In no time at all, he was pulling up the long driveway that led to the stables. Ignoring the first entrance, he continued to the car park.
Old hand at this now. Wonder what’s happened today. TJ seems to be having a tough time of it. Momentarily, he wondered at his familiarity. He felt like he actually knew TJ – when, in fact, he’d only met her the once. Well, technically, twice, if you counted the party.
Kismet? He smiled grimly to himself. Not likely – don’t believe in all that fate crap. Though, it’s pretty cool she’s going to the afternoon tea too.
He pushed the errant thoughts away and pulled the key from the ignition, grabbing his gear from the back of the van. Now was not the time for faffing about with fantasy.
‘Oi, you!’
The shout came from behind him and he turned, his eyes narrowing as he saw the farmer who lived down the track approaching him. He was full of hell, his eyes flashing with obvious anger.
‘You think you can hit my bloody fence post then drive off? And they call you a fucking copper? Though coppers are all bent as nine-bob-notes, aren’t they?’
‘You need to calm yourself down, sir. You’ll end up giving yourself a hernia at this rate. What exactly are you on about?’
Jackson inhaled a slow breath to calm the outburst that he knew was already on the brink of. He knew that if he didn’t, he’d risk saying something that would get him in bother. He didn’t need the shit-storm that would bring.
The farmer spluttered at his words, his face growing even redder.
‘You jumped-up-little… who the hell do you think you are?’
‘I’m a crime scene investigator, sir. Now, what are you accusing me of?’
‘You hit my fence post. With your stupid van. I saw you.’ The farmer turned defensive, his gaze darting to the right. Which was exactly how Jackson knew he was lying. He didn’t need to be a cop to be able to read people.
‘I think you’ll find I didn’t. And there is dash cam footage on the van that will prove it. Would you like me to access it and show you?’
The farmer shifted on his feet uneasily. ‘No, there was no damage. You must’ve just nicked it. Just be more careful next time.’ He turned and stomped off back towards his own farm.
‘Oh, I’d pay to see that again,’ came TJ’s voice from behind Jackson. Her voice was filled with laughter, and when he turned, he saw her grey eyes held black sparks of humour as she grinned at him. ‘I came out thinking you might need some help with him, but I see you handled him just fine.’
‘He’s all talk.’ Jackson grinned back, attempting his best nonchalant expression. The one that didn’t openly show he’d just been sucker punched by TJ’s gaze. Way to go, idiot – back the hell away from her. The last thing she needs now is to see a come on.
‘Here for the damage, I presume?’ TJ’s expression changed now, her smile dropped and he noticed how drawn her cheeks looked. She looked…haunted.
‘Yeah. What happened?’
He listened as she spoke, following her round the path that led to the back of the house and down to the stables.
* * *
12th December, 0940 hours – Sunderland City Police Station
Sally found herself in the station front office again. It had been two days now since she’d seen Cheryl, and she really was worried. She caught sight of her reflection in the glass door. Anyone looking at her could tell something was wrong – for all she suffered with her nerves, her complexion was normally smooth, but today, she had crow’s feet at the side of her eyes and a frown pulling her mouth down. Her heart was beating nineteen-to-the-dozen in her chest. Her mousy brown hair hung limply to her shoulders, and her cheeks had sunk under her eyes, giving her a gaunt look.
She’d been all over the city centre looking for Cheryl, and no one had seen her.
‘Sally. Good to see you. I thought we said Friday for an update on Danial? Was I wrong?’
‘No, I’m not here about him, unless you have the update already?’ Her pale blue eyes looked into his, searching. He shook his head.
‘Come on through to my office, then.’
Sally walked ahead of Sergeant Donaghue through the secure door into the corridor then into his office.
‘How can I help you today?’
That’s what she liked about him, he was always nice and to the point.
‘My friend, Cheryl, I can’t find her. I’ve looked everywhere. I don’t know what else to do.’
‘Is Cheryl homeless like you?’ At her nod, he continued, ‘How do you know she hasn’t just got a house or left the city centre?’
‘Cheryl has some… issues. She likes routine. Her routine is always supper at the Salvation Army, then going back to her den in Riverside Park. She never changes it, really. Though, she has been a little more unpredictable lately, and angry. She shouted at me a few days ago. That’s not like her.’
‘Could she just have needed a little space? Or was the argument bad enough to make her not want to talk to you?’
‘No. She told me she’d see me at the shelter for tea. That was three nights ago now. So, two nights without her showing up. I was going to tell her about Danial. She’ll be really happy that Interpol have found something.’
‘Have you looked round the park? I know it’s quite a big one.’
‘I’ve honestly looked everywhere. That’s why I came here.’
‘Well I can put in a missing person’s report, if you’re genuinely worried, but the chances of finding her, even with social media… She’s homeless, Sally. You know as well as me that if you guys don’t want to be found, you won’t be.’
‘I know, I just… well, I feel like something’s wrong. It’s really out of character for her.’
‘Okay, come with me into front office and one of the girls there will take all the details.’
Sally reached over and took his hand, knowing it was a little forward but knowing also he had to understand that she was grateful. ‘Thank you.’
* * *
12th December, 0945 hours – abandoned school near Durham
Cheryl had eaten the chicken and drunk the water. Her ear was so sore, she couldn’t help but whimper, and for whatever reason, he’d given her a reprieve, letting her slump down near the furnace and curl into a ball as her body warmed up. She was so toasty, she’d almost fallen asleep and, even now, felt her head dropping to her chest.
It turned out, though, he’d had enough of waiting for her now. His voice filled the room, bouncing off the walls and reverberating in her ear. Sharp pain ripped through her head as her bad ear reacted to the unwanted noise.
‘Get up. It’s time for today’s task. On the table, you will see a large box. On the box is a hole. Somewhere in the box is the key to the door you entered this room through yesterday. Understand?’
Cheryl had to force herself to nod and say yes. The shaking started again, and she felt urine trickle down her leg. Her body was unable to hold on as the fear pushed her to release. She was terrified. But she knew she had to do what he asked.
‘Put your hand in the box and find the key. It’s that simple.’
There was too much glee in his voice, though, and she was scared. She asked the question she knew he was waiting for.
‘What’s in the box?’
Cheryl could almost hear him smirk. Whatever was in the box, she knew she wouldn’t like it.
Rats. I bet it’s rats. And we all know how much you love those scuttling little shit-bags.
Cheryl shook her head. ‘No, no, no.’
I’m not going anywhere. Ringside seat to watch you have a total meltdown? Yes, please. You’re fucking pathetic.
‘Put your hand in the hole and find out. All you have to do is get the key. That’s it for today.’
Somehow, Cheryl heard his words and understood them. Even if she did it, she wouldn’t be getting out today.
‘No. I’m not doing it. I can’t. And you just admitted I won’t get out today, even if I do find the key. I�
��m not playing anymore.’
Oh, you’ve done it now…
Cheryl waited for the alarm, her senses on high alert. She was probably right. He wouldn’t like her disobeying.
It didn’t sound.
She stood still for what felt like forever.
Then, the door to the room opened.
7
12th December, 1005 hours – Rainbow Riding Stables
TJ left Jackson to his job and wandered to the stable to see Lightning. She knew the mare would be okay with her visiting, so unlatched the stable door and entered. Domino barely even glanced up from the hay bale she was munching contentedly on.
Lightning, however, was curious and afraid, like any new foal would be. She nickered softly towards TJ, taking an unsteady step in her direction, then deciding she wasn’t brave enough to progress fully. She hid behind Domino’s flanks, peeking out at TJ.
‘Well, isn’t she just the cutest.’ Jackson’s voice was soft over the stall door.
‘She sure is, born early hours of this morning. She’s called Lightning. You need something?’ TJ turned to face him, leaning her arms over the top of the stable door.
‘Just a question, did you throw up when you were in the tack room earlier?’
TJ felt her mouth drop open in an ‘O’. She hadn’t cleaned the vomit up? Eww.
‘Yeah, sorry, I meant to clean it before you got there. I totally forgot. God, that’s disgusting. I’ll go and clean it now.’
Jackson shook his head. ‘I just needed to make sure it wasn’t the offenders’. Don’t worry about it. Shock’s a funny thing.’
‘Wasn’t shock. Well, it kinda was, but… I suffered an injury about eighteen months ago which resulted in me getting sudden migraines. Stress is a factor, so when I saw the tack room, it came on instantly, and I threw up and passed out. It’s embarrassing, really.’
‘Honestly, it’s fine. I’ve thrown up enough times myself, and it’s usually self-inflicted. I think I remember the injury. You were attacked outside of work, weren’t you? By that guy that tried to kill his wife? It was the talk of the station for a while. It was his brother who was targeting Ben, I think.’
‘Identical twin,’ mumbled TJ, uncomfortable at knowing everyone Ben and Jacob worked with knew about her injury. It was bad enough that she had to deal with the after-effects every day. She hated the thought of being pitied for it.
‘Migraines suck. Does it happen often?’
‘You don’t need to pity me – I’m fine. I get along just great.’ TJ sounded snappy, and she knew it.
‘Pity? This isn’t pity, TJ – I was just concerned. What happened, happened. It sucks but these things occur every day. It’s shit you have to live with the after-effects, though. Not that it’s really any of my business.’
TJ knew she had offended him. ‘I’m sorry. I don’t tend to tell many people about the migraines. They’re my bane to bear – I did my job and tried to help his son, and the attack happened. Technically, they’re a side-effect, anyway. The attack caused TMD.’ At his puzzled look, she continued her explanation. ‘Temporomandibular Disorder – my jaw is misaligned. Just moving hurts, but I tend to clench when I’m stressed. This causes the migraines. I shouldn’t have snapped. It’s just you said it was the talk of the station, and I suddenly realised that I’ll always be known there as Jacob’s sister, the one that nearly died.’
Jackson stared at her. ‘Don’t be daft! They don’t think of you that way. If anything, you’re the one that survived. I saw the pictures of your injuries. It’s awful to think you went through that. And I’m sorry you’re still suffering. Will it ever heal?’
‘The doctors don’t know. They can do surgery, but it doesn’t always help. They want to leave it a few more months, so I just have to crack on with it for now.’
‘That makes you pretty brave in my book. I’ve only ever had a couple of migraines and thought I was dying both times. To put up with them all the time, well, it’s not something I could do. It’s pretty amazing, if you ask me.’
‘It’s not amazing. I had to leave work ’cos of it. Not that I’m complaining, mind. I love running the stables. But it was still a forced change. I sometimes wish – you know what, never mind. Ignore me whinging on. I’ve got a lot to be thankful for, and there are loads more people in worse situations than me. I can make a real difference here. Every smile from one of the riders makes this worthwhile. And look, I have a foal.’
Jackson smiled at her. ‘That’s the spirit. Right, I’d better get back to it. Job doesn’t do itself. Thanks for the chat.’ He paused, obviously thinking about whether to say something or not. ‘If you ever need to chat, my phone is always on.’
TJ nodded, suddenly feeling shy. ‘Thank you.’
* * *
12th December, 1010 hours – abandoned school near Durham
It had taken all his patience not to storm in the room and kill her there and then. How dare she disobey him like that? Granted, he had been stupid letting it slip that she wouldn’t get out today anyway, but that wasn’t the point.
Instead, he’d pushed the door open, feeling his cock harden as he saw the fear in her face. It wasn’t about rape. He didn’t indulge in that. Ever. He’d finish himself off later, thinking about how scared she had looked, how utterly pathetic as she lay cowering at his feet.
And how she would eventually do as he said.
Like they all did.
He knew from experience she needed to be so terrified of him that she understood her survival was in his hands. So, he’d hit her a few times. Her face was now bloodied and bruised. The metallic smell of the blood mingled in with her sweat, and the dried piss on her clothes. His nose crinkled at that. The sweat was okay, he kind of liked the cloying sickly smell. But piss, well, that was something else altogether.
‘You’ll do what I say now, won’t you, Angel.’
Cheryl sobbed and nodded. She was shaking so badly, he half thought she’d loosen her own teeth with the chattering. Leaning forward, he gripped her chin in his fingers, squeezing hard, forcing her face upwards to look at him.
‘I’m going back to my office, now. When I tell you to, I expect you to put your hand in the fucking box and find that key. Understand?’
Cheryl’s face was streaked with blood, snot and tears as she stared up at him. She tried to nod. He felt the pressure on the hand that held her chin, but the grip he maintained prevented the motion.
‘Speak.’
‘I… understand.’ Her voice shook with every word.
He released her chin with a slight push and walked out of the room.
His cock was painfully hard now, and he released it from his trousers, massaging faster with his hand until the release burst free.
Fuck, that felt good.
Satisfied now, he made his way back to his office. He pushed the button down on the microphone and told her to find the key.
* * *
12th December, 1015 hours – abandoned school near Durham
Cheryl hadn’t been able to stand yet. Her face was burning and sore where he’d hit her. She wanted to curl up in a ball and never move again.
Told you so. Hurt, did it? And, yet, you’re still lying there – no attempt to move or escape. You told me you could handle it. But you can’t. You’re going to die here, if you don’t let me take over.
‘Leave me alone,’ muttered Cheryl, blood and spit dribbling down her chin. She knew the voice was right, though. He was never going to let her go. Feeling the tears fill her eyes, she shook her head hard. No more tears. She needed to listen and find a way out of here.
Yeah, as if you can do that without me. But go ahead, cry-baby, see if you are brave enough to put your hand in that damn box. Let the rats eat your fingers down to the bone.
Cheryl dragged herself to her feet, using the edge of the table to pull herself up. Her legs were wobbly, and a wave of dizziness passed over her. Cheryl really didn’t feel well. But she held onto the table tightly, her jaw s
et in determination. She could do this. She had to do this.
‘About time you got up, Angel. Now, find the key.’
She paused – his tone sounded frustrated. As though he needed her to hurry up.
Cheryl stopped the grin before it appeared on her lips – maybe he wasn’t as tough as he appeared. Maybe if she resisted and passed out then he would have to leave, and she would be alone. If she was alone, she could figure out her escape plan.
Idiot. As if…
Ignoring the voice, she allowed her eyes to flutter closed and swayed, as if still dizzy. It wasn’t hard to pretend as she really was still feeling light-headed. She loosened her grip on the table and slid to the floor in an apparent faint. Focussing on her breathing, she slowed it down, keeping her eyes closed, and even when he shouted her, she remained there.
All she could do now was hope.
* * *
12th December, 1205 hours – Rainbow Riding Stables
TJ had cleaned out the stalls, laid fresh bedding and sorted out the feeds for later that day. Paul had been right – there was literally just enough food left for the horses for today. She would have to go to the supplier later on.
Both Paul and Barry were off doing goodness knew what somewhere on the land – she had no doubt they’d return later, but right now, she was hungry. She’d been up most of the night while Domino gave birth, and her energy was starting to flag. She made her way up to the house and, without even thinking, followed the path to the front of the house.
Realising she had been away with the fairies and that the front door would be locked, she turned to head back around, but something caught her eye. Alan Brown, the youngest son of her neighbour, was walking down the drive back towards the entrance to his farm. He had something in his hand, though TJ couldn’t see what it was. The only thing at this end of the drive was her house – Alan would have had no reason to come to her house. Unless, he’d been causing trouble, that is.
Under The Woods: a heart-stopping police thriller (The Forensic Files Book 4) Page 8
