His Silence - Chapter 81

That can’t be right. I’ve only seen a few photographs of Ian’s face before, printed in the media since the murders took place. They’re identical, aside from the fact the man in the photo in the paper looks a few years younger than the pictures of Ian I’ve seen. It’s him, it’s got to be. It’s the link I’ve been searching for. 

I send a reply to Max.

            To: Max Hardy

            From: Danielle Olsen

            Date: 25th June 2024 at 21:40

            Subject: Oliver Adams

            Bloody hell, can’t you see that Gavin, Oliver’s half-brother is Ian, the other man who Harvey’s supposed to have killed.

I return to Max’s first message and go to the next article. It was published another few days after the article about the vigil.

            SANDRA ADAM’S HUSBAND OLIVER QUESTIONED BY POLICE ABOUT HER DEATH

            Last night, Oliver Adams, the husband of Sandra Adams, who was killed last on Marine Parade last month, presented himself at the police station in Leigh for questioning. Officers held Mr Adams for several hours before he was allowed to leave. It’s believed he is helping the police with their enquiries at this stage, but this has been an interesting development as previously the police have said they believed this was a tragic accident. One local, who lived nearby the couple, had this to say, “I never liked him, I thought she made a mistake in choosing him, of course I couldn’t say that to her, especially when she seemed to head over heels in love with him.” Oliver’s brother, Gavin, spoke to the press outside the family home, where he has been staying to support his brother, and had this to say. “My brother is assisting the police in their enquiries; at this stage there is no evidence to suggest that this was anything other than an accident. I would ask that the press leave us alone so we can grieve in peace.” The Leigh Echo has contacted Essex Police for a comment.

A reply from Max pings on my phone.

            To: Danielle Olsen

            From: Max Hardy

            Date: 25 June 2024 at 21:45

            Subject: Oliver Adams

            Jesus, I didn’t even think of that. Bloody hell, that’s . . . God I can’t believe it.

I turn back to Max’s original email. There’s still another attachment I haven’t opened yet. I click on it, it feels like a cords wrapping itself tighter and tighter around my chest.

            FUNERAL HELD FOR SANDRA ADAMS

            At two p.m. yesterday, 5th January 1991, the funeral of Sandra Adams was held, a little over a month after she was tragically killed. Despite her husband, Oliver Adams having been questioned by the police, it appears they may have finally wrapped up their investigation. We spoke to PC Ben Parker who told us that they were satisfied all lines of enquiries had been pursued, and that it had been ruled that Sandra Adams had been killed as a result of a tragic accident. Oliver Adams has still made no comment to the media, despite being released by the police without any charges brought against him. 

There’s another photograph at the bottom of the article taken from outside the church. Oliver’s easy to spot; Gavin’s standing next to him. But there are . . . I nearly drop my phone. There are two people standing behind them. My parents. Of course, their names aren’t printed anywhere in the article. But it’s them. There would’ve been no reason for anyone to have discovered this before, without them knowing about the link to Oliver. Oliver must know about these reports, he would’ve read them at the time.

            I go back to Max’s message.

            To: Max Hardy

            From: Danielle Olsen

            Date: 25 June 2024 at 21:50

            Subject: Oliver Adams

            Was this all they had?

His reply comes back in seconds. He’ll be waiting by his phone now, eager to reply to me.

            To: Danielle Olsen

            From: Max Hardy

            Date: 25 June 2024 at 21:50

            Subject: Oliver Adams

            This was literally all they sent. Who is this bloke, Danielle, Oliver Adams? If he’s Ian’s brother, then he could unravel everything.

God what am I going to say to him? I type out a reply.

            To: Max Hardy

            From: Danielle Olsen

            Date: 25 June 2024 at 21:55

            Subject: Oliver Adams

            He used to know my parents. They were all living together at this house in Essex, Raven House. I’m here now.

I don’t have to wait long before he replies.

            To: Danielle Olsen

            From: Max Hardy

            Date: 25 June 2024 at 21:55

            Subject: Oliver Adams

            Jesus you’re there now!!!! Danielle your parents must’ve escaped that place for a reason, you need to get out.

I send a reply.

            To: Max Hardy

            From: Danielle Olsen

            Date: 25 June 2024 at 21:56

            Subject: Oliver Adams

            I know I do, but not until I find out the truth.

I pick up Mum’s diary which is sitting on my bedside cabinet and flick through. Mum didn’t write in it every day, just every other day. I turn to December 1990 and begin to read.