Spiritwalker

by Siobhan Corcoran

  “I'm great thanks, swamped with work as usual. How's that sister of mine doing? Hope you're looking after her?

  “Andrea? Andrea's great, her landscape gardening business is taking off big time. She's gone into partnership with a guy called Jack Collins, no relation.”

  “That's fantastic, you'd better watch out there, this Jack might turn out to be a bit of a Jack O the lad, she might run off with him.”

  “No chance mate, he's as bent as an S hook, I'm as safe as houses.”

  Morley had to laugh at the politically incorrect way Neil had of phrasing things. He always marvelled at the way no one ever took offence at the Irishman's lack of tact. They all seemed to swoon when they looked into his baby blues, women especially. His sister had fallen for him the first time she had looked into them.

  “Hope you're ringing to book a flight?” Neil warned him. “We haven't seen you in ages, bring Cara too.”

  “afraid not, got a big case on at the moment its driving me crazy, that's why I rang, need some info on an Irish lady, want to know if she's on the level”

  “Shoot, give me her name and I'll check her out.” Neil said fumbling for a pen and a sheet of paper.

  “Her name is Anna Cotter, she's a private detective, her home address is down around your part of the country. Hoped you might be able to tell me if she's legit. I've come across her a few times in relation to the case I’m working on, an abduction, slash murder”

  Neil was silent for a moment before he answered. “You did say Anna Cotter didn't you, about twenty seven, five eight, blue eyes, brown hair?”

  “That's right, that's her. How did you know? So she is known to you. I was afraid of that. What is, some kind of con artist or something? I knew she was too good to be true. I can't believe I nearly fell for that “I'm a psychic act.” He was beginning to rant, feeling like a fool for beginning to trust her.

  “Whoa, hold your horse a sec. I said I knew her, but not because she's dodgy.”

  “What then” Morley asked

  “She's my cousin, I doubt she's into anything dodgy as you put it. Nah definitely not Anna”

  “Are you serious, she's your cousin?” This wasn’t the information he had expected. It took him a second to take it in. “Are you related to everyone in Ireland or what?”

  “Why do you think I had to go all the way to England for a wife, incest is frowned on here too you know.” Neil laughed. “Can't believe she told you she was a psychic though. She's very secretive about that.”

  “I suppose I didn't give her much choice. She said she saw things that she couldn't possibly have seen. That was the explanation she gave when I challenged her on it.”

  “Look Gaz, it’s like this, she is legit. Strictly off the record I've used her a few times and she's good, very good. She has a knack for finding people that would put a homing beacon to shame. I'm not exactly sure how she does it and I don't care, but she does come up with the goods.”

  “I didn't think you'd go in for all that mumbo jumbo, but if you think she's on the level that's good enough for me.” Morley was glad that Neil was able to vouch for her. He knew that his brother-in-law was no fool and he respected his judgement. He knew that cousin or not if Anna had been dodgy he would have told him.

  “Neil if it was anyone else telling me this I'd think they had lost their marbles, but since it’s you, I'll bow to your superior knowledge.”

  “Aw shucks” Neil laughed “Listen mate do me a favour and keep the psychic bit to yourself if you can. I know she wouldn't want all in sundry to know.”

  “That's for damned sure.” Morley sighed. “If the powers that be over here think I'm consulting a psychic they'd have the men in white coats looking for me.”

  “I know what you mean mate, I'm in the same position here. On a lighter note, when are you coming over? The fish are jumping mad. Doesn't a nice bit of poached salmon sound lovely about now.”

  “I worry about you, you know. For a cop you never seem to mind breaking the law. Isn't it illegal to fish out of season over there?”

  “Ah what the Fishery boys don't know won't worry 'em. Sure can't we fish off the bank, isn't my garden backing onto the Blackwater River. They can't expect people not to fish from their own garden. A nice drop of Poteen would go down a treat after. Anyway you'll have to both come over next year”

  “Why, what's happening?”

  “Andrea's pregnant, she's due sometime in April.”

  “What, Andrea's pregnant, that's great, congratulations.”

  Yup, but don't let on I told you. I know she wanted to tell you herself. She'll have my guts for garters if she finds out I told you.”

  “I can't believe it I'm going to be an uncle.” Morley suddenly felt much better, Andrea and Cara were the only family he had left. It would be great to add a niece or nephew to it. “Promise I won't let on you told me, but you'd better make me a godfather or the deals off”

  “Maybe you and Anna could both be Godparents.”

  “Ha” Was all he heard as Gary Morley hung up the phone on him.

  Chapter nineteen

  After his telephone conversation with his brother-in-law, Morley told the Sargent at the front desk that he was heading to the hospital and to let DCI Carter know where to find him. He left his mobile number in case they should miss each other in transit. Neil's revelation about Anna being his cousin had made him see her in a different light. He also reflected that, someday soon his niece or nephew would also be a cousin to her. At the hospital he had to wait for what seemed like an age before the nurse in charge would allow him to see Anna. Finally he was allowed in. Anna was sitting up in the bed, she was very pale she was almost as pale as the white starched pillows that supported her back. Apart from the faded-blue of the gown she was wearing her dark hair was the only contrast to the clinical whiteness all around her, it made her seem even paler and more vulnerable, his heart gave an unexpected lurch at the sight of her. He smiled cheerfully at her and drew up a metal chair that was standing next to the bed. As he got closer he was shocked to see the vivid dark bruises on her pale neck. Anger welled up inside him, he had begun to feel very protective towards this woman.

  “How are you feeling?” He asked gently.

  “Much better, thanks to you.” she answered her voice sounding a little raspy to him. “I've been prodded and poked and scanned and apparently I'm good to go, but not until tomorrow unfortunately, they want to make sure I don't have concussion.”

  “You certainly look much better than you did last time I saw you.”

  “I'm so glad you came when you did, he would have killed me, thank you.” Anna said sincerely, smiling weakly at him.

  “Did you get a good look at your attacker?” Morley asked switching to professional mode.

  “No, not good enough to do a photo fit but I'm sure I'd know him again if I met him. There was something about him that was vaguely familiar though.”

  “Can you describe anything about him? His height for instance”

  “He was tallish I'd say five ten to six foot, Sturdy build. He felt like he worked out. He was very strong. Dark hair, short but not like shaven or anything. He was somewhere in his forties maybe forty five-ish, dark eyes. He was quite tanned and his breath was stale, kind of like day old garlicky breath.”

  “Did he have any distinguishing features, birth mark, or moles anything like that?”

  “Not that I noticed, I only got a good look at his hands, he was wearing a thick gold wedding ring …. Oh and his nails were very well cared for... manicured. It was the same man who abducted Sassy”

  “Are you certain?” he asked. He was fairly certain that it was the same man, but to have it confirmed was a great help.

  “Can you tell me exactly what happened when you got to Ms Cavendish's apartment?”

  “Well I got a text from Sylvia the night before to meet her at her place at lunch time. She said she had information about Jane. I tried to ring her back but the phone went straight to v
oice mail. So I came up today and when I reached her apartment I rang her buzzer. She didn't answer so I waited until someone came out of the building and I slipped in. I went straight up to her apartment and knocked on the door. It opened slightly when I knocked, and I could hear loud music, so I pushed it open and walked in calling Sylvia's name. She didn't appear, so I followed the sound of the music and I saw her lying in her bed. At first I thought she was asleep, but when I went over to wake her, her eyes were open and staring and I knew at once she was dead.” Anna's voice began to tremble as she recalled the awful sight of Sylvia's dead eyes staring into nothingness.

  “It’s okay, take your time.” Morley said softly.

  “I was just about to ring 999 when someone hit me over the head from behind, he grabbed me and put a cloth over my mouth....I collapsed, the rest you know.” Anna was barely able to keep her emotions under control. A single tear escaped from the corner of her eye. She hastily wiped it away hoping Morley wouldn't notice how distressed she was.

  “I'm sorry, I know you've had a terrible ordeal. I'm just glad I arrived when I did. Just one more question and I'll let you get some rest. You said you were hit from behind, and were knocked out by him placing a cloth over your mouth. Yet you said you would recognise him again if you met him. Do you mind if I ask how you can be so certain, since you didn't get a good look at his face?”

  “What are you trying to say?” Anna asked angrily knowing full well what he meant.

  “It’s okay, I just want us to be clear. Did you actually see him with your own two eyes or was it like before with Sassy? I mean you said it happened fast, and he hit you from behind”

  “What difference does it make? That's the description of the man who attacked me and killed Sylvia. I would know him again if I met him. Just because I didn't get a good look at his face doesn't mean that I wouldn't know him again. How do you think blind people know when someone is there? We have other senses you know” she was furious with him now.

  “I believe you, try not to get worked up, it’s just that there's a DCI Carter coming and she will want to interview you. I think it would be best if you didn't mention being a seer as you call it.”

  “Why not. It's the truth.” Anna huffed at him.

  “I believe you, I really do. It’s just that she might not take you as seriously if she knew.”

  “You believe me?” Anna was incredulous. “I thought you were the eternal sceptic?”

  “Well I must admit I did do a little research on you.”

  “Oh” Anna said wondering what kind of research he had done.

  “I have a friend in the Irish police. Neil Collins, I think you might know him? He vouched for you, he said you were above board.”

  “You know Neil. And more to the point you trusted his judgement. I think I might have misjudged you. How do you know him?” she enquired curiously.

  “He's my brother-in -law. Andrea is my sister.”

  “Wow I don't believe it, Andrea your sister... Anna was amazed that she had never connected the two. She knew that Andrea was from Canterbury and that she had a brother in the police but it had never dawned on her that this stern looking man was a brother to her. Andrea was so outgoing and happy, always smiling...quite unlike the man sitting beside her. “So what did Neil say to convince you I wasn't a loony?”

  “He said he had used you in the past and that you were very good.”

  Anna smiled at that praise. She knew Neil was very anxious not to let anyone he worked with know of her abilities. He must have a lot faith in his brother-in-law to have told him about her. She began to like Morley better. He couldn't be all bad if he was Andrea's brother.

  “That was nice of him.” Then it dawned on her, this man was going to be an uncle to her cousin's baby. “By the way I hear congratulations are in order. I can't imagine what sort of uncle you'll make.” Anna teased him.

  “How did you know? Neil said they hadn't told anyone yet.”

  Ah, I have my ways.” Anna said tapping the side of her nose with her finger.

  “Oh I get it you mean cause you saw it....”

  “Don't be daft. I was at their house for Andrea's birthday party, and I noticed she wasn't drinking and I put two and two together and I asked her straight out. She had to fess up.” Anna laughed.

  “It’s great, I can't wait to be an uncle. Andrea's always wanted a big family.” Morley couldn't stop himself grinning from ear to ear at the prospect of becoming an uncle.

  “Look Anna, Neil asked me to keep an eye on you and I promised I would. I have to go home tonight, the guard will be outside all night. Remember what I said about Carter, be careful what you say to her. I'll be back tomorrow. It’s a joint investigation now between us and the Met so I'll have to come back up tomorrow. Here's my card. If you get any more leads will you let me know and don't go anywhere on your own. And please be careful.”

  “Yes Sir Inspector Morley” Anna teased.

  “It’s Gary, please, my name is Gary. Uncle Gary has a nice ring to it don't you think?” He commented as much to Anna as himself. He was feeling great as he exited the hospital. He was thinking about Anna. He liked her, he liked her a lot. She wasn't the crack pot he had first thought. He was seriously thinking of asking her out once this case was finished.

  Chapter twenty

  Jane was still huddled under the duvet. She felt dreadful, she was shivering with the cold. Her body felt thin and frail as she wrapped her arms around it, in an attempt to get some comfort. She was aware that he had gone. She hadn't seen him all night. He had taken Sylvia. She wondered what he was going to do with her body. Would he bury her in some unmarked grave? Would she just be another missing person? Someone like herself that had simply vanished, never to be heard of again. Her throat was dry, she badly needed a drink; her thirst was insatiable. She kept breaking out in a cold clammy sweat. She was ill, it felt like she was dying. A part of her welcomed the thought but another part was screaming at her telling her not to give up, to think of her daughters. She knew that if she didn't get some water soon she would die. It had been nearly twenty four hours since she had anything to eat or drink. It scared her to think that he had just abandoned her here to die of thirst. She pushed at the duvet weakly and tried to sit up. Her head was swimming as she reached for the glass on the locker. Thankfully he had come back to free her hand from the cuffs. She managed to pick up the glass and put it to her lips, nothing inside, it was empty. She banged the glass against the locker in frustration, it shattered, cutting her. She stared at her bleeding hand, mesmerised by the vivid red fluid as it streamed down her wrist and onto the white sheet. The blood red stain spread slowly as her life fluid trickled away.

  She knew what she had to do. She groped on the floor for the largest shard of glass she could find. Finding one she picked it up and held it between her thumb and fore-finger. She had made up her mind, she didn't want to slowly die of thirst or starvation. He wasn't coming back. He had murdered Sylvia, he was long gone. She wondered what it would feel like, would it hurt? She didn't like pain. She would never have thought herself capable of taking her own life before. Now she figured it was the only option. She began to feel empowered, as though she were in charge of her own destiny again. It felt good, the feeling gave her courage. She slowly scraped the two inch shard of glass across her wrist. It barely hurt as she sliced open the pale skin, childbirth had hurt a lot more she thought to herself as she watched her life blood ebb away slowly. She wondered how long it would take, she didn't mind dying; she was embracing death. Her only wish was that there was an after-life, it would be wonderful to see her mother again. These thoughts surprised her, she had never been a religious person. She and Ian had been married in a church by a vicar but that was more because she liked the church and the sense of tradition that went along it, than any great religious belief. They had had the girls christened, but again it was more for the party and celebrations after, than anything.

  She lay back down and drew the duvet up
over her head. Her mind was filled with happy thoughts of her daughters and her husband. She remembered the many happy times they had together as a family when the children had been small. She thought of her sister and her niece. She felt a tinge of sadness as she realised that she would never see them again. She could feel herself drifting, her mind began to cloud as she tried to hold onto her happy memories, she slowly lost consciousness thinking of a Christmas not so long ago, when she and Ian had taken the girls to Lapland to see Father Christmas, how happy and excited they had been to see the big man sitting in front of the huge open fire with his long white beard and red coat. The last memory she had before she lost consciousness, was of his loud rumble of a laugh, mingling with the excited giggles and gasps of her daughters.

  ************************************************

  He hadn't heard the inspector enter the apartment, if he hadn't been so engrossed with Anna he would have heard him sooner. Luckily the Inspector had a loud commanding voice which had broken through his almost trance like state. He had blocked out his surroundings completely, so intent was he in his desire to make Anna suffer. He quickly released his hands from around her neck and dashed behind the open bedroom door. His subconscious desire for self -preservation kicking in swiftly. He watched for a moment as the inspector entered, rushing to the bed to examine Anna's motionless body. He thought briefly of trying to overpower the inspector, but caution won out and he slipped quietly out of the room while Morley was talking on the phone. He slipped down the back stairs and down to the underground car park. He cautiously made his way onto the street careful to avoid not being seen. He began to feel safer as he entered the park, it was easy to blend in with the other park users and he jogged along certain that no one was paying any heed to his presence. With the park exit in his sights, he got a strange prickling feeling at the back of his neck as though someone was following him, watching.

  He looked around carefully but there was no one that he could see watching him. Nobody seemed to be paying any attention to him. Two elderly men were strolling along together chatting, walking sticks swinging as they went. A mother was chasing a small child who in turn was trying unsuccessfully to catch a duck that had waddled close. He jogged along steadily, once more the feeling that he was being watched getting very strong. He jerked his head around, eyes searching for someone, anyone that might be watching him. No one stood out. He began to get agitated, the feeling becoming stronger, he sped up, his mind in a whirl. What if they had seen him? What if the inspector hadn't been alone? Enough. He ordered himself, there wasn’t anyone else there, no one was following him; no one had been lying in wait for him. His agitation eased slightly and he stopped jogging. He exited the park and walked unhurriedly down the street, trying to look casual, hoping that he wasn't drawing attention to himself. A black taxi was approaching, its “For Hire” sign lit up, he hailed it. He was still conscious of being watched but dismissed it as his imagination, entering the taxi he gave the driver the address of his London flat and sat back as he was chauffeured through the traffic. He began to relax, the feeling of being watched had dissipated; it was replaced by anger and disappointment. It took a great effort of will not to start ranting in the taxi. The driver pulled up outside his flat and without so much as a glance back took the money offered, waited until his passenger had closed the door behind him and drove off again.