“Open the door, you cowardly bitch!” one of Kenny’s sisters shouted through the letterbox.
I groaned and pressed a cushion over my head, trying to block out the hateful words. When I heard the door slam next door, I allowed myself to breathe again. And once more, the tears flowed.
I stayed on the sofa for the rest of the day, only leaving to go to the toilet, but I hurried back right after. I was a wreck and knew being like that wouldn’t do me any favours.
I was startled again when I heard somebody knocking at the door.
“Maggie, are you there?” Rachel peered at me through the window.
It took all my strength to get to my feet and open the door.
“What the…?” Rachel said, rushing in and slamming the door behind her. “Are you okay, Maggie? Has something happened?”
I plonked down on the sofa and sighed. The words just wouldn’t come. I didn’t know what was wrong with me, so how could I possibly tell her?
“You’re worrying me now, Maggie. Is it something to do with those nasty bitches next door?”
I shook my head. “No. Although they did come over earlier, screaming and shouting at me through the letterbox.”
“You’re joking? The cheeky mares. Did you call the police?”
I shook my head.
“Maggie! You should’ve called that detective – have they even arrested them yet?”
I closed my eyes, trying to block out the fifty thousand questions.
“Should I call them for you?”
“No,” I snapped. “They must have questioned the sisters as they were ranting at me for something. But they clearly didn’t charge them if they let them out so soon.”
“I can’t believe it! So, all that last night was a waste of fucking time?”
I shrugged. “Seems so.”
“Is that what’s wrong with you? Are you scared they might try to attack you next?”
I shook my head. “I honestly don’t know. Jake came around last night, and he’s such a dick. It’s clear he’s poo-pooed my side of the story, which is no doubt why they didn’t lock them up.”
“What else did Jake say?”
I shrugged. “Oh, you know. He’s a nasty prick – I don’t know why I let him upset me, but he really scared me last night. I wish I hadn’t let him in.”
“I’m calling my dad. Jake needs to pull his fucking neck in.”
“No, please, Rach. I’d rather just leave it. I’ve decided to go back to London next week if there’s no change with Claudia. The college has been hassling Agnes as to when I’ll be back.”
Rachel sat back down and rubbed at her temples. “I was talking to Mum this morning. She’s agreed you can come to stay with us until Claudia wakes up.”
“Really? What made her agree to that?”
“Dad told her what you told the cops, and Mum freaked out. She doesn’t want me to stay here while there’s a nutter on the loose.”
“You don’t need to stay here, Rach. I don’t want to put you in danger too.”
“I couldn’t stand leaving you alone last night, and by the sound of things, it seems I was right. I told Mum either I stay here with you, or you come to stay with us, and she agreed.”
“I dunno, Rach. I’d rather not. I know your parents aren’t my biggest fans.”
“I’ve told you, it’s nothing to do with you, Maggie. It’s only because they worry about me.”
“I get that. But it’s not nice to think you’re an unwanted guest in somebody’s house.”
“You are wanted – by me. I want you to stay. The house is so big, you won’t even have to see much of them.”
I sighed again. “I don’t think so, Rach. I’d rather just go back to London. I’m tired of trying to cope with everything. I’ve realised I’m too young to be dealing with all this shit alone. And I don’t have to. I raced here to support Claudia and care for Sandy, and we all know how that turned out. At least in London, I’m looked after. All I have to deal with is my classmates’ gossip and ridiculous amounts of homework. That’s enough for me.”
She didn’t respond, but her eyes and mouth conveyed her disappointment.
“I’m sorry, Rach. We can stay in touch, but I really can’t see another way.”
“There is another option.”
“Go on.”
“My nan’s house is still empty. We could both stay there for now.”
“I’m sure your mum would be thrilled about that.”
“She’s been saying she’s worried it will attract the local deadbeats while it’s empty – at least this way, it’ll solve all our problems.”
I thought about it for a second. “It could be a temporary solution, if your mum agrees to it.”
“She will, but I’ll talk to her tomorrow, if it makes you feel better.”
I smiled and felt a lot brighter than I had all day.
“Now. What shall we have for dinner? I’m starved.”
We decided to call out for pizza, and while we waited, I told her everything Jake had said to me the night before. She was fuming, but I made her promise not to tell her dad. At least if her mum agreed to us staying at her grandmother’s house, then I wouldn’t be in any position for Jake to corner me again.
Valerie Simms had told Ashley and Duncan the same version of events as her sister had. A phone call to HMP Isle of Wight, their place of work at the time, confirmed they were working long shifts on the dates in question.
“What if they got one of the inmates to do the killings for them upon his release?” Duncan asked, desperate to solve the case by any means possible and gain some kudos from his colleagues.
“That’s a bit of a giant leap, Duncan.” Ashley’s eyes danced with mirth.
“Just a thought, boss. Someone’s responsible. All those deaths can’t be coincidence. I just wonder why Jake Stuart didn’t make the connection.”
“I have a feeling Jake Stuart had his own agenda. But don’t worry, I dragged him over the coals this morning. I told him he either looks over each of these cases again and comes up with some kind of evidence to prove he’s done his job, or I’ll take it to the DCI.”
38
“What time will you be back from the hospital?” Rachel asked over a breakfast of microwaved, leftover pizza.
“I haven’t been for two days, so I feel I need to stay for a little while. You’re going to see your parents anyway, aren’t you?”
Rachel nodded, chewing and flapping her hand at the mouthful of hot pizza.
“If you take the back-door key, at least you’ll be able to let yourself in if you get back before me.”
“Cool. If Mum’s okay with it, when would you want to move to Nan’s?”
“Probably tomorrow. I don’t have much stuff to take, but I’ll need to speak to Doreen and ask her to keep an eye on the house, and I’ll also need to call Agnes and Fred.”
“Sounds okay. Maybe you could speak to your college about transferring back here?”
I shook my head. “No. I don’t think so, Rach. I can’t think about staying here long-term, and the thought of going back to school after everything that’s happened was the reason I left in the first place.”
“Yeah, but it’s different now. We’re friends again, and I’ll make sure nobody talks behind your back.”
I still shook my head. “I don’t think so.”
“Just think about it. It would be cool if we were in college together – I really miss you.”
“I know, and I feel the same, but too much has happened. I’m anonymous in London, and that’s how I like it.”
We walked to the bus stop together before going our separate ways.
I found Claudia the same as I left her on Wednesday. It was disheartening that her condition didn’t seem to be improving, despite the assurances from the medical team. When I questioned them again, it was clear they didn’t have a clue why she hadn’t recovered from her fall.
Again, I spent the day reading to her and jabbering a
bout everything and anything. As I was preparing to leave, the nurse told me they were taking Claudia for another scan to see if they could work out what was happening inside her head.
Rachel’s phone buzzed as she entered Claudia’s backyard. It was a message from Maggie telling her she would be later than she first thought.
A loud bang behind Rachel caused her feet to leave the concrete. Whirling around, she sighed with relief to see it was only the door to the old coal shed blowing open in a sudden gust of wind.
She let herself into the kitchen and made a coffee, miffed that Maggie wouldn’t be back for ages. She couldn’t wait to tell her the good news, that her parents had agreed to them staying at her nan’s house for a while. She hoped Maggie would agree to stay, for now at least.
In the living room, she kicked off her shoes and got comfy in front of the TV. A knock at the door a short time later caused the hair to stand up on her arms. Who the hell’s that?
A peek through the lace curtain answered that question. Detective Jake Stuart peered back at her. “Ah, Miss Mendoza,” he said as Rachel opened the door. “I need a chat with Maggie. Is she there?”
“She’s at the hospital visiting Claudia,” Rachel said, her voice flat.
“Is she due back? I need to speak to her. It’s important.”
“Shouldn’t be long. Have you arrested the neighbours?”
Jake shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t tell you anything. Do you mind if I come in and wait for Maggie?”
Feeling wary of him after what he’d done to Maggie, Rachel took a step backwards and reluctantly allowed him to enter. She didn’t know whether or not to confront him, or to remain calm and try to get him onside. She chose the latter. “Can I get you a coffee?”
“I’d appreciate that, Rachel.”
“It’s instant, sorry.”
He grinned. “Is there any other kind?”
She led him through to the kitchen. She figured it was probably the safest place to be, if he intended to turn nasty.
“So,” Jake continued, “as Maggie’s closest friend, tell me what you think about the recent events.”
“I told the cops at the station the other day someone is targeting her. It’s true.”
“Have you ever actually witnessed anything yourself, or is it just what Maggie’s told you?”
“I was here with her when the dog turned up dead. We’d been outside to look for him, and there was nothing there, but when we looked later on, his body had been left on the doorstep.”
“And you didn’t see or hear anybody?”
Rachel handed him a steaming mug of coffee. “We’d been cooking in here at the time, probably chattering and catching up, but we didn’t hear a thing. I know what you’re thinking, but Maggie is the victim in all of this.”
“I’m beginning to think you’re right.”
Rachel frowned. “You do?”
“I admit, at first I thought she had an overactive imagination. But I’ve been looking into each of the cases as a whole, rather than individually, and something’s come to light.”
“Really? What?”
“I really need to speak to Maggie first. But I can tell you a car has been sighted approaching each scene.”
“A car? Whose car?”
“I’m still looking into it. We’re trying to locate the registered owner.”
“So, you think she’s right. Someone is targeting her?”
He screwed his face up a little. “Its early days, and the sighting of the car could be a genuine coincidence.”
“I’m just relieved you’re taking Maggie seriously. It’s terrifying to think she could be the next victim. Do you mind if I peel some potatoes while we talk?”
“Not at all.”
Rachel found a colander in the cupboard and opened the bag of potatoes. She rummaged in the drawer for a knife. “My parents will be pleased if you find out who’s responsible. They’re worried I might be the next victim.” She pulled on a pair of rubber washing-up gloves and picked up her first potato.
“Understandable. I mean, you’re here all alone. How easy would it be for somebody to get to you?”
She shuddered. “Don’t say that. I’ve already had a scare today. It seems Maggie’s paranoia may be catching.”
“Why? What happened?”
“When I was in the backyard earlier, I almost died when the old coal shed door swung open and banged onto the wall behind me. I know it’s normally locked, and I thought someone might be inside.”
“Mind if I take a look?”
“Erm.” Rachel shrugged. “Okay.”
She followed him out to the shed, barely breathing. The door still swung free.
He cautiously stepped inside, flashing his torch into the darkness. “Nah, doesn’t look as though anybody has been in here in–” His words were halted as Rachel plunged the knife deep in the centre of his back.
39
I waited until Claudia was brought back to the ward, but I needn’t have bothered. The nurse told me we wouldn’t get the results of the scan until the next day.
I messaged Rachel as I left the hospital.
Heading 2 bus stop, where r u?
Running late, should we
meet at Lardoes, my treat?
Gr8, cu there
I arrived at the café before Rachel and ordered a coffee while I waited. She arrived ten minutes later looking immaculate, as usual.
“Gosh, look at you all dressed up. I feel like a scruff. It’s been a long day.”
“I forgot to grab the back door key before we left this morning, so I stayed at Claudia’s. And anyway, Mum’s paranoid about me being there at all, never mind on my own.”
“Yeah, I don’t blame her – I didn’t even think about that.”
“But I have some exciting news. Mum said it’s okay to move into Nan’s for a while.”
“Did she? And she doesn’t mind?”
“She had a whinge, of course, laid down the law: no boys, no parties, no mess.”
I shrugged. “Understandable.”
“Yeah, I expected much worse.”
“Should we order? I don’t think they’ll be open very late.” I indicated the waitress at the counter who seemed to be cleaning out the coffee machine.
We both ordered cheeseburger and chips. Rachel chose a bottle of juice instead of a coffee, considering the coffee machine had been partially disassembled.
“So,” Rachel said, as we returned to our seats, “I was wondering if you’d like to go to Nan’s tonight?”
“Tonight? It’s getting a bit late. Why don’t we leave it until tomorrow?”
“Dad said the weather forecast isn’t great for tomorrow. And we’ll need to get a cab anyway, so why not tonight?”
“No reason why not. I’ll need to make sure Claudia’s house is tidy, though.”
“We’ll have plenty of time to go back and blitz the cleaning ready for Claudia coming home.”
“True.” I nodded.
The waitress appeared with our food.
“We’d best eat up, then, if we’re moving house tonight.”
We laughed, and I suddenly felt much lighter.
Back home, it took us little over an hour to pack my stuff and give the house a quick tidy. By nine-thirty, we were sitting in a taxi for the ten-minute journey. It felt nice to leave the street. I doubted I’d ever return for anything more than a quick visit.
Rachel’s nan’s compact, two-bedroomed bungalow was immaculately decorated in cream and beige tones throughout. Rachel bagsied the master bedroom, but I didn’t mind – it was her grandmother’s home after all.
After I’d unpacked my things in the sparsely furnished bedroom, I fell into the armchair opposite Rachel in the lounge and groaned.
“Knackered?” she asked.
“It’s been a long day.”
“You’ll be able to sleep in tomorrow. Are you going to the hospital again?”
“I’ll see how I feel. I really wanted t
o speak to the specialist about the results from her scan.”
“Wouldn’t they tell you over the phone? We could spend the day together instead. I’m back at school on Monday – couldn’t you go to see Claudia then?”
“We’ll see. I’ll need to call the detective and tell her where I’m living. I honestly thought I’d have heard from them today, if only to tell me what happened when they questioned the sisters.”
“I wouldn’t call them. If they need to speak to you they have your number. What if it is Jake terrorizing you? Do you really want to tell him where to find you?”
“That’s true. But what can I tell them if they want to come to meet up with me?”
“Just meet them at Claudia’s. There’s no reason to tell them you don’t live there.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
The next morning, the ringing of my phone dragged me from a deep sleep. I forced my eyes open and glanced at the clock. My stomach did somersaults. It was seven am. My first thoughts were of Claudia.
“Hello?” My voice sounded shaky to my own ears.
“Hi, Maggie, it’s Detective Ashley Kent.”
“Oh, hi? So, it’s not about Claudia?”
“Sorry?”
“No, it’s okay. I was just shocked with it being so early – I thought it might be the hospital.”
“Ah, I get you. No, it’s nothing to do with Claudia. I’m actually calling about Detective Jake Stuart.”
“What about him?”
“He came to visit you yesterday afternoon, and he hasn’t been seen since.”
“Really? I haven’t actually seen him for a couple of days.”
“Are you not staying at Claudia’s house?”
“Erm… Yeah, why do you ask?”
“Because I’m outside, knocking on the door, and there doesn’t appear to be anybody home.”
“Oh, I stayed at my friend’s last night.”
“I need to speak to you. I’ll come to you. What’s the address?”
“I don’t know. I’ll come home. Give me twenty minutes, and I’ll be with you.”
Maggie: a gripping psychological thriller Page 16
