It made sense that the woman who owned the stables would be with the horses after a fire. Not wanting to wait any longer, she wandered round the side of the house and down the garden path at the rear. She could hear horses somewhere not too far in the distance and could see a ledge ahead. When she reached it, she realised it was a hill that led down to several buildings at the bottom.
She was surprised to realise that the path was easy going – not quite tarmac-level but level and not covered in boulders and potholes. It clicked that the sign she’d seen on entering had read “disabled riding stables” – the path would have to be smooth for those who used wheelchairs and walking aids.
Edina still watched her step – despite the rain, it was freezing, and there was a good chance that the path might hold some black ice.
Her eyes narrowed in on something out of place in the distance – on a curve in the path. Something that didn’t look like a rock or grass. Whatever it was, it was green.
‘Shit,’ she exclaimed, realising it was a person. She sped her pace up and was beside the prone form in seconds.
‘Hello?’ Edina spoke clearly then knelt and shook the shoulders of the woman on the ground.
No response.
She turned the shoulders and laid the woman on her back. Her lips were purple, her skin pale. Edina checked the woman’s pulse and breathing – her pulse was thready, but it was there, and the woman was breathing. She was alive. Edina rang 999 and sat back on her heels, blowing hot air into her cold hands.
‘Can I help you?’ shouted a man from further down the track. ‘Are you the fire investigator? The stables are this way.’
‘Hi. I am, but I’ll have to be down in a minute – there’s a lady here unconscious.’
At her words, the man ran up the track towards her.
‘TJ?’ He knelt at the woman’s side and checked her vitals, just like Edina had just done. ‘Have you phoned an ambulance?’
At her nod, he scooped TJ up into his arms as though she weighed nothing more than a feather and strode towards the house.
‘She’s hypothermic,’ he said, kicking the back door open with his foot. He strode inside and put TJ down gently on the sofa before grabbing the wool throw and blanket from the back of the couch.
‘I guessed that, that’s why I rang an ambulance. Has this happened before?’ Edina helped the man tuck the blankets and throw around TJ tightly.
‘Not this, no, but she has passed out before.’
‘I didn’t catch your name. I’m Edina Blaze.’
‘Paul Shannon. I work for TJ. She’s stage three hypothermic. We need to raise her body temp, hence the blankets. See if there’s any hot water bottles in the bedroom upstairs or under the sink in the kitchen, please? And fill them for me.’
Edina stood up – he seemed to know what he was doing. More so than the average farm hand.
‘Army?’ she asked astutely.
At his nod, she turned and made her way into the kitchen first. There were two hot water bottles under the sink, so she ran the hot tap and filled them, squeezed out the remaining air, then twisted the fastening tight. She handed them to Paul as she passed the living room and made her way upstairs.
It felt wrong – going through a stranger’s stuff like this, but it needed doing. She hit the jackpot finding another three in the en suite bathroom next to the bedroom.
Paul arranged all the hot water bottles on top of TJ’s clothing then replaced all the blankets and throws.
Edina stared at her face intently – it looked like it had got some more colour already.
The squeal of sirens sounded on the driveway, and she opened the front door to allow the paramedics access.
Within minutes, TJ was on her way to hospital, and Edina and Paul were standing in the living room.
‘Busy morning,’ she said dryly.
‘You’re not wrong. Thanks for your help. So – you’re here about the fire? I can show you the stables, if you like?’
‘That would be good – thank you. So, hypothermia specialist?’
‘No, just a couple of tours in the colder places. You learn pretty quick when one of your team goes down with it. Stables are down the track.’
Paul closed down the conversation by heading out of the living room – leaving Edina to follow.
So, he doesn’t want to talk about it. Intriguing.
* * *
16th December, 1005 hours – Rainbow Riding Stables
He stood in the tree line, his breath hanging in the air like wisps of smoke. His ribs were on fire, and it hurt to breathe. He could just about cope with it if he didn’t bend over or move to either side.
He’d seen the ambulance fly out of the driveway – still didn’t know what they’d been there for, as he’d only just made it up the path in time to see the tail lights fading off as the sirens wailed.
He was glad the horses had all got out safely – but they all stared at him suspiciously. It was like they all knew it had been him. Knocking the heater on had been both a severe error and a stroke of luck. No one would know about the bodies buried in the deep wells behind the stables. But it also meant that because of the fire, filling in the trenches would take longer. The way he felt right now, he wouldn’t be able to lift a shovel to throw more soil on them, let alone bury them completely.
He’d examined his side in the long mirror in his bedroom before leaving the house that morning. It was black and blue – long, angry-looking bruises that were even more painful than they looked. He’d broken bones before, but never his ribs. He swore softly under his breath – it really hurt.
Domino and her foal had been the most untrusting of the bunch – he hadn’t been able to get anywhere near them, with Domino rearing up in anger if he tried to approach her or the foal. He’d only wanted to check them over – but he knew the mama horse was just doing her job and protecting her baby. There was no way she’d ever let him anywhere near the foal again.
He’d snuck out of the field before anyone saw him.
He pulled his jacket tighter round his shoulders. If it didn’t snow today, it would be a miracle. He’d have to make allowances for his absence to her too.
She’d been in the school without him now since yesterday.
He felt himself getting hard thinking about how tough she thought she was – he’d seen the look of determination when he’d hit her – she would have to learn to do the tasks at hand without argument, or they’d have problems. He didn’t want her to end up like the last one. From where he stood, he could just make out the mound of earth in the pit covering her body – she hadn’t been worthy of being one of his Angels. But this new one was already showing all the signs of being so.
She was stunningly beautiful. Long locks of dark, shiny hair, brown eyes with that hint of defiance even through her fear. He had no doubt she’d do the tasks with grace. She might even be the first one to ever complete them.
Can I let her go if she does? I’ve always said if they complete them all, it’s their only way of getting out. Do I mean that, though? Could I let her go?
He shook his head slowly. Not a chance. If she could complete the tasks he set without argument or incident, then she’d make it to the top of his list. She’d be Angel number one.
He moved from the tree line and back towards the stables. The sooner he got all his work done, the sooner he’d be back at the school.
With her.
No way would he be letting her sleep under the woods. Not yet.
* * *
16th December, 1025 hours – Sunderland Royal Hospital
TJ felt consciousness clawing at her, pulling her from the depths of darkness. Her eyelids fluttered, and the light outside was bright, unwelcoming.
She focussed on a smiling face – took in the blue uniform, the name badge. And realised she was in hospital. Her breath hitched in her throat – the last time she’d been at hospital was with her jaw. What had happened?
TJ tried to speak, but her throat was d
ry, and her voice came out as a croak.
‘Take it easy. Would you like some water?’
TJ nodded, and the nurse slipped a straw between her lips. She sucked hard, welcoming the cool liquid. ‘What happened?’ she asked, once she’d drunk her fill.
‘You were brought in with hypothermia. Your temperature is still a little low but coming up nicely. How do you feel?’
‘Tired. How did I get here?’
‘Ambulance. I think someone found you on the floor outside. Can you remember how you got there?’
TJ scrunched her nose, thinking. Then blanched as she remembered the fire.
‘There was a fire at the stables I own. I have Temporomandibular Disorder. I’m down for surgery in a few months to realign my jaw, but I get severe and sudden migraines due to the TMD. I must have passed out from an attack.’
‘Okay, well, just rest up. I’ll relay that over to the doctor who’ll be in soon. We’ve contacted your next of kin – Jacob? He’s on his way.’
‘He’ll be in a panic. Thank you, though.’
TJ laid her head back down on the pillow. Her whole body was aching, presumably from the cold. Her mind wandered to Jackson. Was he working today? He’d have no reason to come to the farm, or even text her, despite the fact they’d exchanged numbers the day before.
His crazy ex couldn’t have set the fire, could she? Was it arson, though? I’m not sure of anything anymore.
She glanced up as Jacob stormed into the room.
‘What happened? You okay, sis?’
‘I’m alright, yeah. Passed out then ended up with hypothermia. My temperature is almost back to normal now, don’t worry.’
‘Enough’s enough. They need to bring forward the surgery. What if no one had found you on the floor? In this weather, you could have died.’
‘I know – the nurse is passing it all over to my consultant. Hopefully, he’ll bump me up the list, but you know how stretched the NHS is at the minute. I’m okay. Honest.’
‘The nurse said there’d been a fire as well?’
‘Yeah – the heater turned on, or was left on, in the stables. The horses are all fine. The fireman last night didn’t think it was arson but asked the fire investigator to have a look. Apparently, they’ve had a spate of fires over Durham way.’
‘Yeah, I’ve heard about it. They think it’s uni students playing silly beggars. Stupid kids don’t realise how devastating fire is.’
‘I’ll have to check whether she arrived. Paul and Barry would have handled it, like. I think one of them must have found me on the floor.’
Jacob shook his head with a smile. ‘Nope – it was the fire investigator that found you. So Paul told the paramedics, anyway, according to the nurse.’
‘You and she had quite the conversation. Bit of a chatter box, is she?’
‘She said things would have been worse if he hadn’t managed to get you warmed up.’
‘Paul warmed me up? Now that sounds all kinds of wrong.’
‘Yeah, I’m sure Jackson will be most jealous at the thought of another man warming your cockles.’
TJ’s eyes widened at his implication, but before she could comment, he continued, ‘You two were very chatty at the afternoon tea yesterday. It was… noticed.’
‘Ben?’
‘And everyone else at the hotel. He’s got a rep, you know.’
‘I’ve heard about his reputation, yes. Whether anything is or isn’t happening, though, is of no concern to anyone else.’
‘So, there is something going on. I’ll need to meet him. I’ll make my own judgements. The last thing you need is a playboy, sis.’
‘I’ll gently remind you that I’m a grown woman who is perfectly capable of making my own decisions about a person. I’ve been doing so for the last twenty years without input from you or anyone else.’
Jacob grinned and put his hands up in front of him. ‘Okay, okay. I’ll back off.’
14
16th December, 1305 hours – abandoned school near Durham
Sally felt her way round the small room – it was pitch black. No glimmer of light to help her eyes adjust. She’d been on her own now for hours. She’d tried yanking at the door handle with all her strength, banging loudly and even screaming.
Not a sound came from anywhere inside the building.
Has he left? Or is he waiting for me to mess up?
‘Don’t give him chance to think that.’ The words were silent, her lips moving as she said them but not so much that anyone watching would notice.
Taking a risk, she kicked the door hard. It was a good job she was wearing hiking boots – they were the only boots she owned, but they were waterproof, comfy and hardwearing. The impact shuddered through her foot and ankle, reminding her that the door was solid metal and that she wasn’t.
She banged her fists on the door again – as hard as she could bear. The bangs echoed loudly, but still, nothing happened.
Where the hell has he gone? Come and let me out, you freak. Come and hit me again, so I can punch your lights out.
Him hitting her wasn’t the first time she’d taken a man’s fist to her face. Her ex had hit her – a lot. So often in fact, that she’d learned to roll with the punch so the impact wasn’t as hard. She’d never uttered even a whimper the last few times, not wanting to wake Danial who was sleeping nearby. The day before Farooq had taken Danial home to Egypt, he’d kicked her and broken her collarbone. He’d called her a useless whore and placed his hands round her throat, squeezing so hard her breath fought to escape her lungs. She’d learned to stare at him as he hurt her – it pissed him off even more to see how not scared of him she was.
So even though she’d been so terrified she could feel herself shaking, she’d not shown him that fear for a long time. It had been the main reason that he had taken Danial. Taking him was the only thing he had left that could hurt her.
Sally felt her heart split for the thousandth time in the twenty-one months since he’d left. Tears fell down her face. God, she missed him. Her brave, gorgeous little boy. Allowing herself a few minutes to grieve for the missed time, for the smile of the boy she remembered and loved so dearly. And then, she wiped her tears. Farooq was a bastard – as was the man that now held her hostage. She wouldn’t show him any fear, either. If he couldn’t see she was scared, he might just be sidelined into letting her go. Or, failing that, she’d have to escape.
She didn’t know if it would work. But if she didn’t try, she’d surely end up dead.
The first opportunity she got she would do what she needed to do to get out. It was the only way.
Sally didn’t even jump as his voice sounded over the tannoy. ‘When I open the door, you are to calmly head into the next room. Sit on the floor the second the door closes behind you. And wait for my instructions.’
The door clicked and opened.
Sally didn’t know what to expect. A shiver of fear and apprehension shuddered down her spine. She stepped through the door, and as it clicked closed behind her, she sat down with her legs crossed.
What does he want?
‘Take your boots off and put them behind you. You need to do exactly what I say. Do you understand?’
Sally’s heart started pounding in her chest. The atmosphere was palpable. She had no idea what to expect. The hairs stood to attention on the back of her neck and arms.
Despite this, though, she unlaced her boots and pulled them off her feet. She bent round and lined them up with the door behind.
‘Now, stand.’
She stood slowly, trying not to let the panic take over completely. What was that crap she’d promised herself about not showing fear? She was terrified – there was no way to hide that. Her legs shook so much, she didn’t even know if they’d support her weight.
And then, she heard something.
Holy crap. Was that someone breathing? Is he in here with me?
She stepped backwards, forgetting her boots were behind her. She stumbled as her f
eet stepped on the boots awkwardly, and she stepped to the side to avoid them.
Suddenly, a searing pain shot through her left foot.
‘Ow, shit.’ She couldn’t stop the exclamation as the pain continued – what the hell did I just stand on?
‘I said you were to only do what I said to do. Now do you get it? Only do what I say or you will end up getting hurt. You need to learn to trust me. Without trust, we have nothing.’
The hairs on her neck and arms stood to attention again. Trust? What the hell?
‘Now, take two steps forward then one to the left.’
Sally took in a deep, shaky breath. She stepped off with her injured foot and gasped when her weight shifted onto it. Whatever she’d stood on was still lodged in her foot. She steadied herself on the uninjured foot and pulled the sore one up to her knee, feeling gingerly with her fingers not knowing what to expect. They connected with what felt like a shard of metal. Gripping it tightly, she pulled it out fast – thinking fast would be better than slow. Pain ripped through her foot, and she felt it grow damp with the blood she knew was now dripping. Better this pain and blood, though, than risking pushing the shard further in.
She threw the metal towards the outer edge of the room, almost feeling satisfaction as it chinked off the brick she knew was there but couldn’t see.
Gingerly, she put her sore foot back down and took another step forward then one to the left just as he’d said.
‘Now, three steps forward, two steps right and one forward.’
Sally felt a rush of determination – she could do this. Follow his instructions, like some unknowing little puppy, eager to please. She would do what she needed to get away from this hell hole and get her Danial back. She would do this for him.
He continued having her navigate around the room for what felt like an hour, and eventually, she ended up back to the door she’d entered through.
‘Pick your boots up and take one step away from the door. When it opens, go inside.’
Sally did as he asked, and as soon as the door clicked closed behind her, she sank to the floor, clutching her boots to her chest, and let the tears finally fall.
Under The Woods: a heart-stopping police thriller (The Forensic Files Book 4) Page 14
