“I think it’d be best if I selected something of Chantelle’s and call it a night,” I suggested. “I have the beginnings of a headache.” Anything to give me an excuse to leave.
“Oh no,” Mrs. Parslow gushed. “Get her some paracetamol while you’re up, Pedro.”
Why was he always so compliant? I wondered with disgust. His mother had done nothing but order him around from the moment I’d arrived. “No, it’s okay,” I blurted. “I’ve got special ones at home. I’ll take those.”
Pedro stared at me with a puzzled look on his face.
“What kind are those, dear?” Mrs. Parslow probed.
I met the woman’s untrusting stare. “I’m not discussing my medication with you, though I appreciate your concern.”
Unable to take her anger out on me, she snapped at Pedro, “Stop gawping and take Cassie to Chantelle’s room.” Turning back to me she said, “Take whatever you think will help, dear.”
I never flinched under her scrutiny as I got to my feet. “I really should go.” Looking towards the kitchen, my mind thought only of escape. Sadly, I knew exactly where all the exits to this house were. Chantelle probably felt the same need to get out of here.
Pedro took me by my elbow. “I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well. Let me take you to Chantelle’s room to find something.”
“Thank you for an enjoyable meal,” I lied, forcing a tight smile as I bid my final goodnight to Mrs. Parslow.
“We will need to do it again,” she responded formally.
Not if I can help it, I thought, trying to hide my distaste.
“Please let me know if you get any…feelings as to my daughter’s whereabouts. As you can imagine, we are so worried.” Whipping her head towards Pedro, she snarled, “Let’s not take all night, mijito.”
Pedro jumped into motion. “Yes, of course. Come, Cassie.”
I followed Pedro up the stairs to his twin’s room. Suddenly, all the emotions Chantelle had experienced here exploded inside of me. Immediately, I snapped up my defences to push them out. Taking a deep breath to ground myself, I ventured into her room.
My eyes swept across the space. The double bed was neatly made up with an elegant pink and lilac duvet that matched the curtains. Though it had a warm ambiance, there weren’t a lot of personal touches. I imagined Mama influenced the pristine condition of the room – not natural for a young woman. However, I did notice a corkboard fixed in the recess of the chimney breast.
Picking up one of the photographs of Chantelle with friends from where it was pinned beside a lone scarf, I wondered, who’d ever want to hurt her? She was a vibrant pretty girl with a wide, toothy smile. Even in her picture, you could see the kindness in her eyes.
Why haven’t I felt more of her? I pondered my question as I returned the image to its place on the board. As I did, another caught my eye – it was Chantelle jumping on Pedro’s back. Her hair flowed backward as she’d just landed. Laughter spilled from her, which contrasted with the startled look of surprise Pedro wore. Their joyous sibling frivolity permeated the room, making me smile.
That was the moment it occurred to me. Perhaps my connection is being blocked by her brother. The thought disturbed me, though I wasn’t sure why.
My eyes flicked back to the neckwear hanging on the corkboard. That wouldn’t be displayed so prominently if it wasn’t special to her, I realised. Using the tips of my fingernails, I grabbed the purple cloth. A sudden urge to get out of the Parslow residence consumed me. Residual feelings of Chantelle are enhancing my own, I understood.
“I have what I need,” I said, shoving the scarf into the outside pocket of my bag as I briskly walked past Pedro, and left the room.
Following the path back towards the staircase, my escape was stopped when Pedro grabbed my hand. He pulled me next to him and pressed his mouth close to my neck. “Don’t leave yet, Cassie,” he pleaded in a low, husky voice.
His scent filled my nostrils. It made me think of the time we’d spent together. Memories of how he’d generously given me an abundance of brightly coloured butterflies born from delight made me pause. I couldn’t stop my body from responding to the electric waves he elicited.
“Pedro,” I said in a near whisper, the allure of him intoxicating. His feelings for me were still strong, and they were intensifying my natural attraction to him. “This isn’t a good idea.” I backed into the wall.
Relentless as always, Pedro continued his pursuit. He placed both of his hands on the hallway panels, trapping me between his arms. I could easily have slipped underneath them and escaped downstairs, but his mouth captured mine, rendering me powerless.
Everything ceased to exist as his kiss consumed me. I was lost in the pleasure, knowing what it offered. My body betrayed me, and I had no control. I was a prisoner to our passion.
Pedro’s hand reached under my jacket and squeezed my breast. The light fabric of my blouse heightened the sensations. His thigh pressed against my hip, revealing his hardened penis. It caused my body to pulsate, drawing me deeper into the moment.
“You stop that – right now!” A shrill voice crashed into us, throwing us apart.
Guilt overtook me as my wits returned to find Mrs. Parslow standing at the top of the staircase. Disapproval was written all over her face as, once more, she’d caught me in a compromising position. I felt like a child being found doing something I shouldn’t.
What’s with this woman? Couldn’t she have waited until we returned?! For pity’s sake! I fumed. “Shit!”
Pedro sprang away, shame written all over his face.
Oh, I thought angrily, that’s the last straw. Turning, I fled past his bloody mother and down the stairs. She couldn’t just give us a few minutes alone. When I reached the door, I turned to see face my hosts.
Mr. Parslow wore a mask of haughty indignation. “I hope you found what you needed – please, be sure to return it when you are through,” she snapped.
I scoffed. “I will.” Turning away, something familiar on the sideboard in the front room caught my eye. It was a replica of the huge chocolate Easter egg with a big red bow that Pedro had given me for Easter. We are so done, I thought bitterly. Opening the front door, I shot through it without worrying about my ride.
“Wait, Cassie,” Pedro cried as I walked down the pathway to the street.
“Go away, Pedro. Your mommy might worry if you’re gone too long,” I called, not looking at him.
He caught up with me and grabbed my hand. “Come on, Cassie. Let me at least drive you home.”
Against my better judgment, I agreed.
We rode in silence.
I fumed at thoughts of this man-boy next to me. There were so many good things about him, but he’d never be mine. I knew that now. Pedro belonged to his Mama.
Taking a deep breath, I decided, yet again, that it was over. “I’m sorry, but it’s over. Your mother’s too much for me.”
“You aren’t dating my mother,” he objected as his voice rose.
The car came to a stop outside my flat, and he switched off the engine.
I unclipped my seatbelt and faced him. “That’s just it, Pedro – I am. How many times does she phone you, demanding things when we’re together?” After giving a pause for him to think, I added, “and you go running like an excited puppy.”
“I think you are being unfair.” He almost looked petulant, which just pissed me off.
“I’m sorry, Pedro,” I said again, with my hand on the door handle ready to jump out. “It was nice while it lasted, but it isn’t going to work.”
“Obviously not,” he snapped, turning on the engine again. As I got out, I heard him mutter. “Mama said we weren’t compatible. I should know by now that she’s always right.”
Shutting the car door, I tried not to slam it. I wasn’t going to rise to the bait. Instead, I watched him drive away with a mixed sense of regret and relief., Even though it was the right thing to do, I hated saying goodbye.
I’d just put the key in the entrance doo
r and turned the lock as my phone rang. Putting it to my ear, I walked slowly up the stairs. “Hello, Seb,” I answered.
“Where’ve you been? I’ve been trying to get you,” Seb replied.
“I know – sorry. I haven’t had a chance to ring you back.” I pushed open the inner door to my flat and quickly added, “I’ve just broken up with Pedro.”
“You have?” Seb’s tone changed from annoyed to concerned. “What happened?”
“Can’t you guess?”
“His mum?”
Glad to be home, I put my keys on the kitchen counter. “Oh, was it that obvious to you, too?” I let out a little sigh.
“Yes.”
I threw myself onto the settee and kicked off my shoes. Suddenly, I detected something in his tone. “Why are you saying it like that?”
“Are you going to be okay dealing with them? I mean, they’re tied to the case and all.”
I exhaled softly. “I don’t prefer to see either of them again, but what choice did I have? If Plinth abducted, or worse, killed Chantelle, it concerns us all.”
“That a girl,” Seb said proudly.
“Um, what did you want so urgently?”
“I need your help with David Plinth, after all. His ‘no comment’ interviews have changed. Now, he’s saying that he’ll only talk to you.”
That surprised me. “Why?”
“Because he’s a fucking nutcase, that’s why. To make matters worse, the prick keeps talking about ‘someone else’ but won’t mention any names.”
“Someone else?” I asked. “Do you think it’s Chantelle?”
“I don’t know – guess so. If he is, that’s the only lead we’ve got.” Seb sounded frustrated. “He’s playing games with us, but if it’s a chance, we need to take it. Will you consider helping?”
I groaned. An encounter with David Plinth was even less appealing than with the Parslows. But what choice did I have? Chantelle’s life was on the line.
Chapter 10
I’d been to the prison enough to know how unpleasant it was. There’s an atmosphere of hopelessness, tinged with anger and aggressiveness. It weighed on my mind, body, and spirit.
Silently, I followed Seb into the building. My anxiety increased with each step that took me closer to Plinth. The keys jangled in the locks of the barred doors, adding to my apprehension. It made it more difficult to block out other people’s despair.
My brother signed us in. As per protocol, we removed our phones, cash, and keys, placing them into a bin that’d be secured in a locker. Then, we held out our arms to be body-scanned by an officer with a hand-held device. After that, we were led down the corridor of doom.
Following the guards, the colours in the building only added to my discomfort. They were always dark and grimy. Fluorescent lighting did nothing to help brighten it.
With a stomach full of butterflies, I wished I’d never agreed to this. Or, preferably, that Seb hadn’t asked me to help. Even more, I wished I hadn’t followed the damn killer. My nerves rattled with regret at, yet another spot of bother I had got myself into.
When we entered the cell David Plinth waited in, our escort joined his colleague at the door. Obviously, no one trusts the man, I thought, glancing over at the guards. With the exit blocked and the small nine-foot-squared room filled with Seb, the killer, and me, I felt claustrophobic.
It had been a little over a month since I’d seen Plinth, and he appeared sickly. His unhealthy-looking pallor progressed to an almost grey. His jowls wobbled as though he’d lost weight. The way his belly prevented him from sitting closer to the table, it appeared his face had pushed the fat to his waist.
Seb and I took our seats opposite the prisoner.
I swallowed as I met Plinth’s evil eyes, which, once they settled upon me, stayed there. It made me even more uncomfortable being under such scrutiny.
Apart from the stare, he hadn’t acknowledged either of us. I guess he enjoyed the power he imagined he had. After all, we were all here because of him.
I tried not to look at his hands or think of how they’d touched me. I shivered slightly, although it wasn’t the least bit cold. I solidified my spine, determined to do this. I’d so show him I wasn’t afraid, even though I was terrified. He can’t get you here, Cassie.
“Mr. Plinth,” Seb formally began. “Cassie is here on your request, and, for the record, I would like to introduce her in the formal capacity of Prison Visitor. Cassie’s here to see that you are being treated correctly, that you have no complaints, and are receiving everything you need.”
Plinth smirked. It was the only change in his expression. His eyes never moved from mine as Seb spoke.
I fought my urge to look away but refused to be intimidated. Instead, I put on my official hat and extended my hand for that all-important handshake. “Good afternoon.” I fought to control the overwhelming emotions flowing inside. A shiver tingled my spine, yet I kept my expression passive.
Deep into the depths of those eyes, I saw malevolence. It oozed from Plinth, weaving its way across the room. If evil had a smell, it would’ve crept into our nostrils. I imagined it leaving a dark brown stain with the scent of a wet, dirty dog.
Plinth stared at my hand, and for a moment I thought he wasn’t going to accept it. Other prisoners had refused, but I didn’t let them scare me. This time was different. This man frightened me to my core. I fought the instinct to run, getting as much distance between us as I could.
Slowly, almost begrudgingly, he gripped my hand firmly.
Immediately, there was a flash of connection, which only I saw. A myriad of green hues burst into the room like fireworks. They displayed images that played together in quick succession.
Plinth rose to his feet, tugging at my hand as he attempted to pull me towards him.
Instantly responding, Seb leapt across the table. He pulled me to safety as the guards forcibly returned Plinth to his seat. My brother breathed heavily and foul utterances left his lips until he knew the killer was held securely in place. That’s when he allowed himself to relax again.
Finally unlocked from Seb’s protective grip, I sank onto the chair, dazed.
David Plinth’s mouth drew back into a cruel smile as he leaned into those restraining him. He thought his secrets were safely tucked away in his warped mind. He was wrong. Quickly, I sifted through the images, disentangling them to find the one piece I knew was there. My heart fell and I gasped audibly when it came into frame. Chantelle Parslow was one of his victims.
I looked to my brother, wanting to tell him, but it’d have to wait.
Seb was trying to convince the guards that the situation was under control, and it’d be safe to carry on. His sensible words and tone helped to calm the emotions swirling around me. It made the difference in deciding whether we’d be cleared to proceed. Though it took him a while, he finally managed to received confirmation for us to move forward with the interview.
Coming back into focus again, I realised Plinth was watching me intently and appeared to be ignoring Seb, who was talking directly to him. When our eyes met, the intensity grew as neither of us looked away from the other. After a moment, the killer broke our connection and glared at my brother as if he was an annoying buzz. It allowed me a moment to gather my thoughts.
“Now talk,” Seb ordered gruffly.
My brother’s voice sounded distant due to the number of images and emotions bombarding my mind. It was a lot to process. This isn’t the time for sorting through this homicidal maniac’s twisted crimes, I reminded myself. I need to focus on Chantelle. Inconveniently, the things I did and didn’t want to see battled for attention. So much so, that I hadn’t noticed what was happening in front of me until Plinth suddenly hit the floor.
I registered the bewilderment on Seb’s face. Watching him shoot to his feet and move around the table, the scream of sirens suddenly pierced my ears. A guard must have hit the panic button, I realised.
Getting to my feet, I backed away as Seb began
CPR.
One guard knelt to assist my brother while the other took my arm. “Come on, love.”
I allowed myself to be led from the room. Stunned, I asked, “what happened?”.
“From the way Plinth reacted? Heart attack, we think,” he answered and deposited me back in the waiting area. “There is a drinks machine in the corner. Help yourself. From the looks of it, you could use some sugar.” Then, he was gone.
Sitting alone in the room, dazed and drained, calm returned. I found myself where we’d come in; the access point for visitors to mix while they waited for the inmates. There were lockers to store coats and personal items spread along two walls of the perimeter. At the far side, a well-used drinks machine beckoned.
I put my hands on the seat, leaned forward, and groaned. Seeing Plinth again settled over me like a prickly blanket. I could feel a huge pressure sitting on my chest. What I’d seen today changed everything.
Chapter 11
It felt like a long time before Seb returned. When he did, his expression gave nothing away. Once beside me, his words were solemn, “Plinth’s alive.”
I sighed. I wasn’t particularly happy that the wanker walked the earth, but he still had things to reveal. Besides, death was too easy for him. After what he’s done, Plinth doesn’t deserve a merciful way out. Even though it was a hateful statement, I couldn’t deny the anger, mixed with my horror, for all that he’d done.
The memory of Plinth invading my body filled my mind, causing me to shudder.
“Are you okay?” my brother asked with concern.
“Fine,” I said. “Just cold.” Numbly, I rose to retrieve my bag and jacket from the locker where they’d been secured. Silently, I handed Seb’s coat to him before slipping on mine. I didn’t need it but had to validate my lie.
Struggling to get his arm in his sleeve, Seb followed me as I made my way toward the exit. “Did you see something?”
I didn’t reply immediately, and my brother didn’t pressure me for an answer. We waited silently as the guards unlocked the doors to release us from the building. The spring sun was a welcomed kiss of warmth, both physically and spiritually. The fresh air blew away the stress as well as the stuffiness from the prison.
The Killer on the Heath (The Cassidy Newbold, Clairvoyant Collection Book 1) Page 7