Murrook Farm (Sam & Jody Series Book 2)

by Lois Kay

  “Do you know what I wished upon that star?” Sam’s voice was playful, making Jody chuckle.

  “Probably the same thing I wished for.” Jody lifted her head, and the twinkle in Sam’s eyes filled her with warmth.

  “Which was?”

  “I guess it’s not a wish anymore, so it’s safe to tell you. I wished to marry you one day.”

  Sam smiled widely and looked so happy Jody felt a familiar fluttering in her stomach. “Let me guess, you wished for the same?”

  “Of course,” Sam said. “I love it when great minds think alike.”

  “We did a lot of stargazing back then, Sam, and I know we’ve seen more than one shooting star. Did you have the same wish every time you saw one?”

  “Nope.” Sam wiggled to get more comfortable. “Did you?”

  Jody shook her head. “Nope,” she repeated Sam’s words.

  Sam grinned. “I can’t tell you, though. Not yet.”

  “Is it marriage related?” Jody wanted to know, already knowing the answer.

  “Yup.”

  Jody laughed. “For someone with your level of education you sure are eloquent,” she teased.

  Sam shrugged. “I try.”

  Jody lifted her head and pushed herself up, so she was nose to nose with Sam. “I love you.”

  Sam reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind Jody’s ear. “I love you, too,” she said softly. “And right now, I selfishly wished our house wasn’t full of people, so we could stay right here, and I could show you just how much.”

  “That’s not selfish, Sam. I wish we could, too, but you’ll have to hold that thought.” She pressed her lips to Sam’s. It was meant to be a brief kiss, but Sam’s hands found their way to the back of Jody’s neck and head as she intensified the contact. Jody’s body immediately responded, and she felt a surge of heat. She let out a soft moan when Sam playfully nipped her bottom lip and had to consciously fight the sensual haze that was trying to take over. Reluctantly, she pulled back and pressed her forehead to Sam’s. “Like I said, hold that thought.” She kissed the tip of Sam’s nose. “Please?”

  “Anything for you.” Sam’s voice was husky, and a pleasant shiver ran down Jody’s spine.

  “I need to move away from you, right now,” she muttered. “Or I can’t be held responsible for my actions.” She moved away from Sam and sat on the edge of the bed.

  “Do I dare ask what those actions might be?” Sam asked in a low voice close to her ear, her breath tickled Jody’s already sensitive skin.

  Jody inhaled sharply and jumped to her feet. “You play dirty,” she said, but she smiled. “You know what that does to me.”

  Sam grinned. “Care to elaborate?”

  “Later,” Jody said.

  “Promise?”

  Jody laughed and grabbed Sam’s hand to pull her off the bed. “Promise.”

  *

  True to her word, less than fifty minutes after her conversation with Jody, Lisa Bailey arrived at Murrook Farm. As soon as she exited her car, Alice appeared on the veranda, and if Lisa was surprised, she didn’t show it.

  “Hello, Alice,” she said as she walked up to the house.

  “Hi.” Alice stuck her hands in the back pockets of the shorts she was wearing and slowly descended the stairs. “I…um…Jody said you were coming to—.” Alice stared at her feet for a moment, before raising her head and looking at Lisa. “Can we talk outside?” She expelled a breath. “I’m so used to being outside, and I…I’d like to be out of the house for a bit.”

  “Absolutely, no problem.” Lisa stepped aside and motioned for Alice to join her as they walked away from the house. She was letting Alice lead her to wherever she wanted to go. After a few silent minutes, Alice pushed open a gate, and they arrived at the pool. She sat down on a padded bench and was joined by Lisa.

  “They have benches everywhere,” Alice said with a touch of humor.

  Lisa smiled. “I noticed. It’s a beautiful place.”

  “Yeah,” Alice breathed. She stared at the pool and seemed to be completely lost in thought. “I hurt Yarra,” she blurted out unexpectedly. She finally locked gazes with Lisa. “I hurt Yarra,” she repeated in a strangled voice.

  “Would you like to tell me what happened?” Lisa’s voice was gentle. She knew she had to approach Alice with caution, not only because a trigger could bring flashbacks at any moment, but also because Alice was skittish and still looked like she was ready to run.

  “I…something happened.” A shiver ran through Alice’s body, making the bench shake for a moment. “I had another…flashback or something and I needed to get away. Yarra caught me when I was on my way out, in the kitchen and she hit the wall.” Alice let out a shuddering breath. “She said she was fine, but I know I hurt her.”

  Lisa didn’t respond. It was clear to her that Alice was trying to work through something and she wanted to give her the time she needed to give voice to what was troubling her. She didn’t have to wait long.

  “What if I actually hurt someone?” Alice looked up and couldn’t hide the agony in her eyes. “What if, next time, I hit somebody, or grab a knife, or something? Maybe…everybody would be safer if I’m not around.”

  “Alice, do you remember having the flashback this morning?”

  Alice nodded.

  “Alright. You saw something on the laptop, which triggered a memory and you responded by running out of the office. Correct?”

  Another nod.

  “What is the next thing you remember?”

  Alice fidgeted, scratching her right knee first, before moving to the left one and back again. She was vibrating with nervous energy. “I…when Yarra caught me. I could feel that.”

  “Did that scare you?”

  Alice had to think about that for a moment. “I don’t believe it did,” she said slowly. “I was scared, but not of her. I wanted to get away, because of what I saw on the computer, but when Yarra grabbed me, I knew it was her.”

  Lisa nodded. “Let’s see what we know. We are aware something triggered a bad memory, and your first reaction was to run. Am I right?” When Alice nodded, Lisa continued. “Your response, could we call it a panic attack?”

  “I guess so,” Alice mumbled. “It sure felt like one.”

  Lisa smiled. “So, while you were in the middle of a panic attack, Yarra grabbed you when you ran into the kitchen. Did you fight her?”

  Alice frowned. “I…I’m not sure, I remember I wanted to get away, but I don’t think I fought her.”

  “You didn’t hit her, kick her, stomped on her feet?”

  “No,” Alice immediately answered.

  “Why not?”

  “I…I guess because, somehow, I knew it was her, Yarra,” Alice answered, rubbing her forehead.

  “Seeing how you responded this morning when you were scared and trying to get away, do you believe you could deliberately hurt one of your friends?”

  Alice bit her bottom lip and stared at Lisa with a pensive look. “I…no, I don’t think so,” she finally answered. “I would already have done so if I could. Right?”

  “Possibly,” Lisa said. “Even though you were scared and in a panic, you did know it was your friend who was holding you. So, Alice, do you really believe you would hurt your friends?”

  “If you put it like that, I don’t think so.” Alice sounded relieved.

  “Would it make sense to worry about something that will most likely never happen?”

  Alice smiled at that and shook her head. “No, you’re right.” When she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear her fingers trembled. “My first reaction is to run.”

  “Because, until now, it served a purpose,” Lisa said. “How do you feel about not having to run anymore?”

  Alice sighed. “It’s nice,” she said softly. “Scary, but nice.” She moistened her lips and shot Lisa a shy glance. “It’s so hard to believe. I still feel like I’m dreaming. A few days ago, I was living on the streets, and now I…there are peopl
e who care and who are trying to help me. And some of my memories are coming back. I haven’t been able to remember things for the longest time, and now, I do. Why is that?”

  “I believe it happens because you feel safe here,” Lisa said. “You have friends who care, plenty of food, a place to sleep. I think your subconscious realizes you don’t have to run anymore, so it’s safe to let the memories come.”

  Alice didn’t respond, but she nodded and picked at a cuticle on her left thumb. Lisa could tell there was more on her mind, so she patiently waited until Alice was ready.

  “I need to look at that picture again,” she finally said. The quiver in her voice was barely audible, but Lisa picked up on it. “Trishia and Peter need to know.”

  “Nobody is forcing you, Alice,” Lisa said. “They’d all understand if you’re not ready.”

  Alice nodded. “I know, but I feel I need to. I know I ran this morning, but it’s just a picture, right? He can’t hurt me.” She swallowed hard. “I’m safe here. Right?”

  “Right.” Lisa smiled, once again impressed by Alice’s courage.

  “Will you be there?” Alice asked.

  “If you want me to be, yes. If not, that’s fine, too. I’ll be around if you’d need me.”

  Alice breathed in deeply. “I’ll just, look at it slowly,” she said. “I mean, like you told me to do with some of the scary memories, don’t concentrate on the whole picture, but start at the edges and slowly let it come into focus.”

  “And breathe,” Lisa added.

  Alice let out a nervous chuckle. “And breathe, yes.”

  *

  Trishia and Peter were waiting for Alice to join them in the office. The first thing Alice did when she entered, was to look at the laptop, but Trishia had minimized the window and the only thing visible was a picture of Jody. Alice had to smile at that. Sam was so in love with her wife, it was endearing.

  Alice had asked Jody and Lisa to wait in the kitchen, telling them she wanted to try this on her own. They both had been supportive, letting Alice know she only had to call out and they would be with her immediately.

  Trishia smiled at Alice and gave her an encouraging nod. “Do you want to sit down?”

  “No, thank you. I’d rather stand,” Alice answered nervously.

  “I want you to know I, we, think you’re very brave. It takes a lot of courage to face your fears,” Trishia said. “I know you’re scared and you can change your mind at any time, alright? Just say the word, and the picture will disappear.” Trishia paused and exchanged a look with Peter. They were both tense, knowing that whatever would happen in the next few minutes could be a breakthrough in their case. “Let me know when you’re ready.”

  Alice nodded and ran her sweaty palms across her shorts. She was feeling hot and cold at the same time, and her heart was racing. Breathe, Alice. “Okay, I’m ready,” she whispered. She averted her gaze, and when she heard the click of a mouse, she knew the picture was on the screen. Slowly, she let her gaze move up. It landed on the edge of the desk first, before moving to the laptop’s keyboard. In her peripheral vision, she could see the bottom of the grainy picture, and she took another deep breath. Her hands were clenched into fists, her nails digging into her skin. Gradually, her gaze traveled up. She saw the edges of the picture; black and grays and steadily let the whole image come into focus. When it finally did, she gasped and felt a wave of nausea. She pressed her hands against her stomach and willed herself to breathe in and out.

  “You’re safe, Alice.” Trishia’s voice cut through the thick fog in her brain. “You’re doing great.”

  “It’s him.” Alice’s lips trembled, and the words were forced out. “It’s him. He…tried to…he’s the one who tried to choke me. He was there with me, in the fire.”

  The sound of another click and the image disappeared from the screen. Alice was leaning against the wall to stay upright. She was concentrating on her breathing, determined to avoid another panic attack. Images of flames, the scent of smoke and the sound of heavy breathing and popping balloons flooded her mind. It was as if she could feel the heat of the fire and a violent shiver ripped through her body. Breathe, Alice. Focus on something else. Breathe. She didn’t know how long she stood there, but she was finally able to break through the kaleidoscope of images and focus on one thing; the voice of her mother. You are much needed and loved.

  “I did it,” she whispered.

  “You sure did.” Peter’s voice seemed to come from far away, and Alice tilted her head in his direction. He slowly came into focus. “You’re incredible, Alice.” His voice was warm and gentle, and Alice realized Peter Jones did not scare her anymore. That thought made her feel a little lighter, and she sent him a small smile.

  “How are you holding up?” Trishia asked with the same gentleness Peter displayed. It made Alice feel safe.

  “I’m okay,” she breathed. “I’m glad it’s over, and I didn’t freak out again.” Her gaze locked with Trishia’s and she saw the silent question. “He dated my mother, but…but he…at first he seemed nice enough, but then he became controlling, and he wanted to have a say in everything that went on with Dean and me. Mom—.” Alice swallowed. “Mom broke up with him, and he left. For a while, he called all the time and harassed her on Facebook, so she blocked him.” The memory made Alice flinch. “That made him really mad, and he kept calling. He only stopped when Mom said she’d get a restraining order.” Alice paused and ran a shaky hand through her hair. “We thought he’d left for good, but then, after a few months, he was there when I opened the door. I told you…Jody… what happened next,” she said. A tear slid down her cheek, but Alice didn’t seem to notice. “Do you…do you need me to tell it again?” She really didn’t want to.

  Trishia shook her head. “No, you don’t have to. I’m sure there’s time for that later, whenever you’re ready. You did a fantastic job, Alice. I have only one question left. Do you remember his name?”

  Alice nodded. Again, she pressed her hands against her stomach. “Martin,” she said. “Martin Coles.”

  Chapter 13

  “Play the last two minutes, Pete. I need to see it again. Damn, this is frustrating,” Trishia said, rubbing her tired eyes.

  Peter pulled up the images Trishia had requested. Staring at the screen, they saw the slightly blurred images of the police station’s entrance. After Peter had left the building, the first person to enter the camera’s view was Martin Coles, who was wearing a dark t-shirt and a pair of dark trousers. There was a smile on his face, and for a moment it looked like he was looking straight into the camera.

  “Stop right there,” Trishia ordered, and immediately Peter clicked the ‘pause’ button.

  “Look, Pete, see that?” Trishia asked, pointing at Martin Cole’s shirt.

  “It’s a t-shirt, Trish,” Peter sighed. “I don’t see anything special about it, I…bloody hell!” Peter narrowed his eyes and leaned forward to get a better look at the still image on the screen. What he saw made the blood in his veins run cold, and when he looked up at Trishia, he shot her a gaze filled with respect. “You’re unbelievable, Trish. I had missed that,” he confessed.

  Without touching the screen, Trishia’s finger pointed toward the dark clad form of Martin Coles. He was a tall, muscular man with a well-toned body, which he liked to flaunt. He preferred to dress in slacks and shirts that showed off his assets. The videotape showed him strolling into the police station, one hand in his pocket, while the other one scratched his shoulder. At first glance, there was nothing out of the ordinary, but Trishia had noticed that the t-shirt Martin was wearing was bulging in some strange places. It was hardly visible because he was wearing dark clothes, but Trishia’s sharp eyes had noticed the irregularity.

  “Let me write down the exact time,” Trishia said grimly. “And then let’s see when exactly Mr. Coles left the premises and more importantly, did he lose something while he was in the building?”

  Peter rubbed his chin and looked at the s
creen with a feeling of disgust. Even though Alice had identified him as the man who tried to kill her, Trishia and Peter were looking for anything that could possibly tie him to the most recent murder on the beach. Proving that Martin Coles left the doll in Peter’s drawer would be very helpful.

  They didn’t have to wait long to see Martin Coles leave the building again and this time his t-shirt was neatly tucked into his slacks, showing his trimmed body, without any abnormalities.

  “Do you think he hid my notes underneath his shirt?” Peter asked, feeling the anger rise again.

  “It’s not hard to hide an envelope, so yeah, I think he could have taken them,” Trishia said. “He knows where the camera is, so he probably stuck the envelope in the back.”

  “What a moron,” Peter snorted. “He knows the camera is there. Does he think we are stupid?”

  “Probably. I believe he’s so full of confidence that he really thinks we’ll never be able to catch him. If he’s gotten away with murder three times already, at least, he undoubtedly thinks he’s smarter than we are. In his delusional mind, he probably thinks he’s infallible.”

  There was a knock on the door, and Peter’s face lit up when his brother stepped inside. “Hey, Mikey, I thought you were all done?”

  Michael laughed and shook his head. “Not yet, Pete. I need to check the images from last night to see if we’ve got all the angles right and I wanted to recheck every camera to make sure their batteries charge without a problem.”

  “You’re thorough,” Trishia said.

  “I have to be. I’m not just selling hardware, I’m selling a service.” Michael’s gaze was drawn to the laptop, and he raised his eyebrows when he saw the image. “I know that bloke.”

  “What?” Peter almost fell out of the chair when he turned to look at his brother. “How?”

  “Remember my mate Carl Higgins, who moved down south to take over his uncle’s business when the old man got sick?” Michael spoke, seeing his younger brother nod. “Well, Carl has dramatically improved and extended the business. When I went down for a trip last year, he showed me around. This guy was in the office,” Michael explained, pointing to the picture on the screen. “I remember him because he was such an arrogant ass. Later, Carl told me he’s one of his best customers, and that’s why he puts up with him.”