Blind Novel Repaired)

8/9/2019 Blind Novel Repaired)

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THE RUMBLING NITH

By

Miller Caldwell

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MILLER CALDWELL

Miller H. Caldwell graduated from LondonUniversitys School of Oriental and African Studies in1980 after he had spent six years in Ghana as afraternal worker and Secretary to the Tema Council ofChurches. He is the former Regional Reporter to theDumfries and Galloway Childrens Hearings, branchChair of the Scottish Association for the Study of

Offending and past President of the Dumfries BurnsClub. He is a direct descendant of the poet RobertBurns and a Founding Fellow of the Institute ofContemporary Scotland. Since 2003 he has been a fulltime writer.

In London in 2002 he was awarded the inter-agency

Community Care Award.

In Islamabad in 2006 he received an International Award for services to the Earthquake victims byMuslim Hands International. (He had been appointedas the Camp Manager at Mundihar in the North WestFrontier Province of Pakistan following the 2005

Earthquake.)

He is the author of eight books and several filmscripts. Details of his published works, travelphotos, short stories and poetry appear at hiswebsite www.millercaldwell.org

He lives in Dumfries in south west Scotland withhis wife. Miller has restricted sight but plays theclarinet, saxophone, guitar and piano.

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http://www.millercaldwell.org/http://www.millercaldwell.org/


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The Caulback at Dumfries

Mighty Caulback of the river NithHolding back the onward surge

Filtering varied broken debris

Cleansing branches in a violent purge

Knowing when to spill its murk

Mopping up White Sands again

Subsiding in the sunshine shadowsCalming all those left in pain.

Lives it takes just when it pleases

Reasons many from ill minds

Rescue often late and pointless

Walking dogs scent the finds.

Quenching river home to fauna

Birds of prey and silvery fish

Flows with ease from farmlands yonder

Feeds Doon Hamers trout served dish

Aged river marked by time

Views the dalliances of those in loveFeared in spate by those on earth

Loved by those who rest above.

miller caldwell

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Dedicated

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March 2002

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1

DUMFRIES SOUTH WEST SCOTLAND

A child once asked me what I see when I amblind. I remember telling her that what she sees with

her eyes closed is what she'd see with her eyes open, ifshe was blind. That was beyond her comprehension.Perhaps she was too young to understand. Perhaps itwas because she was too young that she could ask thisquestion. I don't know.

I was born blind. Too much gas at birth they saidbut in those days there was no compensation. The godsgot it wrong but so what, we all make mistakes don'twe? It was as the jam pot sticky fingered politicianswould say, that was how it was done then. Theyplayed by the rules. More mistakes come my way but Ipass them by. More so for you I think. After all, I don'tsee many of my errors.

I'm Danny Robertson, two years short of sixty.My dad died five years ago. My mother has been withme till recently. She now has Altzheimer's disease. Shedoesn't always remember me and now sees me evenless than I see her. I visit her in her care homesometimes. I mean I am taken there, of course. So,youve understood. I'm alone. It's the way I want to

stay. I've told the social work committee that I can copeand they agreed to provide some additional care in theform of Aggie. But the Jury's out. I can't make my mindup whether Aggie comes to make my life easier or if

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she's part of the front shock troops waiting to addenough points to say, 'time for residential care, Danny'.

Take Gordo. He's my man. Drives me around,takes me to gigs, and brings me home. Big fella he is.Big and soft. I've known Gordo for years. He's one ofthe few who rings the door bell even when there is nolight in the house. Who needs lights when you're blind?Lights are for guests. He's not a guest; hes my bestmate and has a house key.

Aggie arrives around 9 am three days a week.Monday, Wednesday, Friday. She makes soup andpours it into a flask the red flask. Red to her but theone with two stripes of tape down the side for me. Shedoes my washing and ironing and lets me know whatthe postman has brought but I decide whether I trust

her to open the mail. I usually tell her to leave them.Gordo reads them to me. I let her read out thepostcards of course. Can't stop her reading themanyway. She makes a coffee at 10.45 am with Ken Brucetalking behind her on Radio 2. That's when she talks tome. The house seems full then.

'Phoned your order to Tesco yet Danny?'I nod and enquire.'What are you having for tea today?''Not sure yet. Got to set you up first.'

I smile. 'Don't worry about me. I never go hungry.''You don't eat enough!''Don't need to. Don't play sport, don't burn up

that much energy.''There must be a lot of energy in the amount of

thinking you do.'I smile. Hmm. Ive never thought about that.'I'll hoover around the house in a moment. Easy

to do in your home. No paraphernalia to get in the way.'

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'Ah that reminds me. Can you get rid of that TVin the corner? Since Mum's left it's not in use to me andthe more space I have the better.'

'You never listen to the sport on telly? TheGrand National, Match of The Day?'

'The radio paints better pictures. It'll save thelicense fee too. '

She takes my mug away and then the droning ofthe hoover starts. I wait till it ends. How I love thatwailing dying drone just before silence. She'll be away

soon. 'So how are you coping on your own Danny?'I suspect this is the official part of the deal.

'Better than ever.''Must be difficult without your Mum.''Not really. Gordo takes me round to see her.''No I don't mean that. I mean...

'I know what you mean, Aggie. Listen, I knowthis house back to front and inside out. I don't starveand I've got my routine. I've friends and interests andwhat I can't do, I usually don't need. Except of coursethe help you give, to keep me in the house. And that'swhat we want, eh?

'As long as you feel you can manage, Danny.'

And that's the tension over for forty eight hours.The door closes and I take out my clarinet. I place thereed under the cold water tap for a couple of minutesturning it over again and again. I assemble theinstrument. I run over the scales and play to my hearts'content. Pitch perfect I was once told. 'Great ear', theysaid. Pity about the eyes, they meant.

Friday 7.30pm

I hear the car in the drive. I'm ready. Gordo rings thedoor bell. I open it.

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'In blue today, Danny?''If you say so. And you?''Browns mainly. Youre fine. Got the box?'

I pick up the clarinet case and set the alarm by thedoor.

'Better leave a light on too.''Upstairs light then. That'll get them thinking!'

says Gordo mischievously.I get into his Astra XL and drop into the bucket

seat.

We set off to the Farmer's Loft. It's Friday nightand the band play there each week. Gordo on drums,Alex on saxophone, Wilf on keyboard, Pete on rhythmguitar and me on clarinet. It's occasionally a sextetwhen Alex's wife Anne comes and sings but tonight shecant make it, so we'll all take a turn.Sweet Georgia

Brown gets us going. Everyone seems to be foottapping. Pete draws close to me and confirms mythoughts.

By mid evening, I'd had a couple of soft drinks.Oh don't think I told you. I don't drink alcohol as itmakes me sleepy and clouds my mind. I prefer the alertthoughts I always have. The only time I feel out ofmyself is when I am playing the clarinet. Sure enough,minutes later and Wilf tells me I have the solo spotnext. I stand up and take four steps forward. Gordobrings forward the mike. The First Time ever I SawYour Face. It makes people think. It's a sultry slowballad and the words they know by heart. So ironic. Iplay it note perfect. Of course I do. I play it so often at

home, alone, in front of a silent audience. They applaudand I smile. I nod. 'Encore' they shout. Later, I reply,later.

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The hubbub of chatter increases. A glass of tonicand orange is placed in my hand.

'You all right Danny?'

'Yea, I'm fine.''Great solo.''Thanks, Alex.'Alex and I compete to play. The sax and the

clarinet are too similar in sound except one's wood andthe other's brass. When I say wood, I mean Japanesehard black wood in my case. I upgraded after years on

an inferior model. This one has more warmth, morecharm. I sip my drink and relax aware that a smile is onmy face. It's a smile of contentment, a feeling that I'mout with friends who do not question me, they take meas I am. We take a break.

There are a couple of lads standing to my rear.

There are no seats there. I feel uncomfortable. Theirvoices are lowered but as my back is turned to them, Imust look as if I am showing no interest in theirdiscussion. My ears are as ever active. They are highlydeveloped censors and what they are hearing isalarming. I listen. I take as much information inwithout exaggerating any detail in my mind. A thirdman arrives. They call him Cody. He's in it too it seem.I sip a little more juice. I take the clarinet apart. I runthe brushes through each interlocking section, takingcare to also dry the moisture from the exposed end. Igrease the corks. I reassemble the instrument. I dry themouthpiece and suck the French dry reed. I do all ofthis without thinking. The instrument never soundsright without this ritual. Meanwhile I am listening

intensely to the whispering voices.'Ready for more Danny?''Give me a minute Pete, just a minute.' But I

hear feet moving behind me. Nothing comes from theirvoices. Their encounter is over.

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'You need a loo break?''No Pete. Come hear, give us your ear.''Eh, a secret?

'Shhh...come on.'I lower my voice.'Have the men behind me gone?''There's no one there, Danny.''But there was. Didn't you notice them?''It's crowded as always on a Friday night. I

don't know half of them.'

'But you didn't see anyone standing behind meduring the break?''Not really.''Think Pete. Can you remember anyone?'What's the matter Danny. What happened?'I'll tell you later. Let's play.' I pick up the

clarinet and sound a long 'A' note. I hear the

instruments tuning up. Then after all are happy, thedrum hits four beats.Honey on the Vine has begun.Alex sings close to the microphone.

We play a few more upbeat classics before Gordoannounces the last tune of the night. He asks that anycouple in the mood can cling together and smooch toSoftly as I leave You, the Matt Monroe sixties hit. Iguess there must be a few couples taking up thechallenge as I hear movement on the floor. We end withwhat has become our Theme Tune, the 1913 BerlincompositionAt The Devil's Ball. This is one which Petesings well and Alex lets fly with a superb sax solo.Gordo rounds it off with a flurry of manic activityhitting cymbals and top hat at the same time. One final

colossal thud brings another Friday night at theFarmer's Loft to an end.

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I pack up my clarinet and wait till Gordodisassembles his drum kit. He packs it in the car andcomes back for me.

'What time is it Gordo?''Half past midnight.''Can we make a call on the way home?''You hungry?''Nope. Need to speak to the Police.''You joking?''No.'

'Can't it wait till tomorrow? They'll be busy on aFriday night.''It can't wait Gordo.''You serious?'I think so.''You had better be.'

They arrive at Dumfries Police station shortlyafter half past midnight. Gordo takes Danny by the arminto the reception area and sits him down. He goes tothe counter and explains that I need to speak to adetective.

A few minutes later I am led into a receptionroom and given a seat at a desk. Sergeant Bruceintroduces himself and asks me whats on my mind. Hisvoice echoes around the room. It has no comfort zone.

I tell him where we have been all night addingthat I do not drink to give my story greater credence. Atthe interval I explained that I was left seated alone bythe instruments when I became aware of a couple ofmen who were speaking in lowered voices standing alittle behind me.

I got this hunch that things were not quite right.There were no seats there and they seemed to ignoreme as my back was facing them. It was their whisperingwhich attracted me at first, seemed unnatural.

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'Go on. What did you hear?' asked SergeantBruce.

'Well, it was about a meeting at the Beattock

turn off on the M74. Then a third man arrived. Theycalled him Cody.'

Sergeant Bruce took notes of all that was beingsaid.

'Did they say when this was planned for?''Tomorrow night.''What were they talking about?'

'Sounded like drugs coming up for collection. AllI can say is that it was very suspicious. I only got onename Cody. I don't know who the others were butone had a local accent, the other seemed to be aLiverpudlian.'

'Good on your accents are you Danny?' asked therelaxed sergeant.

'Better than most I suspect. Want to put me tothe test?''No. I'll take your word. If you remember

anything else, give me a ring.''Have I wasted your time Sergeant?''Definitely not. I'll put this to the local cops in

Beattock and the Drugs Squad. They might have moreintelligence about Cody. You did the right thing Danny.I've got your number so I can give you a call if we getany more leads.'

'Well, that puts my mind at ease.'Gordo is waiting in reception for me. He gets up to takemy arm.

'Well, that was not long.''No sir, but useful information. Danny was

acting responsibly. Wish more would come forwardwith their gut feelings. We rely on all sorts ofinformation.

'So not wasting your time?' asks Gordo

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'Definitely not. Now off home you two and sleepsoundly.

Gordo drops me off. There is dog shit on thepavement. Gordo guides me away from it. I reach thegate.

Wait a minute Danny. Id better clear this dogshit or your foot is bound to find it tomorrow.

I laugh. There is no humour in the situation butit shows how much Gordo cares. He gathers the mess in

a plastic bag, twists it to make a knot and puts it in thebin.Ok lets get you home.'I'll be round by mid-day Gd night Danny.''Thanks Gordo, go an' get your beauty sleep.''You saying I need some?' Gordo laughs. I hear

him drive off. It's been another good Friday night.

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2

Saturday morning

Saturday morning seemed cold. There was nosun to add warmth; it lay deep behind heavy clouds. Idrink a second cup of tea from the teapot. I turn thenews on. I hear the clock chime 9a.m. Fuel tax to bedecreased by 2 pence. A start in the right direction Ithink. The telephone rings. I turned off the radio and

lift the receiver.Hallo?Mr Danny Robertson? a female voice asks.Yes, Danny here. Whose calling? My name is Elizabeth, I am the Chief

Constables secretary. The Chief was wondering if youwere busy this morning. Could you be available at 11am

for coffee? Of course, a car will collect you.Sounds more social than business.I am not privy to the Chiefs agenda but it

seems social to me too.Then 11 a.m. Your boys to pick me up eh?...

Confirmed. Ill be ready.I sit down again. Drink some more tea. I wonder

why the Chief wants to see me. Could I be charged withwasting police time last night? The thought unsettleshim.

I tidy the breakfast dishes, wash them and goupstairs for a shower. I had better make myself smart. Ifeel for my best shirt, get out the suit for specialoccasions and search for my shoes. I take them

downstairs and get out the shoe brushes. I feel for theright brush, the correct tin and apply the wax withrelish. Huh, I guess you are wondering which is blackand which is tan? Tan has a scored cross on the lid.Black is smooth. I scrub vigorously conscious of the

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lack of exercise I take. I love cleaning my shoes. But Ishould have done this before my shower, I thought.

After a shave and splash of Tommy, I dress and

sit down to await my chauffeur. But first I dial upGordo.

Hi Gordo, dont call round today as usual. Ivegot a date!

Yea, yea, he says, and shes a beautof courseshe is! he laughs.

No, no, its the Chief Constable. Hes sending a

car round at 11am. Morning coffee I suspect. Hisagenda of course. Blind men dont rob banks or drivetoo fast. Ive a free conscience. I think. Anyway, whattime is it?

Well the car will be here soon. See youtomorrow, Ill tell you all about it then. Cheers. Bye.

No sooner is the hand set replaced when I hear a

car pull up. I open the door.Good Morning Danny. Chief Constable BillHarrison here.

Good morning Chief. This is a surprise.A pleasant one for me Danny. Were going to a

quiet hotel, morning coffee and if we are still chatting,time for some lunch. How does that sound?

Sounds a great deal to me! Are you in uniform?Saturday morning, Danny. No, just a lounge

suit. Disappointed?No, relieved. The neighbours might have

wonder if you collected me in uniform!You get on with your neighbours?Most.Any hassle from them?

No. I guess they want me to come to no harm.They keep their distance but after Dad died and Mumwas placed in a home, they have been quite chatty. Iveknown them for a long time.

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The Chief leads Danny to his bottle blue saloon.He sits him in the back seat and enters the back seatfrom the other side. The driver smoothly leaves the

kerb.A Jaguar is it?Indeed it is. How did you know?Oh just one of my skills.How do you mean?I paint pictures in my mind of what I hear. I feel

the leather seat, smell the fresh scent of a new car and

hear the purr of the engine. It speaks to me.Quite a skill.Its just how I see life.Actually, you are progressing my agenda. I am

very aware that you have better powers of memory andperception than most of us.

The car arrives at Mabie Forest Hotel on theoutskirts of Dumfries and sweeps in front of the mainhotel reception door. The driver gets out and opensDannys door. The Chief and Danny proceed inside tothe warmth of a roaring fireplace leaving behind theseagull grey sky of an early October morning. The Chiefis clearly a regular visitor with his guests and is madewelcome. They pass by the bay window and proceed towhere an alcove has been prepared.

Can I place a biscuit on your plate?Yes please.

Chocolate, dark or milk or a plain one?Dark chocolate please. They say its better for you ifyou must eat chocolate!

The Coffee arrives and is poured into coffee

cups.Just one sugar please asks Danny.

The Chief obliges.Danny, you play that clarinet of yours well.

Youre a gifted musician.

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Do you play any music?I can play a few tunes on the piano but practice

is whats needed.

I guess I have more time to play than you, then.Too true.So youve heard me play?Yes at the Cairndale Hotel, at the wedding of my

deputys daughter.Ah yes, Gail Donahues wedding. That was a

good night.

It was indeed Danny, you played very nicely.But its not music I wish to discuss with you thismorning. I thought Id ask you about helping thePolice.

Danny smiles. You mean bump up your disabledstats!The Chief laughs.

Well I dont deny it would help my politicalmasters, but that was not my sole intention.Whatever can you mean then?Creative policing, I think wed call it. What I had

in mind is sharing some tapes for you to hear. Allconvicted criminals in fact but many of them are backon our streets. Danny, I was impressed with youcoming forward about what you heard last night. Weknow Cody and we know what hes up to. My men areon to him. You hear clearly different accents and recallnames. You could be the ears of the Force perhaps.

Hmmm.and what would that involve?

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Anno Domini

2016

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In February Danny attended the funeral ofGordos father at the Roucan Loch cemetery. It

was well attended as Mike Cameron had lived inthe town all his life. He had been a populardentist putting his patients at ease as he workedto repair their dental requirements and Dannyknew his care had been inherited by his son inthe care and attention which he himselfreceived. Gordo introduced him to Greg and

Pam his brother and sister knew all about him,from their childhood days. He was pleased tolearn that in three months time they would takea holiday as a family in May. Their decision to doso had partly come around as a last wish fromtheir father who provided the funds for thefamily break and the realisation that in leading

busy lives living far apart, such an opportunityto relax as grown children had not come theirway.

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It had been a long dark winter with some regularmorning frost but little snow had fallen until thefourth week in April. That was when the town

was brought to a standstill in knee high drifts.But since then it had rained constantly. Themelting snow and heavy precipitation hadswelled the mighty river Nith and the townsuffered yet again, serious flooding in theWhitesands, bringing offices, shops and pubsunder two feet of murky grey sludge. Danny

missed Gordo as he holidayed in the Algarve butdid not grudge his break with his family as theyenjoyed the gift of their late father. It was amatter of time before he would hear a postcarddrop through his letter box. He would run hisfingers over the shiny side and determine whathe was seeing and await Gordos return to

confirm the picture and deliver the message.

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As light was fading, on the first Friday night inMay, a woman out walking her Jack Russellterrier noticed what appeared to be a body

floating face down in the river. It was travellingat speed as the Nith poured its excesses into theSolway estuary. The approaching caul would bethe bodys most difficult challenge. She watched.The body hesitated as it approached the caul.Underwater currents were forcing the bodydownward but the constant thrust of water from

upstream nudged it over and from the river andthen the caul, it entered the sea salted Solwayestuary. The woman took out her digital cameraand although shaking with disbelief, took aphoto of what she was seeing then made her wayto Loreburn Police Office.The driving rain sped her up the street and into

the warm reception area of the Loreburn Policestation. She approached the desk.Officer, I think Ive seen a body in the Nith.When was this madam?Just a few minutes ago. I took a picture. Look.

The lady fumbled in her pocket nervously. Sheproduced the camera and switched it on. She waiteduntil the photo presented itself on screen. She handedit over.

Now let me see. Hmmmnot very clear is it?I assure you it certainly looked like a body, a

body of a man, I think. Yes it must have been a man.Ill put a copy of the picture on file. Well

enhance the photo. If it was a body, someone will besure to report a missing person soon. Thats what often

happens. Meantime, we should wait and see.Dont you think you should investigate?Madam, with respect, I am not placing any

officer at risk in this weather. But I am taking yourreport seriously and in the light of the morning, if it

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was a body, then it will be washed ashore further downthe river. Ill have your photo analysed. It will be veryhelpful. Ill arrange a recce for first light. You certainly

did the right thing by reporting what you saw. Ill keepyou informed of events as they develop. Now let mehave your details, if you please.

News of the report of the alleged body in thewater went out to all officers on their Blackberries. Thefollowing morning down river at Glencaple an

ambulance was summons to collect a body washedashore. It conveyed the corpse to the Dumfries andGalloway mortuary where Mr. Ivor Wise, the seniorpathologist recorded death by drowning. The policewere given a photo of the deceased in order to identifythe ridged frame and to start an enquiry. It did not takelong to identify the man.

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At Moncrieff on the Moffat Road in town,Chief Superintendent Carla Spiers had finished

her breakfast. Fresh orange juice, a scooped outkiwi fruit and a slice of marmite toast with blackcoffee was her weekday starter. At the weekend amore relaxed family pot of porridge was made inkeeping with a long family tradition. But it wasSaturday and as usual it was an early shift forher. She shouted to her boys to hurry up,

presuming their Saturday shelf replacementchores at Tesco would be a good enoughincentive to get them up and off. Twins were ablessing. They somehow modified each othersbehaviour when their teenage exuberanceapproached the brink but their success inathletics and in the academic world thrived on

their common understanding and would ensurea bright future for each of them.By eight prompt, Carla would be at her desk,assessing the overnight calls, ensuring SheriffCourt, District Court and Shiaria Law courtpolice cover for the day. As could have beensuspected, Carla ran a tidy home and the boyswere more a support than a hindrance,especially since the premature death of theirfather David, two years ago, succumbing tocancer of the prostate gland.

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Carla poured herself a coffee and returned to herdesk. She sat down and opened her file. She turnedover the first page, cradling the cup and sipping as

she did. Her eyes then focussed on a report fromMr. Ivor Wise, the hospital pathologist. She liftedthe report and sat back to read it, laying her coffeecup down. The deputy Chief Constable,Mohammad Sayed Noor, knocked once on her doorand entered.

You heard about Danny Robertson?Just come to it now. I cant believe it. Drowned?I mean a blind man, a musician, it doesnt make sense.

Dont forget, a colleague too.Yes, of course. A valued police informant. Could

this be the key? Do you think his death was natural,misadventure. or perhaps simply being blind causedhim to lose his footing, or .....he could have beenmurdered?

I am not sure, said the deputy depends. Itlooks like one for close analysis.

Carla looked up at the deputy, puzzled by his remark.Depends, depends on what?

I dont have to tell you about his influence.No. Wed better have a planning meeting. Make

it in fifteen minutes. The press will be on our heelswanting some details, wanting to get to the bottom ofthis one, no matter how self explanatory it may havebeen and until I hear further, we cant rule out death bymisadventure, can we?

No but ultimately, that will be the decision ofthe Procurator Fiscal, Laura Stirling.

Danny had been the ears of the underworld forthe force for a number of years. His dark underworldwas in the drug related conversations he recorded with

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his photographic mind. But when he started his policework some sixteen or so years ago, the petty offendingof drink related violence was rife and had been

increasing with politicians at a loss to explain theconstant rise in such offending, let alone provide anysolution. Life no longer meant life, let alone a sentenceof eight years, when the culprit came out after four.Each political side blamed the other while the publicshut their doors and minds to the reports of court casesfilling the papers. In one governmental initiative,

Danny was invited to join in a think-tank because of hiswork with Dumfries & Galloways constabulary. Hisviews were logical but radical; yet they found favourwith the Scottish Government and the backing of thelocal Deputy Chief, Mohammed Sayed Noor.

He had argued that there were no longer anymeaningful deterrents to criminal activity. Crime was

paying and prison was no solution. Sharp criminallawyers used arguments fashioned in Europe orelsewhere to minimise sentences and even whenconvicted, prisoners had their time in prisondiminished. If Abdul Ali al-Megrahi was allowed to bereleased, albeit on compassionate reasons, after onlyeight years in prison for his part in the deaths of 270people over the Scottish village of nearby Lockerbie,then it was open season for brief periods of custody.The revolving doors scenario of repeat offenders wasfurther evidence of prison not working, parole boardsbeing lenient and community crime seemed ubiquitous.

With that background in mind, Danny recalledhis youth and told the think tank about his schoolingsome forty years ago, which had featured, as a pupil

controller, the Lochgelly Tickler. This cat o three tailsleather belt was used daily, neigh hourly, in ScottishSchools until the 1970s, when enlightened voicesswayed opinion and it was banished from theclassroom. Meanwhile in the 1960s on the Isle of Man,

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magistrates administered six thrashings of the birchbranch on offenders buttocks. Every summer whenGlaswegians on holiday to the island fell foul of the

laws with drunken behaviour, the papers reported theIsle of Man solution to anti social behaviour. Barbaric itwas claimed by some, yet it worked, in many a case.

Since then, Danny argued, cries of no availablepunishment had led to a yob culture, increasednumbers of violent crimes and alarming rates ofdomestic violence. Authority was no longer respected.

Employers dismissing irresponsible staff foundthemselves facing employment tribunals and every nowand then after a drinking spree, football derbiesbecame battlefields on the pitch and in the streets, asthey had been in the early 1980s. Living in the UK in2013 left many depressed. They were ready for change,no matter how radical a proposal might be.

Danny declared that time had now come. Firstlyhe recorded the success of the Sharia law courts inmany towns in the north of England where casesinvolving divorce, financial transactions and thesettling of disputes had been amicably decided. FormerArchbishop Rowan Williams had called for aconstructive accommodation with aspects of MuslimLaw. He began the debate and since then, his viewshad been more widely acknowledged. Danny thenchallenged the Scottish Government to providesolutions to a multicultural society in which for the firsttime, Muslims formed the greater number of adherentsin the UK than church goers in 2013. He then made aremarkable statement encouraging the ScottishGovernment to accept some of the Hadd offences,

noting that many Muslim countries had not adoptedthem. But he said that capital punishment, stoning todeath and severing of the hand could not be toleratedin Scottish society. But a maximum of ten lashings

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would be legal if either the Sheriff Court or the Districtcourts had met the following criteria:

(i) The Offender was not a first time offender.(ii) the Offender committed a violent crime

against a person or property(iii) The victim(s) had been given the opportunity

to ask the Sheriff Court to remit the case tothe Sharia Court.

If these conditions were met, then it was then theduty of the Sheriff or District Court to refer the caseto the Sharia Law Courts for determination ofsentence.

The Imam of Dumfries informed the workingparty that the word Sharia means the path to a

watering hole. It denoted an Islamic way of life that ismore than a system of criminal justice. Sharia is areligious code for living, in the same way that the Bibleoffers a moral system for Christians, he said. The moodof the nation was in harmony and the ScottishParliament accordingly introduced restricted Haddoffences into The Sharia Courts in Scotland Act 2015.

Since then, there had been a handful of lashingswidely reported in the press for drunken fights andpossession of considerable amounts of illegal drugs.Almost overnight Scotland became a quieter place tolive. Streets could be walked in confidence at night.Children became more respectful towards adults andadults behaved in mature thoughtful ways. Even thewarmly remembered days of unlocked back doors, werereturning and being talked about. BBC Panorama wasthe first to show how the introduction of Sharia lawcould enhance the Scottish nation and formerArchbishop of Canterbury, the ailing Rowan Williams,

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rejoiced in the adoption of multicultural solutions tomeet Scotland diverse population. There was also aconsequential reduction in the number of Procurators

Fiscal required in Scotland and even reporters to thechildrens panels which had numbered 245 in 2008was now down to 108. They still dealt with cases of lackof parental care but child offending had almostdiminished. And even the ubiquitous Breach of thePeace charge, the catch-all offence, had fewer and fewerrecorded statistics year by year. At last it seemed there

was a deterrent in society and the Scottish parliamenthad fallen into line with moderate Islamic countrieslike Turkey which was now a European Market country.In England, there had been no change in legislation butthere was pressure to follow the Scottish parliament asviolent offences were still common throughout theirland but the Church of England representatives in the

House of Lords were fighting a rear guard battle tokeep the country Christian despite the lack of regularcommunicants.

Carla looked around the room. Six officers inuniform were present; three from the CID in plainclothes.

Gentlemen. We have a death on our hands. OurColleague Danny Roberstons body was washed ashoreyesterday. It seems he drowned. Thats what thepathologists report states. But we need to clarify wherehe entered the water and what happened before heentered the water. We need to find out his lastmovements. I will look at some of his current caseloadto see if there were any serious grudges around.

I cant imagine there would have been many.Everyone seemed to get on with Danny, said SergeantBill Moir.

True. But we need to find the reason why hedrowned.

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Wont a fatal enquiry be arranged by theProcurator Fiscal, Maam? asked Inspector Armstrong.

In due course, it will. But we can make a

contribution to that inquiry and if any foul play can befound. We have more work to do. Arrange a thoroughsearch for anything around his house and garden.Speak to his house cleaner, the regular dog walkers tosee if he had been seen near the river. And keep meinformed.

Yes Maam the chorus said in unison.

Any questions?Are you forgetting his band members? Mightthey not shed some valuable light?

Yes, of course. His housekeeper, the bandmembers, the milkman, his postman. Come on, you areprofessional police officers. I dont need to state thebloody obvious do I? said Carla raising her voice and

covering her tracks seamlessly.Silence met her rhetorical question.I dont want a rushed job. Just a thorough job.

Its the least we can do for one of our colleagues. Its anunsuspicious death for the press for the moment,tragic, but nevertheless, nothing to lead to any otherconclusionunless you find something. Clear? Give mean initial report by the end of the day and well assessour position then. Thats all then gentlemen.

The shuffle of feet left Carlas room and the doorclosed. She noticed the minute hand of her antiquecarriage clock had gone past the hour. She extracted itskey from underneath the oak casement, opened theglass front and wound up both the bell and the clockkeyholes. It had become a Saturday weekly ritual in her

office since the family were disturbed each night athome by the clanging bell. But as it had been passeddown to her through three generations, it was herchoice to keep it rather than donate it to charity. Itamused callers on the phone should their call coincide

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with the hour but surprisingly it never attracted acomplaint. It might have done so had it been aconstables property but anyone who was annoyed by

this clock chose not to share their feelings with ChiefInspector Carla Spiers. An involuntary smile cameacross her lips.

She recalled when Danny was asked to come toher room after he gave evidence successfully at theSharia court about two men selling drugs. Both hadbeen given one hundred and fifty hours community

services and three lashes of the cane. She had invitedhim to thank him for his good listening. But no soonerhad Danny arrived when the clock struck 2pm. Dannyconfidently stated that her clock it was not announcing2pm but rather was striking B flat!

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Saturday was a slow day. It was a morning forCarla to catch up with her mail, respond to reports andplan her week ahead. At mid-day a tuna and celery

sandwich appeared from her sandwich box. She washedit down with a carton of orange juice. Carla checkedthe rota to supervise the afternoon match betweenQueen of the South and Arbroath FC. Her file showedit was not normally a difficult match to oversee. Queensheld a lofty slot in the First division while the RedLichties were five points off the bottom. She was in

touch with the Commander all afternoon but there waslittle to report and what had to be reported would be inthe mid-week Dumfries Standard showing how a 2-2draw was a mild disappointment for the home team asthey came back from a 2-0 deficit. No doubt a game ofthe proverbial two halves with chances galore, a coupleof doubtful yellow cards to debate while the warm

steam of the ubiquitous hot Bovril and Scotch piepervaded the stands.An hour after the match ended, the supporters

were on their way home and no significant reportscame to Carlas attention. A lost umbrella was reportedat the front desk. It was a pleasingly uneventfulafternoon for Dumfries police.

Carla decided to call her shift a day. She tidiedher desk in preparation for Monday morning and asshe did so, she planned the evening meal which shewould collect from M&S on her way home. She untiedher collar, released her checked bow tie and took offher tunic jacket. She opened her wardrobe and pulledher head through the crew neck sweater which madeher an instant civilian. As her arms stretched through

the sleeves and the garment lowered over her breasts,the door knocked.

Come in, she called bobbing her dishevelledhair into place.

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Oh shall I keep it till Monday? asked ConstableRyan Black.

Not now, you have got my attention. Whats is

it?Constable Black took a step forward and produced acardboard box. It was plain except for the number threemarked on one side.

We found it at Danny Robertsons home.Well, whats in it?I was not sure at first. Cards.

Cards?Yes Braille cards. So I took the box down to theSociety for the Blind in Rae Street.

And what did they think about them?They told me it was all very confidential. It was

a record of Dannys work with the Police. His contacts,his modus operandi, I suppose. A blind mans filofax!

Thats a good start. Can we get them to translateall the entries?All of them?Yes, that will show whether there were any

grudges around. Get one of their staff over on Mondaymorning and we can record on tape everything on thecards.

Yes but.but.But what Constable?But this is box 3. We found another six in his

attic!Well wed better check them all if they are about

his work. They could be relevant. You never know.Its a big job but Ill get back to the Blind

Society. If they get someone, its at least two weeks

work.I am sure someone will be able to do it and we

can give them a room here. Keep me informed. But nowIm heading for home.

Yes Maam. Will do.

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Oh , are you happy with the Queens draw?Delighted actually.So a draw not a bad result?

No Madam. More of a satisfactory away drawfor me, actually. You see, I was brought up inArbroath!

Four Days Later

Gordo arrived back from his family vacation.

When he heard of Dannys death, he just could notimagine what he was hearing. Danny was not overweight, did not drink, had no obvious health worriesexcept his blindness and enjoyed his life assisting thepolice and relaxing with a clarinet at his lips. But theone niggle which Gordo could not understand was thatDanny drowned. He knew Danny hated water. He

would never have walked near the river. It was a matterhe just had to raise with the Superintendent on Mondaymorning.

On Monday, Gordo left the building society mid-morning after checking his mail. He told his secretarythat he had a meeting with the police and did not knowhow long he might be. He did not divulge the nature ofthe meeting but the staff seemed aware of his friendssudden death and his unusually sombre air. He did nothave to wait long when he arrived at the LoreburnStreet Office.

Good of you to come in Mr Cameron. My nameis Chief superintendent Carla Spiers. They call you

Gordo, dont they?Yes, it was a name Danny gave me and it stuck.Please follow me though to my room.

Gordo stood up, shook her hand and started to followher.

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Yes, Im Gordon Cameron, Dannys friend.Yes I know.You mean he spoke about me when he was

working for you?He certainly did. He spoke highly of you. You

meant a lot to him.He was a great clarinettist, a great friend. The

band will miss him badly.They entered Carlas room. Carla had the coffee

percolating.

Youll have a coffee?Yes thanks. Milk and no sugar.It would be a great shock on your return form

holiday.Carla poured two mugs. She brought them over

to a mahogany coffee table. They sat down.It numbed me. Not just the fact that he was

dead but the way he died. It doesnt make sense.These things happen, Gordo. They happen fromtime to time.

I am sure they do. For people whose minds arenot balanced perhaps, suggested Gordo.

Maybe Danny was depressed?No. Youre wrong there. Not Danny. Danny

enjoyed life. Depression never entered his lively mind.Maybe you saw him when he was relaxed, in the

band. Carla looked at Gordos face to see his response.You mean when he got home, he was lonely,

down? I dont believe that. I used to take him home,stay with him a while, then see him the next day. I sawhim most days. Danny was never depressed. He hadbeen blind since birth. He never knew any different but

boy, did he not enjoy life? I tell you, you never found amore contented man, than Danny.

Carla sipped her coffee and held the cup in bothhands.

How long have you known him?

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Danny was the same age as me. Ourmothers were friends. They are both gone now andwere left to see each other along. But its fun with

Danny. He sees life from a different perspective andthats whats so refreshing about him.

Hes a great loss to you, I can see.Thats why I want justice for him.

Justice?Yes. Justice because Danny did not

drown accidentally. Thats a fact. Its just not possible.

Carla drank her coffee. She replaced the cup onher saucer and stood up.You seem certain about that. What if he had

gone for a walk, got lost and slipped into the river up-stream, when no one was about? It is possible?

A theory, yes, but most unlikely. Danny hatedwater. He was a non swimmer and I could not even

arrange swimming lessons for him. He feared water.Be that as it may, there were no injuries to hisbody, did you know that?

I had heard.Gordo, its looking like an accident. Carla raised

her eyebrows and smiled. Sometimes the truth wassimple, she thought.

Its going to be hard convincing you that it wasnot more than an accident, Gordo turned his head toCarlas eyes.

But if someone wished Danny dead, there wasone way to get away with murder, wasnt there? Justpush him in the water.

It took a moment of reflection for Carla toabsorb what Gordo was saying.

Then who pushed him?Gordo smiled. Carla leaned back in her chair. He

felt he was bringing Carla round to his way of thinking.Thats the angle to take, he said.Were there any grudges in the band?

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Youll waste your time searching there. I canassure you there were no egos damaged. We playalmost like one big happy family. I would have known if

there was a problem. It may be out of place for me tosay so but....

Carla smiled. She could read his mind.You think I should look into his police work?This time a smile crossed Gordos mind. He

simply nodded.Carla brought over one of the brown boxes.

Do you recognise this box?Its one of Dannys.Do you know what it contains?Yes,... and no. I know its all in Braille. He has a

Braille typewriter. Well it types cards anyway.Yes, but do you know whats on them?Notes, he told me.

Do you think it worthwhile getting all his notestranslated?Itll do no harm.Gordo smiled. His eyes caught Carlas azure blue

eyes for a moment of awkwardness. Carla sensed hewas getting the better of her, but not in either amischievous or devious manner. There seemed to besome other ethereal force at work. Neither was able toexpress it.

Well, said Gordo, Id better get back to work.Santander Bank isnt it? How is the Building

Society coping these days?Mortgages are up but house prices too. Its

always the same for first time buyers. Getting on theladder is more difficult than climbing it. Are you

thinking of a move?Not not yet, Ive got time to think about that

when I retire.Youve a long way to go there!

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Thirty years service in the police and I canretire. But even thats a few years away.

Gordo nodded. He had said enough for the time

being.So will you contact me, or do I drop in again...to

see what progress is being made?Carla thought for a moment.Ill be at Dannys funeral later in the week but

will contact you if there is anything else. Ill keep youinformed.

You have my number?At the building society, yes.Gordo placed his hand in his pocket and brought

out his business card. He handed it to Carla. She turnedit over to reveal his home address.

I see we live at different ends of the town. Carlareturned to her desk and produced her card. Gordo

read it, then turned it over. It was blank.

5

Mark Jardines black limousine led themourners out of town to the Roucan Lochcrematorium. The vestibule was full and awaited the

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arrival of the light wooded coffin, draped by a Dumfries& Galloway Police navy blue cloth. Flowers from theChief Constable and Dannys brother Ian and sister in

law lay beside the wreath from the band members.Alex plays a soulful saxophone. Going Home

seemed to be in tune with the sad event and as heplayed a tear flowed from Alexs face. Mark Jardine ledthe gathering in a tribute to Danny. He spoke of his giftof a musical ear and a sense of hearing which was morecanine than human in detection. How his last few

years had found him on the wage packet of theConstabulary and how much he had been appreciatedin a very exacting role.

Gordo then gave his tribute to his lifelong friend.He added that it was never right that anyone should diebefore his or her parent and he vowed to keep an openmind about Dannys premature death. The Chief

Constable gave his tribute commenting on his work asthe ears of the force. He recalled that on one occasionin particular, Danny was taken to speak at the localHigh school about his work and after his talk, he wasapproached by a pupil who told him that she had founda stack of drugs on a dog walk the previous night. Thismorning on her walk it was missing but she had seen aman take it from the crevice in the wall. She was able toidentify a local solicitor, Peter Conway, as the man.Police later discovered the largest cocaine find in theregion at the solicitors office in the Whitesands. Dannywas approachable and trustworthy. Thats why he wasso effective.

In a moments silence we each recalled our ownmemories of Danny and then Alex stepped forward

again, pointing his saxophone upwards, this timeplaying My Journey to the Skies. As he began thesecond verse, the coffin was lowered, a curtaindescended and the coffin disappeared from view.Danny was on his last journey. In the time it took for

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the congregation to depart the crematorium, thecolumn of black smoke from the crematorium furnacehad taken Danny to the skies.

At the Carindale Hotel, in the Park SuiteDannys brother hosted a funeral reception. It was avenue that the band had frequently played at andGordo was keenly aware of this. He took a sandwich inone hand and a coffee in the other. He noticed Carla inthe room. She was speaking to the Chief Constable so

he chose not to interrupt. Instead he spoke to Alex.The cemetery. Not a comfortable performancevenue. I bet it wasnt easy to play.

No, Ill not be offering to do that again for awhile.

The hotel staff circulated with plates of biscuitsand cake. Gordo excused himself. I must try and have a

word with Ian.Dannys brother was circulating near the table.Hi Ian.Hi Gordo. Their hands briefly patted each

others shoulders.Thanks Gordo. Youve been a great help as

usual.Just doing the necessary in the circumstances. I

wish it never happened though.What s the latest? What are the police saying?Ian, you know as well as I do, Danny hated

water. He just would never have been near the Nith.Even if he had got lost and slipped into the water hewould have shouted. Someone would have heard him. Ijust cant understand it. The police have an open mind

about it and until something else turns up, I dont thinkthere will be any change.

Are you not forgetting about his Braille tapes?

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Oh yes. But I have no idea what they contain. Ifthere is something, they will get back to me and Illcertainly keep you informed.

Thanks.How did your mother take it? I see she was not

at the funeral.No, my decision. Shes not taking it in. After I

told her Danny had died, she still told me hed bevisiting her at the weekend. Damn Altzheimers.

Carla approached the two men.

My condolences. She offered her hand to Ianwho shook it. Gordo introduced his acquaintance.This is Chief Superintendent Carla Spiers, whos

heading the enquiry.May I ask if its an open or closed case then?

asked Ian more aggressively than he intended.I appreciate you wish a full understanding about

the circumstances surrounding your brothersdrowning. We do too and of course when we are able toreach a conclusion, you will be informed immediately.

But lets face it. The police are busy. He was notmarried, no dependents. No motif, no weapon, no caseis there? said Ian.

I really do not know. What I can tell you is that Ihave placed a team of officers to make a thoroughinvestigation. The pathologist and the procurator fiscalwill be making their own independent enquiries andthat should lead to a better understanding of whathappened that dreadful night.

Ian nodded. You are right. Theres not reallymuch to go on.

But I assure you we will be thorough and Gordo

will see to that I am sure. She smiled. Ian felt the casewas in good hands and excused himself.

It was a pleasant service. Unusual perhaps butin keeping with Dannys lifestyle.

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Gordo smiled. When Alex played My JourneyTo The Skies, I think we all thought the saxophone hadgone with him!

Then as a recessional piece, Travelin On.Hmmm ... Jazz certainly speaks to the soul, addedCarla. My late husband played the piano. It hardly getsan airing these days.

What type of music did he play?All sorts really. Classical primarily. List, Chopin,

Mozart, but seasonal pieces at Christmas of course and

if the boys were playing a CD, hed often play along.Ah, he had an ear for music. Do the boys notplay it?

Not really. Whether they felt it was Dads or justtoo much studying over recent years, I dont know.

What make of piano is it?Its a Bechstein. 1910 upright.

Wow, thats a serious make. An antique too.And you dont play it?Not really. I can use it to tune the violin,

though. So you are a violinist. Id love to hear you and

have the opportunity to give the piano a run over.Well perhaps I can arrange to invite you and

your partner over one Saturday evening.Gordo smiled wickedly.Thought youd be better up on your police

work!What do you mean?Im a bachelor.Really? Never married?Almost once, but... no. So, does the invitation

still stand?Let me sell it to the boys, first as the piano

tuner! But yes, Gordo, the invitation stands.

Two Days Later

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An orange scarf floated nonchalantly overbobbling waves along the river Nith. Half an hour later

the body of a young girl, Poppy Mughal, came to anabrupt stop, folded round the exposed buttress of thetowns bridge.

God Almighty! Another premature death toinvestigate.

Afraid so Maam, said Sergeant Bill Moir.

This one may be very different though.In what way, Maam?Motif, injuries, background, school friends. Yes

much more to go on this one.The phone rang.Put him though....Good morning Carla Speirs

here. Yes.....ligature.....yes...uhuuu...great. OK. I look

forward to receiving it.The phone is reset on the cradle. Carla keeps herhand on it while turning to Bill.

Pathologists report. Strangled and thrown in theriver. Bill, get a dedicated task group for this one ready.The High School guidance staff, class mates, her home,look for a rope or braid ligature, check the bins,interview the parents, well find Poppys murderer.

Two minutes later Carlas phone rang.Hello. Mrs Mugal speaking.My sincere condolences Mrs Mugal. This is

Chief Superintendant Carla Spiers speaking. I wish to...Chief Superintendent, my husband killed

Poppy.

I hear what you are saying. We will be around atyour home in Milehouse Crescent very soon. Where isyour husband now?

He is here.Are you frightened of him?

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Not now.What do you mean?Ive just killed him.

Carla froze for a moment.Are you alone?Yes, alone. I am very alone but not for long.Yes we are on our way.It was that blind man Danny, it was. Hes to

blame.I will come round in a few minutes, we need to

talk. The phone went dead.

A squad car set off. Carla was in the front. Theblue light was flashing as it sped up Edinburgh road. Atthe Moffat road junction, the siren wailed briefly thenthree hundred yards later the car turned off the main

road into Milehouse Crescent. Half way round thecrescent, a bungalow was fully lit. On the veranda laythe body of a man. This was where Mrs Mughal hadtaken her husbands life.

Walking past azalea and rhododendron bushesin the front garden, two police officers accompaniedCarla as she approached the door. She knocked on itfirmly.

Mrs Mughal?There was no reply. She knocked again.Mrs Mughal, Carla Spiers here, please open the

door.Carla walked round the bungalow, looking in the

windows as she did. She entered the house by the reardoor, stepping over the prostrate corpse. The back door

was open. It led to the kitchen where Carla could see astream of fresh blood. She called again but there was noresponse.

The Scenes of Crime car drew up alongside theproperty. Carla returned to the pavement to meet them.

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I think you boys had better go in first. Expect atleast one female body. The entered by the back door.

Ive looked in. Theres blood around. Tread

carefully.Yes Maam.

Scenes of Crime had never seen such an unusualdeath. Mrs Mughals mobile telephone was found onthe stair case. Moments earlier she had thrown herselffrom the staircase on to the telephone table in the hall

beneath. However in preparation for her suicide, shehad secured a wrench to the table and in the teeth ofthe heavy metal plates, a large serrated kitchen knifehad been lodged perpendicularly. It remained withoutdeflection but the body of Mrs Mughal lay, impaled ontop. The blade had sliced through her heart.

Carla ensured a cordon was around the

premises.Sergeant Moir reflected.Death on a veranda in a bungalow. All very

Indian words.Bill, how is Dannys Braille box coming along?Im not sure, Ill check though.

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WEDNESDAY

The next day Gordo sat at his desk reading themid-week Standard. He reflected on a secondpremature death in a police force which rarely saw amurder more than once every two years.

Poor girl, he murmered.Drugs, drink or not giving in to her boyfriend.

Theyd soon get to the bottom of this one. He turnedthe page. More court reports of fights, breaches of thepeace as usual and fraud. Sheriff court stuff. He noticedthe Sharia court report on the next page. Resolvingmatrimonial disputes; making financial recompense. Ithad been a few weeks since the last lashings.Mohammad Quershi had used the cane four times this

year for shoplifting, theft of property and failure to paypetrol at the Morrisons petrol station. But murder wasalways a High court matter. It would be for the culpritof Poppys death. A much easier case to solve in Gordoseyes. After all the poor girls name gave it away. AnAnglicised first name and an Asian second name.Conflict there. The clues would lie in the family.

Carla stopped by the High School on her wayback from Milehouse Crescent. She reported to theschool office at the entrance to the school. The Rector,Mike Tiley, was there.

Ah, Chief Superintendent, I thought you mightbe calling. Ill be with you in a moment.

Mike took a folder from a filing cabinet drawer

and left the office. He met Carla at the corner andinvited her to his office.

It will be about Poppy he said, raising thefolder.

How is the school taking her death?

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She was a very popular girl. A bright girl too.Theres a dark shadow hanging over the school. A griefcouncillor spent the morning with her class mates.

Tell be about her life at the school.Well actually she came here from Loreburn

Primary school known as Najat Mughal. But in S2 sheasked the guidance staff to change her name to Poppy.

How did her parents react?We may have had a misunderstanding. At first

they were annoyed. But somehow they became

convinced it was more of a knick-name, you know, nota real name. They supposed she was trying to feel moreaccepted and they wanted that. They encouraged her tostudy. They had high ideals for her.

What were her parents like?The Mughals are not the only Moslem family

here at the High school. But they are well integrated.

Classes are mixed, so is the dining area, her friendswere many and her class work was good. Poppy couldhave been an engineer or a doctor.

Did she have any other sib lings at the school.Poppy was the youngest child. She had an older

sister who returned to Pakistan, about four years ago.She left here in fourth year. The talk at the time wasthat she had been sent home to marry.

Who talked about it then?It was a topic which came up at our staff

meeting.Really. How?Well, her sister was sixteen and could have left

school so it was not a matter which involved us but withPoppy, leaving school at sixteen with her studies going

so well would have been a disaster.So did you male any special arrangements?I thought you might have known.Carla looked puzzled.

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The fourth year had a talk from DannyRobertson, you know the blind musician, who workedfor the police. The one who was murdered.

Yes I know who you mean.Carla lingered on his last sentence.Danny was popular, and I know Poppy asked to

speak to him after school.Did you know what that was about?I learned Poppy feared being sent back to

Pakistan to marry and wished that to be known to the

police.What arrangements did you make at theschool?

If Poppy was absent from school, we wouldcheck instantly with the family and if the school was onholiday at the time, she had Dannys number.

A moment ago, you said Danny was murdered.

How do you know that?Well wasnt he? Everybody thinks so.I dont know. But why do you think he was

murdered?I guess he was not popular with the Mughals for

a start and some others too.You mean he may have upset the Moslem

community?Possibly. But someone had to engage their

community and Danny seemed to fit the bill, ........if youexcuse the poor pun.

Its probably too late to follow that lead nowanyway.

Why, because Danny is dead?No, because Mr and Mrs Mughal are.

What!It seems Poppy was killed by her father, her

mother then killed him, then took her own life.Oh my god, what a tragedy.

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Mike stood up and went to the window. Hewatched the pupils leave after their day at school. Bythe side of the science block, several wreaths of flowers

were accumulating. Pupils were reading the labels inmemory of Poppy.

They are laying wreaths at the science block.How appropriate. She was a good pupil. Keen onscience, and at maths. And a love of pop music too, butI guess her parents did not know, or maybe they didand that adds to their feelings of alienation.

Mike turned round. He walked away from thewindow and sat down at his desk again.Multiculturalism is failing. Society changes

every year. It progresses, it goes through fads. Butsociety offers so much to the young folk too. Tennis,playing musical instruments, swimming, golf and muchmore besides. How can these activities be denied

because of religion or culture? It is pupils like Poppy weneed in society. Modern, young, intelligent, Moslemgirls and boys. And what have we got instead? Twogenerations obliterated. And for what? This cannot bethe will of God.

Carla stood up.I am sorry I had to bring you such dreadful

news. But you have given me a better understanding ofPoppy Mughal.

Carla left the Rectors room. She passed theoffice without looking in and left by the main entrance.She hesitated in the playground. She turned to her rightand walked over towards the science block. A fewpupils lingered and left the corner as she approached.She knelt down to admire the bouquet of flowers and

scent their fragrance. One card said it all.

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Poppy you were so very

perfect in a fractured

world. Go now and heal

it from heaven. Love

now and forever, Colin.


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The towns mid-steeple stood boldly against aclear blue sky. The three Big Issue sellers stood by theirterritorial shop windows at M&S, Boots and Your Move

eyeing potential and regular customers as employeesmade to their places of work.

Gordo entered his office, greeted the staff attheir desks and entered his room. He looked throughhis file of mail and made some notes to makeappointments. A copy of the mid week DumfriesStandard stared at him. The picture of a young girl was

the Niths next victim. He read beyond the headline.His secretary entered.Gordo, she said with sadness, it's not in the

Standard, but her father and mother dies too.What?, a triple murder? In the Nith?No. I live on the Edinburgh Road and last night

the Police, ambulance and the crime screens van were

all over the place.Really?Yes, they said Poppy was killed by her father. So

his wife shot him but turned the gun on herself to avoidprison. At least thats what the grapevine came up with.Too late for Wednesdays paper. It will be the headlineson Fridays.

I was reading about how she changed her nameto Poppy from Najat. That must have been the factorwhich offended her father.

Partly. She was also attending a class with mydaughter. One of those which introduces Christianity.You know the one, the Alpha course.

Oh yes. Ive heard of it. That must have causedfriction.

Carla had returned from a meeting with theChief Constable about the recent murders and returnedto her desk. In a brown envelope on her chair, shenoticed the transcript of Dannys notes had been

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arrived. She opened it. By way of introduction, therewas a list of the contents and highlighted passageswhich may have been of interest in his own deaths

inquiry. Carla looked through the list. Meetings withcolleagues, progress reports on investigations andvarious talks he had been asked to give about his policework.

Danny had been to several secondary schools tospeak to senior pupils. This was of interest to Carla.Under the High school there were six visits. He had

spoken to the Fifth and Sixth years and made himselfavailable for individual questioning afterwards. In hisrecord of one of these meetings, the pages had beenhighlighted. Carla read them with interest.

Carla lifted the telephone.Hello, Gordo?

Speaking, is that you Carla?Yes, it is. You recognised my voice.Not hard to. Musicians have good ears. I guessits been a busy week for you. Ive been readingthe paper.Yes but it seems to be sorting itself out. I waswondering if you would like to join me for anevening meal on Friday?You mean an opportunity to run my fingers overyour Bechstein?And some food of course?And will you bring out your violin?Maybe.Oh, and can I not persuade you?Possibly. But you sound too good for me.

Nonsense. Music is forgiving.Forgiving, or for giving?Both. Dont you agree?Then why not come around at 7pm.?I look forward to Friday Carla.

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Me too, bye.Carla placed the received down. She wondered ifthat conversation had been a little forward. But

she knew she had to contact him, after Dannysfuneral and the sooner she arranged the eveningthe better.

Gordo phoned the band members to sayhed not be available for a gig on Friday and theysuspected nothing nor enquired beyond his

apologies. In the end they decided to have abreak that week but they met to look throughsome music for future gigs.

Chief Constable Harrison entered Carlasroom with a furrowed brow.

Carla, I think weve got to tackle this one

head on.You mean the Mughal murders?Yes. What do you think about a meeting

with the Procurator Fiscal, the Imam andourselves? The Dep will also be there of courseMohammad Sayed Noor has a foot in bothcamps.

Still a bit one sided I should say.Then perhaps not just the Dumfries

Imam but the Stranraer one too as well as us?That sounds better. But I think it should be alow profile meeting. Not one for the press.I could not agree more.

Have you read Dannys Brailletranscript.

Yes.Did you think any of it could relate to theMughal murders?

Possibly. It will be difficult evidentiallynow with the Mughal deaths but we have to

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make it clear to the indigenous Moslems thatthey are also required to be law abidingmembers of the community.

Make sure its not a Friday then.Next Wednesday I had in mind. 2 pm. TheFiscal is free, lets hope the Imams are too.

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Gordo purchased a new shirt and tie at M&S, ironed iton Thursday night and placed gold cufflinks into thesleeves as he dressed after work and a shower on Friday

evening. He looked at the bottle of Chatau Grand pey-Lescours 2006 St Emilion Grand Cru which he hadbought on the recommendation of Watsons in Englishstreet. He had no idea what meal he would be eatingbut felt it would enhance a wine rack if it had beenplanned that it was a fish course with white wine. Hecollected the flowers and placed them flat on the back

seat of his car.

He looked over his shoulder to see if any neighbour wastaking note of the bachelors nocturnal activity. Itseemed they were oblivious. Then set off to hisappointment with Carla.

He drove his car into her drive. Lifted the flowers fromthe rear of the car, holding the wine in his other handand ventured towards the front door bell. It rang aCarillion of bells.

Hi you must be Gordo. Come in. Mums justupstairs.Hello, then you must be one of the twins.Yeah, thats right. Im Alan.And Im Stuart a voice piped up from behind.So youre the pianist I hear?Yes but I thought youd be players too. Youdont often hear a Bechstein these days.Its not that we cant play. More that Mumdoesnt like what we play. A bit of vamping

really.Well, here it is, want to play it till Mum comesdown and we get ready? Were off to a friendshouse this evening.Not on my account I hope

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No. We often go round to Seans. Well be backby midnight.

Gordo moved towards the piano. He opened the lidwhile Alan turned on the lamp in the centre of theinstrument above the fingerboard.

Gordo composed himself for a moment. He began toplay Beethovens Sonata in A opus 2 starting with theAllegro vivace. The notes resounded in the lounge and

made their way to the landing and to Carlas ears as sheprepared to descend the stairs. In waltz timing, Gordocontinued without a break to the Largo Appassionatoand culminated with the Scherzo Allegretto beforeending with a rumbustious Rondo Grazioso. As thefinal chord died away and his hand rose from thekeyboard, he turned round to see Carla standing

motionless behind him, with a tear in her eye.Gordo, Ive not heard the piano played sobeautifully since my husband died.

Thats a very kind compliment. Goodevening Carla!

Oh I am sorry. Good evening. You metthe twins then?

I thought it would have been a family gettogether but naturally they have their friendstoo.

Just as well. I have only managed toprepare a meal for two but it will not be readyfor a half hour or so.

Then time for your violin?Carla opened her violin case.

I have had a couple of nights practising. Butdont expect a flawless performance.

Can I play along with you?If you like. I thought Id play Massenets

Meditation from Thais. Can you accompany that?

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Let's see.Carla played this charmingly slow emotional

tune with elegance and with perfection while Gordo

quietly found the key and accompanied her. As he didso, the warm scent of a casserole emanated from thekitchen.

They retired to the sofa where Carla offeredGordo a drink.

A glass of wine, if I may. It will be my only one. Imust drive home!

I see you have brought a special red. I couldnever finish one on my own. Lets open it.Shall I?

Carla led Gordo into a modern kitchen. Everythingseemed in place. The eye level oven was lit but as Gordouncorked the bottle, Carla opened the fridge and tookthe salad dishes through to the dining room table.

Resting on a bed of rocket leaves and avocado cubeswas smoked salmon rolled and speared by a lemonslice. Gordo poured two glasses of St Emilion. He tookthem through and placed them on their coasters.

Have a seat.Carla gestured towards the table and Gordo took hisplace.

Its been a while since I have entertained. In factthis is practically the first time since David died.

You have not lost your skill. This is delightful.Thank you. This is the easy course!Hmmm that sounds promising.You played the piano beautifully.Thanks.Did you start early?

Like most children. I started reluctantly. But ithelped that my parents played. They were goodteachers and I soon heard how a piano could play. Thatencouraged me. But how did you start with the violin?

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Bill McNab was my tutor. He was a very giftedmusician. I enjoyed going there and I suppose I had agood ear so the music came quite naturally. And of

course it is usually only one note I play at a time, unlikethe piano.

The piano is not as difficult as you make out.The melody is in the right hand and theaccompaniment is as easy or as complicated as youwish to make it. Whereas I see the notes I have to play,you have to create your notes and that takes some

practise.Its turning into a mutual admiration society!Well I am keeping off your work.Perhaps I should update you on that front.You mean you have found Dannys killer?I wish I could say yes, but its not that clear yet.What do you mean?

Well Dannys Braille notes have at last beentranslated and it seems he has been involved insome assistance to some Muslim girls rejectingtheir family values.A tricky area.Yes but should it be? This is not Pakistan. Ifthey have genuine residence status in the UKthere is an onus on the family to adapt to thecustoms and adhere to the laws of the country.You know our deputy Chief Constable is aMuslim?Yes, I knew. Mohammad Sayed Noor?Yes. But even he talks of the tradition ofarranged marriages.Im not particularly against that myself. I think

it is probably just as prevalent in the Jewishtradition and the upper classes. Having saidthat, I feel they should also be able to marryoutside their faith just as Christians can.

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Now you are getting to the nub of this recentmurder.Really?

Yes, Poppy who had changed her name againsther parents wishes was also attending the Alphacourse run at the River of Life Church.

Gordo considered what he was hearing for a moment.His thought process materialised slowly.

You mean, Danny could have been killed byPoppys father, a revenge killing perhaps?

It remains a possibility. No more than that. Imust not make you think there is an easyoutcome.I know that.I know you are sure Danny was murdered. Itsbeginning to look like a possibility but I guess wemay never know.

With Mughals death I suppose, well never getto the truth.Probably not, Gordo. Perhaps best to leave itrest now.I suppose so. Unless anything else comes tolight, but I can never say never.Of course you cant. By the way. Dannysmother. Is she still alive?Her heart is as strong as an ox. Well into hernineties now. Memory comes and goes. I visither from time to time. Some days she knowswho I am and we speak of our childhood. Butask her what she ate for breakfast and she has noidea.Does she talk about Danny?

Funny that. Danny doesnt visit she says butwhen I do, she talks about him as if hes stillaround.

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Carla gathered up the salad bowls. Gordo offeredto give a hand in the kitchen but the offer wasrefused. He sat contemplating a painting on the

wall. It was a seascape. The blues and greenswere light and clear.

Is it an Iona seascape?Yes, that was clever. You obviously are

keen on art. A local painter Hugh McMorlandpainted it. Do you like it?

Its a beautiful part of the world and well

painted.Have you been there?Yes. It was a childhood holiday resort.Happy memories?Many.

A plate of chicken casserole in a slightly curried

sauce served on a bed of saffron rice and dicedcourgettes was placed before Gordo.This is one of my favourites.

I guess I could not go wrong with chicken.I think you are a gifted cook.You flatter me.

They smiled at each other and were aware of a feelingof warmth and contentment.

You have been a widow for how long now?It's a little over five years since David died.That must have been hard for the twins.It was.They ate in silence for almost a minute. Then

Carla sought more personal information.But you have never married?

I was engaged once. She was the most perfectcompanion. But there was a risky side to Emma. She was very fit. She was an athlete in fact, and notsurprisingly a gymnastics teacher. But it was her love ofhorses which led to her untimely death. She was out

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point to point riding. Oh yes, riding hat and body jacketbut she went over the dyke when the horse refused.Broke her neck instantly. By the time they got her to

hospital, she was dead.How awful.Yes, I never really got over Emmas death.How long ago was that? Twenty two years already.So youre a confirmed bachelor?

Gordo smiled. He looked at Carla.

Many think so. I thought I was.Carla smiled.Never too late.I suppose having been Dannys unofficial carer

filled my years. When he died, well I thought my worldhad come to an end. I was bitter. I guess thats when wefirst met. You saw me at my worst.

Maybe but what I saw was also you at your mostdetermined. Dannys death to me was uncomplicated.He fell into the water and drowned on a very wet darknight. Evidence told me that there was no suspiciousmarkings or indeed Mens rea.

Mens rea?Sorry legal jargon. Literally, the guilty mind.

The mental element of evil intention which is necessaryfor a prima facie case.

But now the Mens Rea may exist. Poppys fatherhad cause to confront Dannys advice to his daughter.

Exactly. But remember Mr Mughal was shot.Thats why I think we can close the case.

I suppose so, reflected Gordo.I think we no longer cross swords?

Life is too short to argue any way.I could not agree more. So are you too, set in

your ways?I think I need a partner. But Im probably too

old for you.

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And... how old are you?Ill be fifty six in October. And I know a man

does not ask a womans age.

You need not ask. Ill tell you. Ill be fifty nextyear.

Different decades!Come off it Gordo, six years older? Thatsacceptable these days.

Gordo smiled. His hand reached over to clasp hers. Shesqueezed his. After a few moments he withdrew his

hand and finished his plate. As Carla continued tofinish her plate, Gordo excused himself. He returned tothe piano and began to sing and play.

Dont go changing, to try and please meYou never let me down beforeDont imagine, youre too familiar

And I dont see you any more

I would not leave you, in times of troubleWe never could have come this far.I took the good times, Ill take the bad timesIll take you just the way you are.

I need to know that you will always beThe same old someone that I knowWhat will it take till you believe in meThe way that I believe in you

I said I love you and thats for everAnd this I promise from the heartI could not love you any better

I love you just the way you are.

As Gordo sang, he suddenly felt Carlas arms aroundhis shoulders. Carla drew nearer resting her breasts

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between his shoulders and gently kissing his head as hecontinued.

Dont go trying, some new fashionDont change the colour of your hairYou always have my unspoken passionAlthough I might not seem to care

I dont want clever conversationI never want to work that hard, mmmm

I just want someone, that I can talk toI want you just the way you are.

After a flourishing ending Gordo rose from the pianostool. Carla was waiting for him. She drew closer tohim. Their eyes filled with moisture as their smilesmirrored each other. Gordo took her into his arms. He

kissed her gently and she returned his favours. Theirembrace had taken them by surprise. It took theirrelationship to a new level. It was now one ofcompanionship based on trust and the early fires oflove had been lit. Gordo was surprised he still had suchfeelings within him but Carla was pleased to be sharingherself once more with one she realised she loved.

The lemon souffl served with citron sorbet broughtback Gordos appetite and he showed his appreciation.He declined another portion remembering the twinswho would appreciate their mothers cooking but whenCarla percolated Whittards Kenyan Peaberry NyeriDistrict mild coffee, the evening meal was complete.

A most memorable meal.

Im glad you enjoyed it.They sat together on the sofa drinking their coffee, theirarms around each other.

Can I ask you to play some more classicalpieces, ones that David used to play.

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CertainlyCarla opened the piano stool and brought some booksfor Gordo to see.

The first piece he played was Beethovens FrElise. Then he played the Liszt Piano Sonata in Bminor. As he was fully engrossed in this piece, a key inthe front door opened and the twins came in. They satin awe of Gordos playing and could see their mothersface the appreciation of her new found friend. WhenGordo finished, he turned to the boys and asked how

their evening had gone.Fine.It looked like conversation with this younger age

group would prove difficult.Do you know any pop music? asked Stuart.

Gordo returned to the piano.Im not sure if this was the music expected when

this piano was built in Berlin in 1910. But here goes.Gordo played the Boyzone hit Love Me for a Reason.The musics significance was not lost on Carla.

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