday cards and an ever-rarer phone call, she'd had no contact with them for decades.

“Now how well did you know your neighbours, Kevin and Keiran?”

“Och, they were a lovely couple, much nicer than the last tenants who stayed there. They were so much in love. They put me in mind of me and my Charlie when we started out. Full of the joys. They were very good to me, too. They had me in for tea every week and they were always checking if I needed shopping or anything” A darkness fell over Edna's expression and tears started to flow. “Kevin was so upset when he came in. He said she was dead. Is that true? What could have happened? Was there an accident?”

“We don't have any answers yet. We're trying to put the pieces together. Now, can you tell me if you saw or heard anything unusual this evening?” Alex probed.

“No, nothing, not until Kevin came to my door. Of course, my hearing's not what it used to be. Unless the telly's up really loud, I can't make out a thing. I always worry that it might be disturbing my neighbours, but nobody's said anything. Anyway, I rarely hear anything from outside. That nice 'Care and Repair' man from the Council even attached a light thing to my entry-phone so I'll know if anyone comes to door.”

“I see,” Alex replied. “Can you tell me if you ever saw or heard any arguments between Kevin and Keiran, or by them with anyone else for that matter.”

“No, never a cross word, not that I ever saw. Mind you, there was the one time, Ian Fulton caused a bit of a fall out. He's the i***t who stays on the ground floor. He had a moan at Keiran for leaving the back door open when she was taking out the rubbish. Then he started shouting at her saying she wasn't wanted here. He didn't want the smell of curry coming near his flat, and he went on at her about what she was doing with a nice Christian boy,. and saying she should go back to her own people.”

“When was this?”

“Och, that was months back, not long after they moved in. It only lasted a minute before Janet, his wife, came out and gave him such a mouthful. Keiran was upset though and went running up the stairs, streaming with tears.”

“And you saw all this happening?”

“No, no. It was Janet who told me all about it. I never breathed a word to Keiran as I didn't want to upset her more.”

Alex got to his feet; Phil was quick to follow. “I think that will be all for now, although we may need to speak to you again. Thank you for your help. I'd like to go in and speak to Kevin now. If you'd please wait in here, we'll let you know before we leave. Is there anything you need from the kitchen in the meantime?” The response was negative, and Alex and Phil made their way out to the hall.

* * *

“Hi Boss, I'm glad you're here.” Sanjay stepped into the hall and closed the kitchen door behind him to have a private word with Alex. “I'd like your take on this. There are a number of things that just don't add up. Shall I fill you in before you talk to him?” As he spoke, Sanjay removed his thick black glasses and took out a tissue to clean them. Unadorned, his face lost its normal impression of severity as the little man craned his neck to look up at Alex.

“No, thanks. I'd prefer to hear it first hand to form my own impression. If you can take me in and introduce me then I'd like you to interview Ian Fulton, the guy on the ground floor. Apparently, he had a spat with Kieran some time back, not long after they moved in. Possibly a bit of racial tension there, so I'd like to see how he takes to you.”

Kevin raised his head when Alex opened the door. Supervising him, Mary sat impassively. Kevin seemed unaware of her, her stocky frame and rosy cheeks, a benign presence sharing the same room. He'd been sitting facing her, with his elbows on the kitchen table, holding his head in his hands, a blank stare facing downwards. As he looked at Alex, a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes, as if he expected to be told it was all a mistake and he'd only had a bad dream. He had the look of the cartoon character, Oor Wullie, with a pale face and ginger hair sprouting in all directions, dishevelled from his hands trying to contain his grief. He had an untidy look, his suit was creased and the top buttons of his shirt were open with his tie draped askew.

“I'm DCI Alex Warren and I'm leading this enquiry,” Alex introduced. “I know you've been through this already, but I need to hear it from you myself.”

Kevin exhaled deeply. “What do you want to know?”

“Let's start with this morning. Take me through everything that's happened today.”

Kevin looked puzzled. “What does this morning have to do with anything?”

“Please just bear with me. It helps put everything into context.”

“Okay,” Kevin briefly shook his head, appearing unconvinced.“My alarm went off at 7.30 a.m. I got up, showered, cleaned my teeth, dressed, had breakfast and went for the bus.”

“Let's go back, please. I need more detail. Your alarm may have gone off at 7.30 am but when did you wake? Were you already awake, and what about Kieran?”

Kevin's face flushed. “What the f**k's this all about?”

Alex said nothing, instead looking fixedly at Kevin's face and let the silence build.

“Kieran had the day off work. It's the second anniversary of when we started to go out and she wanted the time off. She planned to make us a special romantic dinner. I was to bring the wine. I bought a bottle of Prosecco on my way home. I left it on the table.”

“Kieran drank alcohol?”

“Yes, although she was raised a Moslem she hasn't practiced any religion since she started university.”

“Sorry, go on”

“We both woke before the alarm. Kieran went to shower first, and I followed afterwards, then got dressed.”

“Had you been intimate?”

“Why do you want to know?”

“We don't know yet if there was any s****l motive to the attack.” In a very matter of fact tone, he continued, “We need to know the last time you had s*x together to help us interpret any forensic evidence.

Kevin winced then sat back, the words striking him worse that a punch. “Yes, we'd been intimate,” he whispered. “Afterwards, we had breakfast.”

“What did you eat?” Anticipating another question, Alex pre-empted, “We'd like to know everything Kieran ate today as it could help us establish the time of death.”

Kevin looked as if he might faint. “Coffee and toast, that's all. We treated ourselves to a Tassimo machine last month and we've been trying out all the different flavours together. If I remember correctly, we had a Mochiata with Caramel this morning - it was awfully sweet. I had toast and butter, I think Kieran had a scrape of marmalade.” Overpowered by the memory, together with the current predicament, Kevin's eyes filled with tears and they started running freely. He swabbed at them with closed fists.

Seeing paper kitchen towel on a work surface, Mary ripped off and handed him some sheets. “Would you like a glass of water, or a cup of tea, maybe?”

Kevin shook his head and dabbed at his face with the towel.

“After breakfast?” Alex prompted.

“I went for the bus. We kissed 'bye' in the hall and I said I'd be back around six; then I left. I walked round to Pollockshaws Road and caught a 38 bus into Hope Street, then walked to my office in Waterloo Street. I arrived just before nine.”

“What time did you leave the house?”

“I'm not certain but it must have been around eight-twenty.”

“What's your job?” Alex asked.

“I'm a Trainee Solicitor.”

Alex raised an eyebrow.

“I work for McPhail and Morgan, have done since I graduated last year. It's mainly conveyancing I do, although they're giving me a general training with some family law and commercial and legal aid work.”

“What about criminal law?”

“I studied it for my degree, but M&M just do bits and pieces. It's not our speciality, but sometimes existing clients have an issue which they bring to us.”

“And how was your day.”

“Nothing really out of the ordinary.”

“You had your special dinner to look forward to?”

“Well yes. I was planning to go straight home but then I had a message from Billy Marshall. One of my mates from Uni but he lives in Aberdeen now, so I've not seen him for ages. He asked if we could meet for a jar after work. I explained I had plans for this evening, but I could maybe manage a quick one.”

Alex nodded.

“I texted Kieran to say I might be a little bit later and I worked through lunch to make sure I got away sharp. I went to meet him in Wetherspoons as arranged and got us in a couple of pints, but he didn't show. I was really pissed, because I'd explained I didn't have much time. I finished my drink and tried calling him, but it just rang out. So, I downed the other pint, no point wasting it, and headed for home. I picked up the wine and flowers from Sainsburys in town, on my way and caught the next bus.”

“Which Wetherspoons was it?”

“Corner of George Square.”

“Did you see or speak to anyone who can confirm any of this?”

Kevin thought for a moment. “The pub was quite busy for that time of day, but no, there was nobody there that I knew, not that I can remember.”

“And how were you feeling just then?”

“I dunno. I wanted to be home. I was a bit rattled at wasting my time, but also a bit merry having sunk two pints on an empty stomach.”

“Did you see anyone you knew on the bus?”

Kevin shook his head. “The bus was busy but to be honest, I dozed off and only came too just in time, when we were approaching the park. I had to shake myself awake so I didn't miss my stop.”

“And what time was this?”

“I guess it must have been after half six, maybe going on seven.”

“Okay, let's go back in time a little bit; you said that Billy called to arrange the meeting but didn't show up. How did he call you, was it to your work or mobile?”

“No, I'm not allowed to take private calls and I'm not meant to use the mobile in the office either, but I usually leave it on, switched to silent. I got a text from Billy and that's how I replied to confirm the arrangement. Here, see for yourself.”

Alex checked the phone records and noted Kevin's message to Keiran and his dialogue with Billy. “This shows a mobile number which sent and received the texts from Billy, but it's different from your phone book listing for Billy Marshall.”

“Yes, now you come to mention it, I didn't see his name when it came in. I assumed he must have changed his phone and thought no more about it. I haven't had a chance to update his number yet.”

“You didn't try both numbers when he didn't show up?”

“No, it didn't occur to me.”

“Do you mind if we hang onto this for a while to check a few things out?”

“No, take it, not a problem.”

“Thanks. Now, picking up where we left off, you said you got off the bus at Queens Park.”

“Yes, that's right. It's only a few minutes walk.”

“Keep going.”

“I came up to the flat and let myself in.”

“Was everything the same as normal? Was the door locked?”

Kevin paused to think before answering. “It was closed on the Yale, as I'd expect when someone's home. Sometimes when Keiran was working, I'd be the first one home and I'd have to unlock the mortise as well.”

“You didn't use the security intercom before going up.”

“No, we both have keys so there wouldn't be any point.”

“Okay, you let yourself in. What next?”

“I called out to Keiran as I went to the kitchen to put the wine in and get water for the flowers. I thought it odd when she didn't answer. I hung up my jacket and then realised there was no sign of any cooking going on. I checked the fridge and saw all the ingredients were prepared but she hadn't started making the meal.”

Alex nodded.

“I thought maybe she'd gone out, but the door hadn't been locked. Then I thought perhaps she was unwell. I went to check the bedroom and found her lying on the bed.” Kevin shook his head, trying to dislodge the image. “She looked bruised, her eyes were wide, staring blankly at the ceiling and her mouth was open. I could tell she was dead. I didn't know what to do. I just sank to the floor. I couldn't stop looking at her.”

“Did you touch her, take her pulse or move anything?”

“No, I don't think so. I was in a bit of a daze. I don't know how long I sat there before I came to my senses. I phoned emergency services and then I came here to Mrs. Gallacher.”

“Can you tell me if there was anyone who you or Keiran had fallen out with? Was there anyone you know who may have had a grievance with either of you?”

“There was no-one; she was a lovely person. Everyone she met liked her. She made friends really easily.”

“Okay, if she was that popular then how about people who might have been jealous? Do you know of anyone who may have resented her popularity?”

“Really, there's no-one that I can think of.”

“What about family? How did they take to her shacking up with you? Did you get on?”

Kevin paused for a moment, before looking back at Alex. “Other than her sister, I haven't met any of her family. They didn't approve of her living with me out of wedlock and I doubt they'd have been any happier with her marrying someone who wasn't a Moslem. Although Keiran had no religion, to my knowledge her family were still devoted to Islam.”

“And what about your own family how did they react to you and Keiran being a couple?”

“Once they got to know her, they accepted her. As I said before, everyone loved her.”

“Thank you for being so helpful. I don't think we need to ask you anything else just now. You won't be allowed back in the flat tonight, not that you're likely to want to be there. Is there anyone else you can stay with for the time being?”

“I guess I can go back to stay with Mum and Dad. They're not far away. They live in Giffnock.”

“Okay, we can take you there. Once we get clearance from our forensic people, you'll be able to gather a few belongings, then one of our officers can drive you there. Would you like us to call them for you or would you prefer to let them know yourself? We'll need to interview them too at some stage.”

“Thanks, but I think it would be better if I spoke to Mum myself.”