Behind The Pretty Pink Door: Have you met the new neighbours yet?

by M J Hardy

  “What, the one we lost because they convinced the Judge the police had planted the evidence?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why, what’s that got to do with this case?”

  “Nothing, it’s just that I thought I saw the man they freed, Charlie Davis, the other day and he’s living around the corner from me.”

  “Bad luck, I’d move if I were you.”

  “Do you still have the file, I’d love to look over it, you know, set my mind at rest?”

  Thomas shrugs and looks in two minds and then nods towards his office. “Why not, the case is closed after all, I can’t see any harm in it?”

  I follow him to his office but feel a little groggy. It must be a combination of the pills, the stress and the ear bashing I was just subjected to.

  As Thomas starts looking for the file, I take a moment to text Liam.

  Jasmine: Hey, babe, bad news. Nancy’s just texted and told me Matt’s at our house, dropping my possessions on the front lawn. I can’t leave because I’m in enough trouble as it is. What shall we do?

  He replies immediately.

  Liam: That’s all we need. How did he find us? I don’t think I’ve given the address to anyone, have you?

  I think hard but come up with nothing and dash off a quick response.

  Jasmine: No, I can’t think of anyone I’ve told. What about your mum, did you tell her?

  Liam: No, she said she didn’t want to know. It’s too late to worry about it now. I’ll head home and see what a mess he’s made. Don’t worry, I’ll sort it.

  Jasmine: Be careful, he may be around and knowing Matt, is spoiling for a fight. Sorry to leave you to deal with it. It’s a problem though because what if he comes back?

  Liam: I’ll deal with my brother. You just make sure you breathe and try not to stress about it. Remember I love you and we always knew this was a possibility. At least it’s happened now. Maybe we can all move on after this. I must go, I’ve got a conference call but don’t worry and I’ll see you later.

  Feeling a little better, I take the file Thomas offers me with a grateful smile.

  “Thanks, I’ll check out his profile and give it back. I’m sorry, but I just need to set my mind at rest.”

  “Sure, I’d be the same. That aside, it’s likely we’ll be here well after hours, I’ll order some pizza in and we can go over this bastards’ good points one more time. If ever I need a drink, it’s now, but let’s just nail this and move it on because I’m struggling to breathe under the stench of depravity that man has surrounding him.”

  Feeling weary, I head back to my office, clutching a file I have no business reading. I should be focusing all my efforts on this case and what’s happening at home, but something is niggling me about Charlie Evans. He’s up to something, I know he is and it concerns number 9. What’s going on behind that pretty pink door because whatever it is, I’m guessing it’s far from legal.

  By the time I pull into my driveway, I’m at breaking point. The pills don’t seem to be working and I wonder if I should increase my dose. I know Liam hates me taking them because he’s worried they’re affecting me. I keep on telling him it’s only while I’m working on this case. I need the energy they give me allowing me to work long into the night, but I’m not eating well and drinking too much, which is making them affect me a little differently.

  My eyes burn with fatigue and my heart races as I think about Matthew knowing where we live. Will he come back when we’re here? Is he watching us now and should I expect a confrontation on the doorstop one day? What would I say to him because the sight of his hurt expression has me reaching for another pill? He didn’t deserve what we did. He was always a loving husband that lacked Liam’s excitement and flair. He was quieter, safer, and dare I say it—boring. Liam is like a bolt of lightning, a spark of electricity that sets me alight. He knows how to make a woman feel sexy and desired, and I didn’t stop to think of Matthew in any of this. I wanted his brother and that’s as much as I thought about. Liam and I started a torrid affair that made me sizzle. Life was exciting and I couldn’t get enough. It still is because Liam and I are two of a kind. What we have was written in the stars and he’s my soulmate, I’m certain of it.

  As I settle down to read through the file, I think I’ll just scan it and make sure I get the measure of the man who makes me feel on edge.

  The more I read though, the more engrossed I get and the work I’m supposed to be doing gets forgotten as I delve into the past of a man who should be behind bars.

  Chapter 27

  Lola

  I hurt all over. I can taste blood in my mouth and the pain all over my body is almost too much to bear. The silence gives me a sense of safety, although as soon as I open my eyes, my worst fears are confirmed.

  I’m in trouble.

  I’m lying on the black sheeted bed with my arms secured to the bedposts, the same as the girl was when Mr Evans dragged me in here. I’m naked and any clothing I had on is now a distant memory because there is not a scrap of fabric touching my body. My wrists and ankles are cuffed and the camera is pointing right at me. I try to curb the panic because that won’t get me out of here. I need to think, and fast.

  I’m alone. I know that without even looking because of the silence in the room and the fact I hear movement on the floor below me.

  How long have I got before she—they return and make this nightmare a reality?

  My lips are dry and I feel weak from thirst and hunger. What did she give me? Whatever it is, knocked me out and has left me feeling dehydrated and slightly out of my mind. It all feels fuzzy and as if I’m in a bad dream, waiting for things to happen that have no place in normal life.

  The windows are covered, shutting out the light, and I wonder what time it is. Straining to hear anything, I just hear the dull sound of traffic from the road nearby. No children playing and no birds singing or dog’s barking. Is it night time? How long have I been unconscious, hours, days, weeks?

  I hear footsteps approaching and prepare myself for the full horror of what lies ahead and as the door opens, I hear the light sound of laughter as Mrs Evans appears beside me, wearing a silk robe and carrying a mug of tea. She sips it while looking down on me, her sharp gaze stripping me of any dignity I once had and showing me she is most definitely in control.

  “Good, you’re awake, I was wondering when the drug would wear off.”

  “What did you give me?” My voice sounds weak and pathetic, which is exactly how I’m feeling right now because the entire time I’ve been here, I’ve just accepted my fate with no questions or fight.

  I’m a fool. A weak, gullible fool, who deserves everything coming to her.

  But I don’t.

  Nobody deserves to be treated this way. It’s cruel, inhuman and wicked and that’s describes Mr and Mrs Evans perfectly because there has never been any humanity in their eyes. They are monsters of the worst kind, and they have me right where they want me.

  Crouching down beside the bed, Mrs Evans brings her face in line with mine and whispers, “Cheer up pretty doll. You’re going to make me and my husband a lot of money. In return, we will look after you. If you don’t cooperate, we’ll make it harder on you. Play the game and you’ll be treated well.”

  “Do I have a choice?”

  I feel bitter and not prepared to just go along with what they want, and she laughs softly. “Not really, the only choice you have is whether to do this the easy, or the hard way. I’d opt for the easy way because you’ll be doing this a long time. Your daddy’s debt is large and the interest is mounting by the hour. If you start work sooner rather than later, who knows, one day we may set you free. Stranger things have happened.”

  Swallowing the bile her words create, I have only one question, “Is my father ok?”

  “For now.” Her voice changes and bears the threat of something I know I won’t like, and I think fast.

  “What if I say I’ll do anything you ask if you let my father go? Let him li
ve and I’ll repay his debt in full. Promise me you’ll set him free and I’ll do whatever you ask. My life for his, it’s a fair exchange.”

  She looks at me thoughtfully, and I can see her mind working fast as she contemplates what I said.

  “Sounds interesting, what did you have in mind?”

  I think fast because now I’ve said the words, it makes perfect sense. It will buy us some time and if I have to suffer a little to save my father’s life, I will in a heartbeat. Maybe I’ll have to sacrifice myself until I can escape, but I’ll need to know he’s safe before I agree to anything, so I say carefully, “I want you to promise you’ll forget about my father. Let him recover and be free to live his life without fear. Then I’ll do whatever you say to pay back the debt. But I want a date on when the debt will be paid. When I know how long I’ve got, I’ll honour my side of the bargain. But you have to promise me first that you won’t go back on the deal we made.”

  Reaching out, Mrs Evans traces a path down my face towards my lips and inserts a freshly manicured nail into my mouth. I flinch but let her and her eyes gleam as she whispers, “I like the sound of that. I’ll put it to my husband. Maybe this is the best all round because the last thing I need is a husband in nick again. You’re a smart girl, your father should be proud. He doesn’t deserve your love though because he sacrificed you as quickly as he could think up a way out of the mess he’s made.”

  She straightens up and reaches beside her, lifting a glass of water to my lips, which I’m grateful to receive. As I feel the cold crystal liquid burning a trail inside me, she laughs softly. “Does that feel good, Lola, would you like me to show you how well I can care for you?”

  I nod fearing the result of the deal I just made and her face transforms into one of excitement.

  “I’ll call my husband and let him know everything’s changed. Then as soon as I call him off, I’ll set up your first client. Prepare yourself for a crash course in prostitution, honey, because I’m keen to get started. Excellent choice by the way, you may as well make this work for you, so I think we’ll start by setting up your audition recording.”

  “My audition?”

  She nods and heads across to the camera. “Yes, may as well drum up some interest. As soon as Charlie gives me the go ahead, I’m sending you viral. Prepare to be in demand honey because I’m expecting a busy few months ahead.”

  The click of the camera sets my heart racing.

  The sound of the computer starting fills my heart with fear.

  But it’s the look in Mrs Evan’s eyes as she turns to face me before she picks up her phone that strikes terror in my heart.

  I’m scared of Mrs Evans for a very good reason.

  Why do I feel as if I just sold my soul to the devil?

  What have I just done?

  Chapter 28

  Sandra

  Keith’s late. I try to carry on with supper but keep on glancing at the clock on the wall. The hours tick by and yet no word from him. Where is he?

  I try to contain the panic increasing as I wait. He’s never late. What’s happened?

  I feel sick and can’t concentrate, abandoning my preparations to look out of the window. I don’t like this. I have a bad feeling that something’s happened. Keith’s in trouble, I just know it.

  Frantically, I check my phone, the answerphone and our emails, but nothing.

  Turning on the local news, I listen eagerly for traffic updates, or news bulletins that may alert me to a holdup—anything.

  As the clock ticks past the hour, I pace the floor in fear. He’s in trouble. I know he’s in trouble and there’s nothing I can do about it, just stress about something out of my control.

  My heart hammers and my skin prickles with sweat. He’s not coming back; I know he isn’t.

  The tears build and I swallow hard, but a frightened sob escapes as I think about everything bad that could have happened.

  Should I call the police, is he injured, or worse? A sharp pain in my heart reminds me I need to keep my doctor’s appointment next week. It’s been a few months and I need to check everything’s ok.

  But it’s not ok because Keith is late.

  The sound of a car pulling onto our driveway has me standing as stiff as a statue. Is that Keith or someone else? Is this part of an operation to rob us and leave us for dead? Are they holding Keith and here with his keys to take what small amount we have left, or worse?

  I’m almost crying as I hear the key in the lock and the door opens. My legs almost fold as a foot steps across the threshold and my heart’s in my mouth as Keith appears and says crossly, “Traffic’s a nightmare, sorry I’m late.”

  Squeezing my eyes tightly shut, I feel the relief hit me hard as I say weakly, “I thought…”

  I see the concern on his face as he heads towards me, his arms outstretched and I fall into them with a mixture of relief and anger, whispering, “Why didn’t you call?”

  He pulls me close and mumbles into my hair, “Battery’s dead. I forgot to charge it, I’m sorry, love.”

  The relief causes me to sag against him and I whisper, “I thought…”

  “I’m sorry, I should have left earlier. Do you forgive me?”

  “Of course.”

  I know I’m being melodramatic and after all, he’s only thirty minutes late, but that’s all it takes to trigger the memory of a time when life changed in a matter of seconds. Since that day, I’ve been over-anxious, needy and scared and no amount of counselling has worked. I’m broken because of events out of my control. Will it ever go away?

  Keith leads me gently to the settee and pours me a stiff brandy. “Take a sip of this, love, it will steady your nerves.”

  My fingers shake as I do as he says and he sits besides me, holding my hand and reassuring me with a gentle squeeze and words of apology.

  As soon as I’ve settled down, the fear subsides and I say meekly, “I’m sorry, love. You know I can’t help it, don’t you?”

  “I know, you don’t have to apologise.”

  “But I do, Keith. I know it’s just as hard for you and I’m trying, but it just won’t go away.”

  “I know.”

  For a few minutes, we sit while we both calm down and it’s only later after we’ve eaten and life settles back to as normal as it gets before I remember the visit from the neighbours and what happened with Jasmine and Liam.

  As I fill him in, Keith looks worried.

  “That doesn’t sound good. In fact, I’m surprised by all of it. The people at number 9, Liam and Jasmine and their frankly shocking behaviour. What do you want to do about it because say the word and we’ll move if that’s what you want?”

  He turns to me and looks lovingly into my eyes and says sweetly, “What Sandra wants, Sandra gets, you know that, right?”

  “I know.”

  I smile and my heart rate subsides a little. Yes, whatever happens around us, at least we have each other. Thinking back on our marriage, I count my blessings that I walked through life with this man. Reliable, kind and driven, exactly the man I always dreamed of marrying. We’ve had a nice life and thought this would be the cherry on top of the cake. Meadow Vale. The place we lived out the rest of our days, surrounded by good people. Safety in numbers and nothing to worry about. Well, that was the plan, anyway.

  As we eat, we talk about the day’s events and Keith looks a worried man. “It’s not exactly what we thought it would be, is it love?”

  “Not really, I mean, frankly I’m shocked at the actions of people who should know better, but what can we do, it’s nothing to do with us, after all?”

  “Maybe but then again, we have a right to be concerned if there’s violence in the air. You hear it all the time and god only knows, we know more than most about being caught up in a criminal act. Like I said before, if you want to move, just say the word because as you know, I was undecided about moving here in the first place.”

  I look down because it’s true, Keith didn’t want to move here a
t all.

  He prefers our own space, hidden from view with no neighbours to worry about. But I moved here for him and he doesn’t even know it. This move was done for a reason because as it turns out, I have an illness that only me and my doctor know about.

  My check-up’s next week and I’m hoping for good news, but there’s a chance it’s there. Growing, festering, consuming my body and any chance of treatment will involve a painful process. I’m not sure I’m up to it and Keith is none the wiser, which is how I wanted it. I need to deal with this in my own way and on my own terms. Telling Keith that I may not have long is a conversation I’m a coward for not having. No, it’s easier this way. Hopefully the appointment will give me the all clear. It may just be explained innocently away and I’m given antibiotics to take the swelling down. Maybe the cyst they removed when Keith thought I was lunching with friends will prove innocent. A growth that comprises something that will be sorted now it’s gone from my body.

  Yes, I must remain positive because Keith needs me more than I need him. Keith without Sandra, Sandra without Keith, never going to happen.

  Chapter 29

  Esme

  The job application is firmly in the bag and the dinner is on the table by the time Lucas returns from work, smelling like a car engine.

  I wrinkle my nose and pull a face. “Can’t you change before you get home? Nobody wants a grease monkey dripping dirt and oil onto their freshly mopped floors.”

  “It never bothered you in our old house. In fact, you used to enjoy a bit of rough then, what’s changed?”

  “I’ve changed, we’ve changed. It’s all about bettering ourselves now. You should aim high, Lucas. Look for a job with prospects and managerial opportunities. We mix with high achievers now and need to keep up.”