“But it is possible that the father may have been looking for her and his child?” Pip asked as he scribbled notes into his book. “She may have let him into her house to discuss their child?”
Holdbrook shook his head emphatically. “No. As I said, she always seemed afraid of him. I am sure he was the main reason she gave up her baby in the first place. She wouldn’t have talked to him.”
Kieran considered the information. “What about her child? Has she ever tried to search for the kid?”
Holdbrook shook his head. “No, not that I’m aware of. I always felt she had a hole inside because she gave up her child. I encouraged her to find the boy, but she always refused. I never knew why.” He twisted the cup around in his hand, his expression thoughtful.
“Actually, there is something else. A few of months ago, I set up an online account for Jean with a dating agency.” He closed his eyes and shuddered. “I know it was wrong to go behind her back, but I wanted her to have more in her life than work.” He glanced up at Pip, his expression tortured. “She went crazy when she found out. I mean over the top crazy. She tore into me in a way I’d never seen before and insisted I take it down immediately.”
“Did she say why?” Pip asked as he wrote the information in his book.
“No, but in light of what’s happened, I have to wonder if she was afraid her son’s father would find her.” He glanced back and forth between Pip and Kieran. “Do you think he could be responsible for her death after all?”
“It’s possible,” Kieran conceded. “Isn’t there anything about this man that you know? Didn’t she give you any details?”
Holdbrook shook his head. “All I know is that she was scared of him. I was several years older than Jean. When this happened, I was already living in my own place with a young family. I didn’t see any of what was happening at home until my mother called with the news of Jean’s pregnancy.” He ran a hand through his balding hair.
“Didn’t your mother ever tell you anything more? Is she available to speak to? Maybe Jean confided in her?” Kieran asked.
“She’s in a home now,” Holdbrook said sadly. “She’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Most days she hasn’t got a clue where she is or who I am. I doubt she’d be of any help. I tried to tell her of Jean’s death, but she really didn’t understand. I would rather she wasn’t disturbed.”
“What about a friend Jean may have had at the time?” Kieran tried again, desperate. There had to be something, some clue in Jean’s life that would lead to the killer.
Holdbrook shrugged. “I really didn’t know any of her friends. I think there was someone she hung around with a lot back then, but I don’t remember the name. I’m sorry. I’ve told you everything I can.” He glanced at his watch. “I really need to be leaving. I have a lot to sort out for Jean’s funeral and then there’s all her affairs to put in order. It’s a lot of work, so if that is all?”
Kieran sighed and sat back in his seat. He doubted the man would part with anything more and he had provided some information, just nothing for them to go on. “Thank you for your time, Mr Holdbrook.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. “This is my number. If there is anything else you think of, please don’t hesitate to contact me.”
Holdbrook rose to his feet and accepted the card. He shook Kieran’s hand, then Pip’s. “I will. And please, let me know if you find anything out. I have to know Jean’s killer has been brought to justice.”
Kieran opened the interview room door. “Can you show Mr Holdbrook out,” he asked Pip.
Pip nodded. “This way, sir.” He strode down the corridor, Holdbrook following behind, his shoulders stooped as if the world rested upon them.
Kieran turned back to Paige. She stood at the table, her hands wrapped around the cup Holdbrook had been drinking from. “Well, we have plenty of information, but not a lot that helps.” He strode over to the desk and flipped through the notes Pip had taken. “How are we supposed to find this guy that fathered Jean’s son, when we have absolutely no information on him whatsoever?” He gazed at her in desperation. “Please tell me you picked up something that can help us?”
Paige smiled, but it didn’t reach her incredible green eyes. “I’m not sure. The information he gave was mostly true, but he was definitely hiding something. He isn’t being totally forthcoming, and I’m not sure why. He did know Jean’s friend, the one he makes out he can’t remember. I felt an emotional charge in his energy as he mentioned her. I am hoping I can pick up a little more.”
She closed her eyes, her fingers running along the edge of the cup. She wrapped her hand around it, in the exact position Holdbrook had. Breathing deeply, she seemed to enter some kind of trance. Finally her eyes popped open, a smile spreading across her face.
“He knew her, alright. An affair.” She shook her head. “Obviously hiding his own sins is more important to him than finding his sister’s killer. He is absolutely terrified of his wife ever finding out.”
Kieran raised a brow. “But how is that going to help? We need a name. Something we can trace.”
Paige stared at the cup in her hand. “I don’t know what her name may be now. She could have married or changed it, but it was Sara Kennedy. The thought was very clear in his head, along with an image of a young girl with bright blue eyes and dark brown hair.”
Kieran considered her words. “So, we follow this path and hope it leads to the killer.” He blew out a breath, planting his hands on his hips. “I just hope this isn’t a wild goose chase. That monster is going to kill again and I can’t help feeling time is running out.”
Paige shook her head. “I don’t know if this will be the break we are looking for. I can only go by what I am picking up. I know Jean’s brother is hiding something else, but I’m not sure what. That part was very unclear.” Doubt clouded her expression. Kieran could feel the worry rolling off her in waves. “I don’t want to take the wrong turn with this.”
Kieran touched her arm briefly. She seemed so delicate and fragile, but he couldn’t afford for her to buckle under the pressure. He had nothing else to go on, but what she had given him. God, he hoped Don was right about her.
“It will come clear,” he assured her, despite his private misgivings. “Every investigation is a cloud of facts that make no sense until suddenly it all clicks into place. At least we have somewhere else we can try. I will get Pip to dig into this Sarah Kennedy and hopefully find us a current address. It may take a little time to locate her.”
She nodded. The way she looked at him made him wonder if she’d picked up on his doubts. He had to remember she apparently had the ability to know things about people.
“Okay,” she finally said, drawing away from him, “but time is of the essence. I feel certain you are right. If we don’t act quickly, someone else will die again………….soon.”
Chapter Thirteen
“I haven’t finished the website yet, but the posters and leaflets are pretty much done,” Mandy smiled, excitement filling her clear blue eyes. “Of course, that’s depending on your approval.”
“I think the design we came up with is perfect. Mandy’s done a fabulous job.” Louisa held up a tablet to show Paige their hard work.
Paige was happy for the distraction. All day her body had been wound tighter than a spring loaded for action. She felt sick and worried, a cloud of doom hanging thick and heavy over her like an impenetrable cloak. No matter how she tried to shift it, nothing seemed to help.
She glanced over the colourful images, her mouth slightly agape. “How did you manage so much work in one evening?” Her gaze flicked over the café, checking none of the customers who were still in the shop needed anything. It was late afternoon, her quietest period. Only two tables were currently occupied.
Louisa grinned sheepishly. “I may have started work on ideas before I pitched the concept to you. Of course, Mandy was able to bring my ideas to life in a way I never could.”
Paige took the tablet from Lou
isa and admired the colourful design. A beautiful cake stand filled with delicious cakes wound up one side. They had put a cup and saucer with a teapot standing next to it. The steam from the cup and pot wound around the rest of the poster, the words advertising the event wrapped up in the steam. It looked fun and inviting.
“Yep, I have to agree that this is a great design. It would sure grab my attention and make me want to book it.” Paige bit her lip. She hated to bring up the tough stuff, as the girls were so excited, but she had to think like a business woman. “Do you know somewhere we can print these to poster and leaflet sizes? We need to get an idea of cost.”
Mandy batted the air with her hand. “I can sort it. Don’t worry. I’m going to make it part of my coursework, so I can use the printer at school for nothing. When do you want to start advertising it? We also need to settle on a date so I can insert it into the design.”
“Humm.” Paige tapped a finger to her mouth, considering. “How about Mother’s Day? It is just far enough for us to drum up a lot of business and still give me time to design a menu. I think a lot of people would love this event to spoil their mothers with.”
“Great! We’ll get working on it.” Louisa took the tablet from Paige’s hand. She glanced up and her face turned chalky white.
Startled, Paige followed the girl’s gaze. Outside the shop, a young man stood gazing in through the window. He wore battered jeans and a t-shirt with a skull and cross bones on the front. His sandy hair was shaved up the back and he sported one of those ridiculous bun’s that seemed so popular on top of his head. His arms were covered in tattoo’s and he had several piercing’s adorning his body. He held his hand cupped around his face, assumingly to see into the shop better. He seemed to be staring right at Louisa, his gaze penetrating and hard.
“Oh, no! Is that him?” Mandy whispered as if the man could hear her through the glass. She placed a comforting hand on Louisa’s back.
“Is everything okay?” Paige asked softly. She was obviously missing something. Mandy’s brow was creased with worry and Louisa looked as if she may faint.
“It’s Louisa’s ex,” Mandy stage whispered to her. “He hasn’t taken the break up well and won’t leave her alone.” She rolled her eyes. “Boy, do I understand that one. My ex is still texting me and he’s been following me around since I dumped him. Men are so annoying!”
“Do you want me to go and get rid of him for you?” Paige asked Louisa.
The girl shook her head slowly, her gaze never leaving the man. “No, it’s okay. He’s my problem. Can you excuse me a moment?” The words were choked, as though Louisa’s throat had closed up. “I’ll take care of this quickly. I promise.”
Paige glanced back at the man. He stood back from the window now, as if he knew Louisa would come to him. Paige studied him, wearily. She didn’t like the feel of this situation. “Of course,” she replied absently. “Do you need me to come with you?”
The girl shook her head, handing her tablet to Mandy. She walked stiffly to the café door and exited. Paige kept her eyes glued to the pair, her heart slamming against her chest. Something felt extremely wrong. Her gut twisted and her heart hammered in her chest.
“Are you sure we should leave her alone with him?” Mandy asked, her eyes wide with worry.
“We’ll keep a careful watch for now,” Paige said softly. “If Louisa needs us, we’ll be there.”
“Okay.” Mandy didn’t sound convinced. Both of them stood where they were and watched the scene unfold. The tension in the café was so thick, Paige was sure she could cut it with a knife. She kept her eyes glued to the couple.
Louisa’s still, pale form stood before the man as he talked quickly and urgently, waving his hands around as he spoke. She shook her head and sliced a hand through the air, as though cutting off his words. She spoke back, her eyes large in her head. Worried, Paige wandered closer to the door. She could hear the raised voices, but couldn’t catch more than a word or two. It was clear a heated argument was taking place.
The man lunged forward and grabbed Louisa’s arms. That did it! With no thought to her own safety, Paige hurried to the door and flung it open. “Hey!” she shouted, wrestling her phone out of her apron pocket. She waved it at him. “I’ll call the police if you don’t unhand my employee and clear off this second!”
Mandy shot to her side a few seconds later, brandishing a broom. “I won’t hesitate to use this if you don’t let my friend go!”
His hard eyes glared between them, his mouth twisted in a sneer. However, he dropped his grip on Louisa and stepped back. He pointed a finger in her face. “This isn’t you,” he insisted, his voice intense. “When you’re ready to stop lying to yourself and come back to me, you know where I’ll be. Don’t take too long. I’m not a patient man.”
He spun on his heel and stalked down the pavement. Paige hurried over to Louisa, putting her arm around the girl’s shoulders. Emotions battered her, but she held tight. Louisa was clearly extremely upset. Tears formed in her eyes and she buried her face in her hands. Mandy shot to Louisa’s other side, patting her back and offering words of comfort. The girl’s sobs went on for several minutes before she drew in a shuddering breath and pulled away from Paige and Mandy.
“Why can’t he understand that I don’t want a life with him? I don’t want what he does. I want to be me.” She thumped her chest and turned her wet face to Paige. “I love this. Being here with you in the café. Learning to bake is my dream. I want to be here,” she waved a hand in his direction, “not with him the way he wants me to be.”
Paige bit her lip, sympathy rolling through her. “Is he hassling you? You can always speak to the police.” She glanced over Louisa, but could see no evidence of bruising on the girl’s arms. Had that creep been hitting her? Or was his bullying all mental? Was that why Louisa seemed so uncertain and awkward at times?
Louisa shook her head. “I can’t. What can they do? He hasn’t threatened me or hurt me.” She wiped her hands over her face. “He will get the message eventually. I just have to stay firm.”
“Are you sure?” Paige asked again. “I am happy to file a police report with you. I can tell them what I’ve witnessed.”
“I’ll go too,” Mandy chimed in. “I know what it’s like to have an ex that won’t leave you alone. I won’t stand by and let this happen to you too.”
Louisa smiled, but shook her head. “No, but thank you both. If things get out of hand, I’ll let you know.”
Paige held the café door open. “Okay, but if you need me, just call. Day or night. Okay?”
Louisa nodded and entered the café as Paige held the door open for her and Mandy. Just as she was about to place her phone back into her apron pocket, a message pinged through. Frowning, Paige quickly pressed in her security code and tapped her screen to access the text. It was from Steele.
Found her. Pick you up at the café when you close.
Paige rolled her eyes. Did the man ever bother to ask if someone was free? Or was it simply her he enjoyed bossing around? She tapped back an assent, even though she dearly wished she could refuse. Her gut was knotted tighter than ever after today’s events. All she really wanted was to go home and sink into a steaming hot bath. However, despite her feelings, she knew she couldn’t duck out of this. The internal clock that was her gift kept telling her their time was almost up.
Chapter Fourteen
The sun had well and truly set by the time Steele parked the car at the side of the road. It had taken them a good two hours to reach the other side of London, where Sara Kennedy now resided with her husband and children.
Paige glanced out of the car window to where the whitewashed terraced house stood before her. Light spilled out of the windows and onto the garden that was neatly mowed, with flowers scattered in pots and in a boarder along a low white fence. All in all, the home was well tended and welcoming.
“You’re sure this is the woman?” Paige asked again, her nerves in shreds. She wasn’t sure how
much more of the anxiety eating her insides she could take.
“Yep.” Steele opened his car door and slid out. “Coming?”
Sighing deeply, Paige followed him to the dark blue front door. He rang the bell, his other hand slipping into his pocket to retrieve his badge. The door opened and a boy of about seven gapped up at them. Steele flashed a smile at the boy, along with his badge. “Your mother home?” he asked.
The boy’s eyes widened, his mouth hanging open. “I didn’t do it! Jimmy is a big fat liar!”
Steele raised a brow. “As interesting as it might be to find out what you’re talking about, I’m here to speak to your mother about another matter.”
“Who is it, honey?” a woman’s voice called out.
The boy frowned as if he wasn’t sure he could believe Steele, then glanced nervously over his shoulder. “It’s the police, Mum. He wants to talk to you.”
A woman came to the door, wiping her hands on a dish towel. Her dark hair was peppered with grey streaks and fine lines edged her blue eyes, but Paige could still see the girl she’d seen in her vision in this woman’s face. They were definitely in the right place.
Sara placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder and handed him the towel. “Go finish the drying up for me, please.”
“Aww, do I have to?” The boy grabbed the towel despite his grumbling. He stomped back down the corridor towards what Paige assumed must be the kitchen.
“What do you want?” Sara asked, her stance indicating she was wary and more than a little closed off. Her gaze flicked over them both.
Steele flashed his badge again. “Sara Kennedy?”
“It’s Porter now.” She glanced at his badge.
“I am Detective Steele and this is Paige Saunders. We’re here to ask you some questions regarding an old friend of yours. Jean Holdbrook.” Steele slid his badge into his pocket. “May we come in?”
The Hindleford Killer (The Psychic Eye Mysteries Book 1) Page 8