Page 90 of Mann Hunt
“Were there any others…with other young men?”
“No. Just these… Is this what got him killed?”
“I don’t know yet.”
Declan took a swig of coffee, then headed to his van and drove back to the office.
When he got there, he logged into his laptop. He opened his email and noticed a message labelledSheldon Prescott CCTV. He clicked on the message and found a link for downloading the video files. There were six of them. He chose the one labelledWest Driveway Camera—July 8, 6:00 p.m.—2:00 a.m.
* * * *
It was eight-thirty when Charlie’s cell phone rang.It’s probably Declan, he thought as he picked it up, then he saw the caller ID—it wasn’t Declan.
He answered the call. “Hey, Justin.”
“Sorry to call so late.”
“No problem. What’s up?” Charlie asked.
There was a pause on the other end of the line, then Justin said, “Can we talk?”
“Sure,” Charlie replied.
“In person, I mean?”
Charlie tried to play it cool. “Yeah… Where do you want to meet?”
“Can I come to you?” Justin asked.
“Sure. I’m at the Comfort Inn.” Charlie paused before saying, “Room two-oh-five.”
Justin said, “Thanks. I appreciate it. I’ve got no one else to talk to. See you soon.”
As soon as Justin disconnected, Charlie texted Declan.
Good news. Justin wants to talk. He’s coming over to the hotel. I’ll let you know what happens.
Charlie set the phone down and noticed a strong odour. He hadn’t had a shower since practice, and he needed one. He stripped off his clothes and headed to the bathroom.
He’d just finished drying himself off and thrown on something clean to wear when there was a knock at his door. He opened it and let Justin in.
* * * *
Video from the west driveway camera came to life on Declan’s computer. Several times, he saw a shadow of someone moving in the garden. At one point a head was clearly visible from the rear—one with light hair in a man’s cut.
Ian came into view wheeling his suitcase to the car. Declan saw motion in the garden again. Out steppedhis possible assailant. Ian let go of the suitcase and backed up. The person stepped forward, their features still shadowed by the trees. Declan paused the video. Although he couldn’t clearly identify any definite facial features, he could assess the person’s physique. It was most certainly a male, about the same height as Ian’s six feet and of a moderately muscular build.
He pressed ‘Play’. Something in the guy’s hand flashed, like polished steel catching the light.He’s got a knife.
The person with the knife came into view. It was Justin.
Ian and Justin seemed to be in a heated discussion. Justin gesticulated wildly at times. He made advances on Ian, who at first backed away, then moved forward, putting his hand on Justin’s shoulder.
Declan continued to watch. To his surprise, Justin left Ian and walked back into the garden. Ian put his suitcase into the trunk, got into his car and drove off.
Ian drove away by himself…
Declan’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID. It was Luke.
