‘Hello, Gwen,’ Meadows smiled then his eyes fell upon Blue. ‘Whoa! He’s a big fella.’ He took a step back.
‘Don’t worry, he’s a big bear really. All brawn and no brains, come in.’ She stepped back, pulling Blue.
Meadows held out his hand to the dog. Blue sniffed, then turned and padded towards the kitchen. Gwen tried to catch her reflection in the hall mirror as she walked past. I should have put on a dress this morning. She led Meadows into the kitchen.
‘It’s nice to see you again.’ She felt a warm glow radiate from her body and self-consciously ran her fingers through her hair.
‘You look better than when I saw you last. How are you feeling?’ He leaned casually against the worktop.
‘I’m fine, thanks.’ She couldn’t stop her eyes travelling over his face. Malachite eyes sparkled beneath thick, dark lashes. She noticed that age had not thinned his unruly hair. Damn, he’s still hot. She tried not to let her mind wander to what lay beneath the charcoal suit. There was certainly no sign of a paunch.
‘Would you like a cup of tea?’ She tore her eyes away from him.
‘That would be nice, thanks.’
Gwen was glad of the distraction and busied herself filling the kettle and setting out the cups. She was aware of Meadows’ eyes following her movement but he remained silent.
‘So when did you get back?’ She turned to face him.
‘About a year ago.’ He pulled out a chair and sat at the kitchen table. ‘Mum’s arthritis has got worse and I needed an excuse to get out of London. A post came up in Bryn Mawr station so I put in for a transfer. I bought Mum’s old place so she could move into a flat. I had planned to renovate but haven’t got round to it yet.’
Meadows smiled at Gwen but she noticed it didn’t reach his eyes. She had a feeling there was more to the move but didn’t want to pry. She turned away and poured the tea. She could still feel his gaze and suddenly felt self-conscious of the thick scar that run from her right shoulder to her elbow. I should put on a cardigan, too late now he’s already seen it. Oh, get a grip you’re not a teenager anymore. She drew in a deep breath to steady her nerves then turned and set the cups down on the table before taking a seat opposite Meadows.
‘You look just the same as when I left,’ he commented.
‘I could say the same about you.’ She felt the heat rise in her face and lowered her eyes. ‘I didn’t get the chance to thank you when you came to the hospital. I feel like an idiot causing all that fuss.’
‘Please don’t feel bad.’ He smiled and his eyes crinkled at the corners. ‘I’m glad, well, we were all pleased with the outcome.’
‘Please pass on my thanks to everyone that was involved with the search.’ She took a sip of tea just to have something to do with her hands. The hot liquid burned her throat, making her eyes water. Blue walked up to the table and planted his face on her lap. She ran her fingers through his hair, willing her heartbeat to return to normal. The air felt charged with tension. Does he feel it too? No, I bet he has this effect on all women.
‘So I guess you are here to talk about what happened Sunday. I don’t think I can tell you anymore than I did at the hospital.’
‘What made you go up to the shack?’
I woke up that morning hating my life and the sight of my husband made my skin crawl. I don’t think he wants to hear that. She twisted a lock of hair. ‘I don’t know, we had a party Saturday night to celebrate my birthday. It was Matt’s idea. I don’t like celebrating the fact that I get to live another year while Beth, well, she didn’t get the chance to grow up, get married, and have children. It doesn’t seem fair.’
‘No, it isn’t fair, but it’s not your fault, Gwen, you have no reason to feel guilty. You survived against the odds. There is someone out there that’s responsible for what happened to you and Bethan. Were you thinking about Bethan when you went to the quarry on Sunday?’
‘Not at first. Blue was hot and bothered and I thought it would be good for him to have a swim and cool off. I didn’t feel like walking up the mountain. Then I remembered the stream by the quarry. Beth and I used to paddle in there sometimes. I was nervous when I went through the gate. Then I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, that I didn’t have to be afraid. Didn’t turn out like I planned.’
Meadows smiled. ‘You said that you had a flashback of Bethan in the old shack.’
‘Yes.’ Gwen felt a sudden chill snake around her body. ‘I think that’s what made me panic and fall. I saw Beth lying on the floor of the shack. Her denim jacket was dirty and her skirt had ridden up over her thighs.’ Gwen twisted her hands as she fought against the image. ‘Her eyes were open and staring and her hair was matted with blood.’
‘Has anything like that happened before?’
‘No, it’s the first time I have been up the quarry since it happened. Up until now I’ve had no recollection of that day or the weeks leading up to it.’
‘And now?’ He leaned forward, his eyes searching hers.
She felt a warmth spread through her body and squirmed in her seat. ‘I keep having odd moments. It’s a bit like daydreaming. I’m fifteen again and I suppose reliving bits of that day or at least that period of time that I lost. It happened again just before you arrived. That’s how I managed to burn a shirt.’ She indicated the spoilt shirt still draped over the ironing board.
Meadows straightened up, curiosity evident in his manner. ‘What did you recall?’
‘I’m sure it was the morning of the attack. Beth and I usually spent Saturdays together. I can’t think of a time when we didn’t other than when one of us was away on holiday. We were supposed to go shopping that morning but Beth was ill, or pretending to be ill. I got the feeling she was trying to avoid me.’’
‘Do you recall talking to her?’
‘No, just her mother.’
Meadows frowned. ‘You must have met up with her sometime that day, though.’
‘I guess but I don’t remember. I went back home and up to my bedroom. I heard someone come into the house.’
‘Who?’
‘I don’t know, that’s when you knocked the door,’ Gwen chuckled.
‘Last Sunday when you hit your head, you said you thought you were fifteen.’
‘Yes, it was a bit trippy. I couldn’t understand why I was dressed in the clothes I was wearing and I didn’t even recognise Blue.’
‘You must have been frightened.’
‘I was.’
‘Why didn’t you go home, or at least to your mother’s house? I take it she still lives at the same address?’
‘Yes, she does. I don’t know. I was confused and afraid that he would be there.’
‘He?’
Gwen suddenly push her chair back and stood up. ‘I don’t know who he is. It was the first thought that came to my head when I thought about going home. This is so frustrating.’ She started to pile the ironing into the washing basket.
‘It’s OK. I spoke to Dr Rowlands again. He thinks it’s possible that you will fully recover your memory. It may come back a little at a time. He suggest prompts might help. Like listening to music from that era or reading old news articles.’
Gwen rubbed her hands over her face. ‘I don’t know if I want to go back to that time. Maybe it’s better that I don’t remember what happened that day.’
Meadows stood and approached her. Blue, who had been lying on the floor, stood and positioned himself between Gwen and the detective.
‘He thinks I’ve upset you.’
‘You haven’t upset me.’ Gwen stroked Blue, who wagged his tail and sat at her feet.
‘Look, I understand how difficult this is for you. To be honest I wouldn’t like to go back to the eighties myself,’ he grinned. ‘I had a chat with my boss and he agreed that we should re-open the case.
Gwen felt her body stiffen. ‘What if I don’t remember what happened?’ It would be a chance to spend more time with him. ‘Will you be in charge of the case?
’
‘Yes, if that’s OK with you. Please think about it. Whoever is responsible for Bethan’s murder and the attack on you has got away with it for twenty-eight years. I think you and Bethan’s family deserve some answers.’
Gwen sank down in the nearest chair. ‘What do you want me to do?’
‘Just keep doing what you have been doing and try to prompt your memory. Write down everything that you recall no matter how insignificant it seems. I would also suggest that you keep this to yourself.’
‘In a place like this?’ Gwen chuckled. ‘I already had someone from the paper call to ask for an interview.’
Meadows face became serious. ‘I can have a family liaison officer assigned to you.’
‘There’s no need for that. I’m not worried. I’m rarely on my own outside and I have Blue.’
‘I don’t think you understand the danger you could be in. If the killer becomes aware of your memory returning then he may be forced to act.’
‘Well, maybe that would be a good thing. It would draw out the killer.’ Put an end to it and move on with my life. I wouldn’t have to be afraid anymore.
‘I don’t know about that. It’s very risky. I think you should keep any further memory recall between us. I’m sorry, Gwen, but you have to consider the possibility that it is someone close to you. I have requested all the files from the original investigation. Once I’ve had a chance to go through the evidence and statements I will come and see you again. Maybe something will stand out.’
‘You do know I was never told anything about what happened? At first it was because the doctors wanted me to have the chance to recover my memory naturally. They thought any outside suggestions or theories would contaminate the truth. After that, my family felt that they had to shield me. I still don’t know how Beth was killed or how we were found. I guess up until now it hasn’t bothered me. Once you’ve read the files, would you be able to share the information with me? I think it’s time I knew the facts.’
‘I’ll tell you what I can but some of it will be confidential.’
‘I understand. I remember that Sam Morris was a suspect at the time. I never believed he could be responsible.’
Meadows sat back down and took a sip of his tea. ‘Sam was Beth’s boyfriend?’
‘Yes.’ A flicker of a memory flashed across Gwen’s mind. Sam standing in the rain and handing her his coat. She bit her lip and tried to hold on to the image but it dispersed like smoke and was replaced by the school bus …
Gwen was sitting next to Beth on the top deck.
‘Are you seeing Sam tonight?’
‘Yeah, his parents are out for the evening so we’ll be all alone,’ Beth giggled.
‘So you are going to do it?’ Gwen felt a stab of jealousy.
‘Hell yes, he’s been begging for ages.’
‘Don’t you think you should wait?’ Gwen picked at the hem on her skirt.
‘What for?’ Beth took a lip gloss from her school bag and smeared it over her lips.
‘For the chosen one.’ Gwen looked around to make sure no one was listening in on their conversation. ‘It’s supposed to be special.’
‘Got to get some practice first.’ Beth laughed. ‘No boy is going to be interested in a virgin. You have to know what you’re doing.’ She tossed her long blonde hair over her shoulder.
The bus pulled up at the next stop to pick up a batch of school children. Gwen peered out of the window and saw Winter Meadows walk towards the bus, followed by his little brother. She felt her stomach squirm.
‘What’re you smiling at?’ Beth followed her gaze. ‘Please don’t tell me you fancy him.’
‘Yeah, he is kind of cute.’
‘Yuck, that scabby hippy!’ Beth’s lips curled in disgust.
‘Don’t be horrible.’ She sat back in her chair. So what if I fancy him?
‘I thought Matt was supposed to be the chosen one.’
‘He is.’ Gwen stared out of the window as the bus continued its journey …
‘Gwen, are you OK?’
Meadows’ voice bought Gwen back to the present. She rubbed her hands over her face and looked into his concerned eyes. ‘I’m fine, sorry, this is how it happens. A random memory just enters my head.’
‘What did you see this time?’
‘Sam, at first. It was raining and he gave me his coat. Then I was on the school bus with Beth.’ Gwen felt the heat rise in her face. ‘It’s all a bit childish.’
‘Anything you remember could be useful. Please don’t be embarrassed, I do appreciate you were only fifteen at the time. I promise I won’t laugh.’
‘Beth and I were talking about the chosen one. We would pick a boy that we wanted to marry, then orchestrate meetings. Find out his school timetable, where he hung out after school. That sort of thing.’ Gwen saw the smile play on Meadows’ lips. ‘I guess I would be called a stalker these days.’
‘Oh, I don’t know. I think I would have been flattered at fifteen to be a chosen one. So I take it Sam was Bethan’s chosen one.’
‘No, she liked him and they were going out at the time. She was even going to …’ Gwen stopped as guilt prickled her skin. ‘I don’t feel comfortable talking about Beth like this. It’s like reading someone’s diary. I’m not sure I should be giving away all her secrets.’
Meadows leaned forward, his hands on the table close to Gwen’s. ‘I know it may feel disrespectful but you are doing this to help. Unfortunately, a victim has no privacy. We have to go through their personal lives but trust me, any information will be handled with sensitivity and compassion.’
Gwen pulled her hands from the table and placed them on her lap. The urge to touch him was too strong. ‘Beth had planned to sleep with Sam. She said that he had been asking.’
‘Asking or demanding? Do you think she could have changed her mind and he tried to force her?’
‘I don’t know. She seemed really keen on him and I don’t think he was the first boy she slept with. I got the impression she knew what she was doing. I think maybe she used to keep secrets from me.’
‘OK, thank you for being so honest with me. So, did you have a chosen one?’
Gwen saw the sparkle in his eyes and squirmed in her seat. ‘Well, I, erm…’
‘It’s OK, you don’t have to tell me unless you think it’s relevant.’ Meadows drained his cup and stood up. ‘I think I have taken up enough of your time today. I will review the case notes and if it’s OK with you I’ll call again and tell you what I’ve learnt.’
Gwen stood up and Blue fussed about her legs. ‘OK, we’ll go out for a walk in a minute.’ She patted the dog’s head. ‘I’m here most days so you are welcome to come anytime.’
Meadows reached into his jacket pocket and took out a business card. ‘This is my mobile number and contact details for the station. If you have any more flashbacks or just need to talk, call me.’ He handed the card to Gwen.
As she took the card her fingers brushed against his and her skin tingled. ‘I’ll see you out.’ She was aware that her voice sounded breathless.
Once she closed the door on Meadows she leaned against the wall. She could feel the thrumming of her heart through the cotton of her T-shirt. Oh stop it, it’s not like he would be interested in me now. She glanced in the mirror and saw the scar on her forehead peeking out from under her fringe. Still, there is no harm in enjoying his company. A smile played on her lips as she turned away from the mirror.
Chapter Ten
Giles Epworth looked out of his office window and watched the children scurry like ants towards the main hall for lunch. He tried to pick out Ariana or Alexander Thomas among the faces but there were so many pupils it was difficult to distinguish one from another.
He had checked the school computer and saw that they had both registered this morning. So they’re on the grounds somewhere. Not that it matters. I can’t just go up and question them about their mother. No, I will have to be subtle. He rubbed his hand over his face and n
oticed the tremor in his fingers. He had barely slept since Sunday night despite hearing through village gossip that Gwen had been found. It was the rumours of her recovered memory that plagued him.
Gwen’s children had been absent from school for a couple of days but now that they were back he expected to hear something more about what had happened. He had purposely passed the boy in the school corridor, looking for any indication that Gwen had revealed something to her son. The boy didn’t act any differently. Surely if he knew something he’d be wary.
Giles turned away from the window and put on his jacket before heading for the staff room, knowing this would be the best place to pick up some gossip. He opened the door to a high volume of chatter and the aroma of coffee. The chatter petered away as he walked across the room and poured a coffee from the pot, before scanning the room for a seat.
‘Good afternoon, Headmaster.’ Catrin, the school secretary smiled sweetly as she smoothed down her skirt.
Giles nodded and took a seat before stirring the sugar into his coffee. I bet they all gossip about me when I’m not in the room. ‘Anything happened today that I should be aware of?’ He looked at each teacher in turn.
‘Actually we were just talking about Gwen Collier, I mean Gwen Thomas, as she is now.’
‘Oh, and?’ Giles’ stomach squirmed.
‘Ariana is in Lynne’s class.’ Catrin continued.
Giles looked at Lynne Davis, who straightened up in her seat. ‘She was telling me this morning that the police have been to see her mother again. They’re going to re-open the case.’
Giles felt his chest tighten as a coldness spread through his body. ‘Really?’ He sipped his coffee, trying to hide his distress. ‘I’m surprised, I was under the impression that Gwen lost her memory. Why would the police re-open the case now?’
‘It seems that she’s started to remember things.’ Catrin leaned forward, her eyes wide with interest.
‘Weren’t you in the same class as Gwen in school?’ Lynne asked.
‘Yes, we were good friends.’
Hardly, just another wannabe slut. Still are, from what I hear. Giles let his eyes travel from Catrin’s wild, red hair down to her short skirt. ‘Well I must get on.’ He rose from his chair, he could feel the perspiration gathering under his shirt collar.
The Silent Quarry Page 5