‘Well, hopefully there’ll be a trial some way down the line. Maybe I will get to see you then, if not before.’
‘I hope so.’ Sarah lunged forwards and embraced Deans with a firm hug.
‘Take care of yourself, Sarah,’ he said, and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
He was more than ready to return home. Ready to sort things out with Maria and ready to return his life to normality. First, though, he felt compelled to see Denise.
She was in the shop behind the counter. She appeared restless.
Deans bounded over. ‘My time here is up. I’m heading home.’
‘Did he admit anything?’ she asked anxiously.
Deans rocked his head. ‘Kind of, though I don’t think you need worry about Babbage coming back here any time soon.’
Denise looked away.
‘I just wanted to thank you, before I head off… for everything. You’re a very special lady.’
She gave a half-hearted smile and held out a hand, which Deans took.
‘Maybe I’ll get to work with you again sometime?’ he said.
‘You will.’ Denise had tears in her eyes and her voice was brittle.
Deans kissed the back of her hand and gently pulled her into an embrace, which they held for a long silent minute.
‘I really must get going,’ Deans said. ‘It’s been an eye-opener, and an absolute pleasure.’
She snatched for his hand and held it firmly in her grasp. ‘Promise me you’ll keep going,’ she said.
‘Of course.’
‘I’m serious. No matter what.’
He laughed. ‘I promise.’
Denise looked disturbed.
‘Don’t worry, Denise,’ Deans said. ‘He’s not coming back.’
She shook her head and released his hand.
Deans walked to the door and stopped at the exit. ‘Goodbye, Denise. Thank you.’
She raised a hand, tears streaming down her face, and he was gone.
Driving up the M5, the sound of Deans’ ringtone interrupted his music.
‘Hello?’ he said.
‘Deano, it’s Mick. Where are you?’ There was urgency to his voice.
‘On my way back up, mate. I’m no longer required.’
‘Good. I need to speak to you.’
‘Yeah, that’s fine. I was hoping to take a few days off though. I’ve accrued a boatload of—’
‘I really need to speak to you now, Deano,’ Savage interrupted.
‘Okay, that’s fine. I’m on hands-free.’
There was a break in the conversation.
‘Hello, Mick? I must be in a bad area – try me again in a few minutes.’
‘No, I’m still here, Deano.’
‘Come on, Mick. Stop messing around. I’m too tired for games.’
‘There’s no easy way to say this, Deano. We’ve got another missing person.’
‘For Christ’s sake, Mick. Give me a chance to settle back in will you.’
‘No, Deano. You don’t understand. It’s Maria.’
Acknowledgements
There are many people I must thank for their assistance in the creation of this book: Doug Watts of the Jacqui Bennett Writers Bureau, being the first professional to view and critique my work – for his encouragement, tact, wit and direction. Thanks also to the team at Cornerstones Literary Consultancy for their editorial talent and expertise, and to Jessica Bell, for her imagination and skill in creating the cover image.
For Barbara Olive, the real Denise Moon, whose guidance and influence on my family has been substantial. To my beta readers: Clare; Liz; Fiona Staddon; Lynne Webster and Terry Galbraith – thank you for the time and effort you afforded to me. The story would be poorer without your input.
To all the police officers and staff who have served the community of Bath and the surrounding areas, but particularly those that kept me safe during my time in service.
Finally, to my wife, Rachael, who encouraged a whim, and supported a husband through uncertainty, obsession, anguish and desire. Without you, this would still be but a dream.
Author Biography
James D Mortain is an ex-CID detective living in North Devon and uses an author pseudonym. His father’s death and the birth of his first and only child shaped a defining period and re-evaluation of his life, resulting in 2012 with his resignation from the police force and a move to the coastline with his family. Jobless and homesick, James returned to Bath visiting friends, where an encounter with a successful author motivated him to write. Believing everything happens for a reason, and nothing happens by chance, James embarked on creating a fresh and authentic British detective series infused with paranormal overtones, influenced by experience and a close friend with extraordinary ability.
James is currently working on the series follow-ups. For updates or contact, follow him via –
www.jamesdmortain.com
www.facebook.com/jamesdmortain
www.twitter.com/jamesdmortain
STORM LOG-0505: A Gripping, Supernatural Crime Thriller (The First Detective Deans Novel) Page 28