Judy’s mouth narrowed as she hit the delete button. She carried a pillow under her arm and pushed open the sliding door separating the lounge from the dining room.
Squatting beside Jonathan, she slid the pillow under his head. She noticed the blanket she’d placed over his body was covered in blood and she pulled it off in annoyance.
“Really, Jonathan, can’t you stop bleeding?” She stormed out of the room to return minutes later with a clean blanket.
“There you go, darling. Sorry I yelled.” She fussed as she arranged the blanket around his still body. Her fingers raked through his hair, pushing it off his forehead. She bent to kiss him.
“Mia phoned to tell you she believes me. Not long now before we’re together again.”
Judy moved to the stereo and slipped the CD into place. She picked up the stereo’s remote and placed it by the phone. She dipped her head in acknowledgment.
“I’m ready, Mummy.”
~~~
“Can I see you today, David?” Mia asked excitedly.
“Missing me?” David chuckled. “I could call around after lunch.”
“You can’t come earlier?” Mia smiled at her eagerness to see him.
“What’s happened? Have the police been in contact?”
“No. If you’re too busy—”
David interrupted her. “If I finish up here first I’ll be free all afternoon.”
“Let me make lunch for you. How about 1:00 p.m.?”
“It’s a date.” Mia could hear the smile in his voice and felt breathless.
“One more thing, David—I can’t wait to see you.” She laughed and ended the call.
~~~
Robert sniffed appreciatively at the quiche cooling on the bench. “I hope I get to eat some of that,” he enquired.
“Of course. David should be here soon. I’ll just throw this salad together and then we’re ready.” Mia looked away from the knowing look in her uncle’s eyes. She blushed and fanned her face.
Her eyes crinkled at the sides. “I know what you’re thinking and you’re right. I love him.”
Robert nodded, pulled her into his arms and squeezed. “Are you going to tell him?” he asked.
“That’s my plan.” Mia lips twitched. “I’ll get it,” she said as she picked up the ringing phone.
“Mia, I’m on my way to the vets. Bruno charged out of the house and took off after a cat. He’s been hit by a car.”
“No.” Her fingers gripped the bench and she swayed.
“Honey, he’s okay.” David soothed. “He’s favoring his right back leg—”
“David, I’m coming. Which vet are you taking him to?”
“You don’t need to come, I’ll call once I’ve found out what’s wrong.”
“I need to be there. You either tell me or I’ll drive around till I find you.”
“Mia, be sensible. I need to focus on Bruno and not you putting yourself in danger.” His voice sounded edgy, tense.
“I’m picking up my keys, David.” Mia jangled her keys.
“I don’t have time for this,” he said impatiently. “Long Jetty Vet Clinic, off The Entrance Road. Take Robert with you,” he demanded.
“We’ll meet you there.” Mia tried to ignore the hammering in her chest. It was like reliving the phone call about her mother. She blinked through a film of tears.
Robert’s eyes bore into hers. He extended his hand for the keys.
“Tell me on the way. I’ll drive.”
Chapter 46
Mia’s nerves hummed as she waited for someone to come to the counter. Robert stood quietly behind her with his hand on her shoulder. She wanted to shake him off, scream for everyone to stop treating her like a child.
She would not believe Bruno was okay until she touched him, looked into his eyes, felt his heart beating.
Fear escalated in her chest, ready to burst. Her finger went to press the bell for a third time when David came out of a side room.
Mia rushed towards him and gripped his arm.
“Where is he? Is he okay?” she demanded.
“Calm down. He’s fine. Broken pelvis and superficial grazes,” David said softly. “He’s doped up but I’ll be able to take him home with us.”
Mia started to shake and David pulled her into his arms. His eyes caught Robert’s over the top of her head and he nodded.
Robert smiled. “I’ll go now that I know Bruno’s okay. Mia, call me later and I’ll pick you up.”
Mia pushed back and wiped her eyes. “Thanks, Uncle Robert. Can I see Bruno now, David?”
David nodded, took her hand and crossed the room.
Mia’s hand gently rubbed down Bruno’s back, her eyes welled up and she felt her chest constrict. “Hey, Bruno. What have you done to yourself?”
Bruno’s soulful dark eyes mirrored hers. He whimpered.
“It’s all right, boy. You’re going to be okay.” Mia rested her head on his shoulder, closed her eyes and sighed deeply. Seconds ticked by and the feel of his heart beating under her hand reassured her.
David gently touched her arm. Mia sat up, gave a watery smile and murmured. “I love him.”
“Lucky Bruno.” David replied. “The vet’s lending me a gurney to transfer him from the car at home. He weighs a ton. If you’re ready, we can go home.”
Mia watched as David ran his hands over Bruno and bent down to whisper words of comfort in his ear.
As David straightened, Mia caught his eye and moved towards him. Her hands rested gently on his shoulders.
“David, are you okay?” Her eyes portrayed her heart and David smiled.
“Mmm. Definitely.” He took her hand and pressed it to his heart. “Let’s go.”
~~~
Having assured himself Bruno was okay, Robert made his way to Jonathan’s. Time to clear the air and apologize for his attitude of late. His hand pummeled the door several times as he waited for Jonathan to answer.
He was sure he’d noticed a light on as he drove up, but now the house seemed dark, lifeless.
Robert scratched his chin and turned slowly to leave. As he walked past the garage he noticed Jonathan’s car was there. He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts and contemplated retracing his steps to yell out to Jonathan to let him in.
Why wouldn’t Jon answer the door? Maybe he wanted some space or had gone for a walk.
Robert shrugged and continued down the path to his car.
~~~
“Six to eight weeks rest, how on earth are you going to keep Bruno still?” Mia enquired sweetly.
“You may laugh, Mia, but you are definitely part of the answer. We need to take this seriously. He needs rest for his pelvis to heal,” David stated.
“I know, but how do you purpose to keep him still?”
“I’ll chain him to the table. If that doesn’t work the vet suggested caging him. Can you imagine how happy he’d be about that?” David laughed.
He sank down wearily on the couch and closed his eyes. Mia loved him, he saw it in her eyes, he just had to wait for her to say the words.
“David, Klara phoned me.”
“When?” David pulled himself up and his brows creased in surprise.
“Yesterday.” Mia explained about the phone conversation with Klara and her concerns for Polly.
“Have you phoned Alex and told him?” David queried.
“No, I wanted to talk to you, see what you thought.”
“I think we phone him right now.”
“Wait. I left Dad a phone message about Klara’s call, but he hasn’t called me back. I want to talk to him first.”
“Police first, then your father.” David stated.
Mia sprung to her feet. “No. It’s my decision and I’m talking to Dad first. Give me the phone.” Mia held out her hand.
“Don’t test me, Mia. I’m tired, hungry and in no mood to fight with you.” David reached out a hand to touch her.
She slapped his hand away and snatched the phone fro
m him. Her eyes glared at him as she dialed her father’s number.
David threw his hands up in annoyance and his eyes bore into hers. He had to admit she was one determined woman. They would have many such conversations throughout the years, he could bet on it. At least life with Mia would never be boring. The edge of his mouth began to curve and Mia arched her eyebrows in question as she waited for her father to answer her call.
“Klara, what are you doing there?” Mia asked. Her finger pressed the loud speaker button, and she held her index finger up to her mouth to indicate to David to be quiet.
He nodded.
“Polly and I have moved in with your father.”
Music blasted down the phone line and they heard Klara yelling at Polly to turn the stereo down.
“Sorry, Mia. Polly loves music and Jonathan’s stereo system has won her over. Would you be able to come over? We want to have a family talk. Explain to both you and Polly our plans.”
“I want to speak to my father. Get him for me!” Mia glanced at David.
David’s frown deepened and he started to speak. Mia frantically shook her head.
“He’s in the shower. It would make him very happy if you supported us in this. Please, for his sake come now. We want you with us when we tell Polly that Jonathan’s her father. But if you don’t want to be part of this family—”
“Have you contacted the police? Mia questioned.
“Jonathan wants us to all go to the police station together, after we’ve talked. Is that too much to ask? It’s not me they’re looking for. I’ve been a part of your life since you were born, why would I suddenly want to hurt you?” Klara whispered. “Let me prove to you that I care. Please give me a chance.”
David shook his head and indicated with his hands that this was not a good idea.
“All right. I’ll come—I’ll be there in half an hour.” Mia dropped her head into her hands as she ended the call.
David pulled her to her feet. His finger tilted her head so he could look into her eyes. “This is madness, you can’t trust her.”
She shook him off and turned her back on him.
“I’m going around to talk to them,” she declared.
“No you’re not. It’s too dangerous.” David snapped.
“Polly is my sister and she needs me. I have to be there for her.” She spun around, her face pale. Her eyes pulled at his heart and he softened.
“All right. But we do this my way, or not at all.”
~~~
Judy’s hand shook as she looked at Polly’s photo. How would Polly cope living with strangers? Was that what she wanted for her? Doubt simmered in her mind and her eyes shifted around the kitchen.
“Mummy, are you here?” Judy cocked her head but only silence greeted her. Jonathan had been dead three days now and she had to join him.
She lovingly placed Polly’s photo on the bench. “Polly, Daddy has lots of money, which will be all yours. You’ll realize one day that I did this for you.” She grew silent and still. Her eyes snapped to the door and she listened.
Chapter 47
“He what?” Alex demanded, trying to keep his cool. He put his hand over the phone and hissed at Ian. “David and Mia are on their way around to Jonathan’s. Klara Duncan is there. Apparently they are going to have a family meeting and then come to the police station together.” Alex frowned. “I’ve got Patrick on the phone.”
Ian leant on the desk and waited.
“I told Mia to stay put and to absolutely not trust anyone.” Alex growled down the phone.
“That’s just it, Detective, we don’t trust Klara. Mia was adamant she needed to be there for Polly. I’m following David’s car and plan to slip into the house from the back. Thought it would be a good idea if you guys showed up unannounced,” Patrick explained.
“Don’t do anything stupid, Patrick—wait for us.” Alex commanded.
“Yes, sir.”
~~~
As her hand reached out to knock, Mia realized the door was slightly ajar. Her pulse increased and she felt David’s grip on her arm tighten.
David had prayed in the car and now she wondered if she’d made a mistake in coming. What difference would it have made waiting for the police? A slight tremor moved through her body.
At David’s nod, Mia pushed open the door and they quietly stepped into the house. Candles flickered in the lounge casting shadows across the room.
Klara stood watching them enter, a satisfied smile on her face.
“Where’s Dad?” Mia asked as she reached out and flicked on the light switch.
“You shouldn’t have brought him!” Klara screamed, pointing at David. “Jonathan will not be happy.”
“Calm down, Klara, it’s all right.” David soothed. “I gave Mia a ride here and thought I’d stay and say hello to Jonathan before I leave.”
Mia scanned the room. Her father never closed the sliding door between the lounge and dining area and she felt suspicious.
“Dad,” Mia called out. Seconds ticked by with no response from either her father or Polly. The air thickened around her and she felt her skin crawl.
“Where is my father, what have you done to him?” Mia demanded.
Klara smiled. “David’s right, we need to calm down. Jonathan is in the dining room. Follow me.”
She moved gracefully across the room and stopped with one hand on the door. She tilted her head back and her lips sneered. She pushed through the room and raced over to the table.
Mia spotted her father the minute the door opened. She cried out and flung herself down beside him.
“Dad, Dad—wake up,” she begged. Her fingers frantically felt for a pulse
“Don’t move, David, stay where you are or I’ll shoot Mia.” Judy hissed.
David stopped.
Mia felt frozen in time. Her father’s body was cold, unmoving, empty. All life had drained out of him and he was no longer there. When was the last time she’d seen him?
Did he hear her phone message? Sorrow weighed heavily on her heart. There was so much left unspoken between them.
A burning rage clawed through her. Her hands fisted and her mouth thinned. This woman had killed both her parents and now threatened David. Who else had to die because of her?
Slowly standing, Mia turned and faced her adversary. “Did you kill Mum?” The quiet question surprised Judy and she nodded.
“Why?” Mia screamed. She ignored the gun pointed at her chest and took a step towards Klara.
“Mia, don’t move. Let’s listen to Klara and see what she has to say,” David begged.
“My name is Judy. Do you hear me? Judy.” Judy’s hand furiously waved the gun at Mia. “You caused his death, not me. If you had never been born none of this would have happened. Jonathan would have stayed with me and not gone back to Margaret.” Judy’s eyes glowed with hatred.
Mia’s mouth gaped open and her eyes widened as Patrick sprang into the room and hurled himself at Judy.
David flung himself across the room towards Judy at the same time.
It happened so fast and without warning that Mia watched as the gun spun out of Judy’s hand across the floor.
Mia raced for it and scooped it up. The cold metal in her hand chilled her.
Patrick held Judy by the arms and David moved towards Mia.
Mia extended the gun in Judy’s direction. This woman had killed her parents. She had intended to kill her. Violent, uncontrollable anger filled her and hatred seeped into her bones. “You killed my family—what right do you have to live?” she screamed.
“Kill me, Mia, do it. You know you want to. It will make you feel better.” Judy mocked.
“Mia, give me the gun.” David held out his open hand.
“She deserves to pay for what she’s done. Step back Patrick,” Mia growled.
“She’s not worth it, Mia. This isn’t who you are. Put down the gun,” David demanded and took a step towards her.
“I killed Jonathan while he a
sked me to forgive him,” Judy scorned. “Your mother never suspected me for a moment. She was so gullible, sharing her heart, telling me all her secrets. You’re stupid, just like her.” Judy laughed hysterically.
David stepped in front of Judy. “Mia, look at me.” His voice was soft, calm, and Mia was drawn to it.
She turned her head slightly and David’s trusting eyes bore into hers. She exhaled deeply, mortified at how close she’d come to taking justice into her own hands. It had felt so right, yet was so wrong.
Lowering the gun she allowed it to drop to the floor.
David kicked it into the lounge and pulled her swiftly into his arms.
Patrick was handing Judy over to the police who had silently entered the room and watched the scene play out.
“Mia, it’s not over. Don’t think its over.” Judy screamed as she struggled against the hands that pulled her out of the room.
Chapter 48
Robert’s shoulders moved in a silent sob. Lord, I need you right now. There are a lot of young people in there who need an anchor to hold onto. Let me be your hands today, Jesus.
As he stepped through the door to the police station he shivered.
He saw Patrick, head in hands sitting in the same chair he’d sat in while he waited for Jonathan to make his statement.
Tipping his head slightly to hide the pain in his eyes, Robert dragged another chair across the room, placed his hand on Patrick’s shoulder and squeezed.
“Hey, Pat.” His fingers massaged the tense muscles.
Patrick opened his eyes and stared at Robert. His eyes looked devoid of all feeling.
“You did good, son. I’m proud of you.”
Patrick’s eyes flooded and he looked away. “Nothing to be proud of here. Mia’s the one who needs your praise. I would have shot the—psycho—crazy killer—woman.” He stated dully.
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