Promised Land Lane

by Brown, Marcus

  Jason staggered to his feet, pulling Adam away from Ashley’s body. They made their way to the front of the property to direct them to where Ashley lay.

  As they got to the side gate, Jason watched as two policemen struggled to control a couple of dogs. The dogs were whimpering and cowering. There was no way they would go onto the property.

  “Put them away, Paul. It’s useless,” one of them said, handing the dog leash to the other man.

  Another van sped to a stop just behind the two police cars and a security guard got out.

  “My brother,” Jason managed to say, and pointed towards the back of the property.

  The security guard, although a little wary, followed close behind. “Mrs Gallagher won’t like this,” he said, but everyone ignored him

  Jason and Adam stayed close to the policeman as the security guard directed them to the side of the house and he saw from the light of the police torches, the cats scattering in all directions as intruders entered their domain.

  In the back garden, the first officer dropped to his knees beside Ashley. “Get the paramedics here now. We have a seriously injured child back here,” he yelled.

  The policeman stood up and tried to move Jason and Adam away from their brother.

  Adam tried to push past the policeman, but had no strength left in him. He crumbled to the ground and let out a bloodcurdling scream as Jason dropped beside him. “Help him. Somebody needs to help him.”

  “You can’t help him now, Adam, he’s dead,” he said pulling his brother into his arms.

  The police stood surrounding them with their heads bowed. It was always hard dealing with violent deaths, but they always dreaded call outs to deal with dead kids.

  Two paramedics ran from the side of the house towards the crowd and stopped in their tracks, shocked by what they were seeing. The man turned away and threw up at the side of the path.

  The female paramedic knelt down beside Ashley and confirmed what they already knew. Ashley was dead.

  ***

  Sandra sat in the busy pub slowly sipping from her drink, staring out of the window, watching the rain hammer down. She had been waiting fifteen minutes for Liam to arrive, but he had never been on time in all the years she had known him. It had been a while since they had last seen one another, and she was looking forward to seeing him again.

  Liam had been surprised to hear from her, but even more surprised by her request -- she wanted to read the autopsy file on Ashley Lee, the child who had been brutally murdered on Promised Land Lane.

  He had agreed to allow her access to the files, but “only on the strict understanding its contents wouldn’t be divulged to anyone.”

  She looked at her watch and considered ordering herself another drink when he burst through the doors, his blonde hair wet and flopping into his face. Despite the fact he looked flustered, he was still as dashing as ever.

  Scanning the room, he spotted her waving and made his way over to the corner table by the fireplace.

  ‘You’re looking good, Sand,” he said, leaning down and kissing her cheek.

  “And you’re still full of shit, Liam, just like you always were,” she said, giggling. “I look like I’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards.”

  “Well yeah, but I wasn’t gonna say that, was I?”

  She laughed. “Cheeky sod.”

  “So why am I getting a phone call from you asking to see the results from the Lee autopsy? Never in a million years did I think you’d ever ask for something like this.”

  “I can’t believe I’m asking for it either.”

  “So tell me, what’s your involvement in this? I would’ve thought, given your past with the lane, this would be the last thing you’d be interested in.”

  “I’m just doing my job. Rachel put me on the story and needs must.”

  “I see,” he said, pushing his hair back from his face. “It’s not for the faint-hearted, Sand, just so you know that.”

  “A kid was murdered in that creepy place. I know I’m not picking up the latest Harry Potter book.”

  He placed his briefcase on the table and clicked off the locks before retrieving a file a quarter of an inch thick.

  “Not a word, remember. If it ever got out that I’d let you see this, my career would be over.”

  She took the file from him as he stood up. “Another G&T?” he said pointing at her glass.

  “You remembered?” She raised her eyebrows. “Make mine a double, will you.”

  “Still a lush. It’s not been that long since we’ve seen one another.”

  She ignored his last comment and opened the file to be greeted by photographs from the crime scene. Her stomach churned at the sight of the little boy lying there lifeless with his face covered in blood and two gaping holes where his eyes once were.

  “Jesus Christ,” she said aloud. A few people turned around to look at her.

  “Are you trying to get me fired?” Liam said, shushing her as he reappeared with the drinks. He snatched the file out of her hands.

  “Sorry, but I couldn’t wait,” she said.

  “Take it home with you,” he said, handing the file back to her. “Read it, then burn it, it’s only a copy. And for God’s sake, don’t leave it out for Nathan to see.”

  “He wouldn’t notice it if I stuck it to the fridge. If it doesn’t involve him directly, he isn’t interested.”

  “No change there then,” he said looking a little sad.

  “Sorry, Liam, I didn’t think.”

  “Don’t worry. It’s fine,” he replied, looking around the room in the hope nobody was paying them any attention.

  “How is that stupid brother of mine nowadays?”

  “Still stupid.”

  “That figures. He’s a classic example of beauty without brains that one.”

  She laughed at his comments and realized how much she had missed her friend.

  “I’m sorry that you were dragged into the mess our marriage had become. I know how close you two were.”

  “Nobody forced me to tell you he was having an affair.”

  “I know, and I’ll always be grateful that you did. I just wish you hadn’t sacrificed your relationship with him to do it.”

  “I care about you, Sand, and always have done. I couldn’t sit by and watch him make a fool out of you, although I did think you’d eventually get through it and find a way to move on.”

  “A few years ago we probably could have done, but I’m older now, and if I’m honest, it was the excuse I needed to move on.”

  “Well, you know what you’re doing, but I can’t say the same for this business about the lane. What was Rachel thinking asking you to cover this story?”

  Sandra was eager to open the file and scan the contents as her fingers drummed the table, but fought the urge to do so. “Exactly what I would think if I was in her position. That I wouldn’t leave it alone until I found out what was going on there.”

  “She’s a sick bitch, that one. She knows Sarah vanished there.”

  “That’s why she does the job she does. She’s heartless and to her, a story is a story. Sarah means nothing to her.”

  The smile disappeared from his face as he looked down at the carpeted floor.

  “Will you stop tapping, you’re making me more nervous than I already am.” He said that louder than he intended to.

  She stopped and looked at him. They both realized the room had gone silent.

  “I still think about her, you know. Even after all these years,” Liam said in a hushed voice.

  “I know you do, but you had to move on with your life.” She could feel the tears forming in her eyes.

  He looked up from the floor, but couldn’t look at her as he knew he too would start to cry.

  “I sometimes wonder if one day she’ll turn up on the doorstep like nothing has happened.”

  “Wishful thinking,” she said, reaching across the table and grabbing his hand as both became lost in their own memories.
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  She picked up the glass and slugged the drink as though it was water.

  “The way you’re knocking it back, I think a taxi will be in order for both of us.”

  “Oh, Liam, I miss her every day. Sometimes I think it’ll get easier, but it never does.”

  “I know how you feel, Sand, and I feel the same way. Don’t get me wrong I’m happy with Kim, and I love my kids more than life itself, but Sarah is always there, right at the back of my mind.”

  “I’m sorry, Liam. I didn’t mean to bring it all crashing back to the present.”

  “You’ve got nothing to apologise for. I like to think about her. Weirdly enough, Kim asks me about her from time to time, and I like that, as it keeps her memory alive.”

  “You think she’s dead, don’t you,” Sandra asked, scared of what he would say.

  “I think Sarah would’ve come home a long time ago if she’d been able to. There’s never been any sign of her since that night.”

  “I like to think that she’s living a happy life somewhere, and that one day she’ll realise she’s missed us all and come back.”

  “It’s a nice way to think, Sand.”

  “Stupid I know.”

  “Nothing stupid about it, but in my job I see all the evil life has to offer, so am probably a lot more jaded. I hope one day I’m proven wrong.”

  “Will you tell Kim you’ve seen me tonight?” she asked.

  “Of course I will. I’ve nothing to hide and plus, she misses you. I don’t think she’s ever forgiven me for sticking my oar in.”

  “I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

  “Well, if she’s forgiven me, she certainly never lets me forget.”

  “I miss her too. Tell her I’ll call and we can get together for a few drinks and a catch-up.”

  “She’d like that,” he replied, smiling. “And don’t forget you’ve got two nephews who don’t understand why they don’t see their favourite aunty anymore.”

  “I’m their only aunty, smart arse.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Point taken. I’ll call her tomorrow.”

  “On second thoughts, don’t phone. You know where we live.”

  “But what about Nathan?”

  “I couldn’t give a shit what my brother thinks,” he said bluntly. “He knows where we live, and when he stops playing the victim, he’s as welcome as he always was.”

  Sandra giggled at his response. “I’ve missed you, Liam.”

  “I’ve missed you too, kid, so next time don’t leave it so long.”

  She leaned across and kissed him on the cheek.

  It was his turn to giggle. “Now get yourself off Memory Lane. It’s your round, and make mine a treble. We’ve got loads of catching up to do.”

  She smiled lovingly at him, picked up her purse and made her way to the bar.

  Chapter 5

  It was gone midnight when she staggered up the path towards the front door. As she reached the door, it swung open and Nathan, was stood there with a furious expression on his face.

  “What time do you call this?”

  “I’d tell you if I could focus on my watch,” she slurred, staggering into the hallway.

  “It’s past midnight and you’ve got work in the morning.”

  “Who died and left you in charge of what I do?”

  “You know what I mean. You’ve got to be up in six hours.”

  “And what? I’m a big girl and if I wanna stay out all night, then it’s nothing to do with you.” She prodded him in the chest with her index finger.

  “You could have texted me and told me you were out tonight. I’ve been worried.”

  “You better get used to this. When we’re divorced and you’re out of this house, you’ll have no idea what time I come home.” She grabbed hold of the bannister as the room began to spin.

  “Come on, Sand, don’t be like that. I don’t wanna fight with you. I was just worried.”

  “I’m touched.”

  “Where have you been?”

  “I’ve been in the pub with Liam, not that it’s any concern of yours.”

  Pushing past him, she made her way up the hallway and into the living room. He followed close behind.

  “I wondered how long it would be before he started sniffing around. Couldn’t have the sister he wanted, so he settles for the next best thing.”

  She stopped dead in her tracks and turned unsteadily to look at him. He knew he’d gone too far and began to apologise. She slapped him hard across the face.

  “You know what, Nathan. You’re a slimy little bastard.”

  “Sand, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it the way it came out.”

  “Fuck off, Nathan. The sooner you’re out of this house the better.”

  She walked off and made her way up the stairs, pushing her bedroom door open and falling flat on the bed as the room began to spin faster.

  ***

  The next morning, Sandra stepped out of the elevator into the open plan office. The daylight beaming through the enormous windows hurt her eyes.

  Fumbling around, she found her sunglasses in the bottom of her handbag and slipped them on, covering the bloodshot eyes.

  “Ah, there you are, lovely,” Rachel shrieked across the office. “Can I borrow you for a minute?” It wasn’t a request, but an order.

  “On my way,” she said gently as her head pounded.

  Rachel was sat behind the oversized desk tapping her Swarovski crystal encrusted pen impatiently.

  “Come in and close the door behind you.”

  Sandra closed the door as Rachel gestured for her to sit on the sofa at the other end of the room.

  “I’m sure you know why I wish to speak to you.”

  “Not really.”

  “It’s been two weeks since I gave you the story, and you’ve given me nothing.”

  “There’s nothing to give you. The police don’t know anything, and all of my sources have come up blank.”

  Sandra didn’t even feel guilty for lying. The night before, she had locked the file Liam gave her in the car and couldn’t wait to get her hands on it.

  “Have you spoken to the dead boy’s family yet?”

  “I’ve tried to contact the mother, but she hasn’t returned my calls.”

  “How inconsiderate.”

  “It’s only been two weeks, and the poor kid hasn’t even been buried yet, Rachel.”

  “I’m well aware of that, but now is as good a time as any while it’s still fresh in their minds, would you say?”

  “I’m not going to harass that family. They’ve been through enough already.” Sandra was sympathetic towards the family and knew how much the press had hounded her family when Sarah went missing.

  “Well, it’s a good job I’m not sentimental about these things, isn’t it?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I called and spoke to the eldest son, Jason, I think he said his name was. A very surly young man if I do say so myself. Still, it wasn’t hard to do,” Rachel said snidely. “It’s all sorted. Two o’clock today.”

  Sandra was too stunned to speak.

  “Address is written down here,” she said, shoving a pastel pink Post-it note towards Sandra. “Get me something good, or else.”

  “Or else what?”

  “You don’t want to find out, lovely,” she said smiling, almost baring her teeth. “But try and remember we’re a highly respected national newspaper, not a local branch of the bleeding heart brigade.”

  Sandra stood up without saying another word and closed the door harder than she realized. It slammed shut and rattled the door frame, the noise making her head pound even more.

  Chapter 6

  Sandra walked up the path towards the front door that looked like it hadn’t seen a lick of paint in twenty years. There were six glass panels in the door, but only one was left intact. The rest were held together with some form of duct tape.

  She felt nervous as she knocked on the front door. M
emories of the night Sarah vanished had been whirling around her brain since Rachel had given her the assignment.

  “Get the fucking door,” a voice shouted from inside the house. The sound of approaching footsteps became louder.

  “What do you want?” Jason said as he pulled the door open.

  He looked older than she was expecting and like he needed a good night’s sleep.

  “Hi. My name is Sandra Miller and I’m here to speak to Jason Lee.”

  “I’m Jason,” he said, turning his back and walking down the hallway. “You better come in.”

  Sandra entered the hallway and closed the front door quietly behind her.

  “Who is it?” the voice shouted again.

  “It’s for me,” he shouted in reply.

  “Don’t leave the house, you hear?”

  “Yes, I know,” he shouted. “You tell me every five minutes.”

  Jason stood at the end of the hallway and waited for Sandra to enter the room before closing the door behind her. Misery was etched across his good-looking face.

  “Thank you.”

  “Don’t worry about her. It’s just my mum. She hasn’t slept too well since…” He paused.

  “I can come back if now isn’t a good time,” she said, immediately regretting her choice of words.

  “No. Now’s fine. Besides, I’m going crazy stuck inside this house talking to myself. She won’t let either of us out.”

  “Either?”

  “Me and my brother, Adam. He’s Ashley’s twin. He’s taken it really badly and hasn’t spoken since that night.”

  “Give him time. That’s all you can do. He’s lost his twin brother, and I doubt either of us would understand what that’s like.”

  “He was my brother too you know,” he snapped at her.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I wouldn’t understand, right?” he said sarcastically.

  “I’m so sorry. Look, can we please start again?”

  “Whatever.”

  “How’s your Mum?”

  “She’s scared something will happen to us too.”

  “That’s understandable, Jason.”

  “My friends call me Jase,” he said quietly.