The Silent Quarry

by Cheryl Rees-Price

  The streetlights ended at the entrance to the quarry path; beyond, the pathway disappeared in to inky blackness, trees arching over it. Meadows opened the boot of his car and sat on the edge as he changed his shoes for walking boots. There was a chill in the air so he slipped on a windbreaker before grabbing the torch and heading into the archway of trees. A gentle breeze rustled the branches as he approached the gate and an uneasy feeling prickled at his skin. He shrugged it off, turned up the beam on the torch, and entered the gate. He could hear the stream tumbling over the rocks but could only see the part of the path illuminated in the torchlight. He shone the torch around, picking out trees before walking briskly on. By the time he reached the top of the second set of steps, he was breathless. He stood to catch his breath then called out, ‘Gwen! Gwen!’ his voice magnified in the silence, disturbing birds. The beating of wings and indignant squawks filled the air, then silence fell. He could feel the darkness pressing against his back and resisted the urge to turn around. He continued to call as he shone the torch from side to side, increasing his pace until he reached the shack.

  She wouldn’t go in there, not after what happened.

  He pushed away thoughts of the murder as he shone the torch on the ground. The beam picked up a discarded canvas handbag.

  Meadows crouched on the ground, slipped on a pair of latex gloves, and opened the bag. He rummaged around until he found a mobile phone and purse. His heart quickened as he flipped open the card compartment and pulled out Gwen’s driving licence. ‘Gwen!’ he called out again. He stood, the door to the shack was open, dread coiled around his chest as he entered. The torch swept the ground. She’s not here. He released his breath and stepped outside. As the torch illuminated the ground it picked out a stone jutting from the earth. He knelt to take a closer look. Blood. His stomach clenched. This can’t be happening again.

  He fished his mobile from his pocket and called the station.

  Chapter Four

  Giles Epworth was walking his dog in the quarry when he saw blue flashing lights enter the village. He stood and watched. From his elevated position he could see the cars turn into Quarry Road. He called the dog and attached the lead before drawing back from sight.

  The cars drew up near the entry of the quarry and Giles heard doors opening and voices drifting across the night air. The dog yapped. ‘Hush!’ Giles commanded as he tugged on the lead. They probably heard that. Should I stay here? No, one of them could come over and it will look bad if I’m caught skulking around. He pulled on the lead and headed in the direction of the police cars. What’s going on? He suddenly recalled he had seen Ariana and Alex Thomas looking for their mother earlier that evening. Giles stopped. No, it can’t be happening again, and this time I’ve been seen. He felt his chest tighten and raised his hand instinctively, rubbing at his chest as the muscles contracted.

  ‘Are you alright, sir?’ One of the police officers approached him.

  Giles took a steadying breath. ‘Yes, thank you. Just old age creeping up on me.’ He tried to smile but was afraid it came across as a grimace. He took a step towards the officer. Should I ask what’s going on? That would be the normal thing to do.

  The officer smiled and turned away. Probably doesn’t want questions. Giles hurried home. Once inside, he took off his coat and poured a large glass of brandy. The amber liquid heated the back of his throat and he felt warmth penetrate his chest. What if it is Gwen they are looking for? Well, it’s too late now, they saw me. What if they come around asking questions? He looked towards his study door and shuddered. No, not after twenty-eight years. He rubbed his hands over his face and realised he was shaking. Get a grip. There were no questions last time. He thought of the press coverage and the talk that had filled the staff room after the attack. Sweet, innocent girls! Ha. Bloody little bitches. Prick teasers, that’s what they were. Coming into school with their skirts hiked up and plastered in make-up. Begging for it. He felt the anger tense his body and a sharp pain tore across his chest. He poured another glass of brandy and knocked it back. Well, I guess I’ll find out at school tomorrow. There’ll be plenty of gossip especially if the Thomas kids don’t show up.

  Giles took his glass into the sitting room and sat in the armchair but he couldn’t settle. I need to know what's going on now, so I can prepare for tomorrow. He called the dog and clipped on the lead. ‘Sorry, boy, just a short walk.’ He patted the dog’s head before leaving the house. He hurried towards Gwen’s house. All the lights were on and to his relief there was no police car parked outside. Nothing to worry about. He felt the tension leave his body as he turned and headed back home.

  Chapter Five

  Meadows watched as the area was cordoned off by tape. The search team and forensic experts were on their way but he still felt he should be doing more to find Gwen. The situation left him feeling inept. He knew he would have to justify the use of precious resources but didn’t see what other option he had. He saw DCI Lester approach and braced himself. The boss came to stand next to Meadows and surveyed the scene.

  ‘I didn’t expect to see you here, sir.’ Meadows smiled.

  ‘I thought I’d stop by, what have you got?’

  ‘Missing woman, Gwen Thomas, hasn’t been seen since noon. No history of depression, although she does take medication for PTSD, mild anxiety from what the family tell me. Domestic life seems stable. I found her handbag containing her mobile phone and purse. There’s also blood on a stone.’ Meadows indicated the area. ‘She could have injured herself and gone for help, but as she had a mobile phone, fully charged with a strong signal, I don’t think that’s the case.’

  Lester turned away from the scene and looked around. ‘Where does this path lead?’

  ‘Onto the mountain.’

  ‘That’s a pretty large area to search, even in daylight.’

  ‘I’m aware of that. I think we will have to start the search in the immediate area and wait until daylight to search the mountain if nothing turns up.’

  Lester rubbed his chin then sighed. ‘I only see three options here. One, she’s depressed and has taken her own life.’ He looked towards the fence. ‘Two, she planned to disappear and staged this, or three, she’s been taken by force.’

  ‘Well, as I said, there’s no history of depression, and if she jumped over the fence, where’s the dog?’

  ‘Dog?’

  ‘She had a dog with her, a Siberian Husky, large fella by all accounts. I don’t think she would have staged a disappearance. Not here. You are aware of the family history, sir?’

  ‘Of course. I remember the case well.’

  ‘Well, she wouldn’t choose this spot and put her family through hell deliberately.’

  ‘No, then I think we can assume we are looking at a crime scene. Right, I’ll leave you in charge. Keep me updated.’ Lester took one last look at the scene and started to walk away. He paused and turned around. ‘Have the family been informed of this latest development?’

  ‘Not yet. I would like to do that personally. I’ve requested a liaison officer to meet me at the house.’

  Lester nodded and continued on his way.

  One of the uniform officers came up to Meadows. ‘He didn’t hang about.’

  ‘Probably didn’t fancy being up all night.’ Meadows grinned. He liked Lester and knew him well enough to know that being in charge of several stations across the Valleys kept him busy. He wasn’t the type of man to jump in and take over for the glory. He would be happy to let Meadows head up the case. ‘I’m going to see the family. Forensics and search and rescue are on their way. I shouldn’t be more than an hour.’

  Meadows walked down the footpath, changed out of his boots, and drove to the Thomas’ house. Sue Collier occupied his thoughts. She already looks fragile and this will stir up old memories.

  The door opened as soon as he pulled up outside the house. David Collier approached the car. ‘Have you found her?’

  ‘Let’s go inside,’ Meadows said. He followed David
into the sitting room where all eyes looked at him expectantly. ‘Matt, can we talk somewhere private?’ He looked pointedly at the teenagers.

  Matt led him into the kitchen, closely followed by Sue and David, who closed the door.

  ‘We found Gwen’s handbag on the quarry footpath.’ He didn’t want to mention the blood yet.

  Sue gasped and sank into the nearest chair. David put his hand on her shoulder, his own face ashen.

  ‘I’ve called in a team to search the surrounding area.’

  ‘I’m going up there.’ Matt started for the door.

  Meadows was quick to block his way. ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea. It would be better if you stayed here with your family. I promise as soon as there is any news we will let you know.’

  Matt shoved Meadows in the chest, his face contorted with anger. ‘Don’t tell me what to do,’ he seethed.

  ‘I would advise you to calm down. If you go up there now you could hamper the search. These people are trained professionals. They know their job.’

  ‘Yeah, try and stop me. It’s my wife out there. I’ll fucking floor you!’ Matt grabbed a handful of Meadows’ jacket and yanked him forward. His eyes blazed and he clenched his other fist ready to strike.

  Meadows took hold of Matt’s wrist and yanked his hand away. ‘Threaten me again and I’ll have you arrested. You’re not helping the situation.’ The men stood face to face. Meadows had a height advantage and knew he could easily overpower Matt. Nothing would give me more pleasure.

  ‘Matt, please stop,’ Sue begged. ‘You’re acting like a prick.’

  Whether it was the shock of his mother-in-law using out of character language or the desperation in her voice, Meadows couldn’t tell, but Matt stepped back, his breath coming in short bursts.

  ‘A family liaison officer will be here shortly. She will stay with you and keep you updated. She’ll also be able to answer any questions you might have.’

  ‘This is just like last time.’ Sue’s body shook as she sobbed. ‘Why would she go up there?’

  Meadows wanted to offer some words of comfort but knew from bitter experience that platitudes were no good. He’d been there himself, listening to people offer words of comfort, reassurance. Nothing could take away the fear, the anguish, and guilt. The devastation was almost unbearable. He tried to shake away these thoughts as empathy only brought back his own pain.

  He was relieved to hear a knock at the door. The family liaison officer was led in and took over. Meadows headed back up the quarry. Floodlights had been erected and lit the cordoned off area where a forensic team picked at the ground.

  ‘Have you found anything?’

  ‘No, not yet. There’s only one set of footprints, plus those of the dog. It looks like she went into the shack. The steps are unstable and there are some scuff marks and broken-off bits of wood. She could have slipped.’

  ‘Or been pushed.’

  The forensic officer shrugged her shoulders and continued the search. Meadows wandered over to the search team, who were rigging ropes off a nearby tree.

  Meadows peered over the fence and winced at the drop. ‘You think she might have gone over?’

  ‘We can’t get a clear view because of the trees. The only way to check is to send one of the men down. I’ll send the team up to the mountain when we’ve finished here. I don’t think it will do much good, though. It would be better to wait for first light’

  Meadows watched as one of the team climbed into a harness. If she is down there she would have had to go over the fence. There’s no sign of a struggle.

  ‘Why don’t you go home and get a few hours’ sleep? I reckon you’ll have a bitch of a day to face in the morning. There isn’t anything you can do here.’ The team leader patted Meadows on the shoulder.

  ‘Yeah, I might just do that.’ Meadows headed back to his car. He had to admit he felt drained but he knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep. Back in his cottage he showered, shaved, and dressed in fresh clothes. Feeling more refreshed, he made a strong mug of coffee, and stood in the kitchen gazing out of the window. It was dark outside and he could see nothing of the farmland that surrounded the cottage. He had bought the place from his mother so that she could move into a ground floor flat, his intention being to renovate and sell the place on. One year on, he still hadn’t made a start on the work.

  He wandered into the sitting room and turned on the reading lamp which created a soft glow on the orange walls. His mother had decorated the room with bright, cheerful colours but the décor did little lift his sombre mood. He plonked himself down in the armchair, resting his head. From his position he could see the picture of Imogen smiling at him from a frame on the mantelpiece. The ever-present knot twisted his stomach and he felt the painful void of her loss expand in his chest. Will it ever get better? He turned away and tried to think of Gwen and what lay ahead at first light if the search team didn’t find her.

  The cottage was silent apart from the ticking of the wall clock. He closed his eyes briefly and turned over the evening’s events in his mind. He was sure that Gwen was in danger or already dead. He didn’t like to think of that possibility but it could well be the outcome. Unless she was so unhappy she disappeared of her own accord. No, he couldn’t imagine that; the Gwen he knew wouldn’t put her mother through all this anguish.

  You haven’t seen or spoken to her in years. You don’t really know her or what she is capable of.

  As first light filtered through the window, Meadows drifted into an uneasy sleep. The trilling of his mobile phone startled him awake. With a racing pulse, he snatched it from the table.

  ‘Meadows.’

  ‘We’ve found her.’

  Chapter Six

  Gwen could feel something wet against her cheek. Hot breath tickled her face. She opened her eyes and came face to face with a large white dog.

  ‘Whoa, get off.’

  The dog sniffed at her head then pawed her chest.

  ‘Hey!’ She pushed him away and tried to sit up. Pain shot through her head and the ground seemed to move beneath her body. She put her hand to the ground and waited for the dizziness to subside. She tried moving her head again. More pain. She put her hand to the back of her head and felt a sticky bump. She quickly pulled her hand away and brought it close to her face. Her fingers were covered in blood. Her stomach lurched and another wave of dizziness washed over her.

  ‘What happened?’ She slowly raised her body to a sitting position and looked around. The light was fading but she could make out the footpath and trees. What am I doing up here? A vibrating buzz filled the silence, this was followed by a tune. Gwen looked around searching for the source of the noise. Her eyes fell upon a handbag. What the hell? She was tempted to look in the bag but it didn’t seem right to nose around in someone else’s property. Confusion clouded her mind. I don’t remember coming up here. She tried to concentrate and recall the last thing she remembered. I was on the school bus talking to Beth.

  ‘Beth! Beth!’ she shouted. I wouldn’t come up here alone. Beth must be around somewhere.

  The dog whined and pawed her again.

  ‘I don’t know what you want.’ It was then that she noticed the lead wrapped around her wrist. Panic gripped her body. What’s going on? Her eyes travelled down her body. These are not my clothes, and what the fuck are those things on my feet? Tears welled in her eyes and her body trembled violently. I’m scared. She dared to turn her head and saw the shack with its door hanging open. Fear crawled at her skin. I mustn’t look in there. I have to get away now!

  She got unsteadily to her feet, putting her hand on the dog’s back to steady herself. ‘I guess you had better come with me. Though why you’re here, I’ve no idea.’ She staggered towards the path. Mum is going to have a fit. I’m not supposed to be out this late. I better get home. No, I can’t; he’ll be there. The thought froze in her mind. Why did I think that? Who’s going to be there? She rubbed her hands over her face. Why can’t I remember? This ha
s got to be some weird dream. She pinched at her skin but nothing happened. What am I afraid of? She wrapped her arms around her body and tried to rub away the chill. I can’t go home. Tears leaked from her eyes as she changed direction. I’ll go up the mountain. I will be safe there.

  Gwen hurried along the path, the dog keeping step with her. Goosebumps covered her arms and she shivered uncontrollably. When she reached the gate she stepped through onto the mountain. It was dark now and she could only make out the silhouettes of grazing sheep that scattered when they saw the dog.

  ‘Come on.’ She tugged at the lead. She was glad now she had the company of the dog, she didn’t think she could bear it if she was totally alone. She stumbled a few times across the rough terrain but fear pumped her adrenalin and kept her going. Her mouth was parched and she longed for a drink. Salty tears tricked down her face and she wiped them with the back of her hand and tried to swallow down the panic that lodged in the back of her throat.

  Eventually she saw the large black outline of a hay barn. The hay won’t be cut yet but maybe there will be enough there to keep me warm. I remember, I was going to the barn to hide. She tried to hold onto that thought but it dispersed like vapour on the breeze.

  Inside she found some bales of hay and loose straw. She dragged them together then lay down. The dog rested his head on her chest and she threaded her fingers through his hair. She suddenly felt weary. As her mind closed down she heard someone call her name.

  ‘Stay quiet,’ she mumbled to the dog. ‘I don’t want him to find me.’

  Chapter Seven

  Meadows rushed to his car. She’s alive. He felt the tension drain from his muscles. He had little information at this time, only that she had been found in a hay barn and taken to hospital. She was conscious but somewhat confused.