The Watcher : A Chilling Serial Killer Thriller

by Netta Newbound

  When he woke up, he showered and dressed. He knew Max’s house was beside Lake Windermere, but he was unsure where. That wouldn’t stop him.

  Just five minutes on the laptop proved fruitful, and he jotted down the address, grabbed his bag, and headed to the front door. A heavy knock made him freeze mid-step.

  Hardly breathing, he stood dead still, praying whoever it was hadn’t seen his silhouette through the textured glass.

  More rapping followed. “Open up! Police!”

  What the fuck? Shit! Don reached for the hammer, which still had clumps of, now defrosted, brain matter on it. He peered through the spy hole, and he could see a cop in uniform. Just one? This wasn’t a raid.

  He slowly opened the door. “Yes, officer? Can I help you?” He still held the hammer in his hand, just behind the door.

  “I apologise for disturbing you, sir. Are you the occupant of the flat?” Don had to think fast—he would kill this fucker if need be, but wasn’t sure what the cop wanted yet.

  “No, it’s my friend’s place. I’m looking after it for him while he’s in the States.”

  “What’s your name, sir?”

  “Ken. Ken Barber. Why?”

  The officer jotted it down. “And what’s your friend’s name?”

  “Simon Fowler. Can I ask why all the questions?”

  “All in good time, Mr Barber. When did your friend leave for America?”

  “Last week.”

  “And have you been staying here ever since?”

  Don shook his head. “No. This is the first time I’ve called by.”

  “I see. We needed to ask your friend a few questions regarding one of the neighbours. Do you know Diane Nagel, from 4a?”

  Don shook his head, trying to show zero emotion. “No. I can’t say I do.”

  The officer handed Don his card. “Could you ask your friend to email me?”

  “I will, but can I tell him what it’s about?”

  “A woman was murdered.”

  “The neighbour? The one you were asking about? Did it happen here?”

  “Yes, it was the neighbour. But, it didn’t happen in her flat. If you could pass on my details, I’d appreciate it.”

  “No problem, officer.”

  “Have a nice day, sir.” He tipped his hat, and turned away.

  Don stayed where he was, peering from a crack in the door, the hammer just out of sight, yet at the ready. He could hear the cop talking to somebody else.

  “No answer at 4b, John. We’ll have to come back later.”

  Stepping from the door alcove, Don peered around the corner, and watched as two officers headed for the staircase.

  He was shaken up. He’d thought killing her at the hospital would keep the investigation away from the flats. Patient kills doctor—end of story. But, he would have to watch his step now. There was a sighting of him, at the flat, even though he had given them his drippy colleague’s details.

  Looking out to the street, he watched the two cops leave the building, and drive off. He grabbed his bag, dropped the hammer back on the hall table, and left for the Lake District.

  Chapter 20

  Clearly distraught, Max looked around the carpark. “The bastards.”

  “Who did it?” Hannah also looked around, wondering who he could be talking about.

  He shrugged. “Did you notice the scratch when you got in the car earlier?”

  “To be honest, I was so distracted by Angela, I just jumped in. And it was quite dark, so I probably wouldn’t have noticed it anyway.”

  He shook his head, and unlocked the car. As he opened the door for her, he said, “Never mind. It’s just a car—the insurance will cover it.” But, she could tell by the way his jaw clenched he was pissed off.

  They drove a little way in silence, each occupied with their own thoughts. When they turned off the motorway, the scenery changed, and so did Max’s mood.

  Hannah couldn’t wait to see the lake. She’d always loved the water. She dreamed of raising a family beside a beach or lake, throwing sticks into the water for the dog to fetch, and jumping over waves with the toddlers. She didn’t tell Max about it, though; she wouldn’t see him for dust if she started talking about babies and settling down at this stage of their relationship—they’d barely got past first base.

  “The scenery is stunning around here,” she said.

  “Yeah. I love it. I always feel the stress melt away when I get to this spot.”

  “This is the furthest north I’ve been. How sad is that?” she said.

  “You must have been further in other directions, though?”

  She shrugged. “I’ve been on holiday to Malaga with a friend of mine, so that’s the furthest I’ve travelled. But, within the country, we used to holiday as a family in Great Yarmouth or Aberystwyth. I love the coast, but we only got to see it for a week or two every year. Dad likes what he likes, and never really diverts from that, so we went east or west, and never north or south.”

  “You don’t know what you’ve been missing. I’m looking forward to showing you the sights.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  “Not far now.” He smiled.

  Although she was excited to see his home, it was the thought of spending the entire weekend with Max she was looking forward to the most.

  Suddenly, the deep cobalt blue of the lake came into view, and her breath hitched.

  “It never fails to take my breath away,” Max said.

  When he finally turned into a driveway, she gasped at the cutest little stone cottage she’d ever seen. But, he didn’t stop at the cottage. He drove past, and through the trees to a stunning, multi-level home.

  He pressed a button on the sun visor, and the garage door began to open. Moments later, he drove into a garage so large it could have fit the quaint cottage in the centre of it, with room to spare.

  “Wow!” was all she could manage.

  When they got out, Max re-examined the paintwork of the car. He shook his head in disgust. “I’ll never understand the mentality of some people.”

  Startled by a sound behind them, they turned as a man appeared around the corner on a ride-on mower.

  “Ah, here’s Lenny, the friend I told you about.” Max waved.

  Lenny killed the engine and jumped off the mower. “Hey, buddy. I wasn’t sure if we’d see you this weekend, with you only going back a couple of days ago.” He glanced at Hannah. “Hi.”

  “This is Hannah. Hannah meet Lenny, my oldest friend.”

  “He means, we’ve known each other a long time, not that I’m ancient.” Lenny laughed, his hazel eyes twinkling.

  Hannah giggled, as she took his outstretched hand. “I did wonder.”

  “Hey. Cheeky!” Lenny nodded at her, looking at Max, as if to say, ‘You’ve got a live wire here.’

  “What are your plans for the weekend, Len?” Max asked.

  “Oh, you know—the usual. Why do you ask?”

  “I thought I might introduce Hannah to Trixie. Let her check out the competition.”

  Hannah’s stomach dropped. What the hell?

  “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’ll tell Charmaine. She’ll organise some food.”

  “Great. Not too early—say around nine.”

  “Lookin’ forward to it. Lovely to meet you, Hannah.” He gave a salute, and ducked under the closing garage door.

  “Seems nice,” Hannah said.

  “He’s great. His wife, too. You’ll get on well with Charmaine.” He pulled the two cases from the boot, and headed to the extra wide internal staircase.

  She followed him. “So, come on. Put me out of my misery. Who’s Trixie?”

  Although he had his back to her, she could tell by the way his ears moved that he was smiling. “You’ll have to wait. It’s a surprise. You’re not jealous, are you?”

  He stopped on the landing, pointing with one of the cases. “This is the bedroom floor. My bedroom’s on the left. I’ll put your things into the room across
the hall. Is that okay?”

  “Sure.” She followed him into the bedroom, and gasped again. Oak trim framed each lemon and white wallpapered wall, and matched the doors and bay window. Another door led to a compact bathroom and walk-in-wardrobe “Oh my gosh! It’s so lush.” She sat on the edge of the bed, stroking the fine white fabric “What’s the thread count on these sheets?”

  “Is that a real question?”

  She laughed. “Forget it. Come on. I can’t wait to see the rest of the place. How many bedrooms are there?”

  “Four.” He left her bag on the window seat, and headed across the hall to drop his own case off.

  His room was even more exquisite. Hannah was astounded. The duck egg blue and gold wallpaper matched the plush bedspread. Brushed gold-coloured accessories were dotted around the room. French doors led to a beautiful wooden deck, with stunning water views. The bathroom off that room held a double-sized, corner Jacuzzi bath, a freestanding shower unit, bidet, sink, and toilet. A fifty-inch TV was fitted into the wall opposite the tub.

  “Oh, Max. This is beautiful.”

  “Wasted on me, though. I considered selling it a while ago, but I love it, and I feel my parents all around me when I’m here.”

  “Oh, no! Then, you can’t sell it.”

  He smiled sadly, and tucked a tendril of her hair behind her ear.

  Hannah gasped. The way he gazed into her eyes made her suddenly self-conscious.

  Taking her hand, he escorted her up the second wide, beige-carpeted staircase to the upper level.

  The open-plan living space was divided into three areas—a state of the art kitchen filled the entire front wall, with an island-breakfast bar separating it from the rest of the room. The lounge and dining room occupied the extended rear of the building, and overlooked the stunning back garden and incredible water views. The semi-circular deck resembled something you’d find in a home and garden magazine—in fact, the whole house did. The end of the garden dropped away quite steeply on one side, and a walkway led to a private jetty jutting out into the water.

  A small stone building was located to the side of the jetty.

  Hannah turned to find Max sitting on the sofa, with a grin pasted on his face. She laughed. “Sorry. But, this house is extraordinary. I expected a little quaint cabin, not this.” She held her hands out, and twirled on the spot.

  He patted the cushion beside him. “Never apologise. I could watch you all day.”

  She smiled shyly, and sat beside him.

  He took her into his arms, and kissed her deeply. “I’ve been dying to do that all day,” he said.

  “Me too,” she said, feeling lightheaded.

  Afterwards, he took her for a stroll around the garden, telling her tales of his childhood.

  He showed her the massive tree he used to climb, from which he would dive into the water.

  “But, it’s so far from the water. It’s a wonder you didn’t have a nasty accident.”

  “You don’t see danger as a kid. But, I was heartbroken when my mum hired a contractor to chop my favourite branch off.”

  “Good on her. I don’t think I could cope with any child of mine doing something like that.” They stopped at the jetty, gazing out to the water.

  “You can’t wrap them up too tight, or they’ll never learn,” he said.

  She shrugged. “I’d take away the hazard, like your mum did.”

  “Meany. Boys are built different to girls. They need all that physical, blood-pumping stuff. It doesn’t mean they’ll have a fatal accident, if you let them climb a tree. You just need to teach them how to climb the tree safely.”

  “I can’t believe we’re having our first disagreement, and it’s about how to raise children.” She laughed.

  “Some things need to be established early. For instance, I would have to insist our son, when he turns six, would be sent to boarding school.” He raised his eyebrows, as though challenging her.

  “Six! Oh my gosh! No son of mine would be sent anywhere. I’m sorry, but no. I’ve decided not to have your baby.”

  He grabbed her hand, and moved in closer, lifting her chin with his other hand. “Are you certain about that? Maybe there’s something I could do to persuade you.”

  Her pulse quickened, as she gazed into his eyes. “Hmm, maybe. Depends on what you have in mind.”

  His gentle kiss gained momentum, and literally took her breath away. He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her up, and closer to him.

  Hannah moaned against his warm and sweet-tasting lips—completely smitten.

  His hands moved up to clasp her face, his tongue swirling around hers, exploring her mouth.

  An irritating buzzing sound distracted Hannah. She pulled away as a small motorboat passed—the two male occupants gawking at Hannah and Max.

  Blushing, she moved away from him.

  “Come here, woman,” he growled.

  She squealed, and ran off towards the house, Max close on her heels.

  Chapter 21

  The place seemed deserted when Don approached the lake house. The small cottage was visible from the road, and nothing like he’d imagined the great Maxwell-fucking-Myers would own. It was too plain and not at all flashy.

  He returned to his car, and drove off in search of something to eat and a drink. He’d come back after dark.

  ***

  Hours later, Max woke and smiled, as he gazed at Hannah’s sleeping face.

  Making love to her had confirmed what he already knew—they were perfect for each other. She was everything he’d dreamed of.

  Although reluctant to leave her side, he needed to use the bathroom, so he slid his arm out from underneath her head, and plumped the pillow so as not to disturb her.

  Moments later, he donned his robe, tying the sash loosely around his waist, and headed off towards the kitchen—he was once again ravenous. Charmaine always kept the fridge well stocked.

  He padded on bare feet up the stairs, and set about preparing a feast for them both.

  Surprised by the dimming light, he glanced across the lake at the setting sun. They must have slept for hours, which wasn’t surprising, since they’d hardly slept the night before.

  Max arranged a platter of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, a selection of different cheeses and crackers.

  He was startled when two hands snaked around his hips, as he was uncorking a bottle of red wine.

  “Oh, hello, you.” He kissed the tip of Hannah’s nose. “I was about to come and wake you.”

  “I panicked. I didn’t know where I was for a second.” She was wearing his shirt and nothing else, and he felt the familiar stirrings again.

  “You know, there’s nothing sexier than a woman in a man’s shirt.” He put the bottle down and reached for her, cupping her bare buttocks in his hands, and grinding against her stomach.

  “Tempting as that suggestion is…” she said, pressing back against him. “…I’m starving, and might just pass out, if you don’t feed me soon.” She twirled away from him, and he smacked her bottom playfully.

  ***

  Don returned to the lake house, and parked along the road. Walking back towards the property, he ducked through the bushes where he had a perfect view into the lounge.

  The light from the television lit the room enough for him to make out two people lying on the sofa. Picking up a rock, he launched it through the window, and stepped deeper into the bushes.

  ***

  Max and Hannah were snuggled together on the flokati rug, when a drumming sound, he recognised as somebody running up the external steps, startled them.

  He grabbed a throw from the sofa, and threw it over Hannah’s nakedness.

  “What is it?” she said.

  Just then, Lenny hammered on the French door.

  Max jumped to his feet and pulled his robe closed, tightening the belt. He opened the door. “Shit, Len. What’s up?”

  “Some bastard just threw a rock through the cottage window.” Lenny panted.


  “You’re joking. Hang on, let me get dressed and I’ll meet you out the front.”

  He locked the door, as Lenny charged off. “Wait here,” he said to Hannah, and ran down the stairs to the bedroom.

  Lenny was agitated when Max met him a few minutes later out on the driveway.

  “So, tell me again. What happened?”

  “We were watching TV, and a fucking big rock came through the window.”

  They set off in the direction of the cottage.

  “Were either of you hurt?” Max asked.

  “No. But, several of the small panes and the frames are shattered. The glass covered the coffee table and lounge chair. Luckily, neither of us were sitting on it.”

  They rounded the front of the cottage, and Max could see what he meant. A huge hole around five inches in diameter was in the middle of the wooden, six-panel window frame, and several of the cross members were obliterated, too.

  “Jeez, man, someone meant business here tonight. Have you any idea who it could have been?”

  Lenny shook his head. “It’s totally random.”

  Charmaine came to the front door, clearly shaken. “Did you see anybody?”

  “No. Go on in, babe. We’ll get it boarded up.” Lenny kissed his wife, and ushered her back inside. “Close the curtains,” he called after her.

  Max strode out to the road, and glanced up and down. Several cars were parked along on either side, but nothing struck him as odd or different to normal.

  Lenny appeared through the bushes. “They were probably hiding in here. Nobody would see them, and yet, they could get a perfect view into the cottage.”

  Max followed him back through the bushes. “Well, whoever it was, will be long gone now.”

  “Seems pretty creepy, if I’m honest. We never close the curtains, and anyone could be gawking at us. But, why throw a rock?”

  “Probably kids. Don’t worry about it. Have we got anything we can use to board it up with until morning?”