THE BISLEY WOOD MURDERS an absolutely gripping crime mystery with a massive twist by BIBA PEARCE

Author:BIBA PEARCE [PEARCE, BIBA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Joffe Books crime thriller, mystery and suspense
Published: 2021-06-20T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

Jo sat with a bulky file on her lap. They were in the Old Kings Head, a cosy pub near Jo’s apartment in Borough.

“There’s no mention of a father on Payne’s birth certificate,” Jo was saying, a pint of lager on the table in front of her. “But his mother remarried when he was two, so he had a stepfather. From what I can gather, they didn’t get on. His psych report makes mention of sexual abuse at the hands of his stepfather when he was a boy and several attempts to run away.”

“Christ.” Rob took a swig of his beer. Obviously, that had had a major impact on the young Payne. “I almost feel sorry for the guy.”

“Hold that thought,” said Jo. “He left home when he was sixteen and began selling nude photographs of himself to make money. He stayed in youth hostels and squats in the area.”

“I suppose it’s better than selling yourself,” Rob muttered.

Jo continued, “A few years later, he was cautioned for giving someone a blow job in a public park. He was let off with a fine.”

Rob just raised his eyebrows.

“Then nothing until his sexual assault charge in 2009. He used to be a primary school teacher at a local prep in South Croydon until a kid complained to a member of the support staff. He claimed Payne had fondled him during homework club. It appears this kid was special needs and required a bit more help with his schooling. Payne had offered to give him extra classes after school, and it was here the assaults took place.”

She’d been reading from the file, but she paused and glanced up. “What a creep, taking advantage of a kid like that. He probably thought he wouldn’t understand what was going on.”

Rob frowned. Something had been playing on his mind ever since he’d first met Payne. “You know, there’s something about all this that doesn’t add up.”

Jo leaned back with her drink. “What’s that?”

“He’s gay, right? The first time he was busted was with another guy, then the kid he assaulted was male too. There’s no evidence that he’s ever messed with girls.”

Jo placed her drink carefully on the table. “I didn’t even think about that. Are you saying that Payne might not be our man? That he might have nothing to do with Katie or the other girls’ disappearances?”

Rob squeezed his eyes shut and gave his head a little shake. He was an idiot for not seeing it sooner. “I think I know where Payne was the morning Katie vanished.”

“You do?” Jo leaned in. “Where?”

“I need to check something first.” He pulled out his phone and dialled the squad room. DS Bird picked up. She was on late duty tonight.

“Jenny, I need you to do me a favour . . .”

After he’d told her what he wanted, Jo’s eyes lit up with understanding. They finished their beers, talking in low voices, while they waited for Jenny to call them back.

Half an hour later, Rob’s phone buzzed.

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