Dead Secret

by Noelle Holten

  Olivia stood and did a twirl, ending with a curtsey. ‘Do you see any?’ Laughing, she sat back down.

  ‘Do you have any more questions for my client? I hope you’ll note that she has cooperated throughout this whole interview.’

  Maggie looked at Olivia who was tugging on her sleeve. ‘Is there anything you’d like to add, Ms Hastings?’ They had more than enough to charge her, but even with her cooperation it seemed there were some things she just wanted to avoid answering. Maggie hoped it was because she maybe wasn’t the psychopath they thought she was. That maybe she had some regret at harming her family. That view soon changed when Olivia pulled a pen out of her sleeve and lunged across the table towards Maggie. Kat jumped across and knocked the sharpened implement out of Olivia’s hand, sustaining a cut to her arm in the process. Maggie hit the alarm button and within seconds, a group of officers were in the room.

  She stood and as they were leading Olivia away, Maggie read out the charges.

  ‘Olivia Hastings, you are charged with the murder of Linda Eveleigh, Tim Griffiths, Sophia Hastings, and Joe Clayton. You are also charged with the attempted murder of PC Mark Fielding and Vicki Wilkinson and the attempted murder and abduction of DCI David Hastings.’

  ‘Make sure everyone knows the truth or you might find that you’re next, DC Jamieson.’

  Chapter Eighty-Two

  Maggie consoled Lucy Sherwood as they stood and listened to the priest at the burial site. Maggie wasn’t much of a crier but even she felt emotional. Nathan winked at her from the other side of the grave and she smiled. No one had expected things to end like this.

  He had made some progress and seemed to be pulling through, but eventually his body had given up.

  ‘He was taken too soon, and I can’t help but think it was all my fault,’ Lucy sniffed and held a soggy tissue up to her nose.

  ‘Here.’ Maggie handed Lucy a fresh pack of tissues. ‘You can’t keep blaming yourself. He certainly wouldn’t want it,’ she whispered.

  ‘Thanks. I’ll be fine. It’s just a lot to take in.’ Lucy blew her nose.

  ‘Are you coming back to HQ after this? They have one of the large conference rooms set up – food and stuff. I think people will also be going to a pub after that.’

  ‘I shouldn’t, I left poor Vicki on her own and we have a lot to do now that the opening was delayed.’

  Maggie nodded.

  Everyone was silent as they watched the coffin being lowered into the ground.

  DCI Hastings would be remembered fondly by his colleagues.

  The crowd started to disperse. As Lucy turned to go, Maggie caught her arm. ‘How is Mark?’

  A smile lit up her face. ‘He’s much better now and getting stronger every day. I think they’ll be discharging him soon, but he won’t be back at work for a little while. Once they learned that Ronnie … I mean Olivia had spiked his tea with GHB and then injected him with insulin she stole from his car, his symptoms made sense and they monitored him. There’s no long-term damage from her attempt at trying to suffocate him – thank God. He’s going to stay in one of the rooms at the haven.’

  ‘Oh yeah?’ Maggie nudged her.

  ‘Behave! It’s so I can look after him. Just until he’s ready to go back to his flat.’ She wagged her finger. ‘Wipe that dirty smile off your face.’

  Maggie held up her hands in defeat. ‘Okay. Okay. If you say so.’

  The drive to Stafford Police HQ was silent. It was hard to think of anything but the grief felt when you lost a colleague. A few members of both sides of the Hastings’s family had appeared but left soon after the joint burial – no doubt to grieve privately and probably question whether they could have done something. A natural reaction. The truth, though, was that because the families had been estranged, there was little for them to know. DCI Hastings clearly wanted to keep what was happening in his family private. Olivia Hastings had manipulated the whole situation so well, that as things had unravelled, even his colleagues had been questioning him. It seemed she had been planning things for almost two years. Setting the scene. Casting doubts. The more Maggie thought about it, the more unreal it all sounded.

  ‘What do you think is going to happen now?’ Nathan turned to her.

  ‘You mean about the DCI post?’

  Nathan nodded.

  ‘I get the impression that Meechan won’t be staying. He definitely loves the glory – he’s been involved in more press conferences than Hastings ever was since I joined the team over ten years ago!’

  ‘Yeah. The guv did say he does things mainly for his own success. I wonder if she’ll go for the post.’ The last sentence was more of an observation; Maggie didn’t think DI Rutherford would be interested, but you never can tell.

  ‘Are you going to the pub after this?’ Maggie had debated whether she should go or not; it might be easier if Nathan was going. All this had made her more certain than ever to get the home vs work life balance. She wasn’t getting any younger and all she seemed to do was work. She definitely didn’t want to end up burned out before her time.

  ‘I think I might. You should come too – it would be good to see the less serious side of you. Who knows, people may start to warm to you.’ A crooked smile formed and he leaned towards the door; she was tempted to punch him in the arm.

  ‘Funny you should say that! I think I will go – just don’t cramp my style.’ She laughed.

  They pulled into police HQ and once parked, headed inside to where the rest of the police would be.

  ‘I’ll see you up there, okay? I’ve just got to speak to the guv.’ He waved at DI Rutherford who was at the far end of the room, speaking with a few other people.

  ‘Sure. I’ll let them know.’

  Upstairs, Maggie was greeted by people she had worked with over her many years in the force. Small talk mainly as she walked around the room – looking at all the faces. Lots of red eyes, some sad smiles. The drinks would be flowing tonight.

  Maggie’s stomach fluttered when she spotted Julie Noble, who waved her over.

  ‘Wow. That was some service. So many people. I’ll be doing a write-up if you want to contribute something.’ Julie looked in her eyes.

  Damn this woman. Maggie hoped she didn’t realize the effect she had on her. The whole case made Maggie think about her own family and the secret she was keeping from her parents. It might be time for her to share some revelations.

  ‘That’s really nice. I’m sure the family will appreciate it … unless you’re going to make it quite harsh?’ Maggie knew she shouldn’t underestimate Julie.

  ‘I know I have a reputation, but even I know what happened was a complete tragedy and the only person to blame is that daughter of theirs. I hope the bitch rots in prison.’

  Maggie was surprised at the venom in Julie’s voice. ‘Sounds like you have some secrets of your own. Care to share?’ Maggie reached out and brushed her arm.

  Julie’s face softened. ‘Another day, perhaps. Are you going to the pub afterwards?’

  ‘I think I might, yes. How about you?’

  ‘Is that an invite, DC Jamieson?’ A smiled crept over her lips.

  ‘It is. I could use a laugh and as much as you annoy the hell out of me, you have your moments.’

  Julie’s eyes widened.

  ‘What?’ Maggie looked over her shoulder in the direction that Julie had her eyes focused on.

  ‘Holy shit!’ Maggie waved and walked towards the door. ‘What the hell are you doing here?’

  ‘Sure, it’s lovely to see you too, Maggie.’ Dr Kate Moloney pulled Maggie in for a hug. The pair squeezed each other tightly.

  ‘I wasn’t expecting you. Are you back for good or is this just a flying visit?’ A million questions raced through Maggie’s mind. Kate looked different. Although her hair was still black, she had cut it into a mid-length bob and coloured the tips purple. Maggie reached out and touched her hair. ‘Love the new look. You seem really happy.’

  ‘I am. I took the ti
me I needed and realized how much I missed working in the teams. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but I couldn’t hide away forever. So …’

  ‘What? Don’t keep me guessing!’ Maggie pulled on Kate’s arm, cajoling her to carry on.

  ‘Well, the Domestic Abuse and Homicide Unit is disbanding but merging with the Integrated Offender Management Unit and I’ve been asked to stay on and continue working with them.’

  ‘Oh right.’ Maggie’s shoulders slumped. ‘Well, that’s good.’

  ‘I haven’t finished.’ She raised an eyebrow. ‘It will be part of the week – two days. The other three days I have accepted a consulting role in the Major and Organised Crime Department. So … once I have got my flat sorted, you’ll be stuck with me once again. That okay with you?’ Kate’s head tilted, and Maggie laughed.

  ‘I think I can learn to deal with that.’

  Chapter Eighty-Three

  Olivia Hastings had been sectioned for an assessment, as her solicitor was going for a temporary insanity defence. Maggie had no doubt that there were some serious issues with the woman; she was a psychopath, and no amount of treatment or therapy would change her. She didn’t want to change. Olivia was wrong. She wasn’t free and she never would be.

  She had watched her mother cry so often she had mastered the emotion, even though she couldn’t feel anything but annoying drips of water falling down her face. The psychiatrist she was being forced to see said she lacked emotion; her motivation to kill was about control and she spent years putting her plan together.

  Her adoptive father never laid a hand on her mother – oh no – Olivia was angry that he thought he could just get rid of her by having her locked up in an institution. When he first mentioned hospitalization two years before, she was furious but it kickstarted everything that had led up to this day. No one would lock her up like an animal. Her mother cried – but didn’t stand up for her. She paid the price for her deception.

  Olivia watched outside the large glass window while she waited for her solicitor. Girlfriends smiling. Children laughing. What makes them feel those emotions? For Olivia, it didn’t matter how hard she tried, she just didn’t feel anything. Well, nothing good. She blocked out the pain. She felt anger. She wanted to hurt people. Because she could. And she would again. After all, she had some time on her hands.

  Chapter Eighty-Four

  Six Weeks Later

  Sarah struggled with the groceries as she walked up the pathway towards her door. She hoped that Justin was back from his overnight trip – some consultation training – as she didn’t fancy having to dig through her handbag to find her keys. She used her foot to knock on the door and shouted: ‘Justin, are you in? My hands are full – can you open the door?’ She waited and then heard her neighbour call out: ‘I haven’t seen him come home yet, love. Do you need a hand?’

  She smiled at Mrs Burgess. ‘Ah no. It’s fine. Thank you though.’ Sarah put down the bags and searched for her keys. Right at the very bottom. Typical. She unlocked the door and picked up the bags at her feet. Sarah walked into the kitchen and lay the bags on the counter. She picked up the remote when she saw the time, deciding she would catch up on the news as she put the groceries away. She was surprised that Justin wasn’t home yet. He was usually the first one in.

  She recognized the voice of the reporter on the TV. She couldn’t remember her name but knew she had been involved in a few cases that Maggie had worked on. The journalist was standing on the road and behind her were fire trucks – a huge blaze in the background they were fighting to put out.

  Sarah stopped what she had been doing and stared at the television screen as the reporter’s words rang inside her head in snippets.

  Huge fire

  Suspected arson

  Unidentified body found

  Even before the journalist read out the location, Sarah knew. It was her husband’s building.

  ‘Oh my god. No!’ Sarah looked on the counter for her handbag. She found her mobile and punched in her husband’s number.

  It rang out and the answerphone kicked in. ‘Justin. Oh my god – I’ve just seen the news. Please ring me as soon as you get this.’ Tears flowed down her face. He must have got out. He wouldn’t be at work this time. It had to be someone else’s body.

  She continued to watch the news, hoping more details would be released but even as she stared at the screen, nothing was sinking in. A knock on the door shook her out of her thoughts.

  She ran to the doorway, hoping Justin had forgot his keys. ‘Oh my god I was so wor—’ It wasn’t Justin. It was the police.

  ‘Are you Mrs Hardy?’ the officer asked.

  ‘Yes. What is it? Is it my husband? Have you found him?’

  ‘I’m sorry, Mrs Hardy, can I come in?’ He smiled.

  ‘Of course.’ Sarah stepped out of the way and let the officer in. ‘Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?’

  ‘No, thank you. Can we go and sit down?’

  ‘Sure.’ Sarah showed the officer to the lounge and sat. ‘What is this about? You’re scaring me.’

  ‘I’m really sorry to have to tell you this – but there has been a fire at your husband’s office.’

  ‘I know! I just saw it on the news. Who was in the building? Have you contacted my husband? I can’t get a hold of him on his mobile.’

  ‘I’m really sorry to have to tell you this, but we’ll need you to come down to the station. A body was discovered in the building once the fire was put out. It was,’ he coughed, ‘burned beyond recognition; however, we found some items which we believe belonged to your husband and would like you to identify them while we wait for the DNA results to come back. We believe the body is that of your husband, Justin Hardy—’

  The scream was deafening.

  THE END

  Don’t miss the fifth Maggie Jamieson Thriller coming in November 2021:

  * * *

  DEAD MERCY

  * * *

  Get your copy right here!

  Acknowledgments

  I’d like to thank everyone who has cheered me on and supported me so far on my writing journey. I’m so grateful to be able to share my stories and I can’t do that without any of you.

  I’d like to thank my family and friends both near and far, for the tremendous support they have given me – my dad, who I talk to more now that he is gone – I can hear his voice and that gives me comfort. I’d also like to thank my stepmom, Pauline Holten, for continuing to champion my books to everyone she meets in Ireland. My sister Julie and my mom – who fly the Canadian flag along with my brother Tony, Shane and my niece Josianne Boudreau. And to Paula, Christopher and Jimmie – you all mean the world to me.

  A massive thanks to my editor Bethan Morgan for her patience, understanding, guidance and belief in me as a writer and to the whole One More Chapter team, who have been fantastic since this crazy journey began – Charlotte, Mel and Claire – you rock!

  Special thanks to my beta readers and everyone who has allowed me to use their names! And for the most part, their characters are nothing like them in real life … ha ha!

  A heart-felt thank you to all the authors and festival peeps who have been so incredibly supportive, you have no idea how much it means to me – you know who you are – a thousand #thankyous would never be enough. So many to name, but I love each one of you!

  To the crime writing community – do you know how fantastic you are? I wish I could name each and every one of you – your kind words, encouragement, inspiration and overwhelming support continues to amaze me. Don’t ever change.

  To the blogging community and my blogger friends, I want to name you all, but I can’t – so if you are reading this and thinking “is she talking about me?” the answer, as always, is – Hell yeah, I am! Love you all. Special mention to Sarah Hardy for organising the most EPIC blog tours via Book on the Bright Side Publicity. And thanks to Berit Lohn for organising the first Instatour for me.

  A massive thanks to the Bookouture te
am (both the authors and my colleagues) for all the amazing advice and cheers!

  Of course, I will always mention Tamworth Probation/Tamworth IOM; Stafford IOM; and all my remarkable ex-colleagues within the Police and Probation Service. Your dedication and professionalism astound me – I may be gone but you will never be forgotten.

  Finally, a massive thanks to all the readers. There are just no words to convey how much your support and reviews have meant to me. You make me believe I can keep on doing this and give me a reason to write.

  A Note from Noelle

  I said this in my debut novel, Dead Inside, but it is worth noting once again. The book is set in Staffordshire; however, I have used some literary licence by making up names of towns/places to fit with the story.

  Having been a Senior/Probation Officer for 18 years, I left in 2017. There are some references to the changes that were implemented in 2015, but I went all nostalgic and some of the work/terms refer to a time when Probation was all one service – though it seems I may have been psychic as the service is coming together under the public banner once again. Regardless, it made things a lot less complicated. Any errors to police procedure/probation or any other agency mentioned within the story are purely my own or intentional to move the story forward. And if you think something sounds unbelievable – don’t be so sure – fact is often stranger than fiction!

  Thank you for reading…

  We hope you enjoyed Dead Secret!

  * * *

  Do leave a review if so on all your preferred platforms to help spread the word!