Frozen Minds Read online

  Table of Contents

  Frozen Minds

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Chapter Thirty-two

  Chapter Thirty-three

  Chapter Thirty-four

  FROZEN MINDS

  A DI Winter Meadows Mystery

  Cheryl Rees-Price

  When a man is found murdered at Bethesda House, a home for adults with learning difficulties, local people start to accuse the home's residents of being behind the killing. The victim was a manager at the home, and seemingly a respectable and well-liked family man. DI Winter Meadows knows there's more to the case than meets the eye at first, though. As he and his team investigate, Meadows discovers a culture of fear at the home - and some very sinister dealings going on between the staff. Does the answer to the case lie in the relationships between the staff and the residents – or is there something even more sinister afoot?

  The second in the thrilling DI Meadows series by Cheryl Rees-Price.

  Chapter One

  The jangle of the phone alarm dragged Leah from her dream. She snatched the phone from the bedside table, hitting snooze before bringing her arm back under the warm duvet. She curled up, eyes closed as she willed the dream to come back. Just ten more minutes.

  It was no use, she was awake and could already feel anxiety snaking its way around her body, knotting her stomach and crushing her chest. The feeling of impending doom was with her every morning now. She could suppress it with the distraction of work but it was always present, heavy in her stomach. Just get up, do something to make it go away.

  She flung back the duvet and felt the cold air raise goose bumps on her arms. Why does Jane always turn the radiator down in here? Stingy cow. She shrugged on a robe before walking into the bathroom. Avoiding the mirror, she washed, brushed her teeth, then swilled down her medication with a glass of water. Back in the sleep-in room she hurriedly dressed in jeans and a jumper before pulling back the curtains. Outside frost crystallised the grass on the lawn, heralding another chilly November day.

  She ran a brush through her hair then left the room. It was quiet in the corridor, most of the residents were still asleep. She walked to the first bedroom on the right and knocked before entering.

  ‘Leah!’ A young man with white-blond hair and small, narrow eyes set in a boyish face grinned at her.

  ‘Morning, Liam.’ She felt her spirits rise.

  ‘Look, I already dressed myself.’ He stood proudly.

  Leah looked at the inside-out T-shirt hanging over his jeans and the sandals worn on the wrong feet. ‘Wow, you must have woken up really early this morning.’

  ‘I’ve been waiting hours, days, and months for you to come.’ A mischievous grin twitched on his lips.

  ‘A few minutes, I think.’ Leah couldn’t help smiling. ‘I think you might want to put a jumper on this morning. Look outside.’

  Liam shuffled to the window. ‘The sun is out.’

  ‘Yes, but look at the frost, it’s going to be cold.’ Leah walked to the wardrobe and took out two jumpers. ‘Which one?’

  Liam screwed up his face in concentration. ‘Um ... the blue one.’

  ‘Excellent choice. Now, how about some socks and trainers.’

  Leah helped Liam on with his trainers and they left the room. ‘Better hurry up or Kevin will eat all the cereal,’ she teased as they walked down the corridor.

  Liam giggled as he trundled along beside her. They entered the kitchen where one of the other residents, Kevin, sat at a large pine table stuffing spoonfuls of cereal into his mouth. Two other staff members, Cillian and Gemma, stood at the kitchen counter. Cillian turned as soon as Leah entered the room.

  ‘How did you sleep?’ He smiled warmly.

  ‘Good, it was a quiet night.’ She felt her heart flutter at the sight of him.

  ‘Not for me.’ Gemma took a sip of tea from the mug in her hand. ‘Kev was up twice and Eddy had a seizure.’

  ‘You should have buzzed me.’ Leah took a bowl from the cupboard and placed it in front of Liam.

  ‘It wasn’t a bad seizure. Besides, you looked so tired yesterday, I thought you could do with a night of unbroken sleep.’

  ‘Thanks.’ She handed the box of cereal to Liam who carefully measured it into his bowl with a spoon. ‘If you want to catch a few hours’ sleep I’ll be all right with Kev and Liam.’

  ‘I’m good, I want to stay up or I won’t sleep tonight. Your turn for night shift.’ Gemma turned to Cillian.

  ‘Don’t remind me.’ Cillian grinned then winked at Leah. ‘I better get Eddy up, Harry will be in soon.’

  Leah watched him leave then turned her attention back to Gemma. She looks happy. She hardly said a word yesterday. Maybe it was just boyfriend trouble. ‘Well, if you’re flagging this afternoon the offer still stands.’

  ‘Thanks, but we’ve got a busy day planned today, haven’t we, Kev?’

  Kevin looked up from his bowl but continued to fill his mouth.

  ‘What day is it today?’ Gemma smiled.

  ‘Ice cream day!’ Bits of cereal flew from Kevin’s mouth.

  ‘Pig!’ Liam shoved Kevin.

  ‘No, it’s pantomime day, but it is ice cream day as well.’ Gemma turned to the fridge freezer. ‘Better check we have enough.’ She pulled open the top drawer and let out a sigh. ‘Oh great, looks like someone had a feast.’

  Leah moved closer to the freezer and peered in the drawer. A hole had been dug out of the large tub of ice cream, the lid discarded to the side.

  ‘Who’s been eating the ice cream?’ Leah looked at Kevin who sniggered and kept his head down.

  ‘It wasn’t me, I didn’t do it.’ Liam looked alarmed.

  ‘I know you didn’t.’ Leah soothed. ‘Come on, you can help me get another tub.’ She ruffled his hair fondly. ‘We don’t want Kevin to miss his ice cream tonight.’

  They left the kitchen and Leah grabbed the keys from the office then opened the cellar door.

  ‘Hold the rail when you go down.’ She watched Liam take his first two heavy steps then followed. The chill penetrated her jumper and she rubbed her arms. ‘Bloody freezing down here.’

  ‘Bloody freezing,’ Liam repeated and giggled.

  They reached the bottom of the stairs and Leah walked towards the large chest freezer. Using two hands she pulled up the lid and peered inside. Two glassy eyes stared back. The air caught in her throat, every muscle in her body tensed leaving her grounded. She wanted to look away but she kept staring, transfixed by the body. Ice glimmered on his lashes, his mouth gaped open, and his skin had a purplish hue. Don’t scream, don’t frighten Liam. She tried to draw in a breath. Beside her Liam leaned forward and poked the body.

  ‘Bloody freezing,’ he laughed. ‘He’s bloody freezing.’

  Chapter Two

  Detective Inspector
Winter Meadows sat at his desk staring at the computer screen. Around him was the usual morning chatter, which he had perfected fading out until it became a low hum in the background. His thoughts were not on work this morning, but on the upcoming sentencing of his childhood sweetheart, Gwen. I should have let her go – no one else knew the truth.

  He ran his hand through his dark wavy hair. If he concentrated hard enough he could visualise her face but the memory of the taste of her lips on his was fading. I should go to the court, show her I still care. But I don’t think I could look her in the eyes. The heavy void in his stomach expanded, cloaking his spirit with sadness.

  ‘Morning.’ A mug of coffee was set on the desk, snapping Meadows from his thoughts. He looked up and smiled at Detective Constable Edris.

  ‘Thanks.’

  Edris took a seat, laying a file on the desk, and turned to Meadows. ‘Are you all right?’

  Meadows noted the constable’s usual mischievous eyes had taken on a sombre look.

  ‘I’m fine.’ He picked up his coffee and took a sip of the hot liquid, grimacing as it burned his tongue.

  ‘Is it today?’ Edris glanced around the office to check no one was listening.

  Meadows was grateful for his constable’s discretion. Edris was the only one who knew Meadows’ feelings for Gwen and how much it had cost him to arrest her. There had been no rumours around the station. That was one of the reasons he chose to work with a constable instead of one of the sergeants, even though it caused some unrest among the team.

  ‘No, it’s tomorrow ...’

  ‘Are you going to the trial?’

  ‘I don’t think it’s a good idea. Now, what have you got?’ He indicated the file on the desk.

  ‘Missing person. Alan Whitby, fifty-five years old, married. Reported missing by his wife yesterday morning. According to her, he went out Monday evening saying that he would be back in a couple of hours. He never came home and didn’t show for work the next day.’

  ‘So, about thirty-six hours.’

  ‘Yes, something like that. Uniform have done all the usual checks. No accidents reported and no sign of his car. They want to know if you’ll look in to it.’

  ‘Why not? Nothing much happening at the moment.’ Meadows was getting used to the ways of the small police department. Having transferred from London eighteen months earlier, he had found it a little too quiet at first. Now he was used to taking cases usually dealt with by uniform, and when his department needed assistance he was never short of help. There was no “them and us” in the valleys.

  Meadows read through the file while he finished the rest of his coffee. There didn’t appear to be any obvious reason for Alan Whitby’s disappearance. No depression, financial troubles or arguments according to his wife.

  ‘Not high risk, but we’ll go and see Mrs Whitby.’ At least I can get out of here for a while.

  Meadows logged off the computer and grabbed his coat. They were heading down the stairs when they met Sergeant Dyfan Folland.

  ‘Just coming up to see you,’ he wheezed.

  ‘I think you need to spend some time in the gym, fit up.’ Edris laughed.

  ‘I could still put you down, boy. Got a few pounds on you.’ Dyfan patted his paunch. ‘Anyway, it’s not like you set foot in the gym – from what I hear, the only exercise you get is in the bedroom.’

  ‘You shouldn’t listen to gossip,’ Edris retorted, his face reddening.

  ‘What have you got for us, then?’ Meadows was keen to put an end to the banter.

  ‘Suspicious death in Ynys Melyn, Bethesda House. Do you know it?’

  ‘Yes,’ Meadows replied.

  ‘No,’ Edris said at the same time.

  ‘Residential home,’ Dyfan explained. ‘Doc and SOCO are already there. Uniform called it in.’

  ‘Well, it looks like our missing man will have to wait a bit longer.’ Meadows started down the stairs. ‘Have you informed the DCI?’

  ‘Yep.’

  ‘Good, I’ll keep you updated.’

  Dyfan headed for the front desk and Edris and Meadows for the exit. A blast of cold air hit them as the doors opened.

  ‘Nice crisp morning.’ Meadows pulled up the collar on his coat.

  In the car, Edris turned up the heater as Meadows drove towards Ynys Melyn.

  ‘Well this shouldn’t take too long, some old biddy probably croaked it in the night and they are being over-cautious.’ Edris adjusted the seat and leaned back.

  ‘Bethesda is a residential home for adults with learning difficulties.’

  ‘What’s that then, like a nuthouse? There was one when I was a kid, Hillside. My parents used to threaten to send me there when I was naughty.’

  ‘Sometimes I worry about you.’ Meadows laughed. ‘You were obviously a very naughty boy. Hillside is a young offender institution. Bethesda is assisted living.’

  They turned off the main road and crossed the bridge that led to Ynys Melyn.

  ‘It’s like the Twilight Zone here.’ Edris glanced out of the window. ‘One road in and out – that’s if you ever get out. All the undesirables live here.’

  ‘It’s not that bad, I’ve been in far worse places.’ Meadows glanced to the side where a group of ponies huddled together in a field; beyond, the scars of the open-cast mining in the area were still visible.

  They drove a few miles on a straight road, passing the old NCB offices which had been turned into a community centre. A sign announced that they had entered the village, which was dominated by a large council estate. Side streets led off the main road, lined with terraced houses which had once housed the miners.

  ‘It’s like a ghost town,’ Edris said. ‘Wednesday morning and no sign of life.’

  ‘Maybe they’re all in work.’

  ‘In bed more likely.’ Edris grinned.

  Meadows swung the car around a sharp bend and proceeded up a steep hill until they came to a converted church with a large extension to the side. He pulled up in the adjacent car park and they left the warmth of the car. As they walked he surveyed the building. It was a tall grey stone structure with the original bell tower. The name Bethesda was carved into the stone above the door. To the left of the building a large oak tree stood, its branches stretching over the roof.

  ‘Strange place,’ Edris said. ‘Don’t think I’d like to live in an old church.’

  ‘Afraid of ghosts, are you?’ Meadows looked at the front entrance where he could see PC Valentine Bower moving from foot to foot and rubbing her hands together. ‘Poor girl looks frozen.’

  ‘I wouldn’t mind warming her up.’ Edris grinned.

  Meadows clicked his tongue and shook his head in mock disapproval. What happened to the quiet constable who followed me around six months ago, desperate for approval?

  ‘Morning, Val,’ Edris smiled as he approached.

  She returned Edris’ smile before addressing Meadows. ‘Morning, sir.’

  Meadows returned the greeting as he appraised the young woman. Shoulder-length ebony hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail and glistened in the sun. She was tall and slender with soft brown eyes framed by long dark lashes. ‘What have you got for us, Val?’

  ‘Body discovered at approximately 8 a.m. in the storage freezer in the cellar by a staff member, Leah Parry, and one of the residents, Liam Casey. The body is believed to be that of the supervisor, Mr Alan Whitby. The manager, Jane Pritchard, and another member of staff, Cillian Treharne, went down the cellar when they heard shouts from Leah.’

  ‘Looks like we’ve found our missing man,’ Edris said. ‘In the freezer?’ He raised his eyebrows.

  ‘Yes. I’ve taken down the names of all the staff and residents present this morning.’ Val rubbed her hands together nervously.

  Meadows guessed there was more she wanted to say, but it was obviously causing her embarrassment. ‘Anything else,’ he prompted.

  ‘Leah and Liam left about fifteen minutes ago to get some ice cream.’

  ‘
Ice cream?’ Meadows felt a flicker of annoyance. She should have known better.

  ‘Yes ... apparently that’s why they were down the cellar, to pick up some more ice cream. The manager was insistent. She said it would calm Liam down after his ordeal. I’m sorry.’

  No point humiliating her in front of Edris. ‘OK. Let me know when they return. In the meantime, make sure no one else leaves. If you have any problems with the manager give me a shout and I will deal with it.’

  ‘Thanks, sir,’ Val gave him a weak smile.

  Meadows nodded. ‘Right, let’s take a look.’

  ‘The manager has requested that you use the back entrance to the cellar. She doesn’t want the residents disrupted any more than they have been.’

  ‘I’ll look forward to meeting her later,’ Meadows smiled.

  ‘See you.’ Edris said with a wink.

  ‘Have you and Val got something going on?’ Meadows asked as they walked around the back of the building.

  ‘I’m working on it!’

  ‘Well, just make sure you keep your mind on the job.’

  They met with PC Matt Hanes, who stood at the entrance to the cellar.

  ‘All right, Matt?’ Edris nodded.

  ‘Freezing my arse off,’ Matt complained. ‘SOCO are in there so you’d better suit up.’

  Meadows pulled on a protective suit and stepped into the cellar. The first thing he noticed was a smell of bleach lingering in the air. Someone has tried to clear away any evidence. His gaze roamed around the room. It had a low ceiling with fluorescent strip lights, giving Meadows the urge to bend his head. Along the wall were shelves holding various household cleaners and a large toolbox. Cardboard boxes were stacked in a corner. Along the opposite wall was the chest freezer, about five feet in length. Meadows recognised the police doctor standing next to the freezer scribbling notes. He turned as Meadows approached.

  ‘I’ve pronounced him dead, it’s the best I can do. Impossible to make an examination.’ He frowned at Meadows as if he was somehow to blame for the situation. ‘Don’t even think about asking for a time of death.’

  Meadows stepped forward and peered in the freezer. Alan Whitby’s body lay hunched, his knees bent and arms lying twisted on his chest. There were no obvious marks on his face. Poor bugger, now what did you do to deserve this end?