Abduction by Gillian Jackson

Author:Gillian Jackson [Jackson, Gillian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloodhound Books
Published: 2022-07-12T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Five

Jack Priestly

* * *

Sunshine streamed through the window when I woke. Sarah was up and dressed, and I could hear the boys getting ready in their rooms. After showering, I went downstairs in search of food and company. The smell of coffee from the kitchen beckoned me and my wife smiled as I entered, offering her cheek for a kiss.

‘You should have woken me,’ I said to Sarah, glad she hadn’t.

‘Why? You worked late yesterday, and I know you didn’t sleep well. Someone has to look out for you.’

My phone rang; it was Dave Bennet. He was in the office and obviously had been for some time.

‘I’ve found out more about Isobel Solomon. It appears she spent several weeks in a psychiatric unit in the spring of 2000. I tracked down some of their old neighbours in Jesmond, who were certainly more helpful than the health centre her husband worked in … and guess what? She was admitted with severe depression after their three-year-old daughter died of meningitis!’

‘Dave, if I was there with you now I would kiss you! Why the hell didn’t we cotton on before? Grace was abducted as a replacement for their own daughter! Check the register for deaths in Jesmond, will you?’

‘Already done: they’re faxing a copy of Ruth Solomon’s death certificate as we speak.’

‘Great work, Dave – is the DI in yet?’

‘Yes, been at his desk for an hour or so, not like some detectives I know!’

‘Okay, very funny. Can you go and let him know these latest developments and ask about a warrant? I’ll be there in half an hour.’

As I put my phone away Sarah looked inquisitively at me, having heard only one side of the conversation. I quickly filled her in on Dave’s findings, admitting I’d perhaps been somewhat slow in concluding that Ruth Solomon had actually existed. As I talked, Sarah filled a thermos mug with coffee and buttered a slice of toast, which she put into my hand. I took the mug and toast with me for the short journey to the station, excitement bubbling within me as I anticipated how the day might work out.

Dave Bennet was waiting and quickly briefed me on his conversation with George Wheatley. The DI had not only authorised a search warrant but also arrest warrants for both Dr and Mrs Solomon.

After making sure everything was in place, we left the station late that morning. First stop was Central Health Centre, where the doctor worked, to arrest him before moving on to Carlton Wells and arresting Isobel Solomon too. My excitement was tempered with a degree of concern, mainly for Ruth, or Grace, or whatever we should call her. Presumably the girl would be at college, and after her parents were safely in custody we would need to find her and break the news, which would certainly be devastating.

Dave drove through the busy city centre, chattering excitedly about the case.

‘I honestly never thought we’d find this girl alive. Who would believe she’s been living so close as the daughter of her abductors? It’s surreal.

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