Behind A Twisted Smile (Dark Minds Book 2)

by Faith Mortimer

  I wanted more ... a lot more.

  I tasted wine; I smelt his all-male scent. I gasped, fighting against the feeling of drowning and grew bold. I pulled him closer, opening my lips further, inviting him in. He groaned and took my face between his hands, holding me prisoner to his feverish kiss, except I knew I was no prisoner. I was exactly where I wanted to be.

  I couldn’t believe he made me feel like this, so passionate with this one kiss. My cheeks were burning, and I could feel a delicious ache between my legs, spreading the warmth to every nerve ending of my body.

  However, it was after spending three evenings in a row in bed that I decided we ought to get out more in case Jon thought our relationship was based on nothing but sex. Besides, Faye had been making noises about meeting my new man and not keeping him all to myself.

  We agreed to meet in a pub she and I had long favoured, and after introductions, we four settled down to a pleasant evening. I realised not long after we met that Jon was one of the most relaxed and easy-going men I had ever met and that evening was no exception. The evening went smoothly; everyone was friendly and taking turns to buy a round and a few bags of crisps to nibble. We were discussing Faye’s new job and then, out of the blue, the pub door swung open, and who should walk in but Martyn and Evie.

  “Moya!” Martyn said loudly, giving Evie a nudge in my direction so she couldn’t fail to miss us. They threaded their way through the tables and chairs until they were standing grinning in front of us…at least, Martyn was, Evie still looked a bit po-faced as she passed her glance over me.

  She and Faye knew each other, of course, and after hugs and introductions all round, I heard Simon suggesting they join us. My heart sank, but I knew that unless I made a scene there was nothing I could do.

  As the evening wore on and everyone seemed to be getting on, I began to unwind. I watched Martyn carefully, but he was on his best behaviour, even standing his own round which impressed me no end. It was a first as far as I remembered.

  Faye admired Evie’s ring, chatted about the new house, and when I saw how contented my sister seemed with Martyn, I felt churlish again. He smiled at her, caressed her hand and whispered secrets into her ear, which made her blush.

  I yawned and looking at my watch, saw it was a quarter to eleven. I had been putting in long days to cover all my clients before my rooms closed for the renovation work, and it was beginning to take its toll. The thought of a warm cosy bed and maybe a quick cuddle beckoned. I slipped out to the loo at the back of the building before the drive home.

  On my way back, I felt a hand grip my arm, and startled, I glanced behind me.

  “So, he really does exist, then?” Martyn murmured close to my ear.

  “Excuse me?”

  “When we met him at our engagement party, I did wonder if he was a put-up job. Someone you’d roped in for the night.”

  “I’m not even going to answer that, not after your last insulting comments. Get out of my way, Martyn.”

  His answer was to move in closer, until I found I was pressed up hard against the hall wall, his knee between my legs. He had moved so swiftly and got me in such a grip that I found I couldn’t move to kick him in the balls. He ground his groin so hard into mine, I could feel his erection. The loos were right at the back of the old pub and some way from the public bars. It was pretty dim lighting down there, too. I repressed a shudder. I was scared, but I wasn’t going to let him see it. I squirmed to get free.

  “I said get out of my way. If you touch me again, I’ll scream.”

  He laughed, licked my ear very slowly and then stepped well back, his hands held up in front in case I kneed him. I saw how his mouth was twisted into a smile which held no mirth.

  Shocked, I closed my eyes and trembled. I felt dirty, as if I had been raped.

  “The police didn’t believe you last time. What makes you think they will now?” he whispered.

  I pushed past him, panic gripping my throat as I stumbled away. I don’t know how I managed to walk back to our group, composed and acting as if nothing had happened. Assault is assault, no matter how minor, and I felt violated. Worse of all, I couldn’t say anything to Evie, and I doubted she would have believed her fiancé had just sexually assaulted me.

  I smiled at everyone gathered round our table. “I’m sorry but I’m really bushed. Jon, do you think we can go soon?”

  He met my eye and immediately drained the last inch of his pint. “Of course. I was thinking of calling it a night myself.” He stood up and picked up his jacket from the back of his chair. “Nice meeting you all.”

  There was a chorus of ‘’Night’ and ‘See you again’ as we left.

  ***

  Later, we lay in my bed, unclothed but without having made love. Jon must have sensed something was wrong because he took me in his arms and, instead of talking, caressed my back with long, comforting strokes.

  I lay watching the shadows dancing on the walls as a car or two moved past the building. Eventually he shifted position. “Sorry, my arm’s going to sleep. Moya, are you going to tell me what’s up?”

  Ever since we had left the pub, it had all gone round and round in my head. Should I say something? What should I tell him? Or would he think I was a neurotic female and frighten him off?

  “Have you ever gone out with someone and then realised after a few dates that the initial attraction had worn off? I mean you felt nothing for them?

  I felt him stiffen and immediately turned my head so I was facing him. “No, I’m not talking about us, silly.”

  “Thank God for that.” He squeezed me gently before answering. “Once or twice I have, especially when I was younger…raging hormones I guess. Is this about Martyn?”

  I made a slight nodding movement with my head.

  “Thought so. You looked… shaken when you came back from the ladies. I assumed he followed you after a minute’s wait. Don’t worry, I don’t think anyone else noticed. What did he say to you?”

  I sat up and twisted round to look down at him. “Are you sure you want to know? Some things are best left unsaid.”

  “I’m a big man. I can take it. But…if you’d rather not tell me.”

  “He’s said a few choice things before. I never told you, but I think there are some things you ought to know. We did sleep together. Twice. It didn’t mean anything to me, and I’m ashamed to admit that I’d had too much to drink both times it happened. Please don’t think I make a habit out of this. Only—” I stopped. I fiddled with the sheet, folding it between my fingers, and then let everything come out in a rush once I had collected my nerves.

  “He talked dirty about having sex with me and then how he fantasised about having me and Evie together. That’s not normal, surely, when you’ve just got engaged, is it?”

  Jon shook his head. “No. It’s not. He doesn’t sound much like a loving fiancé. Sure, lots of people fantasise, but as they’re newly engaged, I’d have thought he’d keep such thoughts to himself. What a creep. Is that everything?”

  I paused. How much should I say?

  “He pushed me up against a wall in the pub tonight and assaulted me. Nothing drastic, but it made me feel horrible. Dirty.” My voice went all wobbly, and for a moment, I wondered if I was about to cry.

  “Christ! Hey, it’s okay.” His arms tightened around me, and he pulled me back down onto his chest. “Jesus, he’s a real piece of work. Do you want to report him to the police? I’m happy to go along with you for support.”

  I felt relieved when he said that. At least it proved he believed me. But I had been there once already, and I didn’t want Evie getting involved. But again, that in itself was a problem. Somehow, I had to let her know what she was getting into, and it wasn’t going to be easy. I knew she would never believe me.

  “I don’t know. He’ll deny it, make up some lie. There were no witnesses, and it’s only my word against his. And think about it. Won’t the police think I’m some nutty discarded girlfriend trying to get my own
back in some way?”

  “Possibly. But Moya, if you don’t, then you’ll have to be careful. If this is true—and I do believe you, honestly I do—then you have to stay away from him. He’s the nutter, if you ask me, not you.”

  I knew I would say nothing more to the police. But deep down, I knew he was right. I had to keep clear of Martyn.

  Chapter 14

  I lay on my back, soft wavelets gently buffeting against my body as I gazed up at the flawless sky. I couldn’t ever remember an English sky being quite that shade of blue. I sighed. Paradise couldn’t be any better.

  I sank my toes into silky white sand. The water was a pale turquoise. It had to be nearing lunchtime and time for another piña colada.

  I had been in Antigua for four days now, and apart from not having anyone to share this idyllic place with, I was as happy as Larry. I struck lucky with a last-minute bargain holiday, and within a few days of seeing the ad, I was happy to part company with my credit-card details, sorted out a suitcase full of summer clothing and checked my passport was in its usual place. Antigua here I come, I kept saying over and over in my head!

  Jon couldn’t join me, as he needed more time to arrange his work schedule. But it didn’t matter. I told him I was used to my own company, and while long walks along a talcum-powder beach or swaying under a romantic Caribbean moon to the sound of a steel band in your lover’s arms seemed a wonderful idea, I actually enjoyed being on my own. Besides, it gave me plenty of time to relax and think things over.

  My family’s reaction four days earlier to my taking off had been one of varying degrees of surprise. For one, it had been years since I had taken a holiday on my own, and none of them seemed too impressed when I declined to say which hotel or even which part of the island I was staying on.

  “But what if I need to contact you?” Mum asked plaintively, the evening before I left.

  “My mobile will work there. Just ring or send a text.”

  When Evie and Martyn exchanged looks, I knew the subject wasn’t closed.

  “Last time I went to the Caribbean, I had a real job using my phone. The coverage was appalling,” Evie said.

  “No problem now with the phone coverage, and I have international roaming with my package. You went years ago, and besides, you couldn’t be bothered to buy a decent phone. You were being too darn tight as usual.”

  “Okay, there’s no need to snap my head off,” she said. “We’re naturally just a bit concerned. You hear of awful things happening all over the world, and you’ll be on your own.”

  “I’ll be fine.” I bit on my bottom lip. All I wanted was to get away, not suffer the third degree. Balmy nights, sun-drenched beaches, exotic food, and maybe the chance to go diving. Best of all, no sight or sound of Martyn.

  “Moya, what I think Evie is trying to say, is that you have a duty to your mother to let her know you’re okay. She might want to contact you or your hotel if there’s an emergency.” He said with a gentle smile and a kind-sounding voice which made me want to vomit. What right had he to chide me concerning my family duties?

  I flicked my attention back to Mum, not wanting Martyn to see his interference needled me. “Of course. If you must know, I don’t know which hotel I’m going to. It’s a last-minute super-deal. All I know for sure is, it’s a five-star not far from Nelson’s Dockyard. I’ll ring you every day if you like, in case you’re worried.”

  Mum’s startled glance finally got to me. “I don’t want you to go to any trouble, dear, but you do hear awful stories,” she said looking pained over my reticence.

  I couldn’t tell them I didn’t want anyone to know my holiday address. I had this ridiculous idea Martyn might turn up…on his own. Stupid, I know, but the last couple of weeks had really got me down, and I wondered whether I was thinking clearly.

  I capitulated and sighed. “The best I can do is let you have my reservation details with the telephone number of the travel organisers. Once I’m actually in my accommodation, I can contact you and let you know more. Okay?”

  This seemed to calm everyone down, including me. It was then I realised I should let the police know I was going away, as they had suggested. I didn’t suppose it would make a scrap of difference, but I just hoped they would keep an eye on my place.

  Of course, I couldn’t express my thoughts, but I anticipated that when I returned home, Martyn and Evie would be fully engrossed in their new place, choosing paint and furniture or whatever they needed to do to kit out their love nest and Martyn would stop persecuting me.

  Everything seemed in hand. Mum told me earlier in the week that Evie and Martyn had drawn up mutual wills, making each other beneficiaries. With Mum’s generous gift of money, they didn’t need a mortgage, and she said Martyn had offered to use all his capital on renovating the property. Wasn’t that good news?

  I returned my thoughts to the present. I left the tepid water and strode up the beach to where I had left my towel and beach bag on a sun lounger. I noticed another woman nearby, lying on her back—a new arrival judging by the pinkness of her skin. She glanced up as my shadow fell across her, and we exchanged hellos as I tucked a wrap around me, picked up my things and left to walk over to the bar.

  The barman took my order, and I settled back in the shade while waiting for my piña colada. As I gazed out to sea, I let out a sigh. If only things were as peaceful and settled back home.

  I must say I found Martyn’s behaviour baffling as well as disturbing. What the hell did he want? Although I had no proof, I was certain I hadn’t seen the last of his shenanigans. I just had this uneasy feeling Jon was right. Martyn was unstable, some sort of sociopath, and God only knew what he would do next.

  “Excuse me…mind if I join you?”

  I looked up and saw the woman I spoke to on the beach.

  “Not at all. These seats have the best view of the sea from here.”

  “It is gorgeous. I’m Amanda by the way…we met on the beach just now?” she explained as she removed her sunglasses.

  I nodded, at the same time thinking her face seemed familiar. Had I met her somewhere in England?

  My cocktail arrived and she ordered the same.

  “What a fabulous place. Have you been here before?” She sat back in her chair and took in the surroundings. There was a faint breeze blowing in from the sea, just enough to send a flutter through the palm-tree fronds. The bar staff had set up nectar bird feeders and we gazed in wonder at three exquisite tiny humming birds flapping round two of them.

  “No. It’s been a while since I took a real break.”

  “Me too. Things…got in the way, and before I knew it, I realised I hadn’t been on holiday for three years.”

  As we chatted, I studied her more closely. Yes, I had definitely seen her before. Behind my own sunglasses, I watched covertly as Amanda set her glass back down before pushing her dark-blonde hair back off her face. Despite the relaxed ambience of the place, it struck me that she seemed tense. As she lowered her arm, it was then that I noticed she had a pink puckered scar running down behind her left ear and neck.

  I wondered about the scar. In my business, I saw all manner of scars and blemishes on my clients’ bodies. This weal was long and substantial—about eight inches, and although faded through time, I guessed Amanda had either made a bad attempt at cutting her own throat or been the victim of a vicious knife attack. Either scenario made me feel a little edgy and curious. Why had she introduced herself or was I being paranoid?

  She must have realised I was studying her, as she suddenly stopped mid-sentence and looked at me with a questioning look upon her face.

  “Something wrong?”

  “Haven’t we met somehow before? I seem to recollect your face but can’t place it.”

  She made a quick scan around our surroundings, which was filling with other customers, and then leant nearer until our faces almost touched. She removed her sunglasses for a moment, and it was then I noticed how nervous she seemed.

  “
We have…back home in England.” She replaced her glasses.

  I sat back, conscious of her closeness and frowned. What was going on?

  “Sorry, can I explain to you properly?”

  “I think you better had. Explain what?”

  She touched her glass lightly with one finger before continuing and drew a line down through the condensation. “It’s a long story, but one I think you ought to hear. But we have to trust one another, and I know that’s a lot to expect when we’re virtual strangers. You need to know I could lose my job if I was to be found out, and you have to trust me when I say you’re in great danger.”

  I raised my hand to attract the waiter’s attention and indicated two more cocktails were urgently required.

  “Then you’d better tell me.” I said, my elbows on the table, my eyes never leaving her face. “Everything.”

  Chapter 15

  Our drinks arrived, and Amanda continued. So far, all I had learnt was that she was Amanda Marshall and worked as a clerical officer in our local police headquarters back home. She said her main role was to carry out general admin for the force’s employee-resourcing section. In a nutshell, she dealt with job vacancies and other admin tasks when things were quiet.

  “So you’re not a police officer?” I asked, mystified and wondering where this was going.

  She shook her head, her curls bouncing around her face. “No. I fill my day answering telephone enquiries about vacancies, which is minimal really, and then help out on the reception desk when our section is quiet and they need extra manpower out in the front office. It’s amazing what stuff we get in every day, what you learn.”

  The penny dropped. “Ah! I remember now. You were there in the cop shop that day I came in and reported the graffiti attack on my flat. You wrote down the details for the sergeant. You look different with your hair down and out of uniform.”