by Ony Bond
“Far away from you,” Godfree said. “You’re sick, enjoy killing, didn’t need to murder those girls.”
“You’re nothing a psychopath and a coward,” Rose said.
“I’ll get you!”
She held Godfrey’s hand and headed for the door. James threw himself at them and fell.
“Come back and listen! They all needed to die, even you two. I’ll come for you.”
The vicious scowl was back as he made growling sounds. Armed guards entered the room and grabbed him.
Walking away Rose shook her head. “An evil woman of a mother and dad without a backbone. The man who adopted and abused him. In his deranged world that gave him the right to kill innocent girls. And he planned to murder his mate and mate’s girlfriend. We’d be in bags too at the bottom of that lake.”
“Prison’s best place for his type.”
“He enjoyed killing, thought you’d treat him as a hero for killing Moto. You didn’t. So he hated you for that too and for you being with me.”
“Hope he never comes out of prison. His only hatred of you was you looked like his mother.”
“The reward money’s yours and will split between both of you,” Chief Detective Superintendent Martin said.
“I don’t deserve it. Those girls won’t be back,” Godfree said.
“Me neither,” Rose added.
Inspector Linda spoke. “You both helped catch a killer who was going to murder more before he got caught. The families offered it. That money can go a long way. Why not take Rose for a holiday?”
“Hey Chief. I need a favour,” Rose said.
“What is it?” the police chief asked.
“Ask her out. She’s a fine girl and won’t say no.”
Linda’s eyes inspected the ground.
“Inspector?” Chief Martin said.
"Yes, Chief," Linda glanced up.
"Is she right? You won’t say no?"
She shook her head. “No.”
Rose took Godfree’s hand and pulled him away, leaving the two detectives alone. They got into Godfree’s car and drove home. At the house she had a bath before settling down for supper. Godfree ran to town, was back in a few minutes. After the meal she laid her head on his shoulder. When she was asleep he removed a small box from his pocket.
The reward money offered by the families of the missing girls amounted to ten grand each for him and Rose. He still did not feel he deserved it. But the deceased girls’ families had insisted it had led to the capture of the killer. Moto had killed and tortured people. Godfree felt sorry for his pregnant wife though and guilty he had told James about Moto. It had got him killed.
Thinking about it he fell asleep.
***
A scream awoke him. Someone was shaking him hard. He sat and glanced around him, thinking the house had caught fire. Rose waved the engagement ring at him.
“What’s this on my finger?” she yelled.
“I thought it fit well.”
"Did I say it didn’t? You never even showed you bought one. When did you buy this?"
“While you were having a bath. You don’t want it?”
“When did I say that? We’re going home to my family. They must be the first to know. Wait. Change that shirt. Put on the blue one I bought you. Change those trousers too. I’ll pick what I want.”
She raced up the stairs, burst into his room, flung open his wardrobe and fetched clothes. When she returned she was in a jeans skirt.
“Recognize this?” she asked with a grin.
“The boot-fare skirt.”
“It’s special. Do you know why?”
“Because I love it.”
“It’s what I wore the day I knew I knew I was in love.”
“You couldn’t pick anyone better?”
“There wasn’t.”
In half an hour they arrived at her home. She hid her ring hand in her pocket, pressed the doorbell. Her mother opened the door, smiled.
“Come in you two. Hello Godfree.”
“Evening, ma’am.”
“It’s been a while Rose.”
The two women hugged and then Rose held out her ring hand. Her mother stared and then screamed.
“Frank, get down here now quick!”
Her husband hurried down the stairs, stepped into the room, and stopped dead. His wife dragged him to Rose.
“See, she’s engaged.”
Frank’s eyes grew large. He hugged his daughter. “Lovely ring. Congratulations.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Mrs Clarke hugged Godfree. “Thanks, son. Welcome to our home.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“Please call me mom or ma, like Rose does.”
“Thank you, mom.”
Frank hugged him and patted his back. “You sure move fast. Congratulations! Since you will now be calling my wife mom could we cut out the sir? Just call me dad.”
“Yes, sir, I mean dad.”
Frank smiled, a twinkle in his eyes. “No problem, son. You shall get used to it. Let me sit with my daughter a while and admire the ring. It looks expensive.”
“Wanted the best for her, Dad.”
“There, son. You got it. Not so difficult now, hey? Nothing like a pretty ring on a girl’s finger to bring out her smile and those dimples. So you decided you want to get married, Rose?”
“I fell asleep on the sofa. When I woke up he had slipped a ring on my finger. Thought it too pretty to return. It feels odd but yet good on my finger.”
Rose and him stayed for supper. Afterwards Frank stood and nodded at Godfree.
“Let’s take a walk. Just you and me.”
He suspected Frank wanted neighbours to get used to seeing them together.
“As I mentioned you’re a fast operator. I underestimated you. In a matter of days, you tricked my girl at a boot-fare by playing hero. Before she recovered from her hero-worship you saved her from James and slipped a ring on her finger to stake your claim. Do I smell a wedding soon?”
“We haven’t talked about it and haven’t set a date yet. Was thinking of letting you know when we get round to it.”
“Sure fine with me. Wouldn’t fight it. She looks happy with you. It’s her happiness that matters. Planning several kids?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t come and announce you’re married already. Give us the date and we’ll have time to prepare. Your people back home will need to be know too, wouldn’t they?”
“Yes, Dad. I plan to.”
“Good. Don’t hurt my girl. If you’d rather not go ahead with this let her know soon and take the ring back.”
“I won’t Dad.”
“Will your people accept her?”
For the first time they talked of his family. Godfree was candid. His parents and the rest of the family expected him to marry someone from their tribe. He had not planned to meet Rose and like her. When they got to know her they would realize what a fine person she was.
“They might convince you to ditch her.”
Godfree shook his head. “I’ll ditch them first.”
Frank laughed. “I should have accompanied her to that boot-fare that day, huh? Then you’d never have tricked her.”
Godfree grinned. “I would have found a way, Dad.”
“You sure pulled the mat from under my feet, son, and got to her before that killer did.”
He squeezed Godfree’s shoulder.
“It’s okay, Dad. Don’t blame yourself. How will your sons and their families and the rest of the family think about me?”
“It’s never easy to marry outside your own race. You’ll face prejudice from friends, relatives and strangers. So you either walk away or face it. Don’t think you and Rose will run. I’ll be there with my support and love because I think you genuinely care for my daughter.”
“Thank you for your blessing, Dad.”
Before he left Loyce said she needed to see him alone.
“Hey, no secrets with my man,” Rose
called.
When they were in the car driving him Rose glanced at him.
“Your sister has asked me to call Charlie, tell him she’s sorry about what she did and would like him to give her a minute to say it.”
“So you’ve become the peacemaker. Dad wanted your help at work as I didn’t want to talk to him. Now it’s Loyce’s turn. Think Charlie will listen to you?”
“I’ll ask him to talk to her.”
CHAPTER 30
The judge wanted him locked up for life. They called him a calculated murderer. What did they expect of a mother who slept with everyone? She did not even know the bastard who made her pregnant. Caused her to be shunned at school and become a loner. The man the boy called father lacked a backbone in his home. That beast at the foster home had abused him. He sorted it. Killed him. Why did someone kill her and robbed him of the special privilege. He had imagined her fear when she recognized him before he strangled her.
James relaxed and read in prison. That jury and judge had ensued he got a lengthy sentence. Made sure he died within these walls. No visitors for him and no letters either. History should remember the blonde abductor. Did he carry any remorse? None. Those five people deserved to die. Two more must be killed. He was a hero. A large manhunt must involve armed police, helicopters and dogs. Newspapers and television with his pictures and the latest news:
“The public is warned not approach the blonde abductor who escaped from prison and is on the run. When you catch sight of him please report immediately to the police. The fugitive is highly dangerous and broke out of the high security Manor Prison. He is serving life for the murder of three girls, and two men. Slim, white, of medium height with brown hair, he is of polite disposition and wears a constant smile. Be warned! Behind that facade he is a cunning murderer. Police have no idea where he is heading or hiding. When last seen at Manor Prison he was wearing blue prison garb. James is-”
He had run two miles before reached the dark road and heard the sound. A car approached, slowed as it passed him and then drew to a stop yards away. The driver alighted from the car and urinateed onto the grass. Music from the car radio blasted through the open door. He never saw the figure who picked a large rock from the ground and sprinted towards him. James hit the man’s head. The victim groaned and fell. Lay still. The stone descended one more before James dragged the carcass into the bushes and covered it with branches. He ambled back to the car, sat inside, closed the door and put on his seat belt. The vehicle was an automatic with a full fuel tank. Great. More than enough gas for the journey. He negotiated the car back onto the silent road. The song changed to Isaac Hayes’ I Stand Accused. James nodded his head as he smiled. Suitable song. James was abused while society watched unconcerned. People who should have loved him betrayed him. Turned him into a killer. He must slit Godfree and Rose’s throats while they slept. His hands clenched as he stepped on the accelerator pedal. The engine responded as James sped to Stones, a glint in his eyes and snarl on his face.
He still had unfinished business. This time it would be completed.
CHAPTER 31
When he opened his eyes darkness lay in the room. Rose was fast asleep. He needed to empty his bladder. After washing his hands, drying them and flushing the loo, he walked back to bed. Rose switched the bedside lamp and lifted an arm.
“Need to visit the bathroom.”
“You ok, Rose?”
“You got no place to escape?”
“No.”
He held her arm and helped her up to her feet. She leaned against his shoulder. He put an arm around her.
“I look as fat and ugly as a whale. Still two weeks before birth.”
“You’ve never looked lovelier.”
He joined her as he pushed the door and she sat on the bathroom seat. After she had finished he suggested she a bath. He ran the it for her, squirted liquid bath soap and sat inside the tub with her amidst the bubbles. He massaged her shoulders and neck.
“Mm. Ah, your daughter’s awake. Touch my side here. She’s kicking.”
“Hey, girl. Ease it now. Stop kicking your mom so hard.”
“This girl will be a good soccer player. Miss talking to your mum. She’ll be on the plane soon. Doesn’t want to miss the birth.”
“You talked to her two days ago and get along now.”
“Reminds me of you and my dad,” she said. “He never could stand you. Now you’re the best of friends. Your mom didn’t want me for a daughter- in-law. But you stood with me. Now I wear a ring, changed my last name and am carrying your child. Let’s sit here for a while. I enjoy being married.”
“I miss being single.”
“Lies. I’ve caught you looking at me many times. No way you can wish for that empty shell you called life without me. Besides, weren’t you the one that wanted to see my naked back and count scars?”
They chuckled. He thought of their wedding. David had been his best man. Rose’s best girl was Loyce. Among the invited guests were the two Stones detectives Martin and Linda.
Now they talked of the unborn baby. When the water got lukewarm he helped dry her and lead her to bed. When they drifted off to sleep the clock on the wall registered 4AM.
They never noticed the silent figure that jumped over the garden gate, climb up the gutter to the kitchen roof and step through an open window into the bedroom. Moved stealthily to the bed a large knife gripped in one hand. Stood looking at them, drew closer and raised the knife, a snarl on his face.
CHAPTER 32
Godfree’s eyes snapped open. Someone had shaken him awake. Rose was fast asleep.
“Sshh. It’s me,” a voice came from the darkness.
“James!” He sat. “What’re you doing here?”
“Shhh. I escaped. You don’t want to wake up Rose now. We need to talk. I need your help and a place to hide. Get up now. Help me. I don’t want to go back.”
“You escaped? Let’s go to the cellar.”
Heart pumping fast he got up and slipped his bottom pyjamas. He held James’ arm and led him down the stairs and into the cellar. Closed the door and clicked on the light, started when James showed him the knife and waved it.
“Sit in that chair, Godfree!” he snapped. “Now!”
“Do nothing foolish.”
“Too late. I stole a car and killed the owner. Don’t care if police catch me. People will know I’m a hero. I will slit your throat first. SIT!”
He sat. “Why, Jamie?”
“You betrayed me by taking my woman. I killed that man for you. How could you repay me by going behind my back and taking Rose? Die now. I liked you as my best mate.”
“I never hurt you, Jamie.”
Keep him talking.
This was real. James meant to kill him. How had he escaped?
James lifted the knife, advanced. “You connived behind my back. Went to the police and reported me. Sided with my mother, the loose girl that abandoned me. You’re nothing but scum.”
“Jamie, how could you kill another man? The police are on your tail here. I’m not your enemy. Never was. Give yourself up.”
“You don’t understand. I must kill you and Rose first. You must die and then I’ll go to her and slash her too.”
“Don’t hurt my wife. We’re expecting a child.”
“SHUT UP!” James screamed. “Stop talking. Don’t even think of jumping me. Prepare to die.”
“We used to be close pals. Have you forgotten those times you bought Nandos chicken for me, came home and we’d play chess? I’ve never forgotten. Didn’t we have good times?”
The door opened and a pregnant figure in a nightie stood on the steps. Her eyes opened wide.
“James? What’re you doing here? Why do you have a knife?”
He smiled. “Came to pay you a visit. I escaped. You saved me coming back to the bedroom. You’re pregnant now? Need to kill Godfree here for betraying me. He should not have protected you.”
“Go back, Rose,” Godfree shouted.
/> “No, don’t leave! I must kill both of you.” James said as he started up the stairs towards her.
“Run, Rose!” Godfree yelled as he tackled James.
They both fell on the steps. Rolled as they fought over the knife. The strength in James’ lithe body was surprising. Even after Godfree hit him he still came back. Now he was on his back with James choking him. He picked the knife and raised it. His face was suffused with hate.
“I told you I'll find you. Goodbye you cheat! Ah!”
Rose screamed. Something slammed hard into James’ temple. The knife fell as he slumped onto Godfree lay still. Godfree glanced up, saw Rose standing with a broken broom hand in one hand.
“How dare you attack my husband?” she yelled as she hit him again.
Godfree pushed James off him, staggered to his feet and grabbed her arm.
“Enough, Rose. Got to tie him.”
“Here’s the ropes.”
Godfree tied James’ hands and arms.
“What’s going on? I heard screaming, ran to your bedroom.” A tussled Frank in pyjamas stepped inside the cellar his wife behind him. “James? What’s this killer doing here?”
“Call the police now, Dad.” Godfree said. “He escaped from prison and came to kill me and Rose.”
Frank rushed to call the police while Godfree held two shivering women. James revived as the police arrived. Blinked at the flickering blue lights as cuffs clamped on his wrists. Blood covered his face.
“Godfree. You and Rose were lucky this time but I’ll find you again and slit your throat.”
Frank’s fist landed in James’ belly.
“To think I liked you once. You wanted to kill my son and daughter. He’s a better man than you’ll ever be, murderer!”
“You won’t come out this time,” Godfree said. “They’ll make sure you’ll die in prison.”
“My husband’s right,” Rose said. “Go back where you belong.”
Neighbours came out of their homes to see several police cars and a man being led by police, pushed into a car. The police left.
Rose held on to Godfree’s arm as they went back into the house. Now she had a morning gown over her nightie.
