A Deadly Lesson (Storage Ghost Murders Book 5)

by Larkin, Gillian

  Grace carried on, “He says that he’s got some insider information about that company. Hmm, sounds intriguing. He says he wants to meet me.” Grace pressed her lips together and looked over at Abbie. The teenager had her back to her and was looking out of the window. Grace said, “I’m not sure about meeting him, he could be anyone.” She then thought it could be Carlos, trying to trick her. She read a bit further. “He works for a well-known bank. Apparently, he knows how Last Hope work, he’s put ‘the real truth about how they operate’. He wants to meet at Pizza Hut, the one down the road.” Grace lowered her phone. “I haven’t been to Pizza Hut for ages. I suppose I could meet him, it’s a public place. I can’t imagine that I’d be in danger. What do you think?”

  Abbie shrugged but didn’t turn away from the window. Grace gritted her teeth. As sad as Abbie’s case was, there was no need for her to be so sulky. Grace was trying to help her.

  Pah! The time for tact was over. Grace stormed over to Abbie and pushed the phone in front of her face. “Maybe I should forget the whole thing? Tell Kevin Thompson I no longer care about that dodgy repossession company? Maybe I should throw your driving book away.” She stopped. She’d gone too far. She took a deep breath and said, “Sorry, Abbie, that was mean of me.”

  Abbie turned a tear-stained face to Grace. “No, it’s me who should be sorry. I know you don’t have to help me. It’s just that ...” she looked down at her top and began to fiddle with the edges. “It’s just that I’ve remembered something about the car that hit me. And it means ...”

  Abbie turned fully round to Grace and flung herself into Grace’s body. Grace jumped. It felt like someone had thrown a bucket of icy water at her. She stiffened and tried to stop her teeth from chattering whilst Abbie bawled into her chest. Grace tried hard not to think about frostbite.

  After a few minutes, Abbie moved away. She wiped her tears with her top. In a quiet voice Grace said, “Tell me what you remember.”

  Abbie’s shoulders dropped. “Just before the car hit me I saw L-plates, on the car. I couldn’t tell what colour they were though.”

  Grace was puzzled. “Colour? I thought they were all red.”

  “The normal ones are, but there are green ones too. You know, for people who have just passed their test.” She hesitated. “Brooke had some on her car. She bought them for me but said that she’d probably need them before me. I don’t know why she put them on her car, they looked cheap, not her style at all.”

  Grace mentally added, to rub your face in it, that’s why she did it. Out loud she said, “Who else had L-plates on their car?”

  “Carlos did, well, they were on Julianne’s car. He promised to take me out driving but Julianne wouldn’t let him, she said she’d take me. But she never did.”

  “Who else?” Grace persisted.

  In a barely audible voice, Abbie said, “Dad. He used to come out in the car with me, he’d let me drive on quiet roads.”

  Grace thought back to Derek. Could that mild-mannered man really be a killer? She’d met a few killers in her time, appearances could be deceptive. But Derek? “He didn’t kill you,” Grace said in a definite tone. “His car left the car park but that doesn’t mean he killed you. Anyway, someone else could have been driving it. Did he ever let anyone else drive it?”

  Hope flared in Abbie’s eyes. “Yes! He did! He’s so generous. He let Julianne and Carlos borrow it many times. He even insured it for Ethan so that he could take me out on lessons when Dad didn’t have time.”

  The hope dimmed as Abbie realised what she’d just said. Grace interrupted her thoughts and said, “From what I’ve seen of Ethan, I don’t think he’s a killer either.”

  Abbie gave her a wobbly smile. Grace didn’t think it was prudent to point out that she’d been wrong about possible killers before. She looked at her phone and said, “I’ll meet with this Kevin person and see what he’s got to say. Do you want to come with me?”

  Abbie nodded. “I wish I could eat pizza again.”

  Grace typed her reply and said, “Don’t you worry, I’ll eat enough for both of us.”

  There was a beep. Grace looked at her phone. “He’s keen. He wants to meet today.” She texted a response and then put her phone in her handbag, along with Abbie’s driving book. “Just one slice of toast this morning if I’m having pizza later.”

  Abbie stepped in front of her. “I’ve remembered something else about my party night. I was holding my phone when I ran out of the pub. I got a message, it really upset me, but I can’t remember who it was from. I keep seeing it in my mind but it’s like the screen is all fuzzy, like I’m not meant to see it. Do you think it’s important?”

  “It could be. Keep trying to remember more of that night. Thank you, Abbie, I know this can’t be easy for you.”

  Abbie’s chin jutted out and for the first time Grace saw a new emotion on her face. It was determination. Abbie confirmed this by saying, “I’m furious at being murdered! I had loads of plans. Let’s find out who did it. What kind of a ...”

  Grace held her hand up. “I understand. No need for foul language before breakfast. You sound like Pearl.”

  Pearl!

  Where was that old ghost?

  Chapter 25

  Grace walked towards the man sitting on his own in a corner booth inside Pizza Hut, he was staring out of the window that faced him. She’d forgotten to ask Kevin Thompson what he looked like when she’d agreed to meet him. She glanced at the other diners, they were in groups or couples, so she assumed the solitary man was Kevin.

  She walked over to his side and said, “Kevin Thompson?”

  Abbie gasped. “He looks like an older Ethan! He’s even got the same glasses!”

  Kevin pushed his glasses nervously up his nose, stood up and extended his hand. “Hello, yes, I’m Kevin. I presume you’re Grace? Thanks for meeting me here, I know it’s a funny place to meet but I wanted to meet somewhere out of the way, somewhere I haven’t been before.” He looked from left to right, and then back to Grace. “Please, do sit down. Would you like a drink? Would you like some food?”

  “That would be lovely, thank you,” Grace replied. She sat opposite Kevin.

  Abbie sat next to her and jerked her thumb towards Kevin. “Of course you want some food! What’s he thinking? You don’t come to Pizza Hut for a drink!”

  Grace pressed her lips together, she had been thinking the same thing but was far too polite to say anything. She studied Kevin. He was pulling on the collar of his shirt, as if it was choking him. Beads of sweat appeared on his brow. She could see how difficult this meeting was for him.

  A waitress appeared to take their order. As soon as she was gone Grace said, “You mentioned in your email that you knew something about Last Hope Repossessions, can you tell me what it is.”

  Kevin narrowed his eyes. “Can you tell me why you’re interested in them? Do you work for them? Have you been spying on me?” His voice got louder. “Is this a trap? I knew I shouldn’t have come here!”

  There was a hush in the restaurant as people looked their way.

  “No! No, I don’t work for them,” Grace began. She lowered her voice and moved her head closer. “I think they’re up to no good, there’s something dodgy about that company and I want to find out more about them.”

  With doubt still in his voice Kevin said, “Go on.”

  Grace nodded as if making a decision. She’d tell him about her meeting with Julianne and Carlos. She’d lie about being in financial trouble. She didn’t like lying but it was better than the alternative – telling him she was trying to help a ghost.

  Kevin nodded constantly as Grace told him about her meeting. When she’d finished he gave her a satisfied smile and said, “That’s exactly what they do, prey on the weak and feeble-minded.”

  “I wouldn’t consider myself ...” Grace was interrupted by the arrival of their food. It was time to let Kevin talk. “Can you tell me about your dealings with the company, I’m presuming you have had
dealings with them.”

  “I certainly have.” Kevin waved a hand towards the pizza. “You tuck in whilst I tell you all about it. Be warned, you might lose your appetite as I talk.”

  “I doubt it,” Grace said as she picked up a hot slice of pepperoni pizza.

  Kevin pushed his pizza to one side and rested his hands on the table. “I work at a certain bank in a certain town, I won’t tell you the name for security reasons.”

  Grace’s eyes flicked to the logo on Kevin’s name badge. It had the name of the bank and its location.

  Kevin went on. “I work in the mortgage arrears department. I love helping people who’ve fallen behind with their payments. The relief I hear in their voices when I tell them I can help is overwhelming, it brings me to tears sometimes, knowing that I’ve got a gift for helping people. My customers have called me their hero, even their guardian angel.”

  Abbie muttered something under her breath. Grace reached for her drink to stop herself smiling.

  Kevin smiled broadly at his own memories. “I love my job. And I love training people up to be as professional as me. I’m good with people. Anyway, a few years ago a temp joined us at the bank. We often have temps joining us, most of them are offered full-time contracts as they love the job so much! I like to think that part of that is down to me.”

  Abbie made gagging noises. Grace ignored her and reached for another slice.

  Kevin gave a dramatic sigh. “This temp was different. I’d always put work before my social life. I’ve had many romantic offers but I’ve turned them down. Work comes first with me.”

  “That’s admirable,” Grace said.

  “That’s weird,” Abbie said.

  Kevin looked off into the distance. “This temp was different, she was beautiful. I tried to resist but we were drawn to each other, it was magical.”

  Grace put her half-eaten slice down. “Does this temp have a name?”

  Kevin chuckled. “I can’t tell you our pet names for each other.”

  “No, don’t.”

  “She was called Julie. She understood me so well. She knew how passionate I was about my job. She said she wanted to help people too. She told me that her brother had a company that bought people’s houses from them when they couldn’t afford the mortgage. Her brother was struggling and needed some contacts so that he could build up his business. She had such a good heart.” Kevin paused and looked around the room. In barely a whisper he said, “I did a terrible thing, something illegal. If it ever gets out I’ll be thrown in prison for the rest of my life. I wouldn’t last in prison, I’m too good-natured.”

  Grace nodded sympathetically. “I think I can guess what you did. Did you give Julie’s brother details of people who were behind with their mortgages?”

  Kevin nodded sadly. “I did. Julie’s brother paid me for my trouble. I must admit the extra money came in useful and Julie was so grateful for my help – if you know what I mean.”

  Grace put down the slice of pizza that she had just picked up again.

  “Eww!” Abbie squirmed at her side.

  “Did you ever meet Julie’s brother?”

  Kevin shook his head. “No, but he got more demanding. He threatened Julie and said I had to get more names, even get some from other banks. We’re not supposed to do that but it’s easy enough to do.”

  “Are you still doing this now?”

  Kevin’s shoulders dropped. “I have to. If I don’t Julie will be killed.”

  “What?” Grace sat up straighter.

  “I told Julie I had to stop giving her information, I knew it was a matter of time before I was caught. She said she understood, she said she’d tell her brother no more. But then ...” Kevin took his glasses off and wiped a tear from his eye. He put his glasses back on and said, “Julie disappeared and I started to get threatening texts from Julie’s brother. He said he’d kill her if I stopped giving him information.”

  “As if someone would say that!” Abbie scoffed.

  Grace had another question. “What’s this got to do with Last Hope Repossessions?”

  Kevin gave her a steady look. “I made a note of the people that I passed to Julie. All of their houses were bought by that evil company. And do you know what they do? Of course you do, they fooled you too. They buy the house at a ridiculously low price, put the rent up so high that people are forced to leave. Then the evil wrongdoers sell the house at a profit!” He raised his fist. “I’m going to take them down! I’ve got proof of what they’ve been doing!”

  “Won’t you be in trouble if you do that? Your career could be ruined,” Grace pointed out.

  Kevin shook his head in a defiant manner. “I don’t care! I have to save my Julie. I haven’t seen her in over a year.” He stopped and looked over Grace’s shoulder and towards the window. He blanched, his mouth dropped open. He recovered himself and said, “Oh, she’s there, Julie is outside.”

  Chapter 26

  Grace swung her head round so fast she felt something twang in her neck. She’d already decided that ‘Julie’ was Julianne, and that her so-called brother could only be Carlos.

  Grace’s eyes scanned the people that were walking past the window, searching for Julianne’s face. She couldn’t see her. She turned back to Kevin and said, “Can you point her out?”

  Kevin gave a slight nod and raised his hand towards the window. His index finger flicked out, and just as quickly, flicked back. He lowered his hand.

  Grace frowned and inspected the passers-by. “I still don’t know who you mean.”

  Kevin sighed. “She’s that angel, over there. I think she must be in disguise, she must be part of a witness protection scheme, of course! She never used to wear that much make-up, certainly not that much mascara. And her hair is different too, pulled back, it looks too tight for her.”

  A cold feeling trickled down Grace’s back. Abbie turned a startled face to her. In slow motion they both looked out of the window and saw ‘Julie’.

  “Brooke! It’s that two-faced cow!” Abbie shrieked.

  Grace now pointed at Brooke as she sashayed past the window, phone to her ear. “That’s Julie? That woman there? With the big eyelashes?”

  Kevin nodded, adoration written all over his face. “She’s so beautiful.” He suddenly ducked under the table and called out, “She mustn’t see me! She’s undercover!”

  Grace watched Brooke walk past the restaurant. Whoever she was talking to you was making her smile. Who was she talking to? And how was she involved with Last Hope Repossessions? Was she involved with Julianne and Carlos? Had Abbie found out about their dealings? Were they all involved in Abbie’s murder?

  Too many questions. Grace grabbed her handbag, opened it and flung some money onto the table. Abbie bounced on the seat and said, “What are you going to do? Are you going to follow her? Knock her to the ground?”

  “Yes,” Grace muttered under her breath. “Follow her! Not knock her to the ground.” She bent down and looked at Kevin under the table. “I have to go. I’ll be in touch.”

  Kevin put his finger to his mouth in a shhing gesture and nodded.

  Grace dashed out of the restaurant, Abbie flew at her side.

  “I can’t see her! There are too many people!” Grace called out, not caring who heard her.

  Abbie flew higher and said, “I can see her, she’s heading towards a park. This way!”

  Abbie hovered three feet above Grace and headed to the left. Grace followed her and soon found herself in a park. Benches lined a path. Grace saw Brooke sit down at one near a play area. Grace looked from side to side. “I can’t hide anywhere! She’ll see me.”

  Abbie descended to her side. “There’s a tree behind that bench, you hide there and I’ll get as close as I can to Brooke. She looks like she’s waiting for someone.”

  Grace scuttled off the path and followed Abbie. She was trying her best to look casual but it seemed from the looks of people walking their dogs that she wasn’t being successful. Abbie indicate
d to a tree near the bench. Should Grace just sit down next to it? That would look better than trying to hide her body behind the trunk of the tree, it wasn’t a particularly fat tree.

  Why were there so many dog-walkers around? And why did they have to stare? Grace made a show of fanning herself with her hand and, even though it was a damp November day, she said out loud, “Gosh! I’m so warm! I need to have a rest.”

  Abbie shook her head and mumbled to herself. Grace sat on the unpleasantly damp earth, still smiling at anyone who looked her way. Abbie flew away. Grace peered around the tree, Abbie was floating in front of Brooke. Grace tutted. There really wasn’t any need for those hand gestures that Abbie was making. But there again ...

  “Excuse me, young lady!”

  Grace’s head spun back to the owner of the voice. An elderly man was looking down at her, concern in his eyes. “Yes?” Grace said.

  “Are you all right, my dear? Not the best place to sit, you’ll give yourself piles. And I’ve had piles! Ah! The size of melons. Have you fainted? Shall I give you the kiss of life? Do you need me to press on your chest?”

  Grace pulled her coat closer and said, “No, thank you. I’m just having a sit down.”

  The old man raised his walking stick towards the bench where Brooke was sitting. “Why don’t you sit over there? I could sit with you for a while, make sure you’re okay.”

  “No, really, I’m fine. I had a ... hot flush, that’s all,” Grace said, wishing he’d go away.

  The old man chuckled. “I know about hot flushes! Betty, my late-wife, used to get them when we first met! Ha! Then she got them as she got older, went through the change and all that.” He peered closer at Grace. “Are you going through the change? You don’t look old enough.”

  Grace stood up and wiped sticky mud from the back of her jeans. She wasn’t going to get any peace with this old fella around.

  The man’s face brightened. “Are you going for a walk? I’ll tag along with you, it’s nice to have a natter. Me and Betty used to come to this park nearly every day.”