Angels

by Jay Gill

  Perhaps it was the glow and energy from the morning sunshine, or the fresh sea air, or maybe it was just that life was simply wonderful right now, but whatever the reason, we were all in good spirits.

  Alice and Faith were showing Mum and Dad the trick they had taught Sandy, which was the name the girls had given the puppy for the time being, although it seemed to change by the hour. The trick appeared to consist of Faith holding Sandy’s bottom down while Alice instructed her to sit. Then at the correct moment, Faith would release Sandy and Alice would instruct her to come. I made a mental note to look into puppy training classes on Monday.

  Monica had been out for an early morning run; she had been out almost every morning since we’d arrived and was enjoying discovering new routes.

  ‘I’m all showered and changed,’ she said, as she appeared in the kitchen doorway. ‘Can I do anything? You look like you have it all under control.’

  ‘You wouldn’t have said that if you’d heard him earlier trying to figure out how to turn the oven on. I really wonder how he manages to solve complex investigations when he can’t figure out an oven,’ said Mum.

  Dad tried to back me up. ‘You know, I think it’s his injury. He’s still a little off his game. It’s probably the painkillers.’

  Everyone laughed; that sound was good to hear.

  ‘Don’t give me that,’ Mum retorted. ‘You’re just as bad. I think it’s men. If it’s not a challenge or game or toy, they’re not interested. They’re little boys from the day they’re born until the day they die.’

  ‘So how do you account for this culinary masterpiece I’m cooking up?’ I said.

  ‘Maybe we should reserve judgement until after we taste it,’ said Monica, then gave me a wink and a kiss on the cheek. ‘So, who’s up for a beach walk after breakfast?’ she asked.

  ‘Sounds lovely,’ said Mum.

  ‘We’ll need to get going just after lunch,’ said Dad. ‘The traffic could be heavy this afternoon. The A31 can get busy, from what I’ve heard. Lots of people heading back home after a weekend away.’

  The phone in the hall started ringing and I left Monica and Dad to serve up the breakfast while I took the call. ‘James Hardy speaking.’

  ‘Can I speak to Detective Chief Inspector James Hardy, please?’

  ‘This is James Hardy. I’m retired. I’m no longer a DCI.’ I felt a pang of sorrow as I said it.

  ‘Hullo, sir. Sorry to call you at home. This is Detective Sergeant Emma Cotton. I know it’s not strictly protocol, but I thought I should call you.’

  ‘What is it, Sergeant?’

  ‘A body has been found, sir. It’s very likely murder.’

  ‘I need to stop you there, Sergeant. I’m no longer—’ My mind was racing and a million questions and worries were on the tip of my tongue. I could feel the Scotland Yard detective in me resurfacing.

  Sergeant Cotton continued without pause, ‘He’s tied to Bournemouth Pier. It looks like he was . . . mutilated. Some children spotted him when the tide went out.’

  ‘Have you secured the crime scene?’

  ‘Yes, sir. There’s another thing you should know.’

  ‘What’s that?’

  ‘There was a similar death a few weeks ago.’ I could hear the sergeant’s voice trembling. ‘I shouldn’t have called. It’s just I know you’ve worked some very big homicide investigations. And, well – would you take a look, sir?’

  I said nothing for a few seconds while I weighed up what I should do.

  ‘I’ll come take a look, Sergeant. I’ll be right there.’ I hesitated as I realised I didn’t know how to get there. For the first time, I felt like a fish out of water. ‘Where are you, Sergeant?’

  ‘I’m at the scene, sir. But ask for Detective Superintendent Calvin Etheridge. He’s in charge of the investigation.’

  ‘Good. It would be best if you could send someone to pick me up and take me to the scene. I’ll be ready in ten minutes.’

  I turned round to see I was alone in the house. Everyone had stepped outside to give me privacy. I could see them eating on the patio. I ran upstairs and changed into my suit. I picked out a tie, then decided I’d leave it off.

  I was the new boy in town. For a moment I felt nervous. Sorry to say, I also felt excited. Sorry someone had died, but exhilarated I was here to catch the bastard who’d done it.

  And I would. The killer hadn’t counted on the big shot from Scotland Yard being in town to investigate. Big mistake. A very big mistake.

  HARD TRUTH, the third book in the DCI Hardy series is out now. You can get your copy here:

  HARD TRUTH - Amazon

  If you would like to be kept up to date with new releases from Jay Gill, please complete an email contact form here, or on his Facebook page or website, www.jaygill.net

  HARD TRUTH

  Hard Truth, is out now.

  The DCI James Hardy series continues.

  Chapter 1

  Kelly Lyle swam a final length of the pool and climbed out. It was late evening, and the heat from the Italian sun felt exhilarating on her naked body.

  The villa, with its mountainous backdrop, overlooked Lake Garda. Lyle stood for a moment to take in the warmth of the evening and gaze down at the shimmering lake. The scent of lemon carried on the fresh mountain air. This was currently her favourite retreat. As well as its beauty it had many benefits, not least of which was its seclusion.

  Leaving her robe and shoes on a recliner, Lyle crossed the warm tiles and entered the rear of the house through large sliding doors.

  Scooping crushed ice into a chilled glass, she added gin and tonic. Sipping her drink, she sat for a while watching Carlo as he slept. Lyle let her eyes wander over his firm, tanned body. She smiled at the thought of their many evenings together.

  His conversation was interesting and the food he’d cooked her had always been exceptional. He was also a very thoughtful and attentive lover.

  It was a shame their time together had to end so abruptly, but it was important she return to England and get her plans underway.

  Drink in hand, Lyle walked over to the sleeping Carlo. Drugged, gagged and bound to a dining chair, his body slumped forward. Lyle lifted his head and kissed his eyes.

  “Carlo. Carlo, my prince, it’s time to wake up.”

  Lyle took some ice from her glass and ran it over his broad, tanned shoulders. “Sveglia, sveglia, sorgi e splendi!” she said. “Wakey, wakey, Carlo.”

  Carlo opened one eye and then the other.

  “There you are,” Lyle said. “Welcome back to the land of the living.” She chuckled at her little joke.

  Puzzled, he looked around wildly. His foggy mind was trying to figure out what was happening. He tried to move. He tried to speak. He started to rock back and forth, almost toppling over in the process. His eyes widened further, and his face grew fierce with anger.

  Lyle poured herself another gin and tonic to give Carlo a moment to simmer down and accept his predicament. “I am sure you have lots of questions, and I wish I had more time to go into all the details of why this is happening to you, but the truth is, I don’t. I have a flight booked to England first thing in the morning, and between now and then there is a lot that must be done. So, forgive me if I gloss over the niceties. What I will say is that, despite how this is going to end for you, I’ve had a lovely time. I think it’s important you understand that what’s coming next isn’t about you. It’s about me. Although, in reality, I’m sure that offers little comfort.”

  Carlo watched as Lyle pushed a hostess trolley up in front of him. On the bottom shelf sat a few marble coasters, some napkins, a roll of cling film, an ice bucket and a pair of silver tongs. It was the top shelf that caused him to strain at his ties. From behind the gag he let out a long, pitiful moan. His pleading eyes were met with a coldness he hadn’t seen in her before. Fingers that had once caressed him now danced over a range of glistening surgical tools.

  With a look that suggested the choice was of vita
l importance, Lyle said, “Perfect. This will do.”

  She held up a surgical scalpel. Carlo pressed himself back in the chair. Lyle started to smile as she showed him the scalpel.

  “This? This is just my little joke. You’re so jittery. I’m not going to use this on you, Carlo.”

  With a flourish, she lifted a napkin off a lime and said, “This is for the lime. A gin and tonic just isn’t the same without lime, wouldn’t you agree?”

  Carlo attempted a smile. Perhaps, this was all just a sick prank. Maybe he would be okay after all.

  “Carlo, look at me.” Lyle snapped her fingers. “None of these are for you. I don’t have time for blood and body parts scattered here and there. Do you understand?”

  Carlo nodded.

  Lyle said, “All that would mean a lot of cleaning up. I’ve told you, I’m on a tight schedule. For that reason, I intend something far less messy for me, and you’ll be pleased to know it means next to no discomfort for you.” Lyle reached into the ice bucket and took out an ice pick.

  Carlo started to scream.

  Lyle stepped close and, after a brief hesitation – she was undecided as to which eye to stab – she changed her mind entirely and plunged the ice pick through Carlo’s temple and deep into his brain. She quickly wrapped his head in kitchen cling film, ensuring his nose and mouth were covered.

  “There; we’re done.”

  Lyle kissed Carlo’s broad shoulders and ran her fingers over his tanned, muscular, still-warm body one last time. It would have been nice to keep him a little longer, she thought.

  After a long, comforting shower, Lyle finished packing and checked the flight times. Later, she would drive to the lake and take a short boat trip. Carlo would then join the others at the bottom of the lake.

  HARD TRUTH, the third book in the DCI Hardy series is out now. You can get your copy here:

  HARD TRUTH - Amazon

  If you would like to be kept up to date with new releases from Jay Gill, please complete an email contact form here, or on his Facebook page or website, www.jaygill.net

  Get a FREE Bestselling Novella

  and enjoy James Hardy bonus material

  Building a relationship with my readers is the most rewarding part of writing. I occasionally send newsletters with updates on new releases, special offers, giveaways, competitions and other bits of news relating to the James Hardy series.

  It’s easy to join my newsletter mailing list, and when you do, I’ll send you all this free stuff:

  A copy of the James Hardy introductory novella, Walk in the Park (averages 4.4 out of 5 stars and sells for $2.99).

  A profile of James Hardy called ‘Who is James Hardy?’ Exclusive to my mailing list: you can’t get this anywhere else.

  Bonus scenes from all my James Hardy novels: For example, you’ll find out what happens to Melvin Barclay, a particularly nasty piece of work featured in Hard Truth, when Kelly Lyle catches up with him again. (Hint: Brace yourself. It isn’t pretty!)

  You can get the novella, the profile of James Hardy, and the bonus scenes for free by signing up at www.jaygill.net/newsletter.

  Spread the Word

  If you’ve enjoyed this book, please help spread the word by leaving a review on Amazon. It can be as short or as long as you like. Reviews help bring the Hardy novels to the attention of other readers who may not have heard of DCI James Hardy – or me!

  If you’ve never left a book review before, it’s easy: simply write whatever is true for you – for example, your experiences as you were reading, your impressions of the characters, what you thought of the writing itself, and who else the story might appeal to. Your words will be a beacon of sorts for others like us, who love thrillers.

  And if you have time, why not send a tweet or post something on Facebook (or any other social media of your choosing)? Selfies with one of my books, a photo of your pet “helping” you read – the sky’s the limit, really! Use your imagination, and help spread the word and reach readers who are looking for their next thriller fix – and don’t forget to tag me in your post. I love to see what my readers are up to.

  After all, we authors can’t be authors without you, the readers. Your participation and your feedback make all the difference.

  Many thanks,

  Jay

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/JayGillAuthor

  Twitter: @JayGillAuthor

  About the Author

  Born in Dorset, southern England, Jay Gill moved to Buckinghamshire where he worked in the printing industry, primarily producing leaflets and packaging for the pharmaceutical industry. After several years of the London commute, and with his first child about to start school, he realised it was high time for a change and moved back to the south coast of England. This change freed up time for him to write the detective stories he dreamed of one day publishing.

  Safe to say, he’s caught the writing bug in earnest now. With several Hardy novels under his belt, a growing “family” of characters both good and heinous, and a host of exciting new ideas bouncing around in his head, Jay busily juggles his writing and family life and is hard at work on the next instalment in the DCI James Hardy series of thrillers.

  If you would like to be kept up to date with new releases from Jay Gill, please complete an email contact form here, or on his Facebook page or website, www.jaygill.net

  Connect with Jay on online:

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/JayGillAuthor

  Twitter: @JayGillAuthor

  Website: www.jaygill.net

  Also by Jay Gill

  Walk in the Park

  When a close friend of DCI James Hardy is murdered, the detective questions whether taking the law into his own hands could ever be justified.

  Detective James Hardy is enjoying a rare day out with his two young daughters when he makes the mistake of answering his phone. It’s his boss.

  A young mother, out walking her baby, has been murdered in broad daylight. The attack is followed quickly by a second terrifying, vicious assault on a young woman who is a dear friend of Hardy and his daughters.

  Shaken and heartbroken, Hardy agrees to assist the team leading the investigation into a ruthless murderer dubbed The Regent's Park Ripper.

  Knowing that in all likelihood the killer will soon strike again, the investigating team must put aside their differences, and work day and night to prevent more senseless deaths.

  Over the course of the harrowing investigation, Hardy must constantly challenge his own very personal need for revenge. But all of that may change when he unexpectedly finds himself face-to-face with the suspect in a deadly confrontation that may change Hardy’s life, and those of his loved ones, forever.

  You can get a copy here:

  Walk in the Park - FREE to newsletter subscribers

  Walk in the Park - Buy on Amazon

  Knife & Death

  The body of a young college student is discovered in the River Thames, and DCI James Hardy is horrified to learn that the murdered woman was a family friend.

  As he begins to investigate, he discovers that Anya, the victim’s flatmate, is missing, seemingly on the run for her life. Realising that she could be the key to catching the killer, Hardy races against time to track down Anya before the killer does.

  As the ugly truth behind the investigation unfolds, Hardy’s own family come under threat. With two young daughters to protect and an investigation that twists and turns, frustrating him at every step, Hardy finds himself pushed to the limit.

  Can he protect his family? Will Hardy be in time to save Anya? With his every move under scrutiny, how will Hardy handle the pressure and solve the investigation?

  You can get a copy here:

  Knife & Death - Buy on Amazon

  Hard Truth

  After the brutal murder of his wife by a crazed drug-seeker, Detective Chief Inspector James Hardy walks away from his career as a Scotland Yard homicide detective. He has found love again, and, together with his two young daughters, he’
s making a fresh start in a small seaside town.

  With his new career as a consultant taking off and the demons of the past behind him, Hardy’s life couldn’t be better.

  But the peace is about to be shattered.

  When a series of shocking murders take place in the seaside town, Hardy is contacted by local detective inspector Emma Cotton for advice. As Cotton investigates the killings, Hardy learns the disturbing crimes have all the hallmarks of a serial killer linked to his past.

  The notorious Kelly Lyle, known as The Mentor, has surfaced again, and has Hardy and his family in her sights. As she embarks on her latest bloody campaign of murder and revenge, she rips apart the detective’s new life – and reveals a dark secret that shatters everything Hardy believed to be true about his wife’s death.

  Hardy balks at being forced out of early retirement, but whether he likes it or not, the killer appears determined to draw him back into a world he wants to leave behind.

  Knowing it will take something monumental to catch his attention, the killer raises the stakes and abducts someone Hardy loves more than life itself.

  Is Hardy about to lose everything he’s fought so hard to keep?

  Hardy’s only choice is to work with DI Emma Cotton to discover the hard truth behind the killer’s motives. If they play the killer’s game, they might be in time to stop a tragedy beyond comprehension.