From the Dark

by K. A. Richardson

  ‘Do you need an ambulance, miss?’ Chris motioned towards her face and Toni realised the bruising must be starting to show. ‘No, I’m okay, thanks. Shit – my door. I can’t lock it, it’s hanging off its hinges. What if he comes back before you catch him?’

  ‘He won’t. I’ll sort the door – give me a minute to ring someone.’ Mark left her with Chris and walked out into the hallway.

  ‘Sit. Start at the beginning and tell me what happened.’ Chris put her at ease instantly, and she followed suit and sat down at the kitchen table.

  20th December, 1805 hours – South Cantow Travellers Site

  Duke had been swearing at himself all the way home. Pulling up in the van, he jumped out and shouted for his cousin, James.

  ‘Take the van – burn the fucker out somewhere. Cops will be looking for it so switch the plates before you leave.’

  James didn’t say anything – the community stood together. Without question. He took the keys off Duke, and headed back to his caravan.

  Duke jumped up the stairs to his own static and flung the door open. ‘Mum – the pigs are gunna be coming looking for me. I’m heading out – need to lay low for a bit. Needless to say, my plans to get Antonia back where she belongs didn’t go well.’

  ‘What did you do? Are you okay?’ Adeline Bain was not a woman to cross – Duke knew his mum wouldn’t grass him up but she wouldn’t let him get away without answering her questions first.

  ‘I’m fine, Mum. Was trying to get Antonia home when a fucking pig kicked the door in. Wouldn’t have tried to force the issue so soon if I’d known she was seeing a cop.’

  ‘Patience never was your strong suit. Head to Carmen’s house – you can stay there until the heat dies down. I’ll contact you once the police have been. You’re a bloody idiot getting yourself on their radar like that. I don’t even understand why you’re so obsessed with Antonia – she left years ago, abandoned all of us. She’s shunned for goodness sake, why you’d want her back in the community is beyond me.’

  ‘The heart wants what the heart wants, Mum. Just leave it. Pack me a bag, will you? Don’t forget my charger. I’ll leave in a couple of minutes.’

  His mum gave him a curt nod and headed back to his bedroom. The static was one of the larger ones on the site. He had four bedrooms – the kids shared two between them and he had his own and there was a spare. His mum had her own smaller van but she often stayed over at his. The decoration inside was typical for the community – a large cross was mounted on the wall near the kitchen – Christ was always present in everything they did. Duke didn’t care so much for the religious side of being a Romani but it was part and parcel of the culture, so he left the cross hanging. There were old pictures on the wall – relations that had died and been buried in the local cemetery. Gone but always with their family.

  Duke knew the belief system in place like the back of his hand – he didn’t agree with all of it, especially things like the purity rules. But he would abide by them. Nobody here need ever know how he acted when he was at the abattoir: it would be considered impure at best. At worst… well that didn’t even bear thinking about. Most Romani weren’t known for their understanding and empathy. He couldn’t help the thrill he got from killing, it was second nature to him. There would never be a need for his mum and family to find out because he was so good at hiding it.

  He knew he got his ruthlessness from his mum – she’d always been that way. But she was also heavily into the traditional rules and how things should be. It was amazing she’d never tried to marry him off again since Bette had disappeared. Duke knew he was prime pickings – the son of one of the wealthiest of the Romani families. All that wealth and stature would be his one day – and all would be passed on to his own kids.

  As long as he never got found out.

  Duke would always do what he needed to prevent that happening.

  Thoughtfully, he touched the cross on the wall. Despite his predilections, he’d always believed in something after death. Maybe the people he killed went on to a better place, maybe he’d be thrust into the depths of hell for his actions. Whatever the outcome for anyone involved, it was the one secret he’d take to his grave. He brushed his lips over the cold figure of Christ mounted on the cross, an image of Bette bursting into his mind.

  His mother would have a complete meltdown if she knew that Bette was buried underneath the very caravan he lived in – his wife had been the first person he’d killed. She’d denied him one thing and he’d lost it – only realising afterwards that it had caused him more pleasure killing her, than it ever had being her husband.

  It wouldn’t be the same with Antonia, though – he knew deep down that they were meant to be. Once he got her back here and she settled back into the life, she’d never deny him anything.

  It was written in the stars. She was his betrothed – always had been and always would be. He’d make sure of it.

  20th December, 2010 hours – Toni’s flat, Harrison Gardens

  The electric screwdriver sounded one last time and Mark’s brother, Joseph, stepped away from the newly secured door.

  ‘I’ve stuck you a couple of dead locks on inside too, they can help. I’ll pop back tomorrow once I’ve got some metal supports to reinforce the door with. He won’t be getting in again. Here’s your new keys – two sets. Give one set to someone you trust.’ Mark pulled his brother into a hug, slapping him on the back.

  ‘Thanks for dropping everything and coming out, Bro. Ma said for you and Toni to come round for breakfast tomorrow – she loved seeing you this morning. You know she’s in her element when the house is full. And I know she’s eager to meet your… friend.’

  Mark didn’t acknowledge the pause over Joseph’s description. Out of all of them, Joseph and Annie were the chippies, both of them adept at DIY and fixing stuff. Annie had accompanied Joseph and was sitting talking to Toni at the kitchen table. She’d helped clean up all the broken glass and tidy the flat while he helped Joseph with the door.

  Seeing they were finished, Annie grabbed her bag and smiled at Mark smugly as she pushed past into the corridor. ‘Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, Bro,’ she said with a wink before heading down the stairs to the exit.

  ‘Never was one for subtlety, our sis, was she?’ Joseph grinned at him and followed.

  Mark closed the door, and flicked the button that secured the lock in place. Sliding the deadbolts across, he made sure both worked perfectly before unlocking everything and turning to face Toni.

  ‘Thanks for this,’ she said. ‘I know it was a big deal asking your family to help me. I remembered Annie from school but she’s grown into herself. She’s a strong woman. Decisive. I like her.’

  ‘She likes you too. Did you, erm, hear Joseph’s invitation from my mum for brekkie tomorrow? I understand if you don’t want to come. It’s probably a bit weird, especially after everything you’ve been through today. You don’t have to come if you don’t want to.’

  ‘I want to. It’ll be great meeting your family – I have vague recollections of some of them but I don’t know that I’ve ever seen all of you in one place together. If you’re sure you don’t mind me coming, that is?’

  Mark smiled and shook his head. Mind? I’m actually happier than I’ve felt for ages.

  ‘I suppose I’d better get going. You should get some rest, and another icepack for your face. The swelling’s gone down but it won’t hurt to sit with it for a bit longer.’

  ‘Stay. Please? I don’t want to be on my own. You can choose what to watch if I can choose the takeaway?’ For a second a hint of vulnerability flashed across Toni’s face as she said the words. She masked it quickly, obviously preparing for him to decline, but he didn’t. Mark didn’t want to be anywhere other than with her right now.

  They sat down on the sofa next to each other – a respectable gap between them. Toni reached across him to get the remote off the small side table.

  ‘Movie or series?’

  ‘What
ever you’re in the mood for.’

  ‘The deal was you choose what to watch – pizza’s okay, right? I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like pizza. Though pineapple on the top is just…’

  ‘Wrong,’ finished Mark with a grin.

  Chapter 15

  20th December, 2210 hours – Axa Nightclub, Edinburgh

  Francis sat in a darkened corner of the club. He didn’t want Lee to know he’d come to see him, but he knew he needed to know what was going on. Lee hadn’t been returning his calls since he’d stayed over the other night. And Francis wanted to know why.

  During several conversations, Lee had disclosed that Axa was his favourite club and he went there all the time. Tonight was Nineties Night – there was already a throng of people filtering through the doors and jumping around to the hideous nineties music. If it could even be called that. It wasn’t something Francis had ever been a fan of – he much preferred classical, Mozart and Bach being his favourites.

  Lee had entered with another lad a few minutes ago – they’d grabbed a drink and were already on the dance floor gyrating, plainly pissed already. He frowned – this wasn’t how it was supposed to go. He liked Lee – a lot. He wanted him again – more than he’d wanted anyone for a long time. But if Lee was going to shag about with all and sundry then perhaps his affection was misplaced.

  Francis knew Lee would be amazing in bed once he got going: the taster he’d had the other night just served as proof of this. And he knew Lee would be even more amazing strung up on the rack, until Francis had pleasured himself completely.

  The rack had been a genius thought a few years ago. He kept it in his van, mounted in the rear section, allowing him to take pleasure wherever and whenever he wanted. It looked almost medieval and had, since its installation, provided Francis with a vast amount of pleasure. He’d moved it to the van after it had almost been found by Mark McKay during the investigation surrounding Steven. Francis had scrambled to vacate the flat he’d rented on the outskirts of the city as soon as he’d been released on bail.

  Francis sighed softly – he missed Steven. That young man had been so pliable, so easy to control. He wasn’t Lee, though. Lee was something else.

  Even now the thought of Lee hooked up, naked and pale under the mood lights he had fitted into the ceiling of the van, made him horny. It’s not supposed to be like this. He’s supposed to be with me now, heading to the house and begging for some painful pleasure.

  Francis felt his gaze darken as his mind switched to remembering instead of fantasizing. Steven had been just precious – so willing to do whatever Francis wanted without question or complaint. The neck binds were designed to tighten when the person in them struggled. Steven had a safe word but he’d never used it. Not even when he’d started turning blue – granted Francis now knew he probably couldn’t have spoken if he’d wanted to. But in Francis’s mind, he’d never tried. The whole thing had been fascinating.

  He couldn’t help but watch – the terror on Steven’s face the biggest turn on he’d ever felt. When Steven had stopped struggling against the neck bonds, Francis had finally come to the realisation that he’d let it go too far. He hadn’t wanted to kill Steven – not really. But seeing him die had been strangely satisfying.

  Now he wanted to get Lee on the rack – watch Lee even closer than he had Steven. Lee was prettier anyway – the hair was about the same shade of blond, but Lee’s cheekbones were higher where Steven’s had been sunken. And that tight arse snug inside the skinny jeans he was wearing tonight, well that was just calling out for Francis to pay it attention.

  The young man Lee was with leaned in and grabbed Lee’s head, pulling him to his lips for a deep kiss. Francis saw red. Lee was his. If he didn’t leave the club right this minute, he’d end up getting himself in bother. Seeing another man’s lips on his precious Lee was almost his undoing. He stumbled as he practically ran for the door, already thinking about how he could lure Lee back to his side.

  He’d had young men since Steven, several in fact, but none had been as attractive as Lee. Francis knew he’d already fallen hard. None of this made sense! He hadn’t messed up once – he knew he hadn’t. Lee had been on the verge of sleeping with him properly – unless he’d scared him off helping himself to what Lee had on offer while he was virtually unconscious. Lee hadn’t seemed to mind, but maybe his signals were crossed and he was wrong.

  Once outside, he hit the wall hard with his fist, grimacing as pain shot up his wrist to his elbow. This isn’t on – he’s mine!

  Maybe he should confront Lee, before the one he was with took him home and had his wicked way with him. Lee deserved better than that – he deserved someone who could treat him and buy him presents, the way Francis would. Money didn’t buy everything – people said it couldn’t buy love – but Francis knew better. Young men were much more willing to fall in love when they were paid for it.

  He frowned – maybe that was his mistake. He hadn’t bought Lee anything yet – maybe he needed an incentive. It almost killed him leaving Lee inside the club, but right now Lee had to do what he wanted. Tomorrow when Francis rang to tell him about his surprise, he’d come around and they would be together. Francis knew deep down that this would be the case.

  True love is always destined to have struggles. Those struggles will be over tomorrow.

  Sighing, Francis made his way back to his Mercedes sprinter van. Needing to feel at ease, he pulled the side door open and hopped inside. Flicking the switch on the inside wall, the back of the van was illuminated with pink. The red luxury rug he’d put on the floor was soft and he bent down, running his hand slowly over its velvety texture slowly. This rug had seen a lot.

  His eyes were drawn to the rack – mounted on the opposite wall of the van. A smooth section at waist height, neck restraints further up, foot and hand restraints at either side. A person could be positioned standing or bent over the middle section.

  His cock hardened at the thought of Lee bent over and secured, pliable and begging for Francis to take him hard.

  Take you I will, Lee. Tomorrow you will be mine.

  21st December, 0650 hours – Toni’s flat, Harrison Gardens

  Mark stirred – he felt like he’d slept for a week and had no trouble waking his mind up. He noted something different – the smell in his bedroom wasn’t the same. He opened his eyes a crack and realised Toni was laid across his chest, one arm tucked tight into her chest. She was still fast asleep, her breathing deep and even.

  He’d never have guessed a couch could be so comfy – moving his wrist he checked the time. Too late to snooze.

  Mark didn’t want to move – moving would mean Toni had to wake up. And he was more than happy where they were. He rubbed the hand with the watch on over his face – the only hand that wasn’t pinned beneath Toni’s welcome weight. He had to admit it felt nice having her lying across him – normal almost. Like he couldn’t really remember a time when she hadn’t been there.

  Without him having to wake her, though, she moved into a stretch and opened her eyes, staring at him. She leaned forward and kissed him before he could even think to say morning. The shock knocked his breath away but she didn’t notice, deepening the kiss, her tongue pushing against his lips softly. Just like that the surprise ebbed and he starting kissing her back, adjusting his position so he held her with one hand and sank the other into her hair.

  When she groaned and squirmed against him, he knew he had to stop. They had plans this morning and if they didn’t stop, he was in no doubt they’d be heading to the bedroom and staying there all day.

  ‘Babe, we need to get up. We said we’d be at my mam’s and I really need to go to work after breakfast. The post-mortem of the latest victim starts at 10am. If this continues, neither of us will be leaving this flat.’

  Toni pouted at him – he’d never seen her pout before and it made him smile widely. ‘I’m sorry, I promise I’ll be back tonight – we’ll start right where we stop, okay?’

 
She responded by capturing his mouth again, and suddenly all reason went out of his head. He was lost in an ocean of swirling sea without a life raft – at this precise moment he couldn’t think of anything other than kissing her back as hard as she was kissing him.

  Toni broke the kiss, pushing herself up off his chest with a smile. Her cheeks were flushed and she smiled down at him.

  ‘Come on then, Romeo. Breakfast it is. Both bedrooms have an en suite – in the interests of total honesty, I really want you to join me in mine but you’re right: we wouldn’t be leaving if that happens. Tonight. It’s a date.’

  She left Mark staring after her in stunned silence as she made her way to the bedroom at the back, glancing over her shoulder and grinning at him again.

  He ended up turning the temperature down on the shower – he desperately needed to cool off – he couldn’t get the feel of waking up with her on top of him out of his mind. Whatever spell she’d cast, he was well and truly caught. And what’s more he didn’t feel guilty about it because she was reciprocating to the same level. There was no pressure – it just was.

  21st December, 0955 hours – mortuary, Edinburgh Royal Hospital

  After spending a good couple of hours at his mam’s home, Mark had come to the realisation that his family loved Toni – which wasn’t a surprise really when he thought about it – she was lovely. Annie had pulled him to one side and told him not to fuck it up – and for a second, he’d been indignant, not believing he’d ever been that guy. Then she’d pointed out his past conquests and he’d realised she was right – he had messed up the others with one thing and another.

  It had led to some contemplation on his way to the mortuary after dropping Toni back at her flat with strict instructions to utilise all the locks on the door and to ring him if she needed anything. He knew Joseph had got the parts he’d needed to finish securing the door and was headed over at lunch time so leaving Toni alone wasn’t worrying him too much even though Duke was still on the loose.