They both stared at the screen as the horrifying events unfolded. The men pounced on the distracted Ethan. He never knew what hit him by the look of things. Two men pummelled him into the ground, then they tried to kick the life out of him. Even when Ethan’s body stopped moving, they continued to attack.
“Jesus, they’re fucking animals…sorry for swearing, I don’t usually, but damn, that was bloody excessive.”
“You took the words out of my mouth,” Katy replied. “No wonder he’s fighting for his life. Tell me, do you recognise any of the men? I’m glad we’ve got a good angle on them, that’s sure to help us ID them.”
“No, never seen them before. Why do you think they did it? Just to take the car, is that it?”
“I have no idea. We’ll need to try and find out who these men are in order to obtain the answers. Would it be possible for you to give me a copy of the disc?”
“I’m sure I can figure out how to do it, if you can give me five or ten minutes.”
“I’ll leave you to it. Thanks, Taylor, I appreciate your help, I know that must have been uncomfortable for you to sit through.”
“Hey, at least I wasn’t on the end of that drubbing. I hope Ethan recovers from it.”
“We’re all hoping the same.” Katy issued a taut smile and left the office to return to the bar. “Belle, another word if I may?”
The young woman approached Katy again. “Of course. Did you get what you need?”
“I did, it was very insightful. I wondered if you could give me a bit of background on Ethan. If you can’t, would anyone else here know?”
“I think I’m the closest to him.” Her cheeks coloured up a little.
“Sorry, are you two an item?”
She lowered her voice. “Not really. We have a kind of relationship. Oh God, that sounds awful. He bent my ear when he was drunk after hours one night, and one thing led to another and…you know what I mean.”
“I do. Sorry if this has affected you more than the others. I take it he didn’t have a significant other in his life then?”
“Yes, he has a steady girlfriend, Hattie. But his wife died in an accident a couple of years ago. Rocked his world, it did. I don’t think he’s ever got over her. He was distracted…gosh, you know, when we were having sex.” She winced at the admission.
“I understand. What about his family? Does he originate from around here?”
“Yes, he’s a London boy through and through. His father is still alive, but his mother died when he was ten. Heck, I should’ve called him as soon as the paramedics took him to hospital. What the hell is wrong with me?”
“It’s fine. I can do that if you have his details.”
“They’ll be in the office somewhere. Give me a second.”
She left the bar and returned with a sheet of paper with a number written on it. “Are you sure you don’t want me to do it? It might be a shock for him if the police ring up.”
“How about we do it together? He’s not in ill-health, is he?”
“No, I don’t think so. If he is, Ethan has never mentioned it.”
Katy called the number, and an elderly man answered the phone. “Hello, sir. Would you be Ethan Johnson’s father?”
“I am. Who is this?”
“This is DI Katy Foster of the Met Police, sir. I’m at your son’s pub now and I’m calling to inform you there’s been an incident.”
“What type of incident? Is Ethan all right?”
“No, sir. He’s on his way to hospital.”
“Damn. Which hospital? Give me the name, and I’ll go there immediately. What’s happened to him?”
“I’m sorry, I’ll need to check which hospital has taken him. I think it’ll be St Thomas’ but I’ll have to get back to you on that.”
“Do it. I demand to know.”
He slammed the phone down. Katy felt a fool for not having the information to hand. “I’ll be right back. I should’ve checked.” She raced around the bar and out through the main entrance.
“Is something wrong?” Charlie called after her.
“No, it’s fine. Carry on.” Outside, she scanned the area and spotted James close to the scene and, keeping her distance because of her lack of protective clothing, she shouted, “James, I need to ask you something.”
He glanced up. “Go on.”
“Did the paramedics say which hospital they were taking Ethan to?”
He pulled a face. “Sorry, they didn’t, and I didn’t think to ask.”
“Shit. Okay, that makes two of us. I’ll get on the phone.”
“Try St Thomas’, that would be my first port of call.”
“Yep, I’ll do that. Thanks.” She took a few steps back and pulled up Google on her phone to search for the number. She dialled it and tapped her foot while she waited for the automated system to work through its options and then pressed four for the Accident and Emergency department.
A friendly female voice came on the line. “Accident and Emergency, how may I help?”
“Hi, I’m DI Foster from the Met.” She gave the woman her ID number. “I’m trying to trace a patient who was picked up from a pub car park in Newington. The patient’s name is Ethan Johnson.”
“Let me take a look on the system, hold the line.”
Katy tapped her foot some more until the woman returned.
“Ah, yes. We have him here.”
“Thanks, that’s all I need to know. I’ll be there shortly.”
“You’re welcome. See you soon.”
Katy called Ethan’s father back to confirm the details. “Hello, sir, it’s DI Foster again.”
“Well, get on with it. Where is he?”
“He’s in the A&E at St Thomas’.”
The man mumbled a thank you and hung up.
Katy stared at her phone. “You’re bloody welcome.”
She went back inside.
Charlie came towards her. “Everything all right?”
“Yes, how are things going with you?”
“I’m nearly done. They’ve all said pretty much the same thing when I’ve spoken to them individually.”
“Good, no, that’s excellent news and will strengthen our case against the men once
