‘You know,’ Mason said, pulling Evie out of an officer’s way. The air was thick and it was getting tough to breathe inside. ‘If Amelia is safe, then maybe you should get an exclusive on this. Give your career the kick-start it needs.’
Evie sighed. ‘I do miss the lifestyle, but I don’t have the energy for it just yet.’
‘Why not? You’re the first one on the scene. People will worship you.’
While Evie seemed to be considering it, Captain Leanne Cox came into the room. ‘No,’ she said firmly. She had obviously been eavesdropping. ‘This doesn’t get out yet. We want to set up an ambush team across the street.’
‘You think he’ll be back?’ from Mason.
‘Could be. You’re welcome to stick around and find out.’ She smiled.
Mason looked around him. Mrs Wendell was being escorted out in handcuffs and would probably be charged with Obstruction of Justice. The photographs and computer were being taken as evidence, for all the good it would do. There must have been a lot of personal attachment to this house, so maybe Marvin Wendell would come back. But Mason didn’t need to be there to see it–as much as he wanted to.
‘Afraid not,’ he said. ‘I have somewhere to be.’ As eight o’clock was approaching, he would soon take Amy to see that movie. He didn’t care if the film turned out to be a flop, as long as he got to spend time with his daughter.
‘Can I get a ride?’ Evie looked desperately tired. ‘I need a drink. Or something.’
‘Come on.’ Mason led her out to the car, with every intention of leaving the crime scene behind him. But try as he might, it was unlikely that he would be able to shake the gruesome scene from his mind.
71
Sandra brushed through her hair aggressively, ignoring the reflection of Joshua in the mirror.
‘I just don’t see why you had to let him in, is all,’ Joshua complained.
‘It is his house, you know.’ Sandra slammed down the brush and went over to sit on the bed. She was fidgeting again, clearing things off the bedside table and rummaging through the drawers. It was mostly to avoid having to join him.
‘Not for much longer,’ said Joshua, his eyes not leaving his book on stamina increase.
This was the thing that got to her; although at first he’d simply been her Pilates instructor, they’d become closer with each session. Sandra’s relationship to Mason had been on the rocks anyway, so why shouldn’t she have sought comfort in the arms of another? When this cheap little affair turned into something more emotional, she started learning more things about him. Some of those things were bad. For instance, he was a coward.
‘You stole the man’s wife and moved in with his family,’ she said matter-of-factly, slamming the drawer closed. ‘The least you can do is expect some sort of reaction from him.’
Joshua made an intolerable noise. It seemed as though he was about to say something, when a frantic knocking pounded at the bedroom door.
‘Mom, open up. Something’s wrong.’
Sandra clambered out of bed and walked across the room, stealing a quick glance at the clock. They had been hoping to get an early night with Amy slipping out quietly to meet her father. After all, they both had work early in the morning and needed their rest.
But that didn’t look like it was going to happen.
When she opened the door, Amy looked a frightened mess. Her skin was a ghostly white and she was shaking as she whispered, ‘There’s somebody at the window.’
Sandra, sceptical and worn out, studied her. ‘What are you talking about?’
‘My bedroom window! I was getting ready to see Dad and heard something outside. I went to the window and there was a man–’
‘For God’s sake, Amy. It’s dark outside. The mind plays all sorts of tricks on our eyes. Especially when you’re looking at shadows.’ Exhausted, Sandra closed the door on her. It seemed like one thing after the other tonight.
Who else wants to piss me off?
Convinced that she wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight – she was far too angry for that – she climbed into bed, turned off her lamp and did her best to ignore Joshua’s judgemental huffing noises.
The minutes crawled by and she was barely into a light sleep, when a high-pitched scream pierced the air. Sandra froze stiff.
‘What the…’ Her words trailed off as she leapt out of bed and threw a robe around herself. Joshua was waking up too slowly. Sandra wouldn’t wait for him.
She ran to Amy’s room, panicking that she had dismissed her cries for help. She stumbled across the landing in the dark and pushed open Amy’s bedroom door.
Inside, a dark figure stood lurking in the blackness of the room. He wore a long coat and his arm was hooked around Amy’s throat. The gun in his hand was aimed at Sandra, while her daughter kicked her legs out, struggling for breath.
‘Mrs Black,’ the man said. It was eerie how excited he sounded. ‘How nice to finally meet ya.’ He threw his head back as he let out a laugh.
A chill ran up Sandra’s spine, causing her to shiver. She quickly understood who this man was, why he was here, and that she probably wouldn’t survive the night.
72
The Lullaby Killer stared at Joshua as he came bounding into the room wearing nothing but a pair of boxer shorts and a t-shirt. ‘What are you, the replacement? Hah. You’re a lot smaller than Mr Black, aren’t you? Speaking of which, will he be joining us?’
‘He’ll be here any minute.’ Sandra saw no point in lying. While trying not to feel sickened by Joshua’s cowardice, she hoped that Mason would burst in here immediately, all guns blazing to save the day. But that wasn’t her luck. It had never been her luck.
They were shown into the dark living room and told to sit on the couch, but his arm remained firm around Amy’s neck, the gun still held at her temple as her face turned red.
‘We’d better get a move on then, hey?’ The killer pulled her backwards and kept the gun trained on Sandra. ‘Where do you keep your tools?’
What does he need tools for? ‘In the garage.’
‘And some zip ties?’
‘We don’t have any.’ It was a lie. Sandra had a suspicion of what he wanted them for.
The killer sighed. ‘You couldn’t lie to save your life, could you? Look, there are two ways to keep you still. The other is a little more permanent. So, I’ll ask again… are there any more zip ties in your garage?’
Sandra hesitated, then finally gave in. ‘There are some.’
‘Right.’ The killer shoved Amy forward, sending her crashing to her knees. ‘You go and get them. But no funny business. If you’re not back here in sixty seconds with those ties, you can kiss goodbye to Mommy and her new squeeze.’
Amy stopped, frightened. Tears sparkled in her eyes.
‘Fifty-nine, fifty-eight,’ the killer threatened.
It was enough to get her on her feet and scurrying out of the room.
‘What do you want from us?’ Sandra asked, ashamed that Joshua was yet to utter a single word of defence or protest. Some man.
‘Oh, don’t be so goddamn naive. You know what I want.’
The sixty seconds went by with the gun aimed at her, and Amy returned with what the psychopath had demanded. She handed them over and went to sit with Sandra, but was stopped short before she could reach her.
‘Nuh-uh.’ The killer tossed the bag of zip ties to Sandra and beckoned Amy with his finger. ‘Get over here and let Mommy get to work.’
‘Please,’ Sandra begged, sniffling, ‘let her go and I’ll do what you want.’
‘You’ll do what I want whether you like it or not. Now don’t make me ask again.’
Amy shuffled back towards him timidly.
‘Now tie yourselves.’
‘What?’ Joshua finally said.
‘You heard me. Hands behind your backs and zip your wrists.’
Sandra hesitated, mumbled to Joshua that they should do as they were told, then they helped each other tie their hands. Whe
n they were done, the killer stepped forward and attached their ties together, back-to-back.
‘This girl is mine now,’ the Lullaby Killer said.
‘Please…’ Sandra began.
‘Ssh. Go with a little dignity, bitch.’ He took a cell phone from his pocket and placed it by her feet. ‘If you want a shot at getting her back, you make sure Mr Black gets this.’ He raised the pistol to his shoulder and walloped Joshua with the butt of the gun, knocking him unconscious.
Amy yelped in shock, while Sandra closed her eyes and tensed up.
The killer took Amy with him, leaving Sandra subdued and afraid. She sat wondering how long it would be before Mason arrived, and if she would ever see their daughter again.
73
Mason pulled up outside Evie’s, anxious to get going.
‘You’d better get some rest,’ she said as she opened the car door.
‘Can’t. I’m taking Amy to a movie.’
‘Ah, right. Plans. Well, enjoy yourself, and keep me updated on the case.’ Evie got out, closed the door and went towards her apartment.
Should I… Mason sat gnawing on his knuckles, unsure if it was a smart move. Then, before it was too late, he opened the window and called after her. ‘Come with us.’
Evie stopped and turned. ‘Pardon me?’
‘Come with us. She is your niece, after all.’
It was the biggest smile he’d seen from her in years as she headed back to the Mustang.
Mason didn’t want to be late. He didn’t want to do anything to disappoint his daughter, so he sped his way back to the house, ignoring Evie’s complaints that he might be going too fast. As far as he could see, there was no such thing as too fast. Not when Amy was waiting on the other end.
But when they pulled into the drive, something – although Mason couldn’t tell what just yet – wasn’t quite right. There seemed to be inactivity within the house. None of the lights were on and the front door was ajar.
‘So, I’m thinking maybe a subtle job,’ Evie droned on about her potential plans for the next year. ‘Just movie reviews or restaurant critiquing, you know?’
Mason wasn’t listening to a word. He had that feeling inside his stomach–the one that told him he couldn’t relax. ‘Hand me that revolver, will you?’
‘What?’ Evie pulled a face.
‘The gun. Now.’ He took it from her and exited the car, heading up the drive like he had been taught at the academy. It was second nature to him now, creaking open the door, waving a hand to draw a warning gunshot from an overambitious shooter, before heading inside with the barrel raised and his back to each wall. He started in the living room, and was immediately disturbed by what he saw.
‘Mason?’ Sandra called out to him in the dimly lit room.
‘What the…’ He went to her, knelt by her side and examined the binds. ‘What happened? Where’s Amy?’ It didn’t look good.
‘She’s gone.’
Mason didn’t hear that last part. Or rather he did, but didn’t want to. He took to the stairs, leaping up them two at a time, even with all his great size. ‘Amy!’ he called, grimly imagining what he might find. ‘Amy!’
At the end of the corridor, he burst into her room, raising the gun once again. He was expecting to find something sinister, something dangerous. Instead, all that remained were the drapes blowing in the wind, reaching out towards an empty room where his daughter was suppose to sleep–where she was supposed to be safe.
Mason felt a knot in his stomach. He knew that he had messed up and there was no coming back from this one. It may take all of his strength, but even if he were able to get Amy back, he would never be able to forgive himself for not being there.
74
Mason returned downstairs to find his soul in two pieces and his head a wreck. Why couldn’t he have just stayed away, like Sandra had told him time after time? It was clear to him now; his duty to the job had become far too strong for him to handle. Now it was affecting his personal life, and it was nothing more than punishment.
Evie was cutting the zip ties off Sandra and Joshua as he came back into the living room, liberating them with the lights on.
‘Are you all right?’ he asked Sandra, his blood at boiling point. His eyes went to Joshua, who was timidly climbing to his feet. Mason lunged forward and grabbed him by his throat, pinning him down on the couch. ‘You were supposed to be protecting them, you piece of shit!’
‘Mason, come on,’ Evie pleaded emotionlessly from behind.
‘If you make a man’s family your own, the least you can do is make sure they’re fucking safe!’ Mason raised his fist. It took everything he had not to hit the guy. On any normal day, he would have relished in the sight of this coward’s blood, but right now, he was incomplete–broken.
‘It’s not worth it.’ Evie softly held his fist, encouraging him to lower it.
Finally, Mason dropped it. But not his gaze. He was staring daggers at Joshua as he stepped back. ‘I want Bill here,’ he said as a matter of fact. ‘His best team, everything they have to get my little girl back.’
‘I’m on it.’ Evie pulled out her phone and left the room, pressing the thing to her ear.
‘Mason…’ Sandra stepped to his side.
‘Not now.’ His life was collapsing around him. Was this his fault?
‘It’s important.’
‘Not now! I–’ He turned to see the phone held out to him, and looked dumbly at it.
‘That creep told me to make sure you get this.’ Sandra handed it to him, and it let off a quiet beep as soon as he took it.
It was a text message from a phonebook entry named Brahm. Mason stared at it for a long time, not wanting to read it. What if it was a photograph of Amy? What if it was a short, snappy sentence to confirm that he had killed her? Or worse…
Finally, taking everything he had, he read the message. As he did so, he was knocked back by those three fate-sealing words.
‘What does it say?’ Sandra begged, tears of her own forming.
Mason was barely able to speak. He handed the phone to her and slouched back into the armchair. He watched her expression as she read, moving her lips to the words, which would play over and over in his mind until the day that he died.
Hush, little baby.
75
Sandra handed the phone back with a horrified expression on her face.
Some weeks ago, Mason would have been the one to comfort her. Instead, he watched her hand come to her face as she gasped into her own palm and tried not to cry. Joshua did nothing, he noticed, while Mason stared at the text and considered his options.
Another text came through, and a third in quick succession.
I’m not sure I really want to read these.
But he had to.
Expecting the worst, he opened them and read aloud. ‘She belongs to me now.’ It felt disgusting. Perverted. And that was just the first one. ‘Would she really miss this finger?’
For a few minutes they sat, waiting for the police to turn up. When they did, they were interviewed and questioned, and prints were taken off every surface that forensics were told the killer had touched.
Even Bill looked to be in shock as he comforted his old friend.
‘Please help me,’ Mason said to him, swallowing his pride. ‘I know I let you down before. I know your son died because I couldn’t stop this guy. But please, just… help me.’
Bill stood assessing him. And who could blame him, really? It was a Mason Black he had never seen before. ‘I’ll do what I can. But… I wouldn’t know where to start.’
‘So that’s the extent of the SFPD? It’s all well and good that I was consulted, but I thought you guys might have something to go by.’ Mason went to the wall and put his face in his hands. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘You don’t have to be.’
Mason had no idea what to do. How could he help his little girl? Why did the killer leave the cell phone, if only to taunt him? Just as he asked himself thes
e questions, the phone rang on the table, with an eerie circus theme.
‘Shut up. Everyone shut up!’ Bill screamed, and the room fell silent.
Mason went to the table and reached for the cell phone with one trembling hand. The screen read: Brahm. A cruel jest. An inside joke. A sick sense of humour.
Knowing he would regret it, Mason answered.
‘Hello?’
‘Mr Black, how nice to hear from you. You’re doing all right, I s’pose?’ The killer’s voice sounded odd. It was a relaxed tone, unlike his mother’s. Something about it gave off the sense that he had truly lost the plot.
Mason put the phone on speaker and sat it on the table. ‘Keep your filthy fucking hands away from my daughter. You hear me?’
‘Aw, don’t be like that. Stay positive and you might be able to help her.’
That must mean she’s still alive. Mason looked at Bill, who was taking notes and snapping his fingers at a nearby techie. It looked like he was trying to get the call traced, but something told Mason they wouldn’t have time. ‘What do you want?’
‘You.’
There was a dreadful silence, but it spoke volumes. Even Evie’s nerves were rattled, standing at the back of the room nibbling on her nails.
‘Why?’
‘Because you’re a pain in the ass. So, I’m gonna offer you a deal. Your life in exchange for hers. What do you reckon?’
Mason didn’t even have to think about it. The only question was whether he would stay loyal to his proposal. Somehow, he didn’t think that he would. ‘You’re bluffing.’
Marvin Wendell laughed. ‘Only one way to find out, huh? You have exactly ten minutes to get to Cliffside Hill. A second later, she dies. Come alone, or she dies. The clock is ticking, Mr Black.’
Mason knew the place–you couldn’t go any further before you plummeted to the rocks. It was a common place for teenagers to hang out, but never late at night.
‘I’ll be waiting,’ said Wendell.
The call ended, and Mason stuffed the phone into his pocket.
Mason Black (The Complete Collection): 6 Gripping Crime Stories: The Complete Collection + BONUS Story Page 15