“Don’t be daft, Howard. Of course we don’t…”

“Yes you do!” Howard reiterated, his voice edgy, full of paranoia.

“You’re not tall enough, Howard.” Tom suddenly revealed.

“What?” Asked Howard.

“I said that you’re not tall enough… I should explain. We have an eye-witness who thinks that they saw the intruder hanging around Mister Whitehouse’s home, on the evening that he died.” Tom informed Howard, telling bare-faced, but very necessary, lies. “The eye-witness has given us a detailed description of the suspect. We’re looking for a man in his late twenties or early thirties, approximately six foot three in height. You’re, what, five six, five seven?”

“Five eight.” Corrected Howard.

“Exactly. Our eye-witness was very specific about the intruders height. The individual that we're seeking is much taller than average.” Advised Tom.

Howard’s eyes darted between Tom and Kay, confused. The detective smiled at the teenager, secretly enjoying his chief suspect’s discomfort. I remember looking out of Alfie Whitehouse’s bedroom window, son, and catching you staring up at it with that smirk on your face… now why would you be doing that? You’re not smirking now though, are you?

“So, how about it, Howard? Can we borrow your hi-tops, just for half an hour or so?” Asked the detective.

“They’re on the radiator in the kitchen, soaking wet.” Replied Howard.

“Soaking wet?” Queried Tom.

“Yeah. I’ve run them through the washing machine.” Said Howard.

“Why have you done that, Howard?” The detective wanted to know.

“Because they stink.” Answered Howard, which was true, but not the real reason why he’d put the trainers in the washer.

“They stink?” Replied Tom, with an eyebrow raised.

“Yes. I’ve got athlete’s foot. All of my trainers end up stinking. I often put them in the washing machine, don’t I, Kay?”

“You do, yes.” Agreed Kay. The detective thought about this for a few moments. Sneaky little bastard. I was hoping to get some dirt and sand samples off those hi-tops to compare with what we found at Alfie Whitehouse’s home… no bloody chance of that now. Detective Tom Grogan smiled.

“Not to worry. Best leave those trainers on the radiator to dry out. Thanks for your time.” He said to Howard and Kay.

“But I thought that you wanted to borrow…”

“Really, it doesn't matter. It was just an idea.” Said Tom, interrupting Kay. The policeman gave Howard a stare. “Goodnight, Howard.” He said. Howard Trenton didn't reply.

Chapter Fourteen

Alex Crennell sat on the edge of Mary’s bed, having just got dressed.

“I suppose that I’d better be heading off home… early start for college in the morning.” He said. Mary, who was still lying in bed, reached out and stroked Alex’s back. He turned around and leaned over her, kissing Mary on her forehead.

“You could always stay over. Lucas and Kay wouldn't mind.” Said Mary.

“I ain’t so sure about that… I don’t think Lucas likes me very much. And from what you’ve told me, Howard wouldn't be too happy, either.” Replied Alex.

“Why should Howard care, if he’s got Kate?” Laughed Mary.

“Because I reckon that he’s still hung up on you.” Said Alex.

“Well, that’s tough for Howard… if he thinks I’m going to be walking the Black Pathway with him anytime soon, then he’s in for a long wait.” Mary commented. This caused Alex to frown.

“What are you going on about? The Black Pathway?” He wanted to know.

“Oh, I just remembered how Howard suggested we do the walk together, when the weather warms up. It’s one of his favourite walks, from what he told me.” Advised Mary, as she put a jumper back on.

“What? Howard’s walked the Black Pathway?” Alex asked, with curiosity.

“Yeah, he’s walked it loads of times.” Replied Mary. Alex recalled how he had been defeated by the trail, having to abandon the trek when he arrived at the town of Hoffen. He remembered his aching limbs, blistered and swollen feet… his body, covered in sweat, and hammered with exhaustion. Alex felt a surge of jealousy rising within.

“Howard has walked the whole of the Black Pathway? Seriously? A little wimp like Howard?” Queried Alex, incredulous.

“Well yes. It’s one of his favourite walks, like I just said.” Mary answered. Alex bit down on his lip. How could that silly bastard manage to do the walk, when I couldn’t? He wondered to himself. How?

Alex Crennell suddenly came out with a suggestion, in a moment of envy and resentment towards Howard Trenton.

“We should do it!” He exclaimed.

“We should do what?” Asked Mary, wearing a puzzled expression.

“We should walk the Black Pathway Trail. Together.” Alex suggested. I’m not letting Howard Trenton get one over on me, he thought to himself. If he can do that walk, then so can I. I’m better than him! I’m better than Howard fucking Trenton! Mused Alex, his petty and childish nature coming to the fore.

“Okay. If that's what you want.” Replied Mary. “Spring’s not far off now. We could…”

“No,” butted-in Alex, “we should do it this weekend.”

“What? Why?” Mary asked, with a slightly nervous laugh.

“Because we just should.” Said Alex, unable to give any rational sort of answer to his new girlfriend.

“But it's the middle of the winter, Alex.” Pointed out Mary.

“Good. That’ll make it more of a challenge.” Alex replied. “Can you get Monday off work?” He suddenly asked. Mary shrugged her shoulders.

“I’m guessing so… my boss is normally pretty easy about…”

“Then book it as leave. I think that we should walk the Black Pathway this weekend. Start on Saturday morning, finish on Monday evening.” Said Alex.

“Stop overnight at Knighton on Saturday night. Then Hoffen on Sunday evening. Once we reach Salegate, we can get a taxi home.” He went on. “It’ll be like a little mini-holiday, except with lots of walking in-between.” Alex added, trying to sell his suggestion to Mary.

Mary Broderick got out of her bed and wriggled back into a pair of jeans that she had earlier slung on the floor.

“Are you always this impulsive, Alex?” She asked, smiling.

‘Yep.” Came his brief response.

“This Black Pathway… is it, you know, dangerous? Howard told me that there’s a couple of mountains involved.” Wondered Mary.

“It’s just a walk, Mary. A very long walk.” Alex replied.

“I take it that you’ve done it before then?”

“Yeah, of course.” Said Alex, with dishonesty. “It’s a piece of piss.”

“But Howard told me that it can be dangerous in parts.” Mary responded.

“Howard doesn’t know what the fuck he’s talking about.” Snapped Alex, struggling to keep his temper. “I bet that he’s never actually walked the trail. He was probably just trying to impress you.” Alex added, with utter hypocrisy.

“You really don’t like Howard, do you?” Observed Mary.

“No, I don’t. He’s a sullen, stroppy little shit.” Said Alex. Mary remembered how Howard had turned on her, down at Hingley beach. She didn’t mention this to Alex.

“Okay, Alex. We’ll do the Black Pathway this weekend… as long as I can get the Monday off work. It shouldn't be a problem though.” Smiled Mary.

“Nice one.” Responded Alex, who was desperate to put himself back on an even-keel against Howard Trenton.

***

Howard Trenton walked down the road where Kate Williams lived, near to Coldsleet Harbour. It was late, getting on for midnight. So, Kate, you think that it’s okay to just dump me like that? Have your fucking way with me and then discard me like I’m some worthless piece of shit? Well, we’ll see about that, thought Howard, angrily. It’s not as if I’ve got anything to lose. I know… KNOW that that cunt Tom Grogan is onto me about Alfie Whitehouse… it’s just a matter of time before he comes knocking on my door again, and not to ask to borrow my fucking hi-tops, either. I’m gonna end up being banged away, so I may as well go out with a bang. Howard reached the front gate of Kate William’s home and smiled to himself. You’re gonna go all cold on me, Kate? Soon, you’ll now what it’s like to go really fucking cold. You want to be a frosty little bitch? Well, you’re gonna get exactly what you wish for. Suddenly, Kate’s front door opened up, causing Howard to jump. He lurched sidewards, away from the front gate, and hid behind a nearby hedgerow. Howard peered around the hedge. Kate was stood on her front doorstep. With a man. A man that Howard Trenton knew. His name was Alan Lane, and he was an English language lecturer at Elman College.