The Silent Quarry

by Cheryl Rees-Price

  His face was so close she could feel his breath on her cheek. His eyes darkened. ‘Don’t you dare –’

  Gwen blinked away the memory.

  ‘Gwen, are you all right, love?’

  She could feel the weight of David’s hand on her shoulder. Don’t let him know you’re afraid. ‘I’m fine, sorry, I just drift off to a world of my own sometimes.’ She tried to force a smile as she saw concern crease his face.

  ‘Here, let me finish the tea, you go and sit down. You’re trembling.’

  Gwen didn’t argue, she took a seat and watched David pour the tea. Could he really have something to do with what happened? Killed Beth and left me for dead? No, he’s always been there for me and Mum. It doesn’t make any sense.

  ‘Here we go,’ David placed a mug of tea in front of Gwen. ‘Shall we see what’s in the box?’

  Oh no, I don’t think I can do this now, with him here. Gwen felt her body tense, she picked up her tea and took a sip of the hot liquid hoping to chase away the chill that crawled over her back.

  David seemed to take Gwen’s silence as an indication that he should proceed to open the box. He pulled the tape back and opened the lid. The first item he pulled out was a T-shirt. He held it up for Gwen to see.

  ‘Duran Duran, they were Beth’s favourite group. She had posters of them covering her bedroom walls.’ Gwen smiled. An image of Beth in a pair of tight jeans and the T-shirt filled her mind. She was laughing as she danced around the bedroom. Gwen felt her chest tighten as sharp pins penetrated her heart.

  ‘I’m sorry, I can’t do this now.’

  ‘It’s OK. Maybe I should leave you on your own. You can take your time going through the box.’

  ‘Thanks. Finish your tea first though.’

  David gulped down his tea and she followed him to the door. Meadows was pulling up in front of the house as David stepped over the threshold.

  ‘Looks like you have another visitor.’

  Gwen tried not to let the pleasure of seeing Meadows show on her face. ‘Thanks for calling around.’ She smiled at David who took the hint and turned away.

  ‘I hope this is not an inconvenient time for you.’ Meadows approached the house and smiled as his eyes locked with Gwen’s.

  ‘Not at all, come in. I’ve just made some tea.’

  She could feel every nerve ending tingle as she poured the tea from the pot. She turned and saw Meadows fussing Blue, who wagged his tail as he lapped up the attention.

  ‘I think you’ve made a friend there.’ Gwen placed the mug on the table and took a seat.

  Meadows peeled off his jacket and placed it on the back of the chair before sitting. He wore a light blue shirt which showed off the contours of his biceps.

  Gwen squirmed in her seat as the tingle increased, sending a heat wave over her body. Oh, stop it, you’re behaving like a fool.

  ‘So how’ve you been?’ Meadows took a sip of tea.

  ‘Good thanks.’

  ‘I see your uncle has been checking up on you.’

  ‘I guess he’s just worried about me.’ Gwen fiddled with the handle of her cup, the mention of David bought on another bout of anxiety. Should I tell him what I saw?

  ‘When I was here on Friday you asked Ariana if she had seen your uncle when she visited your mother. Why?’

  ‘Oh it’s nothing, really. It’s just a feeling I had. When he came to the hospital he seemed edgy. He hovered at the bottom of the bed and looked like he was preparing to make a dash for it.’ Gwen ran her hand through her hair. I don’t like this. Uncle David may have a simple reason for acting strangely. I don’t want to bring him under suspicion. But what if there is more to it? What if it was him?

  ‘What else? It’s important you tell me everything you can, no matter how trivial it seems.’

  ‘Today when he was in the house he appeared keen to look over the things that Doreen Hopkins brought over.’ She indicated the box. ‘When he put his hand on my shoulder I had a flashback. He was chasing me, he grabbed hold of my arm tightly. I struggled and shouted but he wouldn’t let go.’

  Meadows expression darkened. ‘Were you up the quarry in this flashback?’

  ‘No, I was running from the house. I wasn’t afraid, just angry. I really can’t see that he would have anything to do with the attack. Why would he want to hurt me? He’s had plenty of opportunities alone with me since.’

  ‘Was he a father figure to you when you were younger?’

  ‘I suppose he was. He was always around checking on me and Mum, doing odd jobs around the house.’

  ‘You didn’t mind?’

  ‘No, why should I.’

  ‘I’m just trying to build up a picture of your relationship with him. I spoke to Catrin Evans yesterday. She remembers that he used to attend parents’ evenings and pick you up from school sometimes. She gave the impression that you weren’t that fond of him.’

  ‘Oh, did she?’ Gwen felt anger strike, injecting poison into her veins. Her fist clenched involuntary.

  ‘From your reaction I guess you’re not too happy with Catrin.’ Meadows smiled. ‘She mentioned that you had a falling out.’

  ‘Did she tell you why?’

  ‘Something about her wanting you to leave Matt.’

  ‘So she didn’t tell you that she was sleeping with him. That’s why she wanted me to leave him, so he would move in with her.’ Gwen felt her cheeks burn. This is so humiliating.

  ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.’

  ‘Don’t be, it’s just the way things are. Look, I don’t really want to talk about Matt and his women.’ Great, now he must really think I’m useless, can’t even keep my husband satisfied.

  ‘Right.’ Meadows shifted in his chair. ‘So as far as you remember you were comfortable with your uncle.’

  ‘He didn’t try anything, if that’s what you mean. He wasn’t like that. If he was some sort of pervert then I’m sure I would have remembered. I only lost a month or so of my memory.’

  ‘Still, I think it might be worth questioning him again.’

  ‘I don’t know if that is such a good idea.’

  ‘I’ll wait until after the reconstruction. Have you given anymore thought to the idea of being involved?’

  ‘Yes, I’ll help all I can. It tore at my heart to see Doreen Hopkins. She looked so old and frail. I doubt she ever got over losing Beth. I can’t imagine what it feels like to lose a child.’

  ‘I don’t think it’s something you ever get over, you just learn to live with it. In Doreen’s case it’s worse because she has no closure. Maybe if we catch the person responsible she will have some peace. I had a meeting with the film crew this morning. They have two actresses to take the part of you and Bethan, but it’d be good to get some shots of you walking along the footpath. Doreen Hopkins has kindly given me some photographs of Bethan, perhaps you could let me have some of you at that age.’

  ‘I’ll ask Mum to dig some out. That reminds me, I remembered having an argument with her. It must have been that day because I don’t ever recall speaking to my mother like that. I was shouting and swearing.’

  ‘Your mother said in her statement that there had been an argument that morning but she was vague. What was it about?’

  ‘I don’t know, I only remembered a bit of it. I doubt if it was important, but it must have been serious. She wasn’t shouting back, just kept saying she was sorry.’ Gwen sighed. ‘So is there anything you can tell me about the original investigation? I take it you’ve looked at the files.’

  Meadows took a sip of his tea and leaned towards Gwen. ‘I thought we could walk up the quarry before filming. I can talk you through what was discovered. It could help jolt your memory if we’re in the same place. The filming will start on Thursday.’

  ‘That’s only two days away.’ Her stomach fluttered.

  ‘I thought it would be better to do it sooner, while people are talking about it. I’ll be with you the whole time.’

  The flu
ttering in her stomach intensified at the thought of being with Meadows for the afternoon. She looked down at the table, afraid that he would see the ache in her eyes. ‘It will be interesting to see the actresses taking part.’

  ‘We’ve tried to keep them as close as possible to you and Bethan. They will be dressed in similar clothes to the ones you were wearing that day. I’ve been trying to build up a picture of Bethan. I do remember her from school but we never spoke. I get the impression that she was quite flirtatious.’

  ‘I can imagine Catrin’s description of us.’

  ‘I’d rather hear it from you.’

  ‘We were like any other teenagers with raging hormones, the only things we cared about was boys, music, and clothes, in that order. Bethan pushed the boundaries at school, sewed a hem on her skirt so it was higher than the ones the rest of us wore. She wore jewellery and make-up but for some reason managed to get away with it.’

  ‘What about you?’

  ‘Mum didn’t like me to wear make-up. I used to put on mascara and lip gloss on the bus.’ She smiled at the memory. ‘Beth had an allowance so she could buy all the make-up and clothes she wanted. She always looked pretty.’

  ‘What about boyfriends?’

  ‘There was always a queue. All the boys were in love with her and she knew it. There was Sam, of course, and before that she went out with Gethin.’

  ‘Did she ever mention anyone older?’

  ‘She liked Mike Finch, you remember him, he was in the same year as you and hung around with Matt. I think she only went out with Sam to make him jealous.’

  ‘So Sam wasn’t the chosen one.’ A smile played on Meadows’ lips.

  ‘No he wasn’t, I wish I hadn’t mentioned that to you now.’ Gwen could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.’

  ‘So there was no one outside of school she talked about?’

  ‘No, why?’

  ‘I think she may have been seeing someone older. Someone she had to keep secret.’

  ‘I’m sure she would have told me. We told each other all our secrets.’

  ‘There are some things she didn’t share with you.’

  ‘Such as?’

  Meadows expression changed, he seemed to be wrestling with a decision.

  There’s obviously something about Beth that I didn’t know about. What is it that he feels he can’t tell me? Tension crackled the air and Gwen fiddled with the handle on the mug. ‘What is it you are not telling me?’

  ‘There was something in the post-mortem report that was never made public. Bethan was three months pregnant when she died. When DNA testing became available it showed that Sam was not the father of her unborn child.’

  ‘Pregnant? No, she couldn’t have been.’ The information tore through her mind and cold fingers squeezed her chest. The air felt thin and she felt her skin prickle. An image of Beth lying on the shack floor filled her vision. Blood leaking from her head and seeking into the dirt. She imagined the child inside her stomach squirming as its life line was severed.

  Gwen sucked in the air until her chest expanded, but still felt like there was no oxygen. Bile rose in her throat. So much blood and a baby dead in her stomach. Her stomach heaved as she stood, throwing back the chair as she bolted. She could hear Meadows calling out as she rushed into the bathroom just in time to empty her stomach. She sank to her knees as her vision blurred and numbness prickled her scalp.

  Blue padded into the bathroom and nudged her with his cold nose. She reached out a hand and buried it in his fur.

  ‘Gwen, are you OK?’

  She looked up and saw Meadows standing in the doorway, concern creased his face.

  ‘I’m fine.’ She stood and rinsed her mouth before splashing cold water on her face. ‘I’m sorry.’ She turned to face him. ‘I never knew. She didn’t say anything. Poor Beth, she must have been so frightened. Oh God!’ She raised her hand to her mouth. ‘That poor child.’ She felt her legs buckle beneath her.

  Meadows moved quickly and took a firm hold on her arm. ‘Come on, I think you better sit down.’

  A low growl rumbled around the bathroom as Blue challenged Meadows.

  ‘It’s OK, boy.’ Gwen placed her hand on his head to soothe him. ‘Sorry, he doesn’t understand why I’m upset.’ She felt the tears sting her eyes and bit down on her lip to try to stem the flow. ‘I just keep seeing her lying on the floor of the shack and there is so much blood.’

  She leaned against Meadows. Through the cotton of his shirt she could feel the heat of his skin and hear the steady rhythm of his heart. Sobs racked her body and she felt his arms drawing her closer. They stayed like that until Gwen felt control return to her mind and body.

  ‘Feeling better?’ Meadows pulled away.

  Gwen could still feel his arms around her body, she wanted to bury her head in his chest and stay there. It felt safe. ‘I’m OK now.’ She wiped the tears from her face.

  ‘I shouldn’t have told you.’

  ‘No you were right to tell me. Just give me a few moments to compose myself.’

  ‘I’ll wait in the kitchen.’ He gave her an encouraging smile and left the room.

  Gwen looked in the bathroom mirror, and a pale face with swollen red eyes looked back. I look a mess. She washed her face and repaired her make-up before returning to the kitchen. Meadows was sat at the table, he looked up when she entered the room.

  ‘Gwen, I’m worried about the effect all this is having on you. I could arrange for you to have some counselling.’

  Gwen took a seat and ran her hand through her hair. ‘I had enough victim support last time, thanks. Please don’t worry about me, I really need to do this now, so don’t hold back on me because you think I can’t handle it.’

  ‘I wouldn’t dream of it.’ The smile returned to Meadows’ face. ‘The filming will start at one, so I thought we could take a walk up the quarry about eleven.’

  ‘That’s good for me. I’ll get those pictures for you by then.’

  Meadows stood and put on his jacket. ‘Thanks for agreeing to be part of the reconstruction, it will make a big difference.’

  Gwen stood and followed him to the door. I wish he would stay a bit longer. At the door he turned and looked intently into her eyes. She held his gaze.

  ‘Take care.’ He turned and walked away leaving Gwen aching inside.

  Meadows could still feel Gwen’s tears on his shirt even though they had long since dried. The feel of her body as she clung to him lingered on his senses. I’m so close to losing control, I can’t let that happen again. He pulled into the station car park and took a deep breath before leaving the car. Edris was sat at his desk and greeted Meadows with a smile when he entered the office.

  ‘How did the meeting go?’

  ‘Good, all set for Thursday and Gwen has agreed to take part.’ Just the mention of her name stirred his emotions. ‘How did it go with Sam Morris?’

  Edris spun his chair around to face Meadows. ‘He’s not what I expected. He looks older than his years for a start, I reckon he is or was a heavy drinker. Also a bit of a recluse. He never married and lived with his mother until she died a few years ago. He works at Dyffryn Du motors as a mechanic but stays in the garage away from the customers. To be honest, he seemed genuinely pleased that the case had been re-opened. He wants his name cleared.’

  ‘But he was never charged.’ Meadows plonked himself down in his chair.

  ‘He says the village found him guilty anyway. Made his life hell.’

  ‘Yes I can see how that would happen. I wonder why he stayed.’

  ‘I asked him that. He said he had nowhere to go and if he left people would assume it was because he was guilty. He had hoped that the police would find the killer and he could get on with his life. Instead he has had to live under a cloud of suspicion.’

  ‘Did you go over the original statement with him?’

  ‘Yes, no change which again makes me think he was telling the truth. It would be hard to remember a lie after all th
ese years. He still maintains that he left Gwen alive and well at the cattle grid.’

  ‘Did you ask him if he thought Bethan was seeing someone else?’

  ‘Yes, he said he was sure she was. He’d been surprised that she went out with him, it had been OK at first but then she stopped seeing him so often. He said he was supposed to meet up with her on the Friday before the attack but she never showed. He’s also adamant that they didn’t sleep together.’

  ‘And he didn’t have any idea who the other guy might be?’

  ‘No, he thought maybe one of the rugby boys. He says he saw them coming back from a match that day about 5p.m. But no one collaborated his story. I double checked the statements.’

  ‘OK, good work. Let’s wait and see what comes out of the re-construction. I don’t think Sam Morris is our man but who knows? I could be wrong.’ Meadows leaned back in his chair and ran his hands through his hair.

  ‘Are you OK?’

  ‘Yes, Why?’

  ‘Oh I don’t know, you seem a little stressed today. It can’t be easy for you as you knew the girls.’

  It’s harder than you think and for an entirely different reason. ‘It not that, I just hope something comes out of the re-construction otherwise we are in danger of Lester closing down the case. We are already running into the second week with nothing to report. If the case closes you will have to return to Blackwell.’ Meadows grinned as he watched Edris’ face fall. It will be a shame, I’m actually beginning to like working with him.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Meadows stood in front of the bedroom mirror holding up different combinations of ties and shirts. It’s not for Gwen, I have to look good for the cameras. ‘Who are you trying to fool?’ he asked his reflection. He settled on a crisp white shirt and dark grey tie, ran a comb through his hair, then headed for Gwen’s house.

  Black clouds were gathering in the sky as he drove. It better not rain. He focused on the investigation, mulling over all that he knew and what he needed to do next. Every time Gwen entered his mind he fought back his feelings. She can never know how I feel. I can’t be responsible for the break-up of her marriage and I certainly can’t jeopardise the case. He parked outside Gwen’s house and stole a look in the mirror before climbing out of the car.