Will watched Amy as they changed into their suits. ‘Thank you. For making me feel so good.’
Amy looked up. ‘Don’t mention it. I do this all the time. You get to know how to give people the power to enjoy it.’
‘No, I don’t mean about the jump,’ he said. ‘I mean about everything.’
‘Right.’
‘I mean, I know we’ve only known each other for a few weeks, but you’ve totally transformed my life. I was in such a bad place before you came along. But now, I just feel – well, I feel alive. And it’s all because of you: because of how amazing you are. I really do think you’ve changed me for the better, forever.’
Amy’s smile seemed tinged with sadness. ‘I’m glad, Will. That’s a really lovely thing of you to say.’
‘I know it’s early days,’ Will continued. ‘But I really think that this is the start of something really special.’ He looked at her for some sign. ‘At least I hope it is.’
Amy just looked at him.
Seeing her reaction, Will regretted saying that. ‘I’m sorry; I’m coming on too strong, aren’t I? I don’t want to scare you off.’
She came over and hugged him, then kissed him softly on the cheek. ‘You’re a good man, Will. Don’t forget it.’
Then she went back to preparing her gear.
***
‘It’s there!’ Emma shouted. ‘Just up ahead.’
It had taken them nearly an hour to reach the airfield, speeding most of the way. Thank goodness Will had told Emma the previous night where the parachute jump was taking place. A quick check on the internet for directions, and they’d sped off in Lizzy’s car, picking up Dan en route. The journey had been painful. Will still wasn’t answering his phone, and the number for the airfield didn’t work.
Emma craned her neck in an attempt to spot the plane. ‘Please, please, I hope we’re not too late.’
‘I can’t see anything in the air,’ Dan said from the backseat.
Emma couldn’t see anything either. The sky was clear, so if the plane were already airborne surely they would be able to see it. ‘Please, God, don’t let anything happen to him.’
‘The entrance is there, on the left!’ Dan shouted.
They turned a hard fast left through the entrance and Lizzy stepped on the pedal, powering towards the car park.
And then they saw the plane emerge from behind the small out-building, taxiing down the runway. It was moving away from them, and it was impossible to see who was on board.
‘We’re too late!’ Emma cried. ‘Quick, stop the car, stop the car!’
Lizzy pulled up sharply and Emma threw open the door, sprinting across the gravel and grass towards the wire mesh fence that separated them from the airstrip. ‘Stop! Stop!’ She clung to the fence as if for support.
Dan and Lizzy came up beside her. They all watched as the plane moved even further away, gaining speed down the runway. Then it took to the air, banking right as it rose into the clear blue sky.
Emma broke down in tears.
They were too late.
18
They watched, stunned, as the plane continued to climb. Emma felt sick. Was she really going to watch Will plummet to his death?
Maybe there was still a chance. She wiped away the tears and looked over at the building. ‘There must be someone in there. Maybe they can contact the pilot.’
‘You’re right,’ Dan said, already moving. ‘They must have some form of ground control.’
The three of them raced into the building. The first person they saw was Will.
He was sitting on a bench, with his head hung low.
‘Will!’ Emma shouted. ‘You’re okay!’
Will was shocked by their sudden appearance. ‘Of course I am. Why shouldn’t I be?’
Emma embraced him. ‘You didn’t go up in the plane!’
‘I was about to. But at the last moment she said I couldn’t do it.’ He looked totally destroyed. ‘We were almost ready to get on the plane, but she told me she wanted to do it on her own. I don’t know why. Maybe it was what I said. Maybe I scared her off.’ He looked at Emma. ‘Maybe she’s trying to tell me it’s over.’
‘She decided not to go through with it,’ Emma said. ‘She decided to let you live.’
‘What? What’s this all about? Why are you all here?’
‘We came to save you,’ Lizzy said.
‘Save me?’
‘We’ll explain later,’ Dan said urgently. ‘Is there somebody here in charge of ground control? There’s still time to stop this.’
‘Of course,’ Emma said, remembering that this wasn’t over yet. ‘We’ve got to stop her from jumping.’
Despite his confusion, Will ran with it. ‘There are two guys in the next room. They’ve got radio contact with the plane. Amy told me, they need to be in touch in case of any problems.’
They all headed through the door, not bothering to knock. Two older men were sitting at a communication desk, drinking tea, listening to the radio. They nearly spilt their drinks as the four of them burst in. ‘Hey, what do you think you’re…?’
‘Call the plane back down,’ Dan shouted. ‘Now.’
‘She’s planning to kill herself,’ Emma explained. ‘She’s not going to open her parachute.’
‘It’s okay,’ Lizzy said to Will, who looked horrified. ‘It’s going to be okay.’
The men didn’t touch the radio. They simply sat and stared.
‘Please,’ Emma pleaded. ‘Please, just call the plane down.’
The men exchanged glances. ‘Do it, Bob,’ one of them said. ‘Call them back.’
They put out the call over the radio for the plane to return to base immediately. There was no explanation given, and none asked for. A few minutes later, the plane touched down on the runway.
They were waiting for Amy as she re-entered the changing area. ‘What was all that abou…?’
Her face fell when she saw the welcoming party. She focussed her attention on Will. ‘You know, don’t you?’
Will nodded. ‘What changed your mind?’
She pinched the bridge of her nose, closing her eyes, and seemed to sway slightly. ‘You did, Will. What you said, about me changing your life. And about how amazing I was. I couldn’t do it.’
They both had tears in their eyes. Will moved towards her, but she backed off, as if she was scared to be touched.
Will shook his head in disbelief. ‘It was all an act?’
‘I’m sorry.’
‘You never really felt anything for me. You were just using me, fattening me up like an animal before slaughter.’
‘This was all to punish me, wasn’t it?’ Emma said. ‘You blame me for Stuart’s death, just like Charlotte does, and you wanted to punish me. You arranged for Scott Goulding to act the part of Stephen Myers, to scare me. How did you know him? Was it through Guy Roberts?’
‘No,’ Amy replied. ‘Stuart knew him. I knew he’d do it, because he’s so desperate for work.’
‘So you contacted him, pretending to be from a production company, and asked him to follow me.’
‘Yes.’
‘But why target Will too?’
‘Because I wanted to take something precious away from you, like you took it away from me!’ She broke down in tears, sliding against the wall, hiding her head in her hands.
The group looked on in silence.
‘I’m really sorry for what’s happened to you,’ Emma said. ‘I really am.’
‘Today was our wedding day,’ she sobbed. ‘I don’t know what to do. I’m so sorry.’
‘I know…I know.’ Emma moved forward and placed an arm around her.
The police arrived at the airfield twenty minutes later. They spoke briefly to the group, getting the basic facts of what happened, and then told them they could go. Amy, who had now calmed down, was taken in for questioning.
Back at Emma and Dan’s apartment, the four friends found someone waiting at the front door. It was Edward H
olden.
‘Dad, you’re back!’
‘I’ve been so stupid, Emma. And I’m so sorry, I really am. Did you mean what you said about still wanting me to give you away?’
‘Of course!’ Emma embraced him. ‘I couldn’t get married without you.’
‘Thank you,’ he said, resting his head against her hair, ‘you don’t know how happy that makes me feel.’ He pulled back. ‘I’ve got some other good news. My solicitor just called, and they’ve dropped the prosecution.’
‘That’s amazing! But why?’
‘I don’t know exactly. He said something about the police not following due process with the investigation. I have to go and see him tomorrow and he’ll explain it all then.’
‘That’s great, Dad.’ Will placed a hand on his shoulder. ‘It’s all over then.’
Emma nodded. ‘It’s the end of it all.’
‘Well, not quite,’ Dan said. ‘There’s definitely one piece of unfinished business. Em, I never did get a chance in Cornwall to tell you about my surprise...’
19
Three weeks later, Emma Holden – now Emma Carlton – stood on the stage of the Minack Theatre in her stunning white wedding dress. The weather had been extremely kind for October; the Indian summer was holding, and it was sunny and mild, with just a gentle breeze coming off the water. As the photographer, a local man with a fantastic reputation, clicked away, Emma felt like a million dollars.
She couldn’t stop smiling.
‘Could you just turn a little to your left, and hold the bouquet slightly higher?’ Emma raised the bouquet of fresh pink roses. ‘That’s it, great.’
It had been a perfect day. First the wedding service at a beautiful village chapel just five miles down the coast, and then straight to the Minack for the photo shoot. It was rare for the venue to allow wedding photographs to be taken, and normally it was reserved for locals, so Emma felt especially privileged to have the opportunity. Dan had persuaded the owners – Emma’s background in theatre had helped.
Dan had sorted out everything. Not just the chapel and the theatre photo shoot, but also accommodation for the guests and the reception in a hotel overlooking the bay at St. Ives.
While the photographer reviewed the latest shots on his digital camera, Emma took the opportunity to look up towards the top of the amphitheatre, where the guests were mingling, drinks in hand. She saw Dan talking with Richard and Will, and Lizzy chatting with Miranda and her father. Lizzy spotted her looking and waved.
‘I think we’ll have some of you and your closest friends now,’ the photographer said. ‘If you’d like to call them down that would be great.’
Emma caught Lizzy’s eye again and beckoned her down. ‘Tell Dan and Will to come too,’ she shouted.
The four of them laughed and joked as the photographer readied himself.
‘I understand now what you mean about this place,’ Lizzy said. ‘It would be so amazing to perform here.’
‘Maybe we should both do it,’ Emma replied. ‘After we’ve got tired of the London theatre scene.’
One week ago Emma had landed herself a wonderful agent and a fantastic job, playing the lead role in a new stage play. It felt right to move away from TV and film, and she was really excited to start this new chapter in her life.
‘I’m so pleased for you, Em. You’ve had such a difficult time, it’s great that everything’s now going so well.’
‘Hey, concentrate you two,’ Dan jested, ‘this poor guy is trying to get your attention!’
They faced forward and posed for the camera as the photographer fired off another round of shots.
‘So, Mrs Carlton, is this a good surprise, or what?’ Dan said, kissing Emma on the cheek and looping an arm around her waist.
‘It’s an amazing surprise, Mr Carlton.’
‘Well, how would you like another surprise?’
‘If it’s as good as this one, then I wouldn’t say no.’
‘Oh, it is,’ he smiled. ‘How about a honeymoon on a tropical paradise island?’
‘You’re joking.’
‘Would I?’
‘Then where?’
‘Mauritius. We fly out in three days’ time, for two weeks. You’ll get back in time to start your new job, and I’ve already cleared it with work.’
‘That’s, well, amazing!’
‘You’ll have to thank your dad, because he’s contributed half the cost. Now his business is back in rude health, he said it was the least he could do.’
‘Wow. I will.’ Emma looked up and saw her father smiling, with his arm around Miranda. She’d not seen him this happy for a long time.
‘Will’s also given us some spending money for his wedding present.’
Emma leant over and kissed Will. ‘Thanks.’
‘Don’t mention it.’
‘No, really, thanks. How’s Katie enjoying the day?’
‘Great, it seems to be going great.’ Will had surprised everyone by announcing that he had asked an old school friend to be his plus one. Emma knew that, although they never dated, he had been close to Katie Jones for years, before losing touch when everyone went to university. Just one week ago they had a chance meeting at Euston railway station, and had got on as well as ever. Will, with his newfound confidence, had invited Katie to Cornwall for the celebrations, and she had accepted.
‘That’s fantastic, Will,’ said Emma. ‘You really deserve to be happy.’
‘I just hope Amy – I mean, Sally – is okay,’ he said. ‘And I hope one day she meets the right person.’
‘It sounds like she’s getting the right support now, from what the police said.’
‘Yes, that’s good.’
‘Right, that’s it,’ the photographer said. ‘I’ve got all I need from here. You’re free to return to your guests.’
Emma, Dan, Lizzy and Will made their way back up to the waiting crowd and collected glasses of champagne from one of the servers.
Emma raised her glass and smiled as family and friends looked on. ‘Here’s to the beginning of a brighter future!’
###
THE END
###
Find out more about Paul’s writing, including his full length suspense mystery, Someone to Save You, out now.
Fifteen years ago Sam Becker’s younger sister Cathy was brutally murdered by his best friend – ripping his world apart with a legacy of guilt and recriminations. Now a respected heart surgeon, and happily married, Sam has finally managed to move on. But when he saves a family during a terrifying suicide attempt, the nightmare begins. The young girl who raised the alarm disappears, and Sam falls under suspicion. As increasingly sinister events threaten his life and work, Sam must face the horrors of his sister’s death to uncover the darkest of secrets in a desperate race to save those he loves.
Read the first chapter...
1
The teenage girl came from nowhere, running straight out into the middle of the country road from behind a line of trees.
Sam Becker slammed on the brakes and wrenched the wheel hard right, feeling the seat belt lock as he was thrown forward at speed. The car jerked before losing control, spinning on its axis while throwing up an ear-piercing screech. Everything was a blur until suddenly the spinning came to a violent stop, sending Sam’s head flying back into the headrest.
Shaking off his dizziness, he twisted anxiously left then right, looking for the girl, but he couldn’t see her. ‘Please, no.’
He staggered out of the car and was about to look underneath the vehicle when he spotted her standing across the road, several metres down a dirt track that ran off to the left.
‘Please, help us!’ she shouted, crying. ‘Please!’
He moved towards her as she ran in the opposite direction, heading further back down the lane. ‘Wait,’ Sam shouted after her. ‘Are you okay?’
He followed her around the corner and found her standing by a smashed down fence. ‘Down there, you’ve got to help us,’ she pl
eaded. ‘Please, help us, quick.’
As Sam moved closer he could see down the embankment at the railway line below.
‘Oh my God.’
The car was astride the railway line and someone was sitting motionless in the driver’s seat.
‘Please, help us!’ the girl repeated, standing there at the edge, sobbing.
Sam nodded, trying to take in the situation. His eyes traced the journey of the car, from the point where they stood, through the smashed wooden fence, and down the steep grassy embankment onto the track. ‘What’s your name?’
‘Alison.’
‘My name’s Sam.’ He placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder while trying to think. His body was on overdrive. As a cardiothoracic surgeon he was used to dealing with emergency situations, but nothing like this. He looked left, then right down the line. No trains. But he would have to be quick. ‘Is that your mum down there?’
Alison nodded, sniffling. ‘She said she wants to die. I didn’t know she was going to drive on there. Please, help.’
‘It’s going to be okay,’ he promised, hurriedly picking his way through the broken fence. Alison began to follow but he gestured at her to stop. ‘You’ll be safer staying here.’
‘Jessica’s in the back,’ she sobbed.
‘Right,’ he replied, turning back to the car. Now he looked more closely, he could see something in the back seat. ‘Just wait there. Everything will be okay, I promise.’
Alison nodded, but already Sam was scrambling down the bank, his hands brushing against stinging nettles as he tried to keep his balance. He raced onto the track and up to the car. Now he, too, was in the impact zone for any approaching train. He would have to act quickly. He pulled at the door handle.
Emma Holden Mystery 03-The One You Fear Page 11