Psychological Thriller Series: Adam Stanley Boxed Set: Behind Shadows, Positively Murder and Mind Bender

by Netta Newbound

  Adam grasped Amanda’s arm and pulled her towards him.

  “What’s wrong, love? You’re frightening me.”

  His lips moved again, and his eyes briefly flickered open.

  “Did you see that?” Amanda looked from Frances to the nurse and they both nodded.

  His lips continued moving.

  “I can’t hear you, babe.”

  His eyes suddenly opened and fixed on Amanda’s face. “Cameras,” he said, and closed his eyes again.

  “Cameras?” Amanda turned back to Frances. “I think he said cameras,” she exclaimed.

  Frances shook her head and shrugged.

  The consultant and a female nurse arrived. “I’ll have to ask you to step outside while I examine my patient.”

  They found themselves bustled into the corridor.

  “Cameras!” Amanda shrieked, startling Frances. “Of course. The cameras must still be in my house. What if they’re still connected?”

  “I ...” Frances shook her head, clearly missing the point.

  “What if Andrew was still watching me? If he was, is there a way of tracing where he was watching from?”

  “I think so, but Cal will know. I’ll call him now.”

  Frances paced the corridor as she called the station. “Cal, if somebody has surveillance cameras set up, is there a way to trace where the signal is being sent to?”

  Frances nodded at Amanda before continuing to talk on the phone. “Can you meet us at Amanda’s? It’s a long shot, but we’re hoping it will lead us to Mary.” She hung up. “He’s heading there now.

  “I’m coming too, but what about ...?”

  “Adam will be fine. Come on. Let’s go.”

  They raced from the hospital, taking Frances’ car. Cal was already at the house as they arrived and itching to get started.

  “Tell me what you remember from the monitors,” he said. “What angle was the room being viewed from?”

  “There were four different angles, from what I can remember.”

  “And what could you see?”

  “Two were of the kitchen. Once facing the room from somewhere near the TV. I tried to look soon after, but I couldn’t see anything. The other was around the back door facing up the hallway, to the front door.”

  “Okay. And the others?”

  “One in the lounge, again from the TV corner, and the last was in the office, which is now Jacob’s bedroom.”

  Cal wasted no time and, within minutes, he’d located the first camera—inside the frame of the TV. The opening was no bigger than a pin head and barely visible to the untrained eye.

  The second was in the alarm motion detector in the corner above the back door.

  Amanda sat at the table opposite Frances while Cal wandered off. He returned a short time later having found two more cameras. He sat beside her and unpacked his laptop. Amanda’s heart was booming. She felt sick.

  Frances reached across the table and squeezed her arm.

  After a couple of minutes’ silence, Cal cleared his throat, causing Amanda to have a mini heart attack.

  “The cameras are live and being uploaded via the cloud.”

  Amanda shook her head. He may as well have just spoken to her in German for all she understood him. “Cloud?”

  He didn’t reply, but continued tapping on his keyboard.

  “Don’t ask me. I’m a technophobe,” Frances said, pulling a funny face.

  “Me too,” Amanda whispered.

  “The signal is being bounced all over the place. Whoever set this up knows what he was doing.”

  “I believe he worked for Intelligence in the Foreign Legion,” Amanda said.

  “Figures.” The concentration altered Cal’s face immensely. He was no longer the twinkly-eyed young man she’d met earlier. Serious, screwed-up eyes peered from his pinched, long face.

  “Got it. The signal’s being bounced back to an address across town. 22 Gladstone Street, Pinevale. The phone account belongs to a Mr Peter Edwards.”

  Frances leapt to her feet. “Call it in, Cal. I’ll need backup.”

  “Oh, no, Amanda. You need to stay here. I’ll call you,” she said, as Amanda made as to follow.

  “No way. I’m not staying here. I don’t even have a car. I’m coming with you.”

  She raced to the car and jumped in, giving Frances no further room to argue.

  *

  The terraced house, in the middle of a row, was nothing special. The only difference from the rest was the addition of wrought iron railings on the downstairs windows and doors.

  “Somebody is security conscious,” Frances said, as she killed the engine. “You wait here. I mean it, Amanda. I’ll be in a lot of trouble if anything happens to you.”

  Amanda nodded and watched Frances walk towards the house.

  Two police cars turned onto the street and parked a little further along the road.

  Four uniformed officers approached Frances, who seemed to instruct one of them to go around the back.

  The rest, led by Frances, made their way to the front door. She knocked, before trying the iron gate covering the door. It swung open freely.

  Amanda opened the car door and gulped a lungful of fresh air as she twirled her bottom around on the seat, putting her feet on the pavement. She bent down until her head touched her knees, in an attempt to calm her stomach, which was threatening to expel everything.

  She missed what happened next. When Amanda looked up, the front door stood open and everyone, except one officer, had vanished.

  Unable to control herself any longer, Amanda jumped from the car, but the officer who stood guard at the gate stopped her from going any further.

  “Please. You don’t understand. My daughter is inside.” She gasped at the slip-up of admitting Mary was her daughter. She’d never said it out loud to anybody other than Adam just a couple of days ago. But it shocked her how strongly she felt, and she didn’t care about herself or the implications. She just needed to know her daughter was safe. The officer didn’t know or care by the looks of his stony, pockmarked face.

  “Stand back, please, miss. Nobody is authorised to enter the property.”

  Amanda could tell she wouldn’t get anywhere with him, and so she stepped to the side, perching her bottom on the low brick wall. Her legs shook so badly, she was scared they wouldn’t hold her weight for much longer.

  After what seemed like ages, another officer appeared, his face grey.

  “Anything?” the first officer asked.

  “Yeah. They found a young girl, but it’s not looking good,” he replied, obviously not noticing Amanda almost bent double on the wall.

  “No!” Amanda screamed, and tried to barrel her way in between the officers, but they were too quick and strong for her. She eventually fell to the pavement, sobbing. She wrapped her arms around her middle in an attempt to ease the empty, gnawing pain.

  By the time the ambulance arrived, several clusters of spectators had gathered in the street.

  Amanda staggered back to her feet and leaned back against the wall, holding her breath. The first officer held his arm out to bar her way until he saw she had no plans to run at him again.

  A man and a woman paramedic team ran from the ambulance into the house carrying a large bag and a stretcher.

  Amanda’s breath came out in short pants and she felt light headed—positive she was going to flake out at any moment.

  Frances appeared in the doorway and scanned the crowd until her eyes sought out Amanda. She swallowed and nodded, her lips quivering as she made her way past the officers, her arms outstretched.

  Amanda didn’t want to hear what she had to say. If she had faith in her legs holding her up, she’d have run and run and run until she was far enough away. That way, nothing Frances had to say would ever affect her. But she couldn’t move.

  “She was locked in the wardrobe—must’ve been there for days.”

  A cry caught in Amanda’s throat.

  “She’s
alive—just. But I’m sure she’ll be all right. Any longer, though, she might not have been so lucky.”

  Chapter 54

  After making a deal with the consultant to stay one more night, I settled back onto my pillow, secretly pleased I would be able to rest a while longer—my head felt as though it was about to explode.

  There’d been no news from Frances and Amanda. I prayed they’d found Mary safe and well. However, what had been niggling me for the past few hours was what I should do about Amanda’s confession. Of course I’d have to report it. I’d have to let the social workers sort it out, because someone out there was still mourning the loss of a little girl—whether adopted or not.

  But once I reported it I knew we’d have no chance of a future together. Amanda would never forgive me if Mary was taken into care, even though she was pregnant with my baby, and all I’d be able to offer it would be a day here and there when work didn’t get in the way. What a mess.

  I heard the door open, and moments later, Frances appeared in the gap of the curtains.

  “Well, you’re a sight for sore eyes,” Frances said.

  “Mary?”

  A smile spread across her face. “We found her.”

  I let out a breath I didn’t even know I’d been holding.

  “She’d been locked in a wardrobe and was in a bad way, but I’m sure with a little time and TLC, she’ll be right as rain—thanks to you.”

  “That’s a relief. Where’s Amanda?”

  “She went with her in the ambulance.”

  I nodded. “Well, I’m stuck in here until tomorrow. Could you pick me up in the morning?”

  “That soon? Are you signing yourself out? You’ve been unconscious for days. Are you aware you’ve had brain surgery?”

  “Course, I’m aware. Stop fussing. I’ll take it easy, but I need to get out.”

  “There’s no rush, you know. Mary’s been found, and I solved the case.”

  “I vaguely remember you telling me, but maybe you should fill me in again.”

  *

  The only clothes I had in my locker were the ones full of blood that I’d been wearing when I was admitted.

  The trousers were okay, and the shoes and socks, but the shirt and jacket were covered in blood. I screwed up the once white shirt, threw it in the bin and then shrugged into the jacket. The dried blood wasn’t as noticeable on the navy blue fabric. I fastened the three buttons and looked in the mirror. Hairs from my chest poked out the top, but it was either wear it or stay put until somebody organised a clean outfit, and that wasn’t gonna happen.

  While I waited for Frances, my mind began to wander. Amanda had looked pale and fragile when she popped by last night to see how I was, and thank me for finding Mary. I wanted to tell her to go home and have a hot meal and a good night’s sleep, but I knew she would be spending the night beside Mary’s hospital bed, and I can’t say I blamed her.

  She didn’t stay long and seemed to keep herself at a distance. It took all of my strength not to pull her into my arms and tell her everything would be okay. I knew she must be worrying about the future, but I couldn’t reassure her until I knew what the hell I was going to do myself.

  When she left, I lay going over everything in my mind. My head pounded and, although still groggy, I couldn’t seem to sleep. She’d clearly gone through hell during the past few days, and now she faced losing her daughter all over again. If only I didn’t know. We could have made a wonderful family between us, with her two kids, Mary, and the new baby. But the fact is, she had told me, and I had no choice but to do the right thing, no matter how many hearts would be broken.

  Frances rushed into the room. “I know. I know. I got held up.”

  “About bloody time,” I said, slipping my shoes on. “You’re gonna have to take me home for a change of clothes first, if that’s all right?”

  “I was planning on taking you home, anyway. You’re not fit for work. Hell you’re not fit to go home, truth be told.”

  “Who are you? My surgeon?”

  “Less of the lip, mister. No way are you returning to work.”

  “I don’t intend to do anything, just tag along. I also need to read the case notes et cetera, make sure there’s no loose ends.”

  “And then you’ll go home?”

  “Scouts honour.” I gave her a three fingered scout salute.

  “Funny man. I doubt you were ever in the scouts.”

  “Dyb, dyb, dyb.”

  She raised her eyes to the ceiling and shook her head. “Come on, let’s go. Shall I get you a wheelchair?”

  “Fuck off!”

  “It’s a long walk to the car, but suit yourself, He-Man.”

  Halfway down the corridor, I felt Frances’ arm snake around my back and, although I didn’t want to, I found myself leaning heavily on her. It almost killed me to walk to the car, but I was too proud to admit I should’ve agreed to a wheelchair. For the first time I realised I’d probably checked myself out much too soon.

  I slept the entire twenty-minute journey and woke to Frances shaking me.

  “We’re here, boss,” she said softly.

  “Bloody hell, I was out of it then.”

  “Stay here today. Get yourself a good rest, and I can always pick you up tomorrow.”

  “I’m fine, Frances. Stop fussing.”

  A tap on the window beside me made my head hit the roof. My elderly neighbour motioned for me to wind down the window.

  “Adam, where on earth have you been? I’ve been beside myself.”

  “I’m sorry, Mrs Armstrong. I had an accident, but I’m all right now.”

  “Please, for the hundredth time, call me Agnes.” She shook her head and tutted. “Was it you they were talking about on the news—the officer stabbed in the head?”

  I nodded. “Sure was.”

  “I had a feeling it was you, but Gordon said I was being stupid.”

  “I’ll be fine, Mrs ... Agnes. Where there’s no sense, there’s no feeling.” I laughed, eased the door open and escorted her up the path.

  Frances waited in the car while I changed into a pair of black jeans and T-shirt. I threw the navy jacket into the laundry basket, not sure if the blood would ever come out, and pulled on a thick, brown cotton jacket and brown loafers. I usually dressed in more formal clothing for work, but I had no intention of ironing a shirt right now.

  I checked my reflection and was shocked. I looked like a bag of shit. A huge dressing still covered half of my forehead, finishing just above my ear, and a blue-green-yellow bruise peeped from underneath and spread down my cheek. I was a lucky bastard by all accounts.

  “Where to now, boss?” Frances asked, as I slid back in beside her.

  “I wouldn’t mind checking in on Mary and Amanda at some stage. But first, I need to go over all the evidence and witness statements. I feel as though I’ve missed out on a whole heap of stuff that I need to get my head around. Plus I wouldn’t mind a chat with our star witness. See if I can encourage her to give evidence.”

  “I doubt it. She was quite adamant about keeping her name out of it.”

  “Worth a try, is it not?”

  “I guess so. She’s at the clinic today. I spoke to her earlier, and she said she was calling all the clients to cancel appointments, and sorting out some other stuff.”

  “Don’t we pass there on the way to the station?” I asked.

  “We can do. You wanna go now?”

  I shrugged. “Why not.”

  *

  A large sign on the front door of the clinic said ‘Closed until further notice’. Frances rat-tat-tatted on the window with her keys, and peered through the glass using her hand to shade the view.

  A pretty young woman soon appeared at the door. She eyed me suspiciously.

  Frances laughed. “Don’t look so worried, Charlie. This is my boss, Detective Adam Stanley. He’s not as scary as he looks. I promise.”

  I held out a hand, and she shook it before reluctantly stepping ba
ckwards to allow us to enter.

  We followed her through to the reception area.

  “I’ve made a start on packing their stuff up. I guess someone’s got to do it.”

  I glanced at Frances and raised my eyebrows. “Wouldn’t you rather wait until the case goes to court? Maybe they’ll be found innocent,” I said.

  A worried expression crossed her face. “They won’t, will they?” she asked Frances. “You said they’d be locked up for good.”

  Frances shrugged, averting her eyes.

  “But I thought you found evidence against them both.” Charlie wrung her hands.

  “We did, but it’s all circumstantial. A good lawyer could get them off.” I could tell she was flustered, so I continued. “Anyone could have planted the bag holding the money and the gun.”

  Charlie glanced at Frances for confirmation.

  Frances nodded.

  The younger woman rubbed her temples as though in pain.

  “If we had someone willing to speak up in court in support of our case then things could be totally different,” I said.

  “You mean me?” she spat. Her face screwed up nastily.

  “Depends. Do you have anything to support our case?”

  “I saw them whispering. They always met up secretly. I told her this when she interviewed me.” She pointed an accusing finger at Frances.

  “But you also said we couldn’t use it in court,” Frances said softly.

  “You can now. If it means they won’t get out, you can say what you like.”

  “Would you be willing to be cross-examined in court?” I asked.

  “Yeah, yeah. Whatever it takes. Now if you don’t mind, I’m busy.” With outstretched arms, she began herding us towards the door.

  We began to move, but something didn’t feel right. I knew Frances thought a lot of this girl, and I was grateful for her help, but her stepfather and his nephew had only just been arrested, and she was clearing out their things as though they were dead.

  I quickly doubled back, passing her by and making my way back to the reception desk, my eyes scanning everything.

  “Just a few more questions, if you don’t mind, miss?”

  “What now? I’ve told you all I know!” She huffed and followed me.