Anne spoke quickly and felt she was rambling.
“I’ll need to speak to your assistant. What made you think Missus Armstrong needed to be admitted to Tadmore?”
“You know as well as I do that is confidential,” Anne responded before adding, “When I ‘phoned the hospital on Saturday morning they said she hadn’t arrived, no-one told me she had been killed.”
“The hospital wouldn’t have known at that time. Mister Armstrong was in deep shock when we tried to talk to him. He was put under sedation. It wasn’t until last night that he told us of your visit and his mother’s immediate transfer to Tadmore. Because it was a weekend, nobody thought to check out why she hadn’t arrived.”
“Do you suspect her son? I would find it very hard to believe he would do such a thing. For years he had helped her, and for the first time she was going to have professional help – it was a great relief to him.”
“Perhaps the years of strain finally pushed him over the edge?” Meakin asked in his straightforward manner.
“But that doesn’t make sense,” Anne responded.
“Over the years, I’ve found there’s not much sense in murder. You must realise this in your job too.”
“Yes, I know, but there’s usually some kind of sense behind the strangeness; and what may seem illogical to us, is perfectly in order for those who are mentally ill.”
“Do you think Mister Armstrong is ill?”
“Not at all – weary, yes, and certainly concerned about his mother, but no, not ill. In fact, I thought him to be quite stable considering everything he’d put up with over the years.”
“Like what?” asked Meakin.
“Inspector, you know I can’t answer that. But what I can say is that she wasn’t a danger to anyone.”
“Very well, thank you, Doctor. I’ll need to speak to your assistant and would you come down to the police station to make a formal statement? As soon as possible, please.”
He rose and walked towards the office door.
His fingers were on the handle when he asked, “By the way, who is this Jenny you spoke of?”
“That’s what I thought you were coming to see me about. My friend, Jenny, Missus King, she’s been having a problem with a stalker. We think so, anyway. She and her husband were going to speak to you about it today, their appointment is at midday,” Anne said, getting to her feet.
“Well I haven’t been into the office today, so I haven’t seen my schedule. A stalker, eh? Notoriously difficult to catch.”
“That’s what we thought, but she’s terrified, it’s been going on for about a year.”
“A year...she’s left it a long time to come and see us.”
“Well, she thought it might be her
imagination, being on her own so much – but we said it couldn’t be; she’s not that kind of person. Nervous sometimes, but has never been the neurotic type.”
Anne wanted him to take this seriously, not brush off her friend as another irrational woman with too much time alone. It would be no use trying to hide the fact that David was away such a lot.
Meakin surprised her when he said, “I always take every case seriously, especially murder. And stalking, unfortunately, has led to many such killings. I don’t wish to alarm you but there have been too many stalker cases lately.”
Anne was reluctant to ask but felt obliged – Jenny was her friend and she needed to protect her.
“And how many of those have ended in murder?”
“Too many,” was all he would say.
Anne fell back into her chair. She felt sick.
Meakin continued. “That’s probably why your friend was told she’d be speaking to me. All stalker cases are now being brought to my attention. It seems strange though that it has been a year. The others haven’t lasted that long.”
******
Anne sat, pale-faced staring at Meakin, realising his meaning.
The Inspector said goodbye and walked over to Sam, leaving the door ajar.
Anne saw that her next patient had arrived so moved to reassure her she wouldn’t be long then closed the door again.
Walking quickly back to her desk, she gulped the now cold coffee in an effort to pull herself together. She would have to see Mrs Hart, thankful that she was at the end of her therapy. But Sam would have to cancel the rest for today. She’d never be able to concentrate.
Scuttling back to the outer office, Anne smiled at her next patient, indicating for her to come through, seeing Inspector Meakin talking to Sam.
“I won’t be a moment, Missus Hart,” she said, after seeing her to the sofa.
Stepping over to Sam’s desk, she interrupted, “Sorry, but Sam, could you reschedule all today’s appointments? There shouldn’t be too much of a problem. I’ll talk to you later.”
Sam nodded.
After glancing at Meakin, she walked back into her office.
Sam saw Anne’s white face as she delivered her request, understanding her shock. Meakin had just told him the same news.
He’d told the Inspector of his movements and had corroborated the reasons for them being at the Armstrong house on Friday evening. He too had agreed to make a formal statement.
After the Inspector left, Sam made the necessary calls – luckily, it had been straightforward – and fifty minutes later he knocked on Anne’s door again, armed with two coffees laced with a touch of brandy on a small tray.
They drank in silence.
Feeling the effects of the brandy, Anne’s heart slowed, and some colour had come back into her face.
How she’d dealt with Mrs Hart she didn’t know; her automatic pilot must have taken charge.
Looking at Sam she said, “I don’t know what to do. Did Meakin tell you about the spate of murders that had led from stalking?”
“He didn’t go into details, but said to talk to you.”
“I’m worried about Jenny. She didn’t want me to say anything but this is serious, we have to protect her. Meakin told me that they’d had too many stalker cases lately and that some have led to murder. It’s all very unusual. Jenny thinks she been stalked for the past year. Meakin gave the impression that in this case it was unusual – that’s if Jenny’s is connected. He said that the victims were killed quite quickly after they’d been stalked.”
“Does this have anything to do with Missus Armstrong?” Sam asked.
“The Inspector didn’t say so. No, it’s just that I mentioned that Jenny was going to see him today and he told me about other cases. He must think Jenny’s case is related. I can’t see how the Armstrongs are connected. This is all so terrible. Why would anyone want to kill Missus Armstrong? And Jenny, I must see her – but I don’t want to worry her even more.”
“I’m sure Meakin will tell her all she needs to know. Will David be with her?”
“Oh, yes, he said he would.”
“Well then, just leave it for now. See what they say later. What time is their appointment?”
“At midday. I asked them to let me know how it went. Oh, Sam it’s all so awful. How am I going to keep working with a clear head?”
“Work will probably help. After today, you’ll manage. You can’t let down your patients, either here or at the hospital. Do you want to see Peter Armstrong? He may need your help,” Sam asked, his voice quiet.
“That was one of the reasons I thought I’d cancel everything today. I want to see Peter; he must be going through hell. He’d made the first step in getting help for his mother, he was to be free to live his life at last – and then this happens!”
Sam answered carefully, “Well, if you think about it, his mother dying will have the same result.”
“Sam! What a thing to say. You don’t think he...?”
She didn’t complete this awful thought.
“I don’t think anything. I’m only saying that now his mother is dead, he can move on with his life. Now stop worrying. I’ll come with you to see Peter – is he still at home?”
“Well, I don’t know, Meakin never said, but I assume he must be. There’s no need for you to come with me.”
“I want to, no arguments.”
Sam smiled as he spoke, but Anne could see he wouldn’t back down.
“Then you do think he might be dangerous.”
Anne was surprised that he should think so.
“I never said that. You’ll need someone with you. Don’t forget you’ve had a shock too. You doctors never realise you may need help too.”
“Okay, if you insist.”
They both stood and Anne began to tidy her desk, putting files into her briefcase – she would work on them tonight at home.
Sam walked into the outer office and organised the next day’s schedule.
Anne came through, carrying her belongings saying, “Ready?”
She walked over to the outer door.
“You go down; I won’t be long, just a couple of calls to make,” Sam said, smiling.
“Okay, see you in a minute.”
As Anne left the office, Sam made sure she had gone before making the calls.
******
The visit to Peter Armstrong was as they expected. He was very distraught about his mother’s death.
“I couldn’t believe it when I found her in the morning. I was so full of hope for both of us. I knew she would find help at Tadmore, and for the first time I thought my life might mean something.”
He broke down and Anne reached out to pat his hand.
Sam had come in with her this time and sat across from Anne and Peter, who were sitting on the sofa.
“Have you anyone with whom you could stay?” asked Anne, knowing the answer.
If there’d been anyone, perhaps he would have found help sooner.
“No, but, I’m going away. I’m leaving this house and all its terrible memories. A fresh start, that’s what I need.”
Peter looked at Anne; she could see genuine sorrow in his brown eyes. Would Meakin want this? Would he try to stop him?
“Did Inspector Meakin want to speak to you again, Peter?” she asked.
“He told me I could leave as long he was informed where it would be. I’m not stupid...I know I’m a suspect. Anyway, I’m not leaving my firm, only where I live. This place will be sold – it’s too big for me. I’m going tonight. I’m staying at a small guesthouse until I can find a flat or something. I have been offered counselling, which is starting tomorrow. I didn’t think it was a good idea to see you – I don’t know why exactly.”
He looked sheepish as he told her this.
“Don’t worry, Peter, I think it’s a good idea – both moving away and talking things out. It’s no problem about seeing someone other than me. That will give you the clean break you need. But if you ever want to talk to me, please do so, you have my number. I’m so sorry about what’s happened. If there’s anything I can do, please call.”
Anne stood; there was nothing more to be said. She hoped Peter would find a good life – he deserved it after all he’d been through.
Holding out her hand, she shook Peter’s and with a smile, she and Sam left his house.
They stood beside her car talking.
“Listen,” said Anne, “I’m going home. I need to think things through. I want to see Jenny later and hear what Meakin told her. We have to discuss this stalker problem and what the consequences might be. She has to be protected – that’s if there
is
a connection with the other cases. I’m seeing Barbara at the gym about six o’clock – talking it through with her will help, as will the exercise.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me with you?” said Sam. “How about if I come round tonight? I’ll bring supper!”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll be tired by the time I’ve finished at the gym. And anyway, Barbara deserves some of my time, I’ve neglected her lately. Don’t fuss, Sam, I’ll be okay. I’ll see you in the morning. Could you make sure all the notes are ready for my hospital patients? Thanks, Sam.”
She smiled as she unlocked her car and started the motor.
Unwinding the window, she popped her head back at Sam as she said, “Will you please take that terrible look from your face, stop worrying, I’ll be fine. See you tomorrow.”
She drove away before Sam could reply and left him staring.
{15}
Anne parked the Mercedes in the gym’s car park and walked into the large foyer.
Future Fitness
was a favourite of the staff that worked at Tadmore. It was great for them to unwind after the stresses of a busy day in a psychiatric hospital. Aware of what harm stress could do, they didn’t want to become patients in their own hospital.
Making her way into the changing rooms, Anne noticed that the place wasn’t too busy tonight. She couldn’t see Barbara as she looked around. Whilst she was changing, Anne thought back over her friendship with her.
They’d met when Anne was doing her six months training at Tadmore – it seemed such a long time ago. Barbara had been working at the hospital as a psychiatric nurse for a few years and had helped Anne through some of her paces. Though a few years older and little intense, Anne found her a good friend. She was certainly a great nurse. Barbara had the excellent qualities essential to care for mentally ill people and showed a deep understanding of her patients’ needs. She had never married, as she believed that her work was too important.