Faraway Eyes_A fast-paced romantic murder mystery

by Evelyn Harrison

  “I can sleep in the chair if you’d prefer, or if you’re OK with it, we can get into bed. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t expect us to do anything other than cuddle,” he said.

  Staring into his eyes, a tingle went through her. Did he realise how many times she had dreamed of making love to him? Of course, it was always on the rug in front of the fire in Honeysuckle Cottage, not in a hotel room on the other side of the world.

  “I think the bed looks a lot more comfortable than the chair, don’t you?” she beamed. Throwing her arms around his neck, her lips met his once more. “I need to freshen up though, do you fancy a drink? There should be a bottle of wine in the fridge. Pour me one out, will you? I won’t be a minute.”

  Opening her suitcase, she removed a nightdress, which wasn’t exactly the sexy style she would have chosen for her first night of sleeping with Alex, but she hadn’t come prepared for a physical encounter, so this cotton nightshirt from Next would have to do.

  Reaching into the shower she rotated the dial and ran the water until it had reached the right temperature. Removing her clothes, she stepped under the waterfall and began to lather her body. She didn’t hear the door to the bathroom open, but she was soon aware of the glass partition sliding across. Taking her into his arms in the steam-filled cubicle, Alex’s mouth encompassed hers, whilst his hands moved slowly over the contours of her yielding body. Several minutes later, they both emerged and wrapped in towels, re-entered the bedroom. Peeling back the bed covers, their excitement continued. It had been so long since she had felt the warmth of another body beside her. Resting on his arms Alex leaned over her and stroked her wet hair. Her whole being was aching with desire. He had been her fantasy for so long, it was almost surreal. Slowly, his hands caressed every intimate part of her, his lips and tongue following their journey. As their discarded towels fell to the floor, he lay on top of her, rising and falling, both rejoicing in their lovemaking.

  Chapter 31 – Home at Last

  New Zealand Wednesday 31st May

  Sam woke first. For a second, she wondered where she was. Then she remembered and smiled to herself, content that last night hadn’t been a dream. She stretched out her arm towards him; his rumpled hair in an odd way seemed to add to the overpowering love she was feeling. Nestling in behind him, she wondered what would happen when they got back home, when normal life took over. Obviously, they would have to take it slow, there was Harry to consider. Alex had been a big part of her son’s life from the day he was born, but when Ana appeared on the scene and stole him away, their world had changed. Would Alex be a stranger to her little boy now?

  Opening his eyes Alex rolled over onto his back. “Morning,” he said. Pulling her towards him, he cupped her face and planted his lips tenderly on hers. “Have you been awake long?”

  “No, not long.”

  “You look beautiful in the morning, even with a bruised face,” he said, as his hands began to slide over her body. With their excitement mounting, she sat astride him and threw back her head. Together they moved rhythmically, totally in tune with each other, their intimacy bringing them both heightening pleasure once more.

  ***

  Kate and James were already tucking into their breakfast when they arrived in the rather grand dining room.

  “Morning you two, sleep well?” asked Kate, amused at their friends’ obvious awkwardness at her question.

  “Yes, thanks,” grinned Sam, who wasn’t quite ready to volunteer any further information of their night together. Rapidly changing the subject, she continued “I thought I’d call Hemi when we’re ready to leave for the airport.”

  “Good idea. By the way, did you notice a Ladies when you came in?”

  Knowing that was Kate’s hint that she wanted to talk, Sam jumped up from her seat. “Yes, come on, I’ll show you.”

  “Well?” asked Kate, in the confines of the washroom. “Did you?”

  Turning on the taps in the sink, Sam glanced up at Kate’s reflection in the mirror. “Did we what?”

  “You know what I mean, did you and Alex sleep together? And if you did was it as wonderful as you imagined?”

  “That’s a rather personal question,” teased Sam, drying her hands. “But it’s one I know from past experience you won’t let lie, will you? Yes, Alex and I slept together and yes, it was better than I ever imagined.”

  Kate threw her arms around her. “I knew it, I’m so happy for you both and for what it’s worth, James thinks Alex really loves you.”

  ***

  The flight home was on time, waiting to board Kate turned to James.

  “With everything that’s been happening, I’ve just remembered, you were going to tell us something about Mrs. Hamilton?”

  “It’s Alex’s case, it’s best it comes from him.”

  The tragic news of the demise of the widely known villager, added to the shocks of the last few days. Of course, Kate had had dealings with Stephen Hamilton when she was a young girl and knew only too well what he was capable of. Hearing he’d watched his own mother die without helping her, reminded her of poor old Alfred Reed, who had come to her in spirit form and shown her what had happened to him on the night he lost his life. Finally, with the arrest of Stephen Hamilton, the deceased pensioner and his daughter Emily Stanton, the wife of their local vicar, could rest in peace in the knowledge that his evil would be exposed in court and justice would be served.

  ***

  England, Thursday 1st June

  Brian was waiting for them at arrivals. Loading up the car in Heathrow’s multi-storey car park, Sam climbed into the front seat beside him.

  “Thanks for meeting us Brian, how’s everyone?”

  “I left them planning lunch, they’re really excited about your return. Your girls are at The Old Rectory too, Kate and James, with Flo and your French grandmamma.”

  Happy to be back on familiar territory, but exhausted from the long flight, they allowed themselves some quiet time as the car drove onwards towards home. After several long hours, Brian pulled up in front of the drive to The Old Rectory, whereupon Sam leapt out of the car and opened the gate. Driving slowly up the gravel drive, passing evolving colourful beds of established and developing flora, they could see the front door had been flung open, and their friends and family emerging with open arms.

  “Samantha dear, thank goodness you’re all home,” cried Sally. “There’s a little boy here who can’t wait to give his mummy a big hug.”

  Sweeping Harry up in her arms, Sam soaked him with her tears. Arriving beside her, Alex grinned at the little boy still clinging on tightly to his mother.

  “Do you remember me Harry?” he asked.

  “Yes,” insisted Harry.

  Leaving his mother’s embrace, Harry leapt at Alex, who spun him around, causing the little boy to squeal with delight. Relieved at the warm welcome, Alex put his arm around Sam and with Harry hoisted onto his shoulders, together all three entered the house, to be greeted by Beth who couldn’t wait to talk to her friends.

  “Tell me everything,” she enthused, her mind going into express mode. “Did Alex tell you I was the one who found Barbara Hamilton’s body? Have you seen the papers, you’re in them!”

  Picking up a copy of the Daily Mail from the hall table, Sam read out the headline. “ ‘British Holiday Makers Catch New Zealand Serial Killer’. There’s even a picture of you and me Kate, not the guys, just you and me!” cried Sam, rather taken aback by the intrusion.

  Alex took the paper from her grasp. “We did think this might happen, just as well you told Polly,” he said, returning the paper to the table. “Let’s forget it for now. I believe this young man’s hungry, I’m sure I heard his tummy rumble, or was it mine?” he said, tickling Harry.

  ***

  It was early evening; Sam could hardly keep her eyes open. Everyone else had left except for her, Harry and Alex, because Sally had insisted that the three of them stay the night. The adults were relaxing in the sitting room listening to mus
ic; Polly and Brian had already retired to their part of the house.

  “It’s Barbara Hamilton’s funeral the week after next, I’m going, do you want to come with me, Samantha?” asked Sally.

  “Yes, of course Mum, I wasn’t her biggest fan, but she didn’t deserve to die like that. I wonder what will happen to the house now?”

  “Good question. I heard she’d left everything to Stephen, however, because of the circumstances of her death, her wealthy family have got involved and are contesting her will.”

  “They’ll probably be successful,” pointed out Alex, “the courts will take into account Stephen’s involvement in his mother’s death.”

  A look of curiosity appeared on Sally’s face, Sam wasn’t absolutely sure, but she thought she noticed a twinkle in her eye, she hadn’t seen that look from her mum for a very long time.

  “You haven’t explained to me why you went all the way to New Zealand to find my daughter, Alex? I heard from Josie all about the wedding, I’m sorry that things turned out as they did. I take the blame for you and Ana meeting, as I introduced you to her in the first place. She seemed so nice when she stayed here, obviously I got her completely wrong. All that aside, why then did you get on a plane to go all that way?”

  Alex cleared his throat and moved closer to Sam. “Actually Sally, I went there to tell your daughter I love her, and as it turns out, she loves me too.” He leaned towards Sam and kissed her.

  Sally sprang to her feet and embraced them both.

  “I knew it, I just wanted to hear it from you. I’m so pleased you’ve both finally come to your senses and admitted it to each other. It’s been obvious to everyone else; I don’t know why it’s taken you so long. Samantha dear, your father, god bless him, would be so happy. Come on, one last drink before bed, I’ve a bottle of champagne chilling in the fridge.”

  ***

  Opening the door to Honeysuckle Cottage the following morning, Sam held Harry’s hand as they stepped in to the hallway. Home at last, it felt good. Entering the sitting room Harry ran to his box of toys and started pulling everything out, covering the floor in seconds in his enthusiasm, but she didn’t care, it delighted her watching him play. Leaving him for a minute while she unpacked her food shopping, her thoughts were interrupted by the phone in the hall.

  It had been a while since she had spoken to Victoria, now the ex-wife of Hadley Wainwright, the man who killed Michael. The two women had been friends since they were little girls, but over the years mainly due to distance, they had not seen each other as much as they would have liked, although they kept in touch with the odd lunch and shopping spree up in London. So Sam wasn’t too surprised to hear Victoria’s over-excited voice on the other end of the phone.

  “Sammy, I’ve been reading all about you in the paper, what a terrible experience. How are you?”

  Sam took the phone into the sitting room and sat down. “I’m fine, thanks Vicki. Relieved to be home with Harry. How are you and Olivia? It’s been so long since I’ve seen her, she must be quite a young lady now.”

  “Yes, she’s almost as tall as me, we’ll have to make time to meet up. Look, I’ve got some news and I’m bursting to tell you. I’m getting married again!”

  “Oh wow, congratulations! Who’s the lucky guy?”

  “His name is Ross Campbell, I’ve known him for years, he works in daddy’s firm. The thing is the wedding is going to be low key – mummy insists – so we’re not having any guests at the registry office, just our parents. I hope you understand?”

  “Of course, I understand. So, you’ll be Mrs. Vicki Campbell?”

  “Exactly Sammy, I’m so excited, it’ll be a fresh start.”

  Yes, thought Sam, the time is right for a fresh start for both of us.

  ***

  It had been over a week since they arrived home. Alex was still living in his house in Dunwell, but came over most nights to spend time with Sam and, if he was early enough, to play with Harry. He hadn’t slept over as yet; Sam didn’t think it appropriate until they knew where their relationship was going. Alex was fine about the whole thing, he was just so happy to have her and Harry back in his life again.

  It was late Friday afternoon when she received a very strange phone call from Beth. “Sam,” she whispered, “there’s a woman in the café who’s asking about you. She says her name is Mrs. Trevino-Velez.”

  “I don’t know anyone of that name, and why are you whispering?”

  “Because I don’t want her to overhear me talking to you. She says you would probably know her by another name, Catherine Appleby!”

  Chapter 32 – A Surprise Visitor

  Sam had to sit down, she felt quite light-headed. Why would Catherine Appleby be looking for her?

  “What did you say to her?”

  “Well, obviously I recognised the name Appleby as soon as she said it, I certainly wasn’t going to tell her your address though, but I couldn’t deny I didn’t know you. If she keeps asking around the village someone is bound to spill the beans eventually, I’m guessing you won’t want her turning up on your doorstep?”

  “Yes, you’re right. OK, when do you close today?”

  “I’m closing in fifteen minutes, she’s just asked for a second pot of tea. There’s no one else in the café by the way.”

  “Right, I’ll run next door and see if your mum can look after Harry and then I’ll be with you.”

  ***

  It didn’t take Sam long to walk from her house down Horse Lane to the cobbled streets of Willow Green High Street. Glancing up at the sky, she was dismayed to see dark storm clouds were gathering, she hoped this wasn’t an omen about what was to come. The question still mulling around her head was why had Catherine suddenly arrived in the village? Making her way towards the tearoom, Sam couldn’t help but speculate on what sort of woman this Catherine was? Would she be like her daughter, Hannah, a bit rough around the edges? Had she come here for a slanging match? She couldn’t imagine why she had a reason too. After all, it had been months since Sam had visited her daughter in Watford, and since then she’d made no other contact.

  Picking up the pace, she reached the post office and general store and waved at Laura, who was just turning the ‘Closed’ sign on her shop door. Coming to a halt outside The Rose Cottage Tearooms, Sam peered uneasily through the large glass window, but there was nobody visible that she could see. The little bell over the door tinkled loudly the minute she stepped into the interior, informing Beth in its cheery way, she had another customer. In the far corner, facing the wall adorned with pictures of the village through the ages, sat a woman who Sam supposed was Catherine. Rushing over to her friend, Beth took her to one side.

  “I’ll close up now,” she said quietly, “then I’ll bring a pot of tea over. You go and introduce yourself. I’ll not be too far away if you need rescuing.”

  Sam strode over towards the woman. “Excuse me, I’m Samantha Adams, I understand you’re looking for me?”

  Raising her head in surprise, Catherine returned her cup to the saucer. She was a woman in her seventies; her short, well-trimmed hair had more salt than pepper and her aging eyes still held a hint of green. She was dressed smartly, in a cream blouse and a blue skirt, around her neck hung a gold crucifix.

  “Please take a seat,” she indicated. “Can I order you some tea?”

  “No there’s no need to, it’s already on the way. So, tell me, why have you been asking for me?”

  Catherine leaned back in her chair and dabbed her mouth with her serviette. “My daughter Hannah told me about your visit. She was quite upset, especially to learn the young man, Michael, had died.” She leaned forward again and rested her chin on her hand. “I was curious about you at the time, and then Hannah saw your picture in the paper and phoned me, so, here I am.”

  Sam raised an eyebrow, “So, here you are, but why, I ask?”

  Catherine stared at her as if taking in her features. “I’ve been doing some detective work of my own and dis
covered you were actually married to Michael. I think it’s time you learned the truth about his birth if you’re still interested and I would also like to hear about your life with him, if you feel you can tell me?”

  Arriving beside their table, balancing a pot of tea together with a cup and saucer on a floral tray, Beth set them down in front of Sam.

  “Everything OK?”

  Sam looked up at her, “Yes thanks, everything’s absolutely fine.”

  “Right, I’ll be in the back, if you need anything else, just call, anything at all.”

  “We will.”

  “I’m guessing she’s a friend of yours,” said Catherine, as Beth slipped away.

  “Yes, a very good friend as it happens. So, you said you would tell me about Michael, for his sake I would really like to know and then perhaps in return, I will talk about him.”

  Catherine cleared her throat, this wasn’t going to be easy. Hannah had begged her not to come, had hated the thought of it all being dragged up again, just when their lives had forged new paths. Nevertheless, here she was, in the presence of Michael’s widow, about to reveal all.

  “Some of the secrets I’m going to tell you, have never been spoken about outside my family, so forgive me if I get emotional. I met my husband Frank when I was still quite young. He was a bachelor and lay preacher, and a lot older than me. He was never what you would call a handsome man, but he had a charm about him that at the start, I found endearing.

  I was brought up in Yorkshire and my mother, a very religious woman, attended the church Frank occasionally preached in. One day, she dragged me along, I think I was seventeen, I remember listening to him, hanging on every word he was spouting from the pulpit. I didn’t see him again for several years, mainly because he would leave for his missionary work in Africa or India, wherever he was needed and be gone for months at a time.