She wished there was somewhere else she could go, somewhere where none of this was real and she could be happy. It was possible wasn’t it? To escape what she had and have a normal life. The frown marring her face said otherwise. It might be possible for someone else. But not her. For one she was the biggest bitch ever – nobody at uni would give a shit if she died: she’d bullied most of them. Janelle would go so far as to say they’d actually be pleased.
Shaking her head a little she realised that for the first time in forever she actually felt vulnerable. She let herself remember the reasons she had become who she was – at first beating the bullies at their own game had been to stop them focusing on her. Then at some point it had changed from survival to a matter of enjoying seeing other people suffer. Especially those who didn’t stick up for themselves. Like Heather. She’d been easy pickings – someone to focus all her hatred of life onto. For the first time, Janelle felt shame. She’d been horrid to Heather, and for no real reason. She couldn’t actually remember why she’d started name-calling, or when it had changed to making Heather’s life a living hell.
Heather hadn’t deserved it – no one did. Not really. Janelle had done it because she enjoyed seeing fear spring into Heather’s eyes whenever she was near. That, and the fact her friends egged her on. Being popular had always been her main aim.
Now she was popular and her friends were dead. Could it be that it was all her fault? Was the reason as simple as the fact she’d been a bully? Not just to Heather, but to others as well. Surely not?
Moving slightly, she took hold of the note and reread it. It definitely indicated that it was her fault. Maybe her survival now depended on making amends, being less of a bitch, and finding out who had sent the note.
Thoughtfully, she picked up the pendant, and suddenly it was strikingly clear where she’d seen it before. It had been hanging round Heather’s neck when she’d come over to ask Janelle about Glen.
Seeing red, her thoughts of reparation vanished.
Bugger making amends. She needed to confront the root of the problem. And that root was Heather.
7th October, 0800 hours – Kevin’s residence, Durham
Edina was still in a state of shock. It didn’t matter how many times she went to the front door to face the world and move past the fact that a lunatic had been in her home, she hadn’t been able to leave. She had managed to open the door several times the day before but despite her mind telling her feet to walk, she hadn’t been able to step over the threshold.
Kevin was being way more understanding than she would have been in his position. If the role had been reversed, she’d have been kicking his backside and telling him just to crack on and deal with it, saying that the first step would always be the hardest. But the roles weren’t reversed. It hadn’t happened to him – it had happened to her. Her home had been violated – there was really no other word for it. She felt lost, didn’t know quite what to do next.
The house was silent – Kevin was at work – he’d had a shit couple of days, she knew, and Ed also knew she’d been distant towards him, purposely pushing him away in her effort to build a wall round herself. She’d barely been listening when he’d told her about the crap meeting with his DCI and how he was now expected to cope with the depleted work force due to yet more cuts in the department. He was dealing with crap and needed her to listen, and she’d basically ignored him, nodding and grunting at the right times but knowing her mind was a million miles away.
She hadn’t even had the courage to tell Heather what her uni lecturer had been up to. The closest she had got was to ask how well her sister had known him. Not well it turned out thankfully. It was unlikely he’d had designs on her sister – but even worrying about such a possibility made her sick.
Had Adam followed her places as well as snuck into her home? What had his intentions been? Edina shuddered, revulsion speeding through her system faster than anything she’d felt before. And to think the whole time, she’d suspected it had been Cam. He had his faults but he was a dick in person, not some Wizard of Oz hiding behind a curtain.
She knew Adam was still in custody – he’d been remanded until his court appearance scheduled for tomorrow – straight to crown court, not wasting time with the magistrates’. Ed knew he’d be afforded bail tomorrow: there was no real reason to keep him incarcerated – other than being a creep and trespassing, he hadn’t actually done all that much.
It was enough, though.
Steeling her gaze on the front door once more, she gritted her teeth, took in a few steadying breaths, and after over twenty-four hours of self-imposed house arrest, she stepped over the threshold and locked the door behind her.
Her heart was beating nineteen to the dozen, and she felt her chest tighten in panic.
But there was nothing to fear out here on the street in Durham – she knew that. She just had to remember it. Making it down the path and into her car, she breathed a sigh of relief. She wished she had the Harley with her – it made her feel free, and exhilarated. She knew her back couldn’t handle the high-powered bike currently though so had brought the car.
As her radio blared something about Olly Murs’ heart skipping a beat, she reversed out of the spot and headed back towards Darlington.
7th October, 0810 hours – Susie’s residence
Susie watched as her mum and dad tiptoed around her – it was almost satisfying to watch. Grown people, who were supposed to love her and act like parents, walking on eggshells and afraid. It made her feel in control, and powerful. She knew they would never give up on her either: parents didn’t do that. Parents never gave up on their child. No matter how bad that child was or what the child did.
Like when she’d burned the kitchen – sure, she got into trouble, but they also protected her. When the fire brigade asked questions, her mum had said it was her fault and she’d be more careful next time. And when the shed had burned her dad had told people he’d been doing metalwork and left the blow torch on. Granted she’d been beaten afterwards, but still. Maybe she wouldn’t be in a rush to get rid of them – maybe they should stick around until after the big one – the one where she’d get to watch Janelle burn.
A shiver of anticipation ran down her spine, and something else. Something she didn’t quite recognise. A feeling of anticipation, of arousal. She couldn’t wait to see those flames burning hot, licking at Janelle’s skin causing it to blister and crackle. Susie shivered again. She could almost smell the smoke, feel the acrid heat in her throat.
She knew she’d always enjoyed setting fires, they made her feel alive. And the next fire was so close she could almost taste it.
Tonight was the night.
She’d looked over the blueprints obtained through the library research centre, she’d figured out the best route in and out, and was prepared with a nail gun to make sure Janelle wouldn’t be able to get out. She had the fuel all ready to go, her fireproof suit was waiting at the lock-up to be put on. Everything was in place.
Tonight, Janelle would finally pay for all she’d done. All the years of bullying and terror. All the times she’d beaten Susie up, all the times she’d intimidated and beaten her friends.
She frowned. Well, some of her friends anyway. She wasn’t sure anymore that Heather needed her protection. In the most literal sense possible she had been sleeping with the enemy. Letting that creepy, feely Glen into her bed and more. In fact, Heather didn’t deserve anything from her. When she’d finished with Janelle she’d show Heather what happened to people who betrayed her. And it would be worse than anything she had ever experienced off Janelle.
Satisfied with her plan, she leaned back in the chair at the breakfast table.
‘More coffee, Mum,’ she said loudly, smiling contentedly when her mum jumped out of whatever daydream she had been in and walked quickly round the unit top to the kettle. ‘Not instant. I’d like fresh coffee, from the cafetiere.’
She smiled again as her mum jumped to her bidding.
> 19
‘My office, Blaze.’ Chief Talbot’s order left no room for negotiation and Ed sighed as her office door slammed behind him.
‘What you been doing now?’ asked Joey, ‘He’s got a bee in his bonnet about something.’
‘I dunno, nothing I know of. But that’s never stopped him before. I’d better go before he has me forcibly moved in there.’
Ed made her way down the corridor to the chief’s office. His blinds were already drawn. Not a good sign.
Her eyes opened even wider when she saw the Area Manager, Andy Barns, already seated behind the chief’s desk whilst Talbot stood beside him.
‘Sit,’ ordered Talbot quietly.
Ed could feel her heart racing. What the hell had she done that warranted a visit from the AM? Dread settled in her stomach and suddenly, the Starbucks latte she’d drunk by way of breakfast didn’t seem like that good an idea as it changed to a lead weight.
‘Do you know why I’m here?’ asked Barns. His tone belied no reason for him being there. And truthfully, Ed didn’t have a clue.
She shook her head, ‘No, sir. I’m sorry, I have no idea.’
‘Word on the grapevine is you’ve been having some personal problems of late? A stalker if I’m hearing correctly? As well as some further problems with one of our own?’
Acid burned her throat – he knew about Adam. Understandable. But she’d not mentioned Cam to anyone of any rank – had she?
‘Um… yes, sir, there was someone stalking me. He’s in custody now – remanded until court next week. As to Cam, sir, I…’ she paused, unsure of how to commence without dropping Cam in it. Not that he deserved her help.
‘Cameron Webb is an exceptional fire fighter, Miss Blaze. He’s the first into the building and the last out.’
Ed went to interrupt – to tell him she hadn’t meant to imply anything. Some fights weren’t worth fighting, and she had her job to think about. But the AM held up his hand, silencing her before she could begin.
‘That said, Miss Blaze, being a good firefighter does not mean he has a free pass. After your problems last time, we had CCTV installed in the changing rooms. This goes no further than this room, but some people had reported petty thefts, pranks, et cetera, and these things need nipping in the bud. Did you give Webb permission to access your locker two days ago?’
Ed was confused. Two days ago she hadn’t even been at work. What the hell had Cam done?
‘No, I keep the lock code secure, sir. To my knowledge, I’m the only one who knows it.’
‘Have you opened your locker today?’ Barns’ expression gave nothing away.
Ed shook her head again, ‘No, sir. I came in, and went straight to my office with Firefighter Prentiss. We had coffee together. I would have got my kit out before going on any shouts.’
‘I think you’ll find opening your locker is impossible. It’s no longer there.’
Ed sat up straighter in her seat. Choosing her words carefully, she asked, ‘What do you mean it’s not there, sir?’
‘I mean we had bomb squad in here first thing this morning – Derek here has his locker next to yours. He noticed a small section of red wire hanging out of the locker door. He phoned it in, and bomb squad came out. It was a form of pipe bomb, very crudely made. So crude in fact that it wouldn’t have detonated. DI Alistair McKay, you know him, yes?’
Ed nodded – her whole body felt like it was shaking. A bomb? In her locker?
‘He’s dealing with the investigation into Webb. Suffice to say he’s been suspended pending the outcome of a full investigation, but I can assure you right now he will not be coming back. It’s down to the police now to locate and arrest him. In the meantime, you are to take a leave of absence. It’s my understanding that McKay is arranging officers to be with you at all times, though you probably didn’t notice their unmarked vehicle behind you today when you left your boyfriend’s house in Durham.’
Ed gazed at the AM mutely – her words had failed. Hell, with the pain in her heart that just might fail too. This sort of thing didn’t happen. Did it?
Barns got to his feet and made his way around the table. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Silent support for the bombshell he’d just dropped. Ed didn’t notice the blood drain from her face. She had no warning that she would pass out; it just happened. Her body went weightless, slipping to the floor with a small sigh as her eyes fluttered shut. She didn’t hear the chief swear as he pushed the AM out of the way to tend to her.
The first she knew of it was when her face felt carpet beneath her cheek.
‘Easy now. Open those eyes nice and slow. You passed out, is all. Nothing to worry about. You’re OK.’ The chief’s voice was surprisingly soothing, not curt like normal. Curtness was just his manner though, not many of his staff ever saw the softer side of him. The side that rocked his grandchildren to sleep with a croaky lullaby, or tenderly touched his wife’s cheek every night before bed.
Ed gazed up at her boss, for the first time seeing the smile in his eyes. She couldn’t stop the tears that filled her eyes and overflowed without warning. The chief didn’t shout, he didn’t swear. He pulled her up into his arms and cuddled her like she was one of his grandchildren.
‘Whatever you need. You have the full force of this brigade behind you. I’m not much for sentiment – but I’ll always stand by my own. You need to know you’re safe. I’ll call that McKay bloke now – he can damn well get his DI behind over here now and let you know how he’s going to have you looked after. And give me the name of your man, I’ll get Ronnie to ring him now and tell him to hightail it over here too. Do not for one second think you’re alone in all this. We’ve got your back.’
His kind words just caused Ed to sob even harder – how had she ever missed what a nice man Chief Talbot was? How had all this happened anyway? What on earth had caused Cam to think killing her would be an option? How had he even known how to build a bomb? And why would he? The brigade had seen a share of the devastation caused by such things – not so much in the north-east, luckily, but the 7/7 bombings in London in 2005 had meant call ins from all counties – Ed knew the chief himself had headed to the capital to assist. Cam had to have known that a pipe bomb would have potentially killed or hurt more than just her.
Pulling herself together mentally, she sat back, easing herself out of the chief’s arms. She wiped her tears and stood, ignoring the twinges her back was sending at the movement.
‘I’m OK,’ she said – her voice steadier than she felt. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to pass out. I’m OK.’ The repetition made her feel a little stronger.
‘Good, good.’ Talbot got up and dusted off his trousers as though being on the floor with a crying woman was the most natural thing in the world for a chief to do. The AM had already left the room, obviously knowing Edina was in the best hands. ‘I meant what I said, young lady, you are not alone. Go call your boyfriend, I’ll take care of contacting DI McKay.’
Ed nodded. Looking up, she held eye contact with Talbot. ‘Thank you, chief. I know I’ve been somewhat…’
‘Don’t go there, Blaze. Past is past. Here and now, that’s what’s important. Now scoot out of my office, I’ve got calls to make.’
Closing the office door behind her, Ed leaned her head against the cool glass of the window. What mess had she managed to get herself into now? Sighing she pulled back from the window and headed to her office. Talbot was right – she needed to call Kevin.
7th October, 1100 hours – Ryan’s Residence, Park View, Darlington
Susie was proud of herself. She knew she couldn’t leave any loose ends. And that included Kelly’s soppy other half Ryan.
At first she’d been tempted to let him live – maybe seeing the devastation of losing all of his friends would force him to see the error of his ways. But eventually she’d come to the conclusion he needed to learn first-hand.
Now though, she frowned. She had been outside of his home for almost two hours now and hadn’
t seen any movement inside. She knew they’d all been granted the whole week off uni due to what had happened so he definitely couldn’t be at the campus. His parents’ cars weren’t on the driveway so she could only assume they were at work.
There was only one thing for it – she’d have to venture inside.
Carefully hoisting her rucksack back onto her back, she approached the front door. The last thing she needed was to jostle the fuel bottle too much. She didn’t need any spills.
Susie raised her fist and knocked at the door loudly, then dipped her head to the side and listened hard.
Nothing.
Again she frowned. Tonight was the night for Janelle. She needed Ryan sorting out before then – no loose ends.
Heather is a loose end. The voice in her head taunted her with the jibe.
She shook her head silently. Heather needed dealing with – but not until she’d dealt with the motley crew of bullies.
Glancing around, Susie noted the street was quiet – too cold for people to want to spend time in the nearby South Park, and too late in the morning for dog walkers and what not. This was an opportunity.
Her heart raced as she tried the front door, and thudded even louder as it swung open without a sound.
Moving quickly now, she entered and closed the heavy door behind her with a soft click.
The house was silent – but someone must be in. People didn’t just go out and leave their front doors open in this day and age.
Her plimsoles turned out to be the perfect choice for breaking and entering, and she padded silently through to the living room. It was empty but she noticed the note on the table – it was in slanting handwriting and informed of flight times and hotel information, and it was signed ‘love mum’.
What kind of parent went on holiday leaving their son home alone to grieve his dead girlfriend?
Susie had to swallow the giggle that threatened to escape. Kelly was dead alright, and she’d screamed like a stuck pig.
Watch You Burn Page 20