Deadly Dozen: 12 Mysteries/Thrillers

by Diane Capri

  “Just to clarify the situation. Ami, once Linda goes back to work it’ll be your responsibility to look after Blackie. To exercise, feed, and play with him, is that right?”

  Ami shot Fiona a terrified look, then stood up and bolted into her bedroom.

  “Ami...” Fiona called after her.

  “Leave her, Fiona. I’m sure we’ll find a way around this problem. Is she always so timid?”

  “She’s always been a quiet girl, but in the last month or so, she’s been really different. We’ve been a bit worried about her. Since the attack, I’m afraid my primary concern has been Linda’s welfare.”

  “How are you, Linda?” Lorne asked, smiling at the way the dog was looking up at her. He seemed happy in his new home, despite Ami’s reluctance to make friends with him.

  Ruffling Blackie between the ears, Linda replied, “Truthfully, I’ve had better days. I just can’t understand why the police don’t believe me. Do they think I did this to myself?” She pointed at the wounds on her face and wrists.

  “I know how unfair it seems, Linda, but without any physical evidence—DNA, et cetera—their options are limited. Has the doctor said when you can go back to work?”

  “In a day or two. I’m an estate agent. It’s going to be hard for me to return to work. However, my boss is very understanding. He’s told me I can stay in the office until I feel up to facing clients again or my ankle is out of plaster.”

  Satisfied that Linda was resigned to accepting the police decision not to go after Gibson, Lorne decided to broach the subject of her taking over the case. “Okay, here’s where I stand on things: I’m willing to leave Blackie with you for a few days, as I’ve already stated. I do, however, have some concerns in regard to Ami’s reaction to him. If that can be overcome in the near future, then I can see the arrangement becoming a permanent one.”

  Both Linda and Fiona looked relieved and in turn stroked the dog.

  “I have something else—a proposition, if you like—to run past you both.”

  “Go on,” said Fiona, her forehead furrowed.

  “As you know, I used to be a detective. I retired from the force last year with the intention of concentrating on the animal rescue centre. Well, things have changed. I’m about to start up my own private investigation firm.”

  “Wow, how exciting for you,” Fiona stated, admiration on her face.

  “I hope so. Here’s where you guys slot into the equation: I’d like you to be my first clients. Free of charge.”

  Astounded, Fiona dropped down onto the sofa, almost crushing Blackie in the process.

  Linda cleared her throat. Her eyes misted over, she placed a hand to her breast. “You’d do that for me, for us?”

  Lorne couldn’t help feeling a little embarrassed by their reaction. “Linda, I believe in you. This guy needs to be caught and taken off the streets. He can’t go on raping women and getting away with it. From what you’ve told me, I doubt you’re the first or the last that he’s lured away from that club.”

  From the doorway, they heard a sniffle, and a pained voice uttered, “You weren’t.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  The three of them turned to look at Ami, who, after voicing the words, had collapsed against the doorframe.

  “Ami, what do you mean?” Lorne asked cautiously, hoping the girl wasn’t about to say what she was thinking.

  The girl stood unsteadily on her slim legs, and Lorne inched forward, ready to catch her if she fell.

  “Linda’s not the first.”

  “For God’s sake, Ami, get on with it!” Fiona snapped. “What are you trying to tell us?”

  Ami closed her eyes. Lorne lunged forward.

  But the girl didn’t fall. The only thing that fell were tears onto her cheek. “Gibson raped me, too.”

  Everyone else in the room gasped. It was a while before any of them found their voices.

  Lorne guided the young woman to the end of the sofa and pushed her down. “Ami, when did this happen to you?”

  Ami took a tissue from up the sleeve of her jumper and wiped her nose and eyes with it. “About a month ago.”

  “My God. Why didn’t you tell us?” Fiona asked finally.

  “I couldn’t. I was so ashamed,” she whispered, her head bowed with embarrassment.

  Lorne placed a hand on Ami’s shoulder. “Did you report it to the police, Ami?”

  “No. I was too ashamed,” she repeated.

  A dumbfounded Linda said quietly, “But you don’t or didn’t have any injuries...”

  “I know. I feel terrible, for not telling you, for not looking like you do.”

  Lorne had a feeling which way the conversation was going and interjected, “You don’t have to apologise, Ami. When it happened, did you give in to him?”

  “Yes. He’s a powerful man. After he had finished, he spat on me like I was a piece of dirt.”

  Lorne squeezed Ami’s shoulder and glanced up at the two sisters. Linda was staring at Ami with compassion and regret. Fiona on the other hand, looked as though she was capable of committing murder. Lorne couldn’t decide if it was Gibson or Ami she wanted to kill.

  “How could you?” Fiona screeched at her.

  “Please, Fi, don’t be cross with me,” Ami pleaded, still unable to make eye contact with anyone.

  “Don’t be cross! How the fuck do you expect me to react? If you’d told us—either of us—this probably would never have happened to Linda! You do realise that, don’t you?”

  As Ami sobbed into the palms of her hands, Linda pulled on her sister’s arm and shook her head. “Don’t do this, Fiona. What good will it do? The damage is done now.”

  Fiona’s eyes widened, and her fists clenched and unclenched by her sides. “I’m sorry, Linda. I can’t and won’t let this lie. She should’ve told us. I don’t mean that Gibson attacked you but the fact that you were attacked at all. We could have helped you get over it. Do you agree, Lorne?”

  Lorne cringed at being put on the spot. “Perhaps it would’ve been better in hindsight if you had confided in Linda and Fiona. It’s not something you should have dealt with on your own. But what’s done is done. I suggest we move forward, quickly.”

  “I’m sorry. Truly sorry,” Ami muttered under her breath.

  Fiona huffed, and Linda slapped her arm. “Fi, Ami was petrified. Unless you’ve been in that situation, you can’t possibly know what it’s like. Lorne, where do we go from here?”

  Ami glanced up at Lorne and frowned.

  “I’m just starting out as a private investigator, Ami. I’ve offered to look into Linda’s case for free. With what you’ve just told us, I’d say it’s imperative we get this guy off the street ASAP. I’ll need you to help us, though. Are you up to that?”

  “Anything. I’ll do anything to help.”

  Lorne smiled and heard the two sisters breathe a heavy sigh of relief. “I’ll need you to go to the police and inform them that Gibson raped you, too. Can you do that for me?”

  Ami’s chin dipped against her chest. Without looking at the others, she asked, “What good will it do?”

  “I can understand your hesitation, but the more complaints the police have against Gibson, the better. They’ll begin to take the case far more seriously.”

  Fiona shook her head. “I doubt that’s going to happen. They’ll probably think Ami is just making up another attack. You know, what with her living with us. Without any proof, I have a feeling they’ll discount Ami’s accusation from the outset.”

  Lorne nodded. “Fiona’s right, but Ami, if you’re willing to go through with it, I know from my experience in the force that Gibson’s name will be put on a ‘One to watch’ list. If any other crimes similar to yours occur in the same area, his name will immediately be flagged.”

  “Oh, excellent. So all we have to do is wait for this scumbag to rape a few more women—then there’s a chance he might be connected to all the crimes,” Fiona stated, sarcasm evident in her tone.

  Fio
na had a point. No one knew better than Lorne how screwed-up the system was. That was why she had decided to branch out on her own, to right the wrongs that the police system couldn’t or wouldn’t do.

  “I know it doesn’t seem fair, Fiona, but that’s the way it is. Now, about my proposal. I promise to give it my all. You have my word that if there is a way to get this guy, I’ll find it. If you give me the chance, that is?” Lorne watched the uncertainty disappear from the three girls, to be replaced by hope. In unison, they all nodded.

  “Okay. Here’s what we do next: Ami, I need you to go to the police and give them a statement. Do you have a friend who could go with you?” Ami glanced at Fiona and Linda. “It would be better if it was a different friend—you know, because of the connection.”

  “I think my friend from uni will go with me.”

  “Great. Next, I need you, Linda, to tell me everything you know about Gibson. You said he had a girlfriend up till a few weeks ago. Any idea of her name?”

  Linda shrugged, and her mouth twisted as she thought. “Not sure. The best I can do is ask around at the club, if I ever go back there.”

  “Don’t worry, Linda. I’m not going to put you through that, although you shouldn’t let this guy alter the way you live your life. If you do that, he’s going to think he’s won in more ways than one. I’ll make enquiries at the club—discreet enquiries, especially as he appears to be well-known there.”

  “I understand, but it’s going to be hard, venturing out at night again,” Linda replied. Fiona patted her understandingly on the back of the hand.

  “If we can go through a few details, Linda, I’ll need to be getting back soon. Hubby will be expecting his dinner.”

  Over the next half an hour, Lorne jotted down four full pages of notes about Gibson, some of which even Ami provided. Lorne packed her pad away and handed Fiona a carrier bag containing everything she had brought with her for Blackie, essentials for a few days’ stay.

  “Are you sure about Blackie, Ami?” While taking notes, Lorne had noticed Ami getting nearer to the dog, intimating that she was willing to give him a chance.

  “He seems a nice dog. Can I see how things go? All I can say is that I’ll try my best with him, for all our sakes.”

  “I’m satisfied with that. He’ll look after you—all of you. I’m confident of that.” Lorne clicked her fingers, and Blackie rushed over to her. “Now you be a good boy and look after the nice ladies.”

  The dog licked her face, and she wiped her cheek on the sleeve of her coat. “Any problems—doesn’t matter how insignificant you think they are—don’t hesitate to contact me. In the meantime, I’ll get started on your case. Hopefully, I’ll be in touch in a few days. Look after each other.”

  Lorne left the room, and Blackie tried to follow until Linda caught him by the collar. Lorne heard the dog whimper slightly before the front door closed behind her. Unexpected tears welled up in her eyes. Sheila had warned her that she would need to harden up and to avoid getting attached to the dogs, but in Lorne’s case, that was going to be easier said than done.

  She’d not long set off when her mobile rang. Lorne put it on hands free and answered it. “Katy, is that you?”

  “Hi, Lorne. Sorry. Had problems getting hold of Roberts yesterday. I managed to pin him down today—not literally.” They both laughed. “He has a few reservations, but on the whole, he’s agreed to me helping you out occasionally.”

  Lorne thumped the air excitedly with one hand, while the other firmly held the steering wheel. “That’s great. Dare I ask what his reservations were?”

  Katy hesitated for a moment or two. “Actually, he was a bit narked that you hadn’t contacted him directly and chose to go through me instead. I also got the impression that he was hoping you’d reconsider your retirement and come back to the team.”

  “Oh, dear. Maybe he has a point about contacting him personally. I’m afraid I let my excitement get the better of me there. As for coming back to the team, I’m not sure that was ever on the agenda. Returning once was bad enough for me. Anyway, I’ve told Linda that I’ll be taking on her case. Talking of which, there’s been a significant development.”

  “Go on,” Katy said, sounding intrigued.

  “Well, I dropped a dog off at their place this evening—just on my way home now, as it happens. Anyway, it turns out that one of Linda’s flatmates has also fallen victim to this Gibson bloke.” Not confident with driving and holding a conversation Lorne pulled into the curb.

  “What? You’re kidding?”

  “Nope. The police have told Linda that, as there was no DNA evidence, there’s little they can to do about Gibson.”

  “What about the other girl? Did she report the incident when it happened?” Katy asked.

  “No. She was too ashamed to. Didn’t say a word to anyone, apparently. She’s very timid. Was petrified of the dog at first. By the time I left, she was starting to make friends with him.”

  “She has to come in and see us now. You told her that, right?”

  “I did. She’ll be reporting the incident in the next few days. Again, without evidence, it’s not going to go anywhere, and your lot might even think it’s a fake account of what happened, once they learn she resides at the same address as Linda.”

  “I’ll see what I can do my end. Chase up who went to see Gibson and what their take is on it and get back to you. Other than that, not sure what else we can do.”

  “Thanks, Katy. It’s a start at least. I’ve left Blackie with the girls; he’s a German shepherd. I think they’ll feel more secure with him around. The one thing that’s niggling me, though, is the fact that two of the three girls have been raped by this guy, and during Linda’s attack, he threatened to rape the third girl, Linda’s sister, Fiona. Which leads me to suspect he’s somehow keeping tabs on them.”

  “That fits. In what way, do you think?”

  Lorne thought about that for a few seconds as she watched the traffic whiz past her parked car. “Maybe he’s stalking them. Keeping an eye on their flat. I don’t know how, but I intend to find out.”

  Katy gave a brief laugh. “I’m sure you do. I’ll do the necessary at this end and get back to you in a day or two with the information. Talk soon, Lorne.”

  “Thanks, Katy. You’re a star.”

  Lorne hung up and pulled out into a convenient slot in the traffic. Two miles from home, she stopped at the local chip shop and ordered three portions of cod and chips with a side order of mushy peas for her father. The aroma of food filled the car by the time she arrived home fifteen minutes later.

  While the three of them ate their meal out of the paper, Lorne relayed the devastating news that Ami had divulged when she’d dropped Blackie off.

  “Jesus, no wonder the girls are so petrified,” Tony said, placing his final chip in his mouth before he balled up the paper his food had been wrapped in and set it to one side.

  “That’s just it, love. Ami hadn’t told the other girls before tonight.”

  “He’s watching them.” Tony ran his tongue over his lips, licking up the remaining salt from his dinner.

  “That was my first thought, too. Although I didn’t tell the girls that.”

  Her father nodded. “Very wise. No sense frightening the poor lasses any more than is necessary. Where do we go from here, Lorne?”

  “First of all, I need to sort out a new car. The van’s great for this business, but what with the name of the Rescue Centre plastered over the sides, it’s going to be a bit of a give-away if I start following suspects in that.”

  Her father tutted and waved a hand in front of him. “Nonsense. What’s mine is yours. Use the Nova until you get on your feet. If I’m running this place, I won’t be able to go out gallivanting in it now, will I?”

  “That’s great, Dad, if you’re sure. In that case, I’d like to get started first thing tomorrow.” She popped the final piece of battered cod in her mouth and balled up her own paper, pausing mid-twist when she glan
ced sideways at the evening paper lying on the kitchen table, an image jumped out at her. “I don’t believe it.”

  She handed the paper to Tony. “Well, what do you know. The bastard really does like the limelight, doesn’t he?”

  The picture was of Gibson, standing in the middle of a crowd of young city dealers, looking smug beyond words. The headline read: “New kid on the block blows his competitors out of the water.”

  Lorne felt her heart rate escalate as her gaze bored into that of the man staring back at her from the photo. “I think I’m going to enjoy bringing this ‘New kid’ down a peg or two.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  The next day, Lorne shot out of bed with renewed vigour. Tony lifted his head off the pillow and glanced at the clock. Seeing it was only five thirty, he groaned and shoved his head under the pillow. Lorne sprang into action, impersonating a whirlwind on a mission. After gathering her clothes from the wardrobe and her underwear from the chest of drawers, she disappeared into the bathroom to shower.

  Once fully clothed, she decided to let her hair dry naturally. Lorne leapt onto the bed beside her snoring husband and prodded him, “Hey, you. Time to get this show on the road.”

  Annoyed he hadn’t stirred, Lorne shot her hand under the quilt. Tweaking a nipple, she repeated, “Time to get up, hon.”

  “Do I have to? Can’t you do the chores in the morning? I promise I’ll do them every evening,” Tony’s juvenile whining was muffled by the pillow still wrapped firmly around his head.

  “Awww, sweetheart. You promised,” she mimicked his whine and added an extra emphasis of her own.

  Suddenly, the pillow hit her round the side of her head, and the quilt was thrown back over her. “Take the mickey out of me, would you? An MI6 agent who has killed people for doing less than you just did?”

  Lorne laughed and threw the quilt back over him. “That’s former MI6 agent, just in case you need reminding, Mr. PI. Now shift your well-rounded backside.”

  “You cheeky... Are you saying I’ve put on weight?” He took the artificial leg that was lying on the floor beside him, strapped it on, and jumped out of bed. Marching over to the full-length mirror, he dragged his hands down his stomach, which he’d pulled in so his ribs protruded slightly.