'Mums in November

by Clare Revell

  Jackson pushed back in his chair, his gut clenching. “What? You think she killed them?”

  “You tell me. We have a missing piece of expensive jewelry, three missing kids, and a runaway nanny. And possibly, a missing wife.”

  Jackson pulled out his phone and shoved it across the desk. “Read that. She’s scared he’ll kill her too because she knows too much. Too! That implies he’s killed before. If she wanted to vanish, why the plea for help?”

  DCI Fraser got to his feet and moved to the door. “Jenson, get in here.” He turned back to Jackson. “Maybe she knows we’re on tae her and she does nae want tae be caught.”

  “And maybe she’s really in trouble and we’re just wasting time.” Jackson glanced up as another officer came into the room. “Millie. How are you?”

  DI Millie Jenson beamed. “Hi, Jackson.”

  “Good you both know each other,” DCI Fraser said briskly. “Saves me the bother of introductions. Dr. Parker, do you still have the number that message came from.”

  Jackson nodded. “Yes.”

  “Ring it and put it on speaker. Millie, read this and get up tae speed fast.”

  ****

  Amber sat on the bed.

  Dirk was ranting and raving. He only paused for breath when there was a knock at the door.

  She’d been unable to work out what had upset him, but the hangover he surely must have wasn’t helping any.

  “Don’t say a word and don’t move,” he snarled.

  “I won’t.”

  He stormed over to the door and flung it open.

  “Flowers for Mrs. Judge,” the bellboy said.

  Dirk took them and slammed the door shut. “Who’s sending you flowers?” he yelled.

  Amber shrugged. “How should I know?”

  Dirk read the card. “As the snow swept him away, Will knew there was always hope. JP.” He scowled and threw it at her. “Who is JP?” he asked, swearing every other word.

  “Someone from the party yesterday, I imagine.” She swallowed down the excitement filling her. Jackson got her message. He knew where she was. Surely he’d have told the police and they’d be on their way to rescue her. “There were so many people I had to sweet talk and charm for you last night. I must have made a lasting impression on one of them.”

  “Which one? Because if I find out you’re lying…”

  “What? You’ll kill me and risk those papers being discovered?” she bluffed.

  Dirk scowled. “I have a two o’clock meeting with Jerome Pollard. You’ll need to be there.”

  “Why?”

  “Keep up, Amber. Joanne was a shareholder in the company. I need her signature on any documents I sign. Wait…JP—Jerome Pollard. Maybe the flowers are from him.”

  “Oh…” She looked at him. Suddenly everything made sense. “Why would he send me flowers?”

  “He must have been there last night. And looking at that huge bunch of chrysanthemums it must have been some impression you made. Maybe too much of a one. It had better be worth it.”

  “Then let’s hope I charmed him good and proper.” She looked down at the card in her hand. She’d met the real Jerome Pollard and his wife earlier that year and didn’t want to repeat the experience. They’d know who she really was.

  He headed to the bathroom to shave, leaving the door open. His phone rang. “Answer it for me.”

  Amber picked it up, recognizing the number as Jackson’s. Her heart leapt. “Hello. Dirk Judge’s phone. This is Joanne speaking.”

  “It’s Jackson. Can you talk?”

  Dirk moved to the door, towel in hand, face covered in shaving foam. “Who is it?”

  Amber thought fast. “It’s Jerome Pollard. He’s probably checking on the time for your meeting.”

  “Put it on speaker.” He leaned against the door. “And I’m watching you.”

  ****

  Glad Amber could think on her feet, Jackson glanced at Craig who nodded. Jackson cleared his throat. “Sure.”

  “I’d just like to say thank you for the lovely flowers. I’m surprised you remembered me from the party last night. Dirk said I must have charmed you a little too much.”

  “You’re a little hard to forget, Mrs. Judge.”

  “Actually, we were just talking about you and this lunchtime meeting you’re having this afternoon at two.”

  Jackson raised an eyebrow. He glanced at DCI Fraser who scribbled rapidly on a sheet of paper and shoved it across the desk. He’s probably listening in on speaker phone like I am. Follow her lead.

  “Is Dirk there?”

  “He’s shaving, but I have you on speaker so he can hear you.”

  “OK. I was wondering if I could bring the meeting forward. I have a flight to New York at five for another set of meetings tomorrow.”

  There was a pause. Then Amber spoke again. “How does lunch here in our suite at twelve sound? You could bring your wife, Ida. I enjoyed meeting her last night.”

  Jackson read Craig’s note. “12:30 would be better, and Ida would love that. She finds meetings as boring as you probably do. Do I need to bring anything?”

  “Just the papers to sign.” The voice was male and irate. Then the call ended.

  Jackson took a deep breath. He checked his watch. “Now what? We have forty minutes.”

  “You do nothing. DI Jenson and another officer will go in, with another team as back up.”

  “Now wait a minute. He knows my voice. Don’t take this the wrong way, but can one of your Scottish cops do an American accent?”

  DCI Fraser paused. “OK. But you do exactly what I tell you over the comm link and DI Jenson has the lead.”

  Jackson nodded. “And once we get in there, then what?”

  “We arrest them both. Until the theft charge is sorted, along with the disappearance of those children, Miss Neville is going nowhere.”

  12

  Amber sat by the window, thoughts whizzing through her head. Jackson was here. He was coming. But would he get here in time? What if the real Jerome Pollard turned up early?

  Dirk fastened his tie, watching her. He picked up the cigarette, inhaling deeply. “You stay in character. Don’t do anything to jeopardize this.”

  “I won’t. I want this over as much as you do.” She paused. “Besides, you can’t kill me, you need me.”

  He moved over to her and grabbed a handful of her hair. “Oh, I don’t need to kill you to hurt you,” he muttered, stubbing his cigarette out on her arm.

  Amber bit her tongue to avoid crying out in pain.

  He shoved her away. “Stronger than Joanne. Good.”

  She lay on the bed, refusing to show any sign of weakness. She’d not rub her head or grip her arm where he’d burned her. Tears stung her eyes and she prayed Jackson would arrive soon. Instead she reached for the box of marzipan sweets on the side. “When did you get these?”

  He snatched them away. “Room service delivered them. You know I like them.” He ran his gaze over her. “You should change. Put on that silk blouse and trousers I bought you yesterday. The ones the shop delivered.”

  Amber nodded, standing up. “I’ll change in the bathroom.”

  “Leave the door ajar.” He opened the box, running a finger over the sweets.

  Marzipan sweets…that would give them cause to call an ambulance and a way to get out of here if Jackson didn’t arrive or if Dirk saw through him. “Save me one.”

  “One, but only if you’re quick.”

  Amber changed quickly. She tied her hair up in a fishtail plait and headed back into the main suite.

  Dirk looked at her. “Turn,” he instructed waving his hand in a circular motion.

  Amber did.

  “Very nice. Undo the top three buttons.”

  As she did, he nodded in approval. “Here.” He held out the box of sweets.

  Amber glanced at the clock. Dead on 12:30. Please don’t be late, Jackson. “Thanks.” She reached out and took a sweet. She nibbled on it slowly, taking ti
me to lick the sugar from it, making sure her lips were coated along with her fingers.

  Dirk smirked. “Keep that up and I might just have to marry you.”

  She shook her head, swallowing the sweet.

  Someone knocked at the door. “You should get that.”

  Dirk headed over.

  Her lips tingled.

  “Mr. Judge?” Jackson asked. “Jerome Pollard and my wife, Ida.”

  Dirk shook Jackson’s hand and kissed the fingers of the woman with him.

  Amber’s head swam. Pins and needles went from her fingers through her hands. She pushed herself to her feet, determined to be polite and make an effort.

  “A pleasure,” Dirk said.

  Two Ida’s smiled at him. “Hello.”

  “That’s not an American accent.”

  Jackson slid an arm around the woman’s waist. “Ida’s my little bit of London’s east end. Now where’s your lovely wife?”

  Amber licked her lips. They felt swollen. “Here…”

  Jackson spun to look at her, unable to hide his concern. “Well howdy, ma’am. You’re looking a little peaky there, if you don’t mind me saying.”

  Dirk’s eyes narrowed. “Are you all right?”

  “Felt…better.” Her chest tightened, making breathing hard. She leaned against the wall, holding onto the drinks cabinet for support.

  “Maybe we should all have a drink first. What can I get you?” Dirk moved over to Amber. He lowered his voice. “Don’t ruin this. Or I will make you pay.”

  Amber touched her lips and tried to swallow. Her knees buckled and she slid to the floor.

  Jackson moved to her side in three long strides. He cupped her face. “Are you all right, Mrs. Judge?” He leaned in closer. “Amber, stay with me. The police are outside.”

  “Can’t breathe…” Darkness encroached and her eyes closed.

  ****

  No, no, no. Not now I’ve found her… Jackson prayed desperately as Amber’s eyes closed and her head tilted to one side. Darn it woman, what have you done?

  “Do you two want a drink?” Dirk asked.

  “She’s sick,” Jackson said, pulling Amber to the floor and rapidly feeling for a pulse. “What’s she eaten?”

  “Same as me.” Dirk shrugged and pointed to the box of marzipan sweets.

  Jackson stifled a groan. “Where’s her purse?” As he spoke he realized she probably didn’t have it. That it, too, could well be under a bush in her front garden.

  “How should I know?”

  Millie looked over. “What can I do?”

  “She’ll die unless I can stop the swelling in her throat. She’s allergic to something.”

  “Is she?” Dirk sneered.

  “You should know; she’s your wife! She needs an EpiPen or I will need to do an emergency tracheotomy.”

  “And how does a corporate exec know how to do one of those?” Dirk sneered.

  “I’m a doctor!”

  Dirk laughed. “You’re a doctor?”

  “Yes!” Jackson snapped. He didn’t have time to argue with the jerk.

  Millie reached into her purse and tossed him one. “Here.”

  Jackson caught it. “Thanks.” He shoved it into Amber’s thigh, praying one would be enough this time. After a few moments, her eyes fluttered open. Relief filled him and he sent silent prayers of thanks heavenward. “Hey, welcome back. Just lie still.” He glanced at Dirk. “You should know your wife a little better. I suggest you call an ambulance.”

  Dirk picked something up from the floor. His expression darkened as he looked at it. “I don’t think so. And as for knowing our wives? Maybe you knew that yours is a cop and her name isn’t Ida Pollard. Or maybe she’s having us both on.” He pulled a gun from his waistband and shoved Millie over to where Jackson knelt with Amber. “DI Jenson left her warrant card in her purse with the medication.” He threw her ID across the room and pointed the gun at Amber. “This is your fault.”

  Amber put a hand on her throat. “Mine?” she whispered. “You’ll…kill me like the others…”

  “Shut up. My wife did nothing but complain. You know she told me the kids weren’t even mine? She told me the last night we were together. She was leaving me and going to live with him.” He pointed the gun at her head. “And you? You betrayed me too. Where are the documents you stole? Are they in the pendant? Are you wearing it?” His hand roved over her body.

  Jackson knocked his hands away. “Keep your hands off her!”

  Millie reached up and grabbed the gun. As Dirk pulled back, Millie rose to her feet.

  Jackson shielded Amber with his body as the two wrestled, the gun going back and forth and up and down, before finally going off.

  The door burst open and three uniformed officers and DCI Fraser burst in. All of them were shouting.

  Jackson glanced down at the motionless woman in his arms. He touched her face. “Someone call an ambulance,” he repeated. “Amber, honey…”

  She opened her eyes, trying to focus on him. “You…came…”

  “Sure did. Now you just stay awake for me for a little while longer.” He felt for a pulse. It was slower than he’d like, but steady. “We’ve got a rehearsal to get to tomorrow night.”

  DCI Fraser got down beside her. “Amber Neville, you’re under arrest for theft and suspicion of involvement in the disappearance of Joanne Judge and her three children.”

  Jackson looked at him. “You’re really doing this now? She needs to go to the hospital. She almost died.”

  “Aye, I’m doing it now. And if you get in my way, Dr. Parker, I’ll arrest you as well.”

  13

  Amber leaned back on the pillows of the hospital bed. She wore a cardigan over her hospital gown and had insisted on keeping her underwear on. The nurses weren’t impressed, but she had no other way of keeping the pendant hidden. Her left wrist was cuffed to the metal bed guard and a policeman stood outside the door.

  Jackson sat by her side where he’d been since they let him into the room. He rubbed her hand. “So you can’t leave?”

  She shook her head. “The doctor wants me to stay in for twenty four hours. He said I’m fortunate not to be on suicide watch because I ate the marzipan sweet deliberately.”

  “There were extenuating circumstances, honey,” Jackson protested. “Let him try anything like that and I’ll…”

  She shook her head. “I’m in enough trouble as it is. Besides, no matter how much I tell the bloke that suicide is only ever a permanent solution to a temporary problem he won’t listen. I still have to talk to the shrinks and so on. Never mind the charges DCI Fraser’s thrown at me. He’s probably bugged the room in case I say something.”

  “Paranoid much?” he teased.

  “You don’t know the bloke.”

  “You don’t either, and while I don’t like the way he’s gone about this…” Jackson paused. “The charges have been laid and he’d be negligent if he ignored them.”

  “I guess.”

  “We’ll get this sorted and then we can go home.”

  Amber sighed. “There are too many charges. I didn’t hurt Joanne or the kids. And I didn’t steal her locket. Joanne gave it to me.”

  “So talk to me. I’ll not make rash decisions on the ramblings of some crazy woman who decided the best way to escape wasn’t wait for rescue but eat something she was allergic to.”

  Amber looked at him, then away. “Thanks.”

  Jackson slid his fingers under her chin and turned her face towards him. “Honey, in my book that is incredibly brave. If we hadn’t turned up when we did, we wouldn’t be having this conversation at all. You’d be dead.”

  “I know…” she whispered. “Sure you don’t mean incredibly stupid?”

  “Brave,” he whispered, kissing her cheek. “Now, talk to me.”

  “My whole life when I was growing up I had nothing. Then for a while I was part of a family and things were wonderful. But then…”

  “Honey, Dirk Judge
is in jail and he’s never getting out. He can’t touch you now.”

  “Wanna bet?”

  Hurt flickered across Jackson’s face. “Not really.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that, honest. It’s just he has friends in high places and…” She paused. “Then I found Jared and met you, and was settled. Telling someone then would have ruined everything.”

  “So you chose to live a lie.”

  “Not all of it was a lie. And he found me anyway.”

  “Couldn’t you have trusted me?”

  “I wanted to. I wish I had now.”

  Jackson stood, his face set, hands shoved firmly into his pockets. “I have to go.”

  Amber’s stomach clenched. She’d said too much. This was why her secrets had to stay buried. The burden of choice really was no choice at all. “Jackson? Where are you going? Why?” she managed.

  “I have to ring work and arrange a flight home.” He kissed the top of her head. “See ya.”

  “I tried to protect the kids. Only I didn’t want to fail again and get someone else hurt on my watch.”

  Jackson moved back over to the bed. “Say what?”

  “I tried to stop him,” she whispered. “But I failed.”

  The door opened properly. DCI Fraser came in, accompanied by DI Jenson and another officer who looked like a blond Jackson.

  Jackson turned and several emotions ranging from surprise through shock and finally pleasure crossed his face. “Austin? What are you doing here?”

  “It’s my case. I had to be here.” He crossed the room and bear hugged Jackson.

  Jackson returned the hug. “Amber, this is one of my brothers. Lt. Austin Parker, currently on detachment to the Toronto constabulary, but he’s usually based in Galveston.”

  Lt. Parker nodded to her then looked at Jackson. “We found the bodies of Joanne, Julian, Sam and Laurie Judge in the garden of the house yesterday.”

  Amber kept her face impassive. This wasn’t news to her. Relieved it was over, she now dreaded what was to come.