“Did you give her your number?” Paige enquired.
“Yeah, and she gave me her business card. She told me to call if I needed to discuss anything further!” Jeremy leaned his chin against his hand. “Not very encouraging, is it?”
Paige patted his arm. “Don’t give up. Some girls like to play it cool. Give her a call in a day or two. Think of something to ask her about, then suggest a drink.”
“You think?” Jeremy perked up, a sparkle entering his clear blue eyes.
Paige shrugged. “Can’t hurt to try.”
“Thanks, Paige. You’re the best.”
The sound of the front door banging shut echoed through the house. Paige sagged with relief, glad her friend was home safely. “Hi, Beth,” she called out. “Everything okay?”
Beth wandered into the kitchen. “I’m still alive, so that’s one bonus.” She leaned over the table and grabbed a large salad leaf from the bowl. She shoved it into her mouth and licked the dressing off her fingers. “Did you guys catch the news?” she asked as she chewed the salad leaf.
Paige ran her hands down her apron, nervously. “I thought we’d eat dinner before checking it out. Besides, I didn’t really want to hear it before you were home, safe and sound.”
“Has something happened?” Jeremy asked.
“We had the radio on in the salon. There was a news bulletin just before I left.” Beth stared at them both gravely. “The police have now said that both murders were committed by the same person. The victims were both female, blonde and in their twenties.” She fingered her hair. “Do you think I should dye it?”
Ordinarily, Paige would have thought Beth was joking. Today, her friend was deadly serious. “I don’t know,” she replied honestly. “How do we know being blonde is what draws the killer? It could be something else.”
Jeremy was already half way across the room. “What do you fancy being? A red head? Could be a hot look. Or do you prefer going brown or black?” He swiped up his keys from where he’d tossed them on the dresser that stood near the doorway. “Is there still a store selling hair dye open at this time?”
Beth held up her hands. “It’s very sweet, Jeremy, but I can get my hair done at work.” Her gaze travelled to them both, worry etched all over her features. “You really think I ought to change it?”
Under any other circumstances, Paige would have reassured her friend that she didn’t need to alter her appearance. However, with her gift talking to her this past day, she wasn’t sure that was the case. She didn’t want to freak Beth out, but at the same time, she was still very concerned that Beth was the reason her talents had woken up.
“It can’t hurt. Anything to keep safe, right?” she glanced at Jeremy.
“I don’t think you should take chances. Until this madman is caught, we have to do whatever it takes to make sure you’re safe.” Jeremy threw his keys back on the dresser.
Beth smiled. She hugged Paige, then hurried over and hugged Jeremy. “Thanks for caring about me, guys. It feels good to have two such wonderful friends.”
Jeremy shook his head, a mock frown on his face. He shooed her away from him. “I’m only helping so Paige doesn’t have to advertise for another housemate. It’s taken this long to train you. Don’t want to have to break in a new one.”
Beth pulled a face and punched him on the arm. “Yeah, yeah. I believe you. Billions wouldn’t!”
“Alright, you two.” Paige held up her hands with a laugh. “Cut it out. Dinner should be ready. Let’s just sit down and have a nice meal and forget about all the horrible stuff. At least for a little while.”
Beth and Jeremy agreed. Paige slipped her hands into oven gloves and retrieved the lasagne from the oven. She hoped she’d be able to stomach some of the food. Her appetite was non-existent.
She placed the food in the centre of the table, next to the salad. Beth picked up the serving spoon and dished some lasagne onto everyone’s plates. They sat down and a lively conversation rose up, surrounding Jeremy and his mystery girl.
Paige laughed and joined in, but the whole time a deep fear sat in the pit of her stomach. A sense that something terrible was going to happen. Try as she might, she couldn’t shake it. Yet Beth was here safe and sound. Had she missed something? The thought bothered her deeply, yet she couldn’t think what she could have missed.
*****
Panic flowed through her. Paige raced through her house, only it wasn’t her house. She didn’t know this place, yet she did. Her heart pounded in her chest. She had to get out of here, but she knew her exit was blocked. Could she make it to the back garden? Escape through the side gate? She had to try.
She raced through the kitchen and out into the yard, but she could hear footsteps pounding behind her, so close, so fast. She was never going to make it. She’d never get the lock on the gate open in time. Spying the shed, she dived inside and closed the door. Quickly, she pulled several heavy items across the door. She prayed it would be enough. That it would hold.
Oh, God help her! She should never have opened her big mouth. She’d been stupid to think she could say something and it would change things. Had the past taught her nothing? She’d known deep down who the Hindleford killer was, yet she’d refused to believe it or turn him in. How had she thought she could make a difference…..that he would listen to her? Was she to pay the ultimate price for her stupidity? Someone please help her!
“Jean! Oh Jean! I know you’re in there. I can’t let you tell. You know that right?” The voice didn’t even sound human anymore.
Fear ripped through her. The door shuddered against a forceful blow. If she screamed, would anyone hear her? She highly doubted it. Her house was on the outskirts of town with no neighbours close enough to help. She was alone.
The door splintered. It wouldn’t be long before it gave way and she would have no protection. She glanced around, trying to find a weapon. The door shattered. She opened her mouth and screamed…….
Paige sat bolt upright in bed. Sweat soaked her body, making the fabric of her nightdress cling to her form. Jean! Oh God, was what she’d dreamt taking place now? Or about to happen? Or was she already too late?
Paige slung her legs over the side of the bed and grabbed her phone. She had to send help and pray she was in time. She dialled the emergency services, her fingers trembling.
“Emergency. Which service?” the operator answered, her nasally voice grating through Paige’s fragile nerves.
“Police,” Paige gasped out. Please God, let her be in time.
“Please hold.” Paige gripped the phone in her slick hands, her heart pounding. A new voice came on the line. “Police.”
Paige didn’t wait for him to say anything else. “A woman is being attacked in her home. Her name is Jean Holdbrook. Her address is Little Cottage, Oakwood Grove. Please hurry!”
She hung up, her body shaking. She bit her lip, tears forming in her eyes. Was she in time? She shoved a hand through her dishevelled hair, her chest thick with emotion. It hadn’t been Beth her gifts had been pushing her towards. It had been Jean. How could she be so stupid? She’d missed all the signs.
If only she’d tried harder in the café that afternoon. Had she let someone down again? Please God, let Jean be safe!
Chapter Five
Paige frothed up the milk in her jug, her mind not really on her task. Her eyes felt gritty from lack of sleep. She’d replayed the dream over and over while she’d waited for the dawn. Despite her hopes, Jean hadn’t been at the door of the café that morning. She usually set up and put away the delivery while Paige worked on baking fresh treats for the day’s service. This morning she was ominously absent.
Paige had called in Becki, one of her part time employees, to cover Jean. What worried her most was that Jean hadn’t called to explain her absence. That was totally out of character. Paige kept reassuring herself it didn’t mean anything, but her stomach clenched with anxiety. The lack of news was tearing her apart.
There was no rea
son to think the worst, she tried to reassure herself. Jean could be in hospital, or maybe the police were questioning her. Either scenario could be the reason for no call. After all, who would think of work when they’d just been attacked? Could the Hindleford killer already be in custody? Was it over? How she hoped so.
Paige tipped the milk into a large ceramic cup with a slightly trembling hand. She grabbed the cocoa and sprinkled it on top to finish the cappuccino off. Becki took the cup from her with a concerned frown. “You okay, Paige,” she asked as she placed the cup on a tray and handed it to the waiting customer. “You ask me, you’re not looking too healthy today. I can cover here if you need to go home.”
Paige shook her head. “No, I’m fine. Thanks anyway. Besides, the morning rush is only just starting. I’d hate to leave you to deal with it on your own.”
Mrs Buckley whirled through the café doors at that moment, her arms waving wildly. “Oh, isn’t it awful!” she boomed out, grasping her hat with one hand as it almost slid off her head. “I can’t believe it. Murdered. Right here in Oakwood Grove! What a tragedy. I didn’t expect the café to be open this morning, but then I guess we all need to have somewhere to congregate after this terrible news.”
Customers stopped mid conversation as all eyes turned toward the commotion. Paige grabbed the counter with both hands as the room spun precariously. She’d been too late. Her heart constricted in her chest. She’d known it deep down, but hope had persisted anyway. Now it was completely taken away. Tears gathered in her eyes and her throat tightened. She’d let Jean down.
“For crying out loud, Phyllis, what are you talking about?” Mrs Perkins demanded, her teacup halfway to her lips.
Mrs Buckley swung her head towards her friend. “You mean you haven’t heard?”
“Obviously not,” Mrs Perkins snapped, fear cracking through her voice. “Will you kindly explain? Someone was murdered here last night? Was it the Hindleford killer?”
Silence filled the café. Mrs Buckley twisted her hands together. “It was Jean. The lady that works here. She was murdered in her home last night. A burglary gone wrong, the police think. My daughter works at the station. She said it wasn’t being treated as a related incident to the Hindleford Killings. The MO was entirely different.” She shook her head, her eyes huge. “Two killers at large! It doesn’t bear thinking about.”
Shocked expressions crossed everyone’s faces. For several moments, all that could be heard was the traffic on the street outside. It was as though everyone in the café had been frozen in place. Fear filled gazes darted about. Nobody seemed to know what to say or do.
Mrs Buckley turned to Paige, deep commiseration on her features. “I’m sorry, dear. I thought you would have heard.”
Paige shook her head, still numb. Becki grasped her elbow. “You need to sit down before you fall down.” She glanced around. “Can someone get us a chair here?”
Paige was vaguely aware of a chair being passed over the counter. Becki guided her to the seat and helped her down. “Do you need a drink? Anything?”
Paige shook her head. “I don’t know what to do.” She glanced around. A sea of faces stared at her from behind the counter. She felt like a zoo exhibit on display.
“Alright, everyone. Back away. Nothing to see here.” Becki made shooing motions with her hands. “Give the woman air to breathe.” She leaned towards Paige. “Should I close up?”
Paige nodded. “Please. We can’t serve like this.”
Paige couldn’t seem to move. Her legs felt like they were made of lead. She could hear Becki hustling the customers out, but she had no energy to help. What was the point of having a gift if you couldn’t do anything to save someone’s life? She’d really thought she could save Jean. Her vision blurred, a teardrop landed on her hand. She’d only ever felt this cold once before. It was something she’d never wanted to experience again, yet here she was.
A hand touched her arm and Paige jerked. Becki’s blurred form came into view. “Sergeant Drake is here with another man. Did you want me to send them away?”
Paige wiped at her face, a puzzled frown creasing her brow. “What does he want?”
“He didn’t say. I can ask them to come back if you want?” Becki offered, her dark eyes filled with concern.
Paige shook her head. “It’s fine. You go home. I’ll clear up here after I’ve spoken to him.”
“You sure?” Becki lifted one dark brow. “I can stay if you need me to. I’m not sure you should be alone.”
“Honestly, I’ll be fine.” Paige tried to smile reassuringly, but wasn’t sure she succeeded, if the expression on Becki’s face was anything to go by.
“Okay. Let me know if you need anything.” She patted Paige on the shoulder and stepped away.
A moment later, Sergeant Drake stepped around the counter, his face grave. “You’ve heard the news, I see.” Paige nodded. He waved towards another man that stood on the other side of the counter. “This is DI Hammond. He’s come over from Hindleford to assist in the investigation.”
Paige turned her attention to the detective. She shivered as her gaze met the glacial stare of the man. His lips thinned out in what she could only assume was meant to be a smile. There was something rather sinister and feral about him. This guy was a policeman? He appeared more of a villain to her. Then again, she supposed he’d be really handy in an interrogation. He’d scare anyone into a confession with his face alone.
“Miss Saunders,” he tipped his head towards her. His voice sounded like granite. “We have some questions we’d like to ask, if it’s not too much trouble.”
Paige glanced between the two. “What sort of questions? I’m not sure I can be of much help. Jean was a very private person. She really didn’t speak about herself much at all.”
DI Hammond leaned against the counter. “Actually, I’m referring to the phone call placed to the emergency services last night.” He paused and lifted a blonde brow in challenge. “A call placed from your phone.”
Paige’s mouth dried up instantly. His hard stare tore through her, as if he could reach down inside and see all her secrets. She was in trouble now. She should have realised they would be able to trace her phone. It wasn’t a pay as you go service. She was the registered owner. Sloppy mistake. How was she going to explain that call?
“Paige,” Sergeant Drake cut in, “if you know something, you must tell us. Were you at Jean’s home last night? Did you see something? It is imperative that you tell us anything you know.”
Paige shrugged. “I wasn’t there.” It was lame. She simply couldn’t think straight. Fear and lack of sleep rendered her brain useless. Her heart pounded in her chest and her body trembled.
DI Hammond glared at her. “Really? Then how do you explain the call? I’m sure if we use voice recognition, we’d be able to establish easily that it is your voice on the call.” He glared at her triumphantly.
Paige had no idea what to say. She knew full well if they decided to do as DI Hammond was obviously threatening, then her voice would be confirmed as the caller. Silence stretched out. “Were you involved with your employee, Miss Saunders?” DI Hammond sneered. “Is that why you refuse to admit to us you were there?”
Paige’s mouth dropped open. “Excuse me?” she choked out. “What do you mean by involved.”
“Were you lovers?” DI Hammond clarified, a nasty gleam in his eyes.
“No!” Paige snapped. “Jean and I work together. We’re not even really friends. We’re just work colleagues…………I mean we were.” Her voice caught as she realised she’d been talking as if Jean were still alive.
DI Hammond shrugged. “I’m just trying to think why a boss would be at her employee’s house late at night, makes a call to emergency services, and then refuses to admit she was there. You can see my point, right?”
“I most certainly do not!” Paige leapt to her feet, her hands clenched into fists. “I wasn’t at Jean’s house last night. Ask my housemates if you don’t believ
e me. I had dinner at home with them and then went to bed!”
“And decided to make a very accurate phone call in the middle of the night, from your own house?” DI Hammond snorted. “No jury would believe that.”
Sergeant Drake frowned at Hammond’s accusatory tone. He hooked his thumbs into the waistband of his trousers and shook his head disapprovingly. “Detective, is all this really necessary? Paige isn’t on trial here. We’re just establishing facts and gathering information.”
DI Hammond pinned Sergeant Drake with a dark glare. “That is precisely what I am doing. Miss Saunders phoned the emergency services, informing them of the attack on Jean Holdbrook. That is a fact. I merely wish to know why she is lying about it.” He turned back to Paige. “You can be arrested for withholding information, Miss Saunders.”
Sergeant Drake sighed, long and loud. “He’s right, Paige. Just answer the questions truthfully. If you saw who did this, we need to know. I promise you will be safe. I’ll make sure you’re protected.”
Paige was backed into a corner and she knew it. For whatever reason, DI Hammond disliked her intensely. She could feel it rolling off him in thick clouds that almost choked her. What had she done to invoke such a reaction from the man? Was it because he thought she liked women? She didn’t dare probe him to find out. There was no way she wanted to touch the man to establish a connection. She needed to be on her toes around him and her sleepy brain wasn’t up to focusing on two things at once. Given half a chance, this man would clap her in handcuffs. She had no doubt about that.
She turned to Sergeant Drake. At least talking to him felt easier. She had no choice now, but to reveal her secret to these two. Nausea swirled in her stomach and a deep dread filled her being. It wasn’t something she’d ever wanted to reveal, especially with someone like Hammond listening in.
“You won’t believe me,” she told Sergeant Drake, her gaze filled with fear.
“Try me.” He reached over and squeezed her shoulder encouragingly. She could feel his puzzlement, but also a deep sense of reassurance. He sincerely wanted to help her.
The Hindleford Killer (The Psychic Eye Mysteries Book 1) Page 3