All That Was Left Unsaid

by Jacquie Underdown

  Tina’s next breath was rushed. McKenzie may have a cordial tone, but his questions were far from that. It was like dealing with someone with multiple personality disorder. “Yes.”

  “So, it wasn’t the right environment to continue what was started that day?”

  She cleared her throat. “You could say that.”

  He lowered his leg and his arms and leaned forward. “I want to know if you would say that.”

  “I would.”

  “Have you seen Ben since that day?”

  She shook her head.

  “The funeral?”

  “I wouldn’t have been welcome.”

  “I see,” he said. “So, you’ve never accidentally bumped into Ben?”

  “No.”

  “It’s not a big town.”

  “No.”

  McKenzie added as nonchalantly as he could manage. “What about Maddison?”

  She pursed her lips, glanced away from his solid eye contact. “What about her?”

  “Does she ever come over to visit?”

  “I wouldn’t describe those encounters as visits.”

  “Do you ever invite her into your home to chat? After all, you were her sister-in-law for a long time.”

  “No. Never.”

  “Why not?” he asked.

  “She hates my guts. She believes I killed her daughter. I’m not sure we’d have much to talk about.” She fell silent for a long moment as she thought about all the times her ex-sister-in-law had stopped by her house. Maddison would scream and cry, tap on the doors and windows, hurling the most hateful abuse and Tina would try to drown out the noise with a pillow over her ears. “On dates important to Kadie, like her birthday, or the anniversary of her death, or even Christmas, Maddison always comes to the house.”

  McKenzie held still. “How so?”

  “She arrives in a taxi or Uber. Wasted. She stands outside and screams abuse at me.”

  “Has she done this recently?”

  Tina nodded. “Yes.”

  “I see. And what kinds of things would she say?”

  “That I was to blame for Kadie’s death. That I should kill myself. Things like that.”

  “And you never let her inside?”

  She shook her head hard. “When she’s like that, she frightens me.”

  “Why not call the police?”

  “I’m not calling the police on a grieving mother. I’ve done enough, haven’t I? Honestly, it’s less than I deserve.”

  “You feel culpable for Kadie dying?”

  “Every single day.”

  The fact that Tina was involved in the death of two people in a short space of time wasn’t lost on McKenzie. He had studied the coroner’s findings into Kadie, but there was not one indication that Tina was anything more than in the wrong place at the wrong time. An affair didn’t equate to the crime of murder.

  “Has Maddison ever threatened to harm you?”

  She started to shake her head and then stopped. “Yes.”

  “During one of those encounters at your house?”

  “Yes.”

  “What were the circumstances?” he asked.

  “She was drunk again. Or high. I don’t know exactly. Maybe both. She was slurring pretty bad. She had been in the front yard for about five minutes, just yelling and crying like she usually does. I climbed out of bed and locked the doors and windows, but I stayed inside, hoping she’d soon tire herself out. She usually did. But then she started rattling on the front door, trying to turn the knob. She was screaming that if she got in, she’d break my neck.”

  “Any other times?”

  “No, that was the only one I can remember.”

  “And she has never come inside?”

  “No. Unless she’s broken in while I’m not there. That would be the only way. I’ve found little things in the yard that belong to her, so I think she’s been around at the house when I’ve been out.”

  “What things have you found?”

  “Vomit, mostly. A shoe once. Hairbands. Tissues. Things like that.”

  “Why didn’t you ever think that Maddison could be your stalker?”

  Tina closed her eyes and sighed. She was so exhausted, she didn’t know if she could ever open them again, but she dragged her lids apart and looked at McKenzie’s hardened expression. “It makes sense now. But I hadn’t been thinking clearly. I thought Kadie was my child. Maddison didn’t even exist in my world during the past month. Obviously in some subconscious way she did, but I wasn’t aware of her.” Her brow crinkled and she shook her head. “I can’t explain it more clearly than that because it doesn’t even make sense to me…” Her voice cracked and she broke off, trying to stem the tears. She had cried so much, it was now painful to feel that constriction in the back of her throat.

  “You said someone had been coming into your home and leaving notes,” McKenzie said.

  “Yes.”

  “The police report you lodged stated that you were getting your locks changed.”

  “Yes. I got them changed.”

  “Can you recall the date?”

  “Not off the top of my head. A few weeks ago. The locksmith probably has a record of it.”

  “Did Maddison have keys to your house?”

  Tina racked her brain. “Um, yes, she would have. She and Ben used to keep an eye on the house if Chris and I went on holidays. We had a set cut for them.”

  “Were the locks changed before or after the cameras were installed?”

  “Before.”

  “Tell me about the espresso maker?”

  She frowned, shook her head. “I’m not sure what you mean?”

  “Did you buy it second-hand off the Gladstone Classifieds, Facebook Marketplace or something like that?”

  “Chris bought it new for my birthday a few years ago.”

  “You haven’t loaned it out to anyone?” McKenzie asked.

  “No. It’s quite big. Not something I’d easily be able to lend to someone.”

  “Where do you buy your coffee?”

  “Just from Woolworths. A cheap brand.”

  “Do you buy the beans whole and grind it yourself?” he asked.

  “I buy pre-ground coffee.”

  “Every time?”

  “I used to grind beans when I first got it. But the grinding mechanism is broken, so I don’t do that anymore,” she said.

  “How long since you’ve ground the beans yourself?”

  “Two, maybe three, years. I can’t remember.”

  “Do you own a mortar and pestle?”

  “No.”

  “A spice grinder?”

  “No.”

  “A meat mallet?”

  “No. I’m not sure why you want to know that.”

  “Where were you on the night of the eighteenth of March?” he asked.

  “I can’t—”

  “Four days before the morning of the murder. Monday evening. Where were you?”

  “At home. That would have been the night I saw my stalker, Isabelle.”

  “Did you invite anyone into your home that night?”

  Goosebumps spread along her arms, up the back of her neck. “No, not that I’m aware of.” Her hands flung to her mouth, finally connecting the dots. “Oh, my God, was Maddison drugging me?”

  McKenzie leaned forward, linked his fingers. “That’s unclear at this stage.”

  Even with this new fork in the investigation, he’d gathered enough evidence. It was his sworn duty to provide that evidence now diligently to a court of law, along with a suspect and a corresponding charge. It would be up to a jury to decide if Tina was guilty or innocent.

  “Tina, I am formally bringing charges against you for the murder of Juliette Spencer.”

  Chapter 31

  Maddison headed to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. She didn’t have the urge to hide downstairs in her basement gym, working out until she couldn’t walk. She hadn’t worked out for a week. Her body was already thanking her for it—no
crippling pain in every movement and each breath.

  Her grief was still heavy, but she had confronted the biggest monster, and, in doing so, thieved some of its power. Reliving Kadie’s death had been as unbearable as when she had experienced it three years ago. But she had done it, and she was still functioning.

  That day in her therapist’s office was the first time she had truly accepted that Kadie was dead and never coming back.

  Over the years, Maddison had somehow believed that if she didn’t look at that day again and fully acknowledge its existence, then it wasn’t real. And if it wasn’t real, it wasn’t true. And if it wasn’t true, then she didn’t have to feel the full anguish of losing her daughter.

  Ben was already in the kitchen, sitting at the bench, coffee beside him, newspaper spread out before him. He was breathing heavily. Concentrating hard as he read. He didn’t even hear his wife come in.

  “Morning,” she said. It had been so long since she had spoken to her husband with kindness.

  He didn’t lift his head or acknowledge her presence, too engrossed in what he was reading.

  “Morning,” she said more loudly.

  He blinked, lifted his gaze to look at her. His eyes were wide. “Have you seen the news?”

  Brow furrowed, she shook her head. “Why, what is it?”

  “Chris’s stepdaughter was murdered.”

  Maddison gasped. “What?”

  He turned the newspaper and tapped on the article. “Here. Right here. They’ve charged Tina with the murder.”

  “Tina? The Tina?”

  He nodded.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me. Seriously?”

  “Read it,” he insisted.

  She yanked the paper towards her and speed-read the article. “Bloody hell,” she growled and pushed the newspaper away. “I’ve always known she was a horrible person, but I never could have imagined this.”

  Ben disregarded the backhanded jibe. “I need to call Chris.”

  Her eyes widened. “Chris? What?”

  “His stepdaughter was murdered. Of course, I need to speak to him.”

  “But it’s been so long.”

  Kadie’s funeral, three years ago, was the last time Ben had spoken to his brother. Ben had screwed up big time, in the worst possible way, and no matter what else was happening, it didn’t take away from what he had done with Tina that day.

  The fact that Chris had shown up for the funeral, spoke more about his character than it did to Ben’s. Ben loved his brother. He had missed him so much over the past few years. He would be there for him now if Chris allowed him. And he would finally apologise.

  He reached for his mobile and dialled his brother, hoping like mad Chris hadn’t changed his number since they had last spoken.

  “Ben?” Chris said when he answered. His voice was rough. A little older than Ben had expected.

  “Yeah, mate. I just read what happened. I’m so sorry.”

  A long pause. “It’s so messed up. I’m not gonna lie. I’m not doing too great. Issy’s blaming me. Oh, God, I don’t know what to do…” His voice cracked. Muffled cries through the phone.

  Tears filled Ben’s eyes, but he blinked them back. Breathed deeply. “Come over, mate, and we’ll have breakfast and a chat.”

  Another pause. “You sure? Maddison will be okay with that?”

  “Of course. We’re family. I’m here for you. Come over.” When he ended the call, he placed the phone on the bench. “Can you believe this?”

  Maddison shook her head. “Not one bit. I better head out and pick up some bread, seeing as we’re now expecting a visitor.”

  “Sure, better grab some more milk too.”

  Such horrible circumstances in which to reunite with his brother, and yet he was relieved to have broken the ice. In time, he hoped Chris would forgive him.

  “I’ll be back in fifteen minutes,” Maddison said.

  Maddison headed to the bakery for fresh croissants and milk. Despite her initial resistance, a flourish of happiness filled her chest to know Chris was coming over. She had always liked her brother-in-law. He was laidback, friendly. Unbelievably loyal to Tina. He hadn’t deserved what had happened. He had loved Kadie so much. And Ruby and Riley. It would have been difficult when they were snatched from his life because of his wife’s selfishness.

  Murder was the last thing Maddison would have expected, though. She squeezed the steering wheel hard between her hands as she made her way home. Murder was reprehensible. Almost unbelievable.

  A police vehicle and an executive sedan sat in the driveway when she arrived. Her heart thudded hard in her chest. She barely made it out of the car when Ruby and Riley’s faces flashed in her mind, igniting a fierce fear that they may have been hurt in the time she had been out.

  She raced up the front stairs, pushed open the door, and nearly crashed into the chest of Detective Inspector McKenzie who was dressed in grey slacks and a crisp, white long-sleeved shirt.

  “What’s going on?” she asked in a breathless rush.

  Maddison looked around the room. Ben was seated on the couch. Chris was there, too, the children beside him. Detective Jenkins, wearing gloves, was placing a small cardboard box into a baggie. A uniformed police officer was holding Maddison’s spice grinder, then placed it into a clear, sealable bag.

  “I’m Detective Inspector McKenzie. Maddison Brooks?”

  She nodded, unable to focus on anything for too long. A hot, tight ache in the centre of her chest.

  “I’m placing you under arrest for unlawfully administering substances with the intent to harm.”

  Chapter 32

  Maddison sagged lower on her chair when Detective Inspector McKenzie entered the room and sat opposite her. She had been processed, briefed, and locked in a watchhouse cell, where she had stayed for the past six hours until they allowed her out and led her to that small interview room.

  She had the right to obtain a lawyer, but she didn’t need one. She was innocent and as soon as she explained that, she would be going home.

  McKenzie set his hard gaze on her and it was too much.

  “I don’t know why I’ve even been arrested,” she insisted. “Let alone for giving someone drugs.”

  “For the time being, Maddison, I want to get some information.”

  Tears filled her eyes. She blew out a long breath. This wasn’t the most difficult thing she had endured in her life, but it was coming close. She could feel that line being drawn in her mind, where if she were to cross it, she’d lose herself to panic. If she remained on that side, she could get through it. If she just told the truth, everything would be fine. It was simply a misunderstanding.

  “Where were you on the evening of eighteen March.”

  She shook her head. “I have no idea.”

  “Think about it. It was a Monday.”

  She cringed as she realised that the eighteenth was the evening before she woke in the park. “I was at home with my husband. You can check my social media.”

  “You were at home all night?”

  She lowered her gaze, swallowed hard. “Yes. My husband can vouch for that.”

  He leaned closer. “I’m going to make it clear right now that I know you were not at home all night. We have video footage of you very much not at home.”

  She gave a low, pained groan, scrubbed her hands over her face. “I don’t know where I went that night. I woke up in a park. I don’t remember anything other than having some drinks at home.”

  “You woke in a park?”

  She nodded.

  “Which park?”

  “Henderson Play Park.”

  “Anyone to vouch for that?”

  “A mother and her daughter,” she said. “She called my husband to pick me up.”

  “And yet you just said your husband could vouch that you were home all night?”

  Her jaw clenched tight, cheeks flushed with heat. “I was embarrassed.”

  “Have you arranged for your husband to
lie about anything else?”

  She shook her head. “I haven’t asked him to lie. I just… I knew he wouldn’t throw me under the bus.”

  “Under the bus for what?”

  “For waking up in a park after a big night of prescription pills and alcohol. Other than that, I honestly have no idea how I even got there.”

  “A moment ago, though, you said that you could remember. And that you were home all night. And your husband could vouch for that.”

  “I know. I’m sorry. I won’t lie again. I was trying to save face. It’s not a good look for a middle-aged mother, you know?”

  McKenzie settled back in his chair. “What’s your relationship with Tina Brooks?”

  “I don’t have a relationship with that woman.”

  “At all?”

  “None. Why would I?”

  “You don’t visit her property out at Yarwun?”

  A stone in her stomach, falling, falling; the sensation almost took her breath away. “I have. A couple of times.”

  “What happens during these visits to Tina’s residence?”

  A long, airy exhalation and she slouched in her chair. “I cry. Scream.”

  “Do you threaten her?”

  She shook her head hard. “No.”

  “You don’t tell her to kill herself?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “You don’t tell her that you’ll break her neck?”

  Maddison jolted. “Oh, God.” She lowered her face into her hands. When she sat up tall again, tears were in her eyes. “Yes, I’ve said that. I was trying to hurt her, you know?”

  “Just so I have this clear, you threatened to break her neck as a means of hurting her?”

  She winced. “I wouldn’t follow through with it. I meant to hurt her with words. I wanted her to feel bad for what she’d done. I was angry and upset. How do you know about all this? Did Tina tell you?”

  “I have a lot of information, Maddison, and so far, by continuing to lie to me, it’s not working in your favour. Do you make a habit of threatening people?”

  “Of course not. I was drunk. I was upset. She was screwing my husband when they should have been watching my daughter. You try coming home to that! Your husband still in the process of screwing your sister-in-law and then walking outside and finding your… my” – she broke off with a sob – “finding Kadie hanging by her head from a fucking tree. Of course, I’m angry,” she screamed. Tears streamed down her face. She beat the desk. “Of course, I’m angry. And you’re trying to make out like being angry is some kind of crime. I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t hurt Tina. I was venting.”