Prince Charming (Behind the Screen, #1)

by Iris Deorre

  ‘Shut the fuck up!’ He pulled off his coat. ‘Or god knows what I’ll do to you!’

  They were silent. He left the room a moment and stormed back with a new canvas and some paints. He placed the canvas on an easel and got to work. The girls held back the tears. They lay in full view, terrified that the painting wouldn’t be enough and he would hurt them further. But the more he painted, the calmer he became. There was something in the act that satisfied him. Lucky enough that was all there was to it. The anger died down like particles of dust. Rose was taken back to bed, and Zara left in hers. He stepped into the shower, got clean and then went straight to bed. Maybe after Tuesday, he’d get his chance, and finally his painting would be complete!

  ****

  Derek parked outside Harmony’s house. It was a night to look forward to. Work had been hectic, and they were no where near finding the two women. It worried him, but Harmony seemed like a smart woman.

  The knock on the door caught her by surprise. Derek was expected, but not for another ten minutes. The Needle and Thread Embellished lace grid evening dress seemed appropriate for the night. It was smart and sexy without being over the top. The black medium heels worked perfectly as did the black coat.

  ‘You look amazing!’ he said the moment the door opened.

  ‘Thank you. You’ve scrubbed up well too.’

  The black tight jeans, white shirt and black leather jacket worked well.

  ‘Thank you. Shall we?’

  She took his arm. Locked the door behind them.

  ‘Thank you for trusting me to pick you up. I hope you don’t do this with all men.’

  She laughed.

  ‘What?’

  ‘You have no idea the things I’m capable of. I can take care of myself pretty well.’

  ‘I’m sure you can.’

  ‘I always follow my gut. I’m good. The more I do it, the better I become and so far it’s been good.’

  ‘So what does your gut tell you about me?’ he asked as he opened the door.

  ‘Hmmm.’ she slid in.

  ‘Hold that thought.’ He shut the door and walked round to the driver’s side. ‘Okay, go on.’

  She laughed. She liked this one, but there was still a lot on her mind.

  ‘I trust you. I think you’re the guy who always wants to help, protect.’

  ‘Really? You got all that?’

  ‘It’s a feeling. And you’re a cop, that helps.’

  ‘I guess it does.’ He started the car. ‘Is there anywhere specific you want to go?’

  ‘Not really. Spending the evening with you is enough. We can go anywhere.’

  ‘Okay, I’ll take you for Indian, sound good?’

  ‘Yes, that sounds good. I haven’t had Indian food in a while.’

  ‘Well then, you’re in for a treat.’

  The waiter sat them down. The restaurant had no liquor licence it was soft drinks all around. The couple were okay with that, they had no intention of drinking anyway.

  ‘So how’s work?’ she asked.

  ‘It’s okay. A little stressful at the moment. We’re not making progress on a case I’m working on. It’s frustrating.’

  ‘Are you allowed to share the details?’

  ‘Not at the moment. I think soon we will, we’re not sure what’s going on, we’re keeping it quiet.’

  ‘Okay. That’s understandable.’

  ‘You, how’s work?’

  ‘Busy, too many patients to handle.’ She laughed, but suddenly stopped. ‘I mean children. I meant to say you need a lot of patience with children.’

  ‘Yes, I bet you do.’ He was either blinded by her good looks to have noticed or he’d just let it go.

  ‘Yes, it’s the naughty ones that make it difficult. But don’t get me wrong. I love my job.’

  ‘Yes, it shows.’

  A waiter approached. ‘Are you ready to order?’

  ‘Sorry, could you give us a few more minutes?’

  ‘Yes of course.’

  They giggled like teens as soon as the waiter went away.

  ‘I think we better have a look at the menu,’ he said.

  ‘Yes, I think we should.’

  ‘Fancy sharing a starter?’ he asked.

  ‘Oh yes, that sounds good.’

  ‘What would you like? I’m easy.’

  She studied the menu. ‘Erm...How about the seafood mix for two?’

  ‘That sounds good. I’ll share that with you.’

  ‘Great! For main I think I’ll have King Prawn Korma with rice. I’ll continue with the seafood.’

  He watched her as she studied the menu. Harmony was so beautiful. There was gentleness to her he’d never experience with other women. He was glad he met her.

  ‘You’ve made some good choices there.’

  ‘What are you having for your main?’ she asked.

  ‘Let me see.’ He studied the menu.

  Harmony took a moment to study the man opposite her. An attractive and confident aura circled around him.

  ‘I think I’ll go for a chicken Biryani.’

  ‘Excellent.’

  Derek waved the waiter over and gave the order.

  ‘I like this,’ he said after the man left to sort the order. ‘I feel so relaxed around you.’

  ‘Me too.’

  ‘Can I ask a question? You don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to.’

  ‘Okay.’

  ‘Your other date.’

  ‘Yes, what about him?’

  ‘Do you like him?’

  ‘Are you seriously asking me that question?’

  ‘I’d like to know what I’m up against. I’m willing to fight him tooth and nail.’

  She laughed. ‘Don’t worry, you’re in first place.’

  ‘I am?’

  ‘Yes you are.’

  ‘Are you seeing him again?’

  ‘Does it matter?’

  ‘A little.’

  ‘I think so.’

  ‘Will you see me again after this?’

  ‘I’d like to. I enjoy your company.’

  ‘Great! Do you want to set a date today?’

  Harmony knew that the week coming she’d be off Tuesday and Wednesday. Did she really want the dates to always follow on?

  ‘How about Wednesday? Is that any good?’ She ignored her inner advice and just jumped right in.

  ‘It should be, what time?’

  ‘Same time as today. I could cook for you?’

  ‘Really, you’d do that?’

  ‘Absolutely! It’s the third date, I like you. I’m assuming you like me too.’

  ‘Of course I do.’

  ‘Great! So come by my house say...seven thirty?’ I’ll cook up a storm.’ She laughed at the use of the cliché.

  ‘I look forward to it.’ Derek felt lucky. It was early days, but he couldn’t help but leap ahead.

  ‘It’s a date.’

  The starter arrived. It tickled taste buds and increased appetites. There was something about food that changed the whole atmosphere. There was a lot of flirtation, laughter and some serious conversation. Harmony was an only child, Derek was the same. Both his parents had passed on, he really was on his own. Harmony’s parents had also passed on. Her father died first, followed by her mother a few years later.

  ‘We have so much in common,’ she said as she licked her fingers.

  ‘We do, it’s a good thing.’

  ‘It is.’ She watched him. ‘I have a question for you.’

  ‘Okay.’ He reached for a napkin.

  ‘Let’s say we’re in a relationship.’

  He nodded.

  ‘How far would you go to protect me?’

  He studied her a moment. The question wasn’t clear. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘You’re a cop. How far would you go to protect me? What I mean is, would you do whatever it took to protect me?’

  ‘Well, I’m sure I would. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.’

&nbs
p; ‘Okay.’ She was sort of satisfied with the answer.

  ‘Why do you ask?’

  ‘I’m curious. I just wanted to know.’

  ‘You’re an amazing woman, and if we have a chance at a relationship, I would do whatever it took to keep you safe.’

  ‘I’m glad to know this. It’s comforting.’ Harmony loved the answer.

  The main course arrived. It looked and smelt divine. There was the exchange of food, so the other could taste and appreciate the different tastes. It was a relaxed evening that neither of them wanted it to end. But like all things, it had to come to an end.

  ‘I really enjoyed this,’ he said after he’d parked outside the house.

  ‘Yes me too. It was great.’

  He leaned forward, grasped her gently by the chin and brought her towards his lips. Their lips touched. He grasped the back of her neck and pressed into her. She let out a light gasp! His lips were soft and tender. She ran her hands through his golden locks. The touch took breaths away, brought passion and banished all troubles. In that moment nothing else mattered.

  Derek pulled back breathless. He gazed at her and then kissed her again. Harmony didn’t hesitate. The kisses were accepted. They were what she wanted and needed. But soon, Derek had to retract.

  ‘I’m getting a little carried away,’ he said.

  ‘I like carried away.’

  ‘Good. See you Wednesday?’

  ‘Yes, see you Wednesday. I look forward to it.’

  Derek walked her to the door. He grasped her into his arms again, just as she was about to insert the key into the lock. She stood on her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck. Again he pulled back.

  ‘I’ve got to go.’

  ‘Okay,’ she said.

  ‘Go in. I’ll leave once you’re safe inside.’

  She nodded, put the key to the door and entered.

  ‘Goodnight.’ He winked.

  ‘Goodnight.’ She shut the door and leaned into it. This had been so unexpected. Her heart had certainly surprised her.

  Moments later, Harmony made her way to the kitchen. She switched on the light, and then another light that lit up the garden. The colours were like a painting. There was a particular patch that had the healthiest looking plants. On the days off, Harmony had worked on the garden; it was the thing that brought her peace.

  Happiness forced her outside. She walked into the garden and took time to smell the flowers. The air was mild, and the rain had been good. There had been no flooding. The garden was perfect, a perfect paradise. She walked towards the bench in the centre and sat down.

  ‘Nice.’ She sighed. ‘Really nice.’ She wrapped the coat around her and just took it all in. ‘You’ve certainly maintained the flowers,’ she smiled. ‘And I guess in a few months time, this garden will be more than perfect!’ Her eyes darted to the end of the garden. That was where she wanted to make improvements.

  Over the next couple of days, a couple of gardeners would dig up some of the land for her to plant more flowers. A tree had also been thought about too. A huge tree surrounded by flowers. That was an idea! The wind grew cold and forced her back into the house. It had been a great two days. She couldn’t wait for next week!

  Chapter Five

  All Masks Down

  It was back to normal. Harmony was Doctor Moore again and not Miss Moore or Harmony Moore the receptionist. The shift started at six a.m. It was busy from the word go. There was no rest; people came into the A&E in vast numbers. ‘

  ‘Ears everyone! Let’s be ready. We’ve just heard an accident has happened on the M62 so be ready people.’ The chief surgeon said.

  From that point forward ambulances pulled up to the emergency unit. It was fast paced. There was no time to think about anything else except save peoples lives.

  Harmony was called into surgery an hour after she’d started her shift.

  ‘We’ve got to find where all this blood is coming from!’ She spoke to the team. ‘He’s losing more blood than we’re giving him!’

  The team of surgeons worked as hard as they could. Harmony was good at her job, but things weren’t looking great. They had tried for a good thirty minutes to find the bleed. He was one victim of the crash on the motorway.

  ‘We’re losing him!’ She shouted.

  They worked harder and faster, but the more they did, the less they achieved. The monitor flat lined.

  ‘No! No!’ She still couldn’t find the bleed. ‘Don’t give up on me now!’

  It was still no use.

  ‘He’s gone,’ said one doctor.

  ‘No!’ She tried to work.

  ‘We need to call it.’

  ‘God dam it!’ Her hands stopped working. This wasn’t how it was supposed to end.

  ‘Time of death eight seventeen a.m.,’ she said and then backed away.

  Harmony left the O.R, pulled off the mask, gown, gloves and tossed them where they had to go and bolted out of the door.

  ‘Doctor Moore,’ a nurse shouted.

  ‘Not right now!’ They could handle it, she had to see the family of the man who had just died.

  They were in the waiting room when she walked in. This was the worst part of the job. Doing everything and yet having nothing positive to give. The woman with her son stood up as she approached. She smiled faintly at them, her heart pounding so hard.

  ‘How is he?’ asked the woman.

  ‘I’m sorry.’

  ‘Oh no!’ she cried before Harmony spoke.

  ‘I’m sorry, he didn’t make it. We couldn’t find the bleed.’

  The woman turned to the teenage boy and fell into him. He was silent, grief had rendered him silent. He wrapped his arms around her. Harmony could see the burden he’d just gained.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ she said once more and left them.

  She headed straight for the exit, pulled her mobile from the back of her scrub pocket and made a call.

  ‘Hey.’ Derek’s voice was a comfort.

  ‘Hey.’

  ‘You okay?’

  ‘Yes I’m fine. Hope you don’t mind. I just wanted to hear your voice.’

  ‘I don’t mind at all. In fact it’s a nice surprise.’

  ‘You busy?’

  ‘On our way somewhere, so I won’t be able to speak for long.’

  ‘That’s fine. I’m just having a bad day.’

  ‘Already?’ He glanced at his watch, it was just after eight thirty. ‘What time does school start?’

  ‘Oh...’ She remembered. ‘It’s not school, just car trouble that put me in a bad mood. I have to think up ways not to get upset today.’

  ‘You’ll be fine. It will be over in a flash.’

  ‘Yes you’re right.’

  ‘We’re here,’ said Yasmina to Derek as they pulled up to Zara’s house.

  ‘Sorry, I’ll have to cut this call short,’ he said.

  ‘That’s fine, I understand. Thanks for taking it.’

  ‘You’re welcome.’

  He put the phone down just as the car stopped.

  ‘Who was that?’ asked Yasmina.

  ‘Nosey.’ He laughed.

  She laughed. They had a great understanding and worked well together.

  ‘It’s Harmony, she’s having a bad day.’

  ‘Already?’

  ‘Yes, now can we do this?’

  They hopped out of the car.

  ‘Let’s hope she’s not the clingy type.’

  ‘Like you?’ He teased.

  She laughed. ‘You’ve got the key?’

  ‘Yes.’

  Zara’s parents had given them the spare set of keys for the investigation. They hoped to find something that would lead them to the women. The house was stuffy, which wasn’t surprising. They headed for the living-room. There was one long red couch and two small black ones on either side of the room. Nothing had been disturbed. They looked around. Pulled opened the draws at the cabinet, looked through letters and checked under the chairs.

  ‘Find
anything?’ asked Yasmina.

  ‘Nothing. You?’

  ‘Nothing.’

  They swept the kitchen. Nothing was out of the ordinary. A few dirty plates sat in the sink. Yasmina walked over to the fridge and gazed at the calendar.

  ‘Have a look at this.’

  Derek walked over.

  ‘See that date.’ She pointed.

  ‘Yes.’ He gazed at the calendar with the writing. ‘Date with Prince Charming.’ He read out the writing.

  ‘Prince charming?’ Yasmina repeated.

  ‘Do you think that’s his profile name?’

  ‘It could be.’

  They bagged the calendar. They searched the rest of the house. There wasn’t much, but they picked up her laptop that had been left on the bed.

  ‘We’ll get I.T on this. There’s probably her last email to him on here,’ said Derek.

  ‘Yes I think so.’

  They picked up fibres, anything that could get them closer to the answers they were looking for.

  The next stop was Rose’s house. The house was searched, a laptop also retrieved and a diary. There wasn’t much to take back.

  ‘These women certainly don’t leave clues,’ said Yasmina as the drove back.

  ‘I think that’s because everything is on mobile phones these days. I’m guessing if we had their phones, we’d have all we need.’

  ‘But we can’t because they have them.’

  ‘And we can’t trace them because the asshole who took them has shut them down.’

  Yasmina sighed. She could only imagine what these women were going through.

  ‘Do you think they’re alive?’ she asked.

  ‘I don’t know. I hope to God they are.’

  ‘Yes me too. I hope we get to them in time.’

  He nodded. He loved and hated his job. It was great when a case was solved and justice was served and victims returned home, but it was horrible when the victims had either died or never found.

  ‘We’ve got to find them before we declare them missing persons for good,’ she said.

  ‘Yes, we have to. We will.’

  The laptops were dropped of at I.T. They worked on the things they’d brought back that afternoon. Yasmina studied everything they had. There had to be a clue. Something had to make sense.