The Liar's House: An absolutely gripping thriller with a fantastic twist (Detective Gina Harte Book 4)

by Carla Kovach

  Her thoughts then flashed to Steven, so like the brother of his that made her life unbearable when he was alive. Her thoughts settled onto Diane, the pained woman who lived all alone with no one to visit her. Gina didn’t want to be a Diane but she could see her future when she looked at the woman. She inhaled the steam and as her mind flitted back to Steven, she could almost smell him, sweat and cheap aftershave with a hint of weed. Her heart rate picked up. Weed. Had Steven been Samantha’s lover? Samantha smelling of weed was a big clue. He was connected, she knew it. She needed proof and she was going to get it. Diane was the key to everything.

  Thirty-Four

  Friday, 10 May 2019

  ‘Jacob, yes. I’m just outside Diane Garraway’s house. I’ll be in shortly.’ She placed the phone in her pocket and knocked on Diane’s door. The bathroom window the intruder had entered through had now been boarded up. A few moments later, she heard Diane shuffling along the hallway.

  The woman opened the door. ‘Morning, Detective.’ She moved to the side, allowing Gina to pass her. The dark hallway felt as though it was closing in on them as they almost filled it. ‘Sorry, I haven’t been up that long. It takes me a long time in the morning to get up.’ She tied the belt of her quilted dressing gown. After leading Gina into the living room, she pulled the brown curtains open, letting in all the light that the cold grey morning had to offer. Magazines were strewn over the settee and a bowl that looked as if it had contained soup the night before had been left on the floor. ‘I haven’t had a chance to clean up.’

  ‘Don’t worry about that, Diane. I know it’s early so thank you for seeing me. I just wanted to speak to you about Samantha, the man she was seeing, and Derek.’ Gina sat at the far end of the settee, close to the window.

  ‘Oh here, I’ll turn the light on.’ The woman flinched as she tried to stand.

  ‘I’ll do it.’ Gina placed her notes on the coffee table and turned on the light.

  ‘I’d offer you a drink but I’ve only just taken my tablets. It’ll be a while before I’m good for much.’

  Gina checked her watch. It wasn’t quite eight in the morning. She knew she’d caught Diane a little off guard and the woman had been good enough to see her. ‘Shall I make a drink for you?’ Anything that would make her more comfortable when they spoke had to be a good thing.

  ‘If you could just fill the kettle and flick it on, that would be great. I’ll be okay soon but I struggle to hold the kettle under the tap. Stupid swollen knuckles.’

  Gina smiled and went through to the dark kitchen. Turning the light on, she spotted a half-full beaker of water on the side next to Diane’s tablets. Her mind fixed on a packet of tablets she recognised. Fluoxetine – antidepressants. After Terry’s funeral, she’d been prescribed a few months’ worth. She’d taken them for a while but eventually had come off them. She flicked the switch on and gazed around the small kitchen. Holding her coat over her arm, she followed the smell to the overflowing bin and spotted a fly buzzing around it.

  ‘Did you find the kettle okay?’ Diane called out from the living room.

  Gina swallowed as she took in the decay and clutter around her. Diane was only a few years older than her but she was virtually immobile and totally alone since Samantha had vanished. Gina pushed her thoughts out of her head. She couldn’t get involved. Diane was one of many with problems in the town, one of many struggling with money and not getting the help and care she needed, one of many living with a chronic long-term condition that affected her everyday life. There was nothing Gina could do apart from find out what happened to Samantha. ‘Yes. It’s boiling.’ She turned off the light and headed back through the hallway.

  ‘You want to know about Derek, then?’

  Gina nodded and picked her notebook and pen back up. ‘Yes, I’m just trying to get a clearer picture of Samantha. From speaking with you and reading her notes, I know she was a clever young woman who enjoyed going out. She lived alone and was seeing a married man called Derek.’

  ‘He strung her along, you know. People had Samantha wrong. They knew she was seeing him, even his wife suspected but I’m not sure how much she cared. Samantha told me it was more about the kids and him not being able to leave them. I tried to tell her that he was stringing her along but what can I say, she believed him and loved him.’

  ‘You said she was seeing someone else. Did she see other people?’

  The woman stared beyond her, fixing her vision on a scratch in the paint on the wall as her forehead crumpled as she thought. ‘People called her names, like slag, marriage wrecker. I heard them while I was out and about. I may be falling apart in every other way but my hearing is spot on. I heard people when I went to the café, to the shop or even huddled on the streets. Everyone knew her. All the men had a thing for her and all the woman hated her. I knew her better though. She was just a kind-hearted, trusting girl who wanted to be loved. She loved Derek. The others were just there to make him jealous.’ She paused. ‘She played a stupid game really but she was led by emotion. I know people thought she was more calculating than what she was, that she played with people’s feelings. She broke the hearts of a few young men who fancied their chances, none I know the names of, she just told me about them as she fished for advice.’

  ‘Advice?’

  Diane let out a little laugh. ‘She’d say she was talking about a friend of hers but I knew it was her. She reminded me a little of myself. I bet you can’t believe I was ever attractive, can you, Detective?’

  Gina cleared her throat and smiled. She wasn’t going to answer that question. ‘Tell me more about the other men?’

  ‘Some really liked her, some were just one-night stands. Samantha never felt fulfilled or loved. She was looking for something she couldn’t have when it came to Derek. I don’t know what she saw in him. He wasn’t particularly attractive and he certainly wasn’t as intelligent as she was. He came with so much baggage too and, worst of all, he was using her really. As for the others, there was no one memorable. Sometimes she’d go to the pub or a party and end up with someone. Rumours would go around and she and Derek would argue. He didn’t want to commit to her but he soon objected when there was someone else on the scene.’

  Gina’s phone beeped. She glanced at the message. It was Jacob wondering how long she would be. She turned the phone over to remove the distraction. ‘Tell me what you know about the last man she was seeing. You now say you remember Samantha smelling of cannabis when she’d been with him.’

  ‘He was just some bum, that’s what she called him. No one special. She’d seen him two or three times and as I said, she stank of weed when she came here. She was never stoned though. She didn’t smoke. I can tell a stoned person a mile off, seen a few in my youth. I know she’d told Derek about the other man. She’d had enough and was about to break it off with him and he was livid.’

  ‘About the other man, do you remember anything else she said?’ Gina knew from the files that Derek had been questioned numerous times and had come back clean. A search of his property had given them nothing and his wife had provided him with an alibi on the night of Samantha’s disappearance, stating that he’d been at home all night.

  The woman stared through the window as a man walked past. ‘No. I should have asked her more. I should have tried to protect her. She was vulnerable you know. People didn’t see that. She always felt she was worthless and not good enough. She wanted to complete her degree so people would respect her. She walked people’s dogs for them if they couldn’t get out, checked on her neighbours too. She helped the very people who gossiped about her. I hate people, I really do. They all loved to hate her. They were jealous because she was beautiful and clever and they loved the drama that her life brought.’ Diane wiped a tear away. ‘You need to speak to Derek again. I don’t trust him.’

  ‘Why do you say that?’

  She shrugged. ‘I said all this at the time. His wife was his alibi on the night of her disappearance. She’d have done or said anyth
ing to keep him. Samantha was everything to me and no one understands—’ The woman pulled her dressing gown sleeve over her hand and wiped her eyes as she sobbed.

  ‘I’m going to do everything I can to find out where Samantha is.’

  ‘Was.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Did she know more than she was letting on?

  ‘I knew her, better than anyone else. If she was alive, she’d have contacted me, not remained silent all these years. She treated me like her mother, for heaven’s sake. She’s dead somewhere, dead,’ Diane said as tears fell from her chin.

  ‘Oh, Diane, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.’ Gina ran out to the kitchen and grabbed the kitchen roll. She passed a couple of sheets to Diane.

  ‘Don’t be. I know she’s gone. Just catch who did this to her.’

  Gina nodded. ‘I will do everything I can.’ She placed one of her cards on the table. ‘I know you probably have my card but if you think of anything or you need to talk, just call me. I know this case has unearthed a lot of upset for you.’ Gina couldn’t leave her without offering a little support even though she knew Briggs would think she was getting too involved if he found out. Maybe she was but Diane wasn’t in a good place. ‘Did one of the officers call you to talk about home security since the break-in?’

  She nodded. ‘I have someone coming from the council next week to fit some more locks.’ Gina smiled. It wasn’t much. They should be offering so much more but funds were a problem. Lack of funding affected people like Diane. A police officer driving by regularly would be preferable but it wasn’t going to happen, not with their current staffing levels. Diane going to stay with a relative or friend would also be a good option but after looking at her notes, Gina knew she had no one to turn to.

  Gina stayed with Diane for a few minutes and left her with a freshly made cup of tea and a slice of toast. After emptying her bin, she’d left, promising that she’d do everything to find out what happened, and she would. Finding out who killed Jade and what happened to Samantha were the most important things in her life at this moment. Her heart ached for the woman and deep down there was still a glimmer of hope that Samantha was still alive. She wouldn’t give up on her that easily. She glanced at the message that Jacob had sent and scrolled down further.

  Hurry back, guv. Wyre has finally infiltrated the Swap Fun weirdos! You’ve got to see this!

  Thirty-Five

  Gina scoffed the rest of her fried egg sandwich as she nodded at Nick, the desk sergeant, before hurrying through to the incident room. It was just what she’d needed to line her screaming stomach. After the night before, she knew she’d feel sicker still if she skipped breakfast. She caught a glimpse of her reflection in a window. Her dark circles were a giveaway that she’d not slept much that night. Make-up may have hidden them had she been wearing it, but time to preen herself was a luxury she didn’t have that morning.

  A glimpse into the Swap Fun group was just what they needed. She rubbed her greasy hands together until the crumbs dissipated over the hard-wearing carpet tiles. ‘So, what have you got for me, Paula?’

  Wyre glanced back from her computer screen and smiled. ‘I’m in, guv.’ She punched the air and smiled. ‘They trust me. I’ve already had several messages from couples wanting to meet up and jazz up their stale sex lives. The main forum for the meet-ups is full of chat about another one, and guess when it is?’

  Gina shrugged her shoulders and leaned over Wyre’s screen. ‘Tell me everything.’

  ‘You know all that greasy food is bad for you.’

  Gina gave the younger woman a comedy stare and they both tittered. ‘Whatever.’

  After clicking a couple of tabs, Wyre opened up the chat room conversation. ‘As you can see, most people don’t use their own names. I’m Daisy Dukess.’ She shrugged. ‘I don’t know where that came from but I thought it might sound attractive. Given the ages of the people we’ve interviewed so far, most of them will remember The Dukes of Hazzard. I’m trying to work out who our contributors might be and there are only two I think I can clearly identify at the moment, Stevie Boy and Ames Yogi. I don’t think our Steven Smithson made too much of an effort to hide who he was. And Ames is a picture of a pert bottom in jazz pants, I’m thinking Aimee Prowse. She describes herself as a personal trainer and yoga guru.’

  O’Connor grabbed a pen from the window ledge and wrote Stevie Boy next to Steven’s details and photo. ‘Stevie Boy, that’s original.’ He tapped his foot on the floor, filling the brief silent gap with an irritating sound that echoed through the damp-smelling room.

  ‘Ooh, morning, guv. Coffee?’ Jacob placed a tray of machine coffees on the middle table.

  ‘Perfect timing.’ Gina grabbed one and took a long swig. Just the tonic she needed to feel more human. ‘There’s a lot of conversation on this chain. How far have you read back?’

  ‘I’ve gone back a couple of weeks to catch the lead up to Jade’s murder. It mostly talks about the meet-up arrangements. I think anything more risqué is saved for private chat. You’d think it was a Women’s Institute meeting or something. People are formal, on their best behaviour and don’t really give a lot away. There are several anonymous users who don’t even have profile pictures. They are just marked as living in the area.’ A message bubble pinged up on her screen. ‘Check this out, I have an invite to a private chat.’

  ‘Accept it.’ Gina leaned in closer. Jacob and O’Connor rushed over and stood behind them.

  ‘It’s an invite, guv. Oh dammit.’

  Gina heard Smith whistling along the corridor as he headed out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee. ‘Morning all.’

  Gina’s attention remained fixed on the screen.

  PC Smith wandered over. ‘Morning.’

  ‘I’ll be with you in a minute,’ Gina replied as she placed her drink down and read the message.

  Hi All.

  Just to let you know, we’ll be holding a bash at ours tonight. It’s an informal drinks evening to get to know the other members in the area. Some of you were already invited a couple of weeks ago but I’ve resent this invite for the benefit of the new people and those who haven’t confirmed their attendance.

  I see we have a couple of new people – huge welcome from Swap Fun! I hope you all come along to some of our events and have lots of fun. Anyway, drink and chat starts at eight tonight. As always, don’t forget to bring a bottle. There will be nibbles. We look forward to meeting you all. The address and directions are attached to the location tab. You never know, you may meet some new, special friends!

  Don’t forget to click confirm. I need numbers.

  Admin – SwapFunSarah.

  Gina spotted that eight people had confirmed attendance and one included Stevie Boy. ‘We need to be there.’ Gina leaned over and clicked attend on the mouse. ‘Hope you’ve still got that blonde wig to hand.’

  ‘Looks interesting. Is this to do with the Jade Ashmore murder?’ Smith asked as he gulped his coffee down.

  ‘Smith, are you busy tonight? You’re going to a party.’

  He almost choked, spitting coffee down the front of his uniform. ‘What? I get off at five, this best be meaty. If it’s meaty, count me in.’

  Wyre pulled the wig from a bag under her desk and placed it on her head. ‘I can’t go, the witnesses have seen me.’

  ‘I know, our Stevie Boy has seen you. I’ll think of something, just give me a minute. Put a comment in the invite. Tell them that you and your husband, err, Fred will be attending.’

  ‘Fred. Do I look like a Fred?’ Smith asked.

  ‘You will do. At some point today, go home and get your party clothes. Not too weird. Smart jeans and a shirt. Shiny shoes. At 6 p.m., I want you all ready to go and we’ll all be in the area, in position. Jacob, O’Connor, check out the address and maps, work out our observation points.’

  He nodded as Wyre passed him the address.

  ‘It’s in a large house along the river in Bidford-on-Avon. Not too far fr
om a boat storage and mooring facility. We should be able to hide our cars there and looking at the map, there are plenty of good vantage points and trees to stay behind.’ Jacob clicked on the street view. He was right, it was an undercover surveillance dream.

  ‘Smith, we’ve gotta go. There’s been a call in. Some woman is arguing with another woman about a parking space over at the Co-op and apparently she pushed her.’ PC Kapoor’s voice filled the room.

  ‘Kapoor? How would you like to do something more exciting than break up a couple of warring motorists today?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Like going undercover to a partner-swapping party.’

  She burst into laughter and took a couple of steps back. ‘Are you serious?’

  Gina nodded and smiled. ‘Send someone else to the Co-op.’

  ‘Yes, count me in.’

  ‘Great. So, Kapoor, I want you to take in the features of everyone who was at the party on the night of Jade’s murder. I need you to be able to spot them so please take some time to memorise these faces and names. We need to know who is in attendance. That is your main role.’ Gina pointed to the board. ‘O’Connor and Wyre will take you through all you’ll need to know and what else you’ll be looking for. Are you okay with that?’

  The tiny young woman nodded and smiled. Gina could tell she was bursting with excitement about being given such an interesting role in the investigation and Gina knew she was ready to take it on. She’d always been attentive, professional and good at her job.

  ‘The only person we can definitely identify on the guest list is Steven Smithson—’

  ‘Is that right?’ Briggs asked as he entered. ‘That means I’m coming too. As SIO, I need to be there.’

  Gina went to speak but then stopped and sighed. She hadn’t intended to confront Steven, she was going to stay back, direct the team and observe. Now she was going along with a babysitter. It was no use trying to argue with Briggs. It looked like they would be going together. Her phone beeped with a message.