All Your Fears
A novel by
Peter Hodgson
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Epilogue
Other books by Peter Hodgson
Prologue
Is this the place where I’m going to die?
The rhythm of her heart drums inside her head. Escape is impossible. Her ankles are tied together with something strong. Rope, perhaps. Tied and helpless. A prisoner in a dilapidated, abandoned cottage. The masking tape has come away from her scaly lips. She tries to scream. Her vocal chords are too tight and dry to respond.
A current of air rises from the room below, bringing with it the familiar smell of damp decay and sour odour of vomit on her chest and legs.
Half-eaten sandwiches and the remains of chocolate cakes are scattered over the fractured, wooden floor. She reaches for a bottle of water, her hand trembling. It topples and rolls into a hole in the centre of the room. Her anguish swells. She shuts her eyes and squeezes out her final tears.
A memory returns.
She is walking home, feeling vibrant and happy. She laughs as Jamie’s Sondico football bounces across the road and hits a passing vehicle. Her soulmate, Jasmine, slides the bobble out of her long, black hair. With a jerk of her head, she lets it cascade over her face and does an impression of the talented vocalist, Linda Miles. Jasmine sings lines from the popular song, ‘Faces in a Mirror.’ Everybody joins in, singing loudly, dancing and clapping to create a beat. Her memory replays the song, giving temporary relief from the nightmare she has been made to suffer. The words ring clear: ‘Come with me and you will see the faces in my mirror …’ Her friends form a circle around her. Their heads zoom towards her and recoil like heads attached to rubbery necks. A grey mist swirls above them. Their bodies disintegrate, leaving behind a myriad of vivid colours.
She lies on the dewy grass in a field of scented flowers. Their heads nod in a warm breeze. Her eyes focus on the little fellow floating in the air. She hears the soft drumming sound of his moth-like wings, and the faint tinkle of the pipe he is blowing into. The charming fellow cannot harm her. He is a true friend who has come to save her. She smiles and tries to touch the comical dancing figure she once believed in.
He disappears in an instant.
Gone forever.
A dark shape appears above her. He runs his rough hands over the curves of her degraded body.
The Monster Man is back again.
Chapter One
Kim Robins sat on the edge of the bed, rested for a while. Her mobile pinged a message. Emma again, asking if she fancied a drink and a chat. She recalled her previous visit to Emma’s flat. The obnoxious landlord chastised her for taking her pet Labrador into the building. No pets allowed. Fair enough. He obviously hated dogs. Not as much as she hated him. He was always coming and going. If Kim happened to be there he would stand and stare as if she wasn’t wearing any clothes.
Creep.
She used one finger, typed, ‘Sometime soon,’ and carried on with the polishing. Seconds later, the hotel manager breezed into the room.
‘Kim, you’re running late. Can you –?’
‘I’m sorry, Mr Sachs. I’ll have this room finished in no time.’
‘Call me, “Andy.” How many times have I told you?’ He rubbed his forehead with the tip of his finger. ‘Everything needs to be in order in here. Finish the hoovering and polishing, please. Make sure the beds have nothing beneath them. Check whenever you enter a room.’
‘Anything else?’
‘The red duvet is ripped in Room Two. Denise should be able to tell you where the new ones are kept. Make sure you clean the tables in the function hall. It hasn’t been used for weeks and there’s dust all over the place. We’ve had complaints in the past. I don’t want to hear them again.’
‘I’ll see to it.’
He marched towards the door, turned and said, ‘Your work is thorough, Kim. Try to work faster if you can.’ He smiled and went about his business.
Kim looked out of the window, towards Markham’s café in the Courtyard opposite. Sumptuous cakes and chocolate-sprinkled lattes came to mind. She completed her chores in the hotel, made her way downstairs to the bar. Denise, the manageress, reeled her in like a fish on a hook. Kim made a false smile and hoped for a swift escape. Denise was either chatty and amiable, or confrontational. Today saw her in a good mood. To her relief, Andy appeared and broke into their conversation. ‘All done and dusted?’ he asked. Before Kim could answer, he said, ‘Cut along, young lady. See you tomorrow.’ She thanked him, put her woollen, hooded coat on and pulled tight on the drawstring.
Dark clouds had cast a gloom over the town of Eaton Cross and a damp, chilly breeze swept along High Street. She thrust her hands deep into the pockets, stepped carefully over the wet cobblestones and entered the Courtyard, a square enclosure bordered by quaint shops. She made a beeline for Markham’s café, the home of tasty beverages, homemade cooking and much more.
The café was surprisingly quiet. Two elderly couples were sitting at tables, nursing cups of steaming tea and nibbling scrumptious muffins. Paula, the proprietor, asked Kim if she wanted her ‘usual.’
‘I’ll have a latte with the cheese and chutney sandwiches, and I’ll try a slice of your Black Forest gateau instead of the sherry trifle.’
‘Anything else?’
‘No, thank you.’
Kim sat and waited. The couple close to her were speaking in hushed tones. Kim picked up part of the conversation – something concerning a young woman who had gone missing.
‘It’s incredible to think such a thing could happen in Eaten Cross,’ said the man with a grey beard and crooked nose. ‘The police are saying she might have been abducted. Some folk reckon she was enticed into a car with some fellow. What is it all coming to? Nobody in this town has ever been abducted.’
This was news to Kim. How could she have missed such an incident? It must have been in the newspapers and on television news programmes. A cold shudder ran down her body. Her ears were fine-tuned receivers waiting to gather information. The conversation stopped. Kim turned to them, eager to learn more. ‘Excuse me. What’s the girl’s name, if you don’t mind me asking?’
The man’s jaw dropped as if she’d asked an improper question. ‘A young woman has disappeared, not a girl.’
‘Oh, right.’
‘I can’t remember it.’ He looked at his wife. ‘Can you recall what it is, Margaret?’
She tightened her lips then said, ‘Halpin … Kerry Halpin, if I’m not mistaken.’
The man asked Kim if the name was familiar to her. She didn’t answer. A recollection surfaced, along with a
n uncomfortable feeling.
The man glanced over at Paula and asked for another cup of tea.
‘How old is she?’ Kim asked.
‘Twenty-three,’ Margaret snapped.
‘Thank you. Sorry to have –’
‘No problem,’ the man said.
Twenty-three years old. Gone missing. Possibly abducted.
Uneasiness grew within her. She could only hope Kerry Halpin would be found alive and well. Her thoughts drifted to a place she didn’t want to be and were soon interrupted by the sound of a cup meeting the table.
‘And here’s your cheese and chutney sandwich,’ Paula said cheerily. ‘Are you all right?’
‘I’m fine.’
‘I expect you’ve been busy with all the cleaning?’
‘Always busy. I wish I wasn’t.’
‘Work pays the bills. I’ll bring your Black Forest … By the way, we’re looking for part-time staff. I don’t suppose you know anyone who wants a job?’
‘I’m afraid not. I’ll keep my ears open.’
Kim appeared to be helpful. Her only friend was Emma who hadn’t worked in years. The idea of Emma taking a job was highly unlikely. Kim had considered working in a café or shop but the hotel job was secure and provided enough money for herself and four-legged companion, Smarty. Thoughts of her Chocolate Labrador put a smile on her face. She pictured him chasing his ball, wagging his tail. He was in tune with her way of life. Clever dog, demanding at times, especially when he wanted to be taken out for a walk. She looked forward to seeing him and recalled his food supply was low. He needed a new collar and lead too.
She finished her snack, paid the bill and took a brisk walk back to her home on Redburn Close. She opened the door, braced herself in preparation for Smarty’s greet-and-lick. She planted a kiss on his head, went to the kitchen and saw an empty water dish. ‘You thirsty little man,’ she said, her voice playful. ‘Water for you now. Food later.’ Smarty got the message. He trotted into the living room, jumped onto the sofa. Kim hung her coat in the entrance hall. After filling Smarty’s dish with water, she switched the TV on and selected a pre-recorded programme.
The tension of the day’s work gradually diminished, helped along by two cigarettes. Half an hour slipped by and Smarty was sitting in front of her, pawing at her leg. ‘Yes, I know what you want.’ She pressed the on/off switch on the remote control, walked over to the French doors. The thick clouds had dispersed, the rain had stopped.
‘Walkies for Smarty,’ she said. She got into her coat and secured his worn collar and lead.
Halfway down the street, she paused. The name ‘Kerry Halpin’ passed her lips. The notion she may have been abducted ran a cold shiver along her spine. How could a young woman go missing in such an enchanting town? She shook her head, looked down at her tail-wagging, excited dog. ‘Come on, boy. It won’t take us long to get there.’
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the castle ruins. Kim opened the rusty gate and cringed as it banged shut on its spring. She continued down the path, contented with her life in a town of which she had limited knowledge.
Eaton Cross.
Many of the inhabitants referred to it as the ‘Old Town’ and were proud to be there. Situated in the north of England, Eaton Cross was tucked away in lush, rolling countryside. The original plain, grey houses were over one hundred years old. Built from rough-hewn stone they stood proudly and showed no signs of decay or weathering. Well-maintained gardens stretched in front of them, displaying similar shrubs planted by similar folk living safe, comfortable lives. A hundred years earlier the interior papered walls of some of these converted dwellings were bare and whitewashed and reflected the cries of misery so commonplace in the Victorian workhouse. A beguiling castle, perched high on a limestone crag, watched over its town, demanding attention from curious visitors, many of whom had travelled by train to the town’s original railway station built in 1850. The fourteen acres of the castle grounds boasted the skate park, bandstand and rose garden. The identity of this quaint town was marred in a periphery of new housing estates built to cope with the ever-increasing population.
Kim stood at the top of a series of wide stone steps and admired a field embellished with a labyrinth of paths designed to resemble a giant flower. Smarty pulled hard on the lead until they reached the paths. She commanded him to sit down whilst she rested and breathed deeply, taking in the keen air.
The rain and cold had driven most of the townsfolk indoors. Kim looked forward to returning home to a cup of hot chocolate, a warm fire and a good film. She unclipped Smarty’s lead. He ran off and began his sniffing routine. She swore under her breath at not having brought his poop bags. Luckily, she didn’t have to trample over the soggy grass to pick up a mess. She stood still, hands deep inside her pockets, collar up tight. Ten minutes was his time allowed, enough to burn up some of his energy. A couple of playful minutes went by and Smarty’s loud barking alerted her to a woman heading in their direction. Kim caught up with the dog and attached the lead. The woman faced her. Kim apologised, hoping she wouldn’t be scolded for letting him off the lead. She turned and began walking away.
‘Don’t go,’ the woman said. Her bright red lips curled into a smile. She was late thirties. Bleached blonde hair waved in the breeze. Sunglasses augmented her forbidding countenance. She held her smile and said, ‘I love dogs – especially Labs.’
Kim scanned the area and saw nobody else. The woman stood erect and still. The smile faded. ‘What’s his name?’
‘Smarty. They’re a great breed of dog,’
‘Yes, they are. Do you come here often?’
Kim ignored the question. She tried to read her expression but the sunglasses made any interpretation impossible.
‘I’ve never been to this town before,’ she continued, pushing the sunglasses further up her nose.
‘Smarty stop pulling … I must be on my way.’
‘Hang on a minute,’ she said, an undertone of annoyance in her voice. ‘What’s it like living round here?’
‘Okay, I suppose.’
‘Have you lived here for long?’
A cold fear sluiced through Kim’s body. An inkling of malevolence unnerved her. ‘What’s it to you?’
‘Sorry if I sound rude. Me and my husband are looking for somewhere else to live. It’s a nice town, peaceful.’
‘As good a place as any other.’
‘Any work available?’
‘There’s not much work here.’
Kim turned around and took long strides towards the castle. The blonde waited until she was out of hearing distance. Seething with anger she hurriedly jabbed the numbers on her phone. ‘She’s coming your way,’ she said with emphasis. ‘Don’t lose her.’
Chapter Two
Kim fed Smarty and finished eating her cereal. The adrenaline flowed into her blood and created a jittery sensation that comes with the rush of trying to make up for lost time. She had never turned up late at the hotel. Andy was more laid-back than his wife. Occasionally, he would slip her a packet of cigarettes. With an exaggerated wink, he would tell her to keep up the good work. There were few problems when he inspected the rooms. Denise could be confrontational and often appeared whilst Kim was resting for a few minutes. A tongue-lashing would ensue, Denise standing erect as an army officer, her face constantly gesticulating. She could be exacting one minute, yet on other occasions be willing and capable of discussing the most trivial matters for half an hour. A contrary woman. Husband and wife were opposite poles on the same magnet.
Kim ordered a taxi. To her relief, she made it on time. She rushed inside, climbed the stairs to the first floor. No sign of Denise. She took her cleaning materials and hoover to one of the larger rooms and carried out her chores. Halfway through the cleaning jobs, she sat on the plush bed and rubbed the base of her spine to relieve a minor ache. A moment later, the door opened. Kim shot up. Her muscles relaxed at the sight of Andy.
‘Good morning, Kim. The couple stay
ing here will be back shortly. Is your work completed in here?’
‘Yes, Andy,’ she replied, aware of a deepening blush.
‘Very good. Carry on.’
He left the room. Kim walked over to the window and looked down at the pedestrians on High Street. Most of them were wearing thick clothing even though the temperature had risen considerably since the previous day. The weather forecast wasn’t always correct. Showers and blustery winds had been given. Not today. Kim was eager to complete the work and go home. She could cut corners but feared an impromptu inspection by Denise, or a complaint from one of the guests. Bad idea. She turned her attention to a community officer ambling along, and a mother pushing a buggy up the slight incline of the pavement. ‘I’d better get back to it,’ she murmured. Her retreating gaze was arrested by two women talking to each other across the street. She scrutinised the couple. One had blonde hair and wore sunglasses; the other was smothered in a quilted fawn coat and woollen, white beanie hat. Her arms, rising and falling, suggested a heated conversation. Kim was sure the woman wearing sunglasses was the same person who had questioned her the previous day. She reminded Kim of a razor-wielding blonde in a creepy slasher-thriller film she had watched on DVD when she was a kid.
A few minutes elapsed. The woman in the beanie hat marched off. The blonde turned in the opposite direction, arms by her side, fingers outstretched like stiff tentacles. She swore loudly, turned around and caught up with the other woman.
‘Is it me they’re talking about?’ Kim whispered, and shook her head in the realisation she was probably being irrational.
The door opened. Kim’s heart jumped into her mouth.
‘Excuse me. Are you the …?’ The couple who booked the room had returned.
‘The cleaner? Yes. I’m nearly ready for leaving. Give me a second and I’ll collect my stuff.’
Kim worked hard and completed her jobs earlier than normal. Try as she might, she couldn’t erase the memory of what she had witnessed on the street.
The bar and restaurant were moderately quiet for the time of day. Mercifully, Denise was nowhere to be seen. Kim put her coat on and waved a quick goodbye to Geri who was serving behind the bar. She paused at the entrance to the hotel and peered up and down the street. No sign of the blonde. She hurried along, turned left into Market Street and paid for a taxi home.
All Your Fears Page 1