The Braille Club Reborn (The Braille Club #4)

by J. A. Kerr

  “Why Mummy sad?” she asked Siena seriously. Her face puckered in a frown. Leo had joined his sister in examining their mother.

  Siena had laughed; a real laugh which reached her eyes. She scooped them into an embrace and tickled them. Their squeals of laughter bounced around the hospital room, her gaze found his and he plastered a smile into place. He saw her smile falter as she looked at him. He turned away. Benedict was prepared to do whatever it took to keep them safe. He was prepared to deal with the consequences. He had waited long enough for his moment with Waters. This time he would not leave him breathing.

  Chapter 3

  The Braille Club Reborn

  Nick

  As the day passed, and the police did not interview him again, Nick’s tension reduced. However, Katie had not been in touch. He checked his cell again but had no missed calls or texts from her. His belongings were still at her flat; it was only at that point he remembered about his pen. Panicking, he searched through his jacket but with a sinking feeling realised it wasn’t there: he was convinced it had been in his jacket. He tried to remember when he’d last had it. How could he have been so stupid? He should never have taken it to Katie’s. What if the police found it? He had to get it back. In his mind, he retraced his steps to pinpoint when he’d last had it. His memories of the abduction day were hazy in parts. The fear of discovery triggered his fight-or-flight instinct, and everything else was a blur. However, he was certain he placed his pen in his jacket. When the police had burst into Katie’s home, still groggy from the sleeping pills, he’d pulled on his clothes without thinking. He searched his jacket again looking for holes in his pockets the pen may have slipped through, but found nothing.

  The pen was gone. He could have lost it anywhere. At the police station, at Katie’s or at any point during that day. Fear snaked its way into his system. If it fell into the wrong hands, what would he do then? He tried to calm his building anxiety. Even if the police found the pen, it wouldn’t arouse suspicion. It looked like any ordinary pen, the problem—of course—was that it wasn’t. Nick’s fear of exposure had him re-evaluating what he needed to do. As Nick tried to calm himself down, he knew he couldn’t relax until he had the pen back. He would look for it first at Katie’s. He was entitled to ask for his belongings. There would be nothing unusual in his request and he badly wanted to speak to her. He wanted to reassure Katie; he needed her on his side—his alibi depended on her.

  He tried Katie’s cell, but she didn’t pick up. Nick had no idea if the police had released her. Then it dawned on him, it was dangerous for the police to question Katie for too long. If she admitted she’d blacked out, his alibi would be in the shitter. He had been so shaken up, it never occurred to him to get her an attorney. Katie providing him with an alibi had always been risky. But her alibi was crucial and he should have protected her better. Sure, he’d set her up, but his plan to make the police believe they were in a relationship had to work. Katie’s collaboration of his movements was vital. The police interest in him must lead them to Katie where he hoped further forensics would link her to the crime. With any luck, it was only a matter of time. Meanwhile, he needed her on his side. He saw now, he must be her knight in shining armour. Lifting his cell he called his attorney. Paul wasn’t happy, but with the prospect of making even more money, he did as Nick instructed. Nick didn’t like him but recognised he was the best. Paul called back, he’d made arrangements. His colleague would go to the station and represent Katie. Nick hoped she hadn’t talked, and cursed his stupidity at not getting her help sooner. He told his lawyer to call with an update as soon as he had news.

  As he waited on the call, he worried about the lost pen. Nick paced up and down the room. Finally his cell rang.

  “She’s just been released now,” said Liam, his attorney’s colleague. “I have to say they were reluctant. However, Katie Burns hasn’t got a criminal record.”

  Nick smiled. Luckily, she’s got a mental record, he thought. “What did Katie say exactly?”

  “Not much apparently. Seemed in shock to be honest. When asked where she was over the last twenty-four hours she confirmed she was at home with you. I think the police were trying to pressurise her, but she clammed up. When I got here, it was obvious she had been crying.”

  Nick cocked an eyebrow. “Can I speak to her?”

  “Hold on.” Nick could hear muffled voices and then Katie came on the line. “Nick?”

  “Yes...are you okay? Did they hurt you?” Nick’s tone veered from outrage to concern.

  “No, they didn’t hurt me.” Katie’s voice was subdued. “Nick what’s going on?”

  Nick ran a hand over his face. “I don’t know,” he lied. “I told you the police have it in for me. My bitch ex-wife has probably put them up to it. She hates me.” Nick heard Katie’s sharp intake of breath. Nick could imagine her face twisting with jealously but to his disappointment Katie said nothing. She didn’t rise to the bait.

  “They really scared me, Nick.”

  “Don’t worry, honey, I will sue their ass. They’ve got nothing. They just like pushing people around.”

  Katie sighed. “I want to go home. I don’t feel well.”

  “Liam will drive you home and I’ll meet you there.” Nick was quick to reassure her.

  Katie let out a harsh breath. “No! I mean, I want to get home and have a shower. I’m tired, Nick, I’ll call you.”

  Before Nick could protest the line went dead. He cursed and thought of calling Liam back but knew from Katie’s tone, she meant business. However, she was out for the time being and Nick felt reassured the police were buying his alibi. As long as Katie didn’t change her story, and why would she, to do so would only implicate her further, Nick was safe. Calmer now, he saw he must take stock and re-plan; keeping Katie stable was vital. Tomorrow he would see her and search for his pen. He tried to assure himself it was in Katie’s flat because the alternative didn’t bear thinking about.

  Chapter 4

  The Braille Club Reborn

  Guy

  Guy was working late and guilt prevented him from calling Anna. She would be furious by now. He didn’t relish talking to her, so avoided it altogether. Anna had been horrified by the abduction and totally supportive, but her sympathy was wearing thin. With Benedict around the club full-time it was easy to get caught up, he realised that too late, when he received her text.

  Anna: Are you coming home tonight!?

  He knew he wasn’t being fair. But seeing Benedict so unhinged had been his focus these last few days and not Anna. Benedict had never been a reasonable man, but now he was obsessed with Nick Waters. Guy had been the voice of reason. Although his instincts told him Waters was involved, his police training told him to never make assumptions. It was the golden rule and Guy never wavered from it. Assumptions led to all sorts of problems. Fact was fact until proven otherwise. Guy had begun his own enquiry into Katie Burns. She had collaborated Nick Waters’ alibi and then shortly afterwards confirmed the jacket in the photographs looked like hers. The DI had told Guy, Katie had been puzzled and then genuinely astonished when she saw the jacket. She could give no explanation why a jacket identical to hers had been caught on CCTV at the Harrison home.

  Fibres recovered at the scene would confirm if it was hers, removing any doubt, it was the one identified on the tape. Katie had been shocked and confused. She denied any wrong doing and insisted she had no idea how her jacket was found at the scene. The thing was, DI Clark played them the interview tapes, and he was inclined to believe her. Something about her blankness rang true. Guy had done some digging on her. She had a background of mental illness but medical files were sealed. There was no way Guy could access them but he couldn’t help feeling Katie Burns was being set up. It was only when the DI mentioned Siena Harrison directly that Katie came undone. Her reaction had been spectacular. The DI told Guy, off the record, he’d rarely saw such undisguised hatred.

  Guy decided, to get to the truth—he’d have to mo
unt his own investigation. Evan Radley was the key. Together, he felt sure the real mastermind behind the abduction would be revealed. Nick Waters could run but he couldn’t hide forever. Guy had always thought he was a rational man, but finding the twins buried alive had stripped that quality away. He was troubled by nightmares, his body bathed in sweat as he relived the horrifying events of that night. It was Anna who soothed him. Wrapping herself around him like a vine. Kissing him so passionately, he soon forgot his demons. He needed her like he needed oxygen. Their lovemaking pushed both their boundaries as he sought to obliterate the thoughts from his mind. Anna’s body became his only salvation and yet lately they had done nothing but fight.

  When he moved into Anna’s flat it had taken him time to adjust. Everything in the flat was alien to him. He never considered how much he would miss his own possessions and, if he admitted it, his own space. And yet he knew Anna’s concerns about his remoteness towards her, and their relationship, were true. Guy was used to living alone. He was set in his ways and struggled to adapt. When Anna had asked him to pick up groceries for dinner, he had stared at her blankly.

  “Guy, if we are to live together, we need to share more than a bed,” Anna’s voice was impatient.

  “Of course,” he replied. “Why don’t I book us a table?”

  Anna crossed her arms. “No. I want us to cook and eat at home like a normal couple.”

  “And normal couples don’t go for dinner?” he’d asked, genuinely puzzled.

  “Guy, just because you eat and sleep at Harrison’s all the time doesn’t mean it’s normal. I’m sick of eating on my own every night. Most people have a life outside work.”

  “What has dinner got to do with work?”

  “Everything,” she huffed. “You’re there all the time; even when you’re with me, I feel I never have your complete attention. You’re asking me to dinner because you’re too tired to shop, never mind cook.”

  Guy rubbed his face. He had taken the weekend off to be with Anna. He’d promised they’d spend it together but instead he had spent most of it asleep. The long hours and lack of sleep finally catching up with him—she was not impressed. Saturday was a washout and he’d slept late on Sunday. When he’d got up, he found Anna’s mood had worsened.

  “I don’t want to fight, Anna.”

  “Then surprise me. Cook me something you enjoy eating and let’s spend the evening talking about our lives instead of others.”

  Guy saw the way her mouth tightened and her eyes glittered and knew he was on dangerous territory. The strain of the last few days was showing, and he’d lost weight as he pushed himself harder and harder in his quest to get justice for his employers.

  Guy shrugged his shoulders. “I can’t cook, Anna.”

  She gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “Well, it’s time you learned.”

  He sighed. There was no reasoning with her when she was like this.

  “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  “I think I’ll risk it,” she said, the corners of her mouth twitching upwards in a small smile. “You can start today.”

  There was something exquisitely sexy about Anna when she was pissed off. Another thing that had suffered was their sex life. Although it was still healthy he’d been guilty of neglect there too. He’d let Anna initiate sex but could sense her hurt and vulnerability at his lack of interest. He pulled her into his arms now but she resisted him.

  “I’m going out. I need some bits and pieces,” she said and pushed him away.

  Guy was about to go after her when his phone rang. He hesitated, seeing Anna’s face tense with anger, but a quick look at the screen had him answering.

  “Guy, have you seen today’s papers?” asked DI Clark.

  “No,” he admitted as he heard the front door slam violently.

  “Katie Burn’s medical condition has been mysteriously leaked to the press.”

  “What? How?”

  “I don’t bloody know.” DI Clark sounded angry. “But if I ever find out who it was, they’ll have me to deal with.”

  “Does that affect the case?” asked Guy.

  “Well, it might prejudice future jurors,” said DI Clark. “The story is about police bully boy tactics and the vulnerability of mental health patients. Lots of hints that further police pressure might push her over the edge. Complete rubbish.” The DI huffed. “Katie Burns was treated like anyone else. Her lawyer has given the press a statement about the need to protect susceptible clients, who are innocent until proven otherwise, from these type of police tactics. It’s utter bollocks. We released Katie yesterday after her lawyer arrived. She looked surprised to see him so I’m assuming it was her family that arranged it.”

  “I wouldn’t bet on it. This has Nick Waters written all over it. I mean, he works in the bloody mental health industry. This doesn’t feel right. You don’t believe Katie Burns did it any more than I do.” Guy’s hands tightened into fists. “This is what Waters wants.”

  DI Clark, however, did not share Guy’s reservations. “Guy, with the media involved I’ve got no alternative but to do everything by the book. So far nothing points to Waters’ involvement. We only have the coat to go on until forensics is back which only proves Katie was in the car.”

  “The investigation is still in its early stages,” said Guy. “I’m sure there must be some link to Waters.”

  “At the moment there isn’t, Guy. All the evidence points to Katie.”

  “What about the pen that was found?”

  “They’ve taken prints from it. I’ll know more when the lab get back to us.”

  “If it’s Waters’ prints, then you’ll get a match,” said Guy.

  “Yes,” sighed the DI. “However, we know Nick Waters was at her home. Katie could have taken the pen with her. We can’t prove she didn’t.”

  “But by the same theory, you can’t prove that she did,” protested Guy.

  “Yeah,” DI Clark admitted, defeated. “Anyway, I just wanted to keep you updated.”

  “Okay.” Guy’s shoulders slumped. “Thanks. Do Benedict and Siena know?”

  “They’re next on my list...how do you think they’ll take it?”

  “I’m not sure,” replied Guy truthfully. “Benedict has reservations about the case against Katie Burns but I doubt he’ll be pleased she’s been released.”

  “I think you need to let us do our job,” snapped DI Clark. “If I’d found a shred of evidence against Nick Waters, then it might be different, but as things stand we’ve found nothing. No evidence means no case.”

  “I hear what you’re saying, and you’re right.” Guy nodded. “Thanks for the update.”

  “I appreciate how difficult this is for the Harrisons, but my hands are tied. I’d better sign off and update them.”

  Guy’s spirits dropped even further after the call ended. Alone in the flat, he suddenly wanted Anna. He needed her strength and her energy. He wandered around the flat aimlessly, his mind on his conversation with DI Clark. Grabbing a pen and paper he sat at the kitchen table and wrote everything he knew about the case. The work was absorbing, and he didn’t notice the passage of time. He jumped guilty when he heard a key in the door. Shit, he thought, Anna would go mad if she saw what he was doing. He leapt towards her as she walked into the flat and kissed her fiercely. She resisted him, still angry, but soon dropped the bags to the floor as their tongues clashed together.

  Anna’s hand rubbed at his crotch and two minutes later they were ripping at each others clothes. He pushed everything off the table and bent her over it. God, she had a fantastic ass. His fingers dug into her creamy flesh as he slid into her. She was always so ready and pushed against him, her muscles tightening around his cock making it swell, and him moan. It felt great and slowly, he thrust in an out as Anna ground against him so he could go deeper. God, he missed this between them. He saw her turn her head towards him. Her eyes glazed with desire.

  “Spank me,” she demanded.

 
Guy hesitated, but his cock jerked in response. Kinbaku was his way of removing the pain element they both craved, but there was no time. He thrust harder and brought the palm of his hand down onto her cheek; the sound of the thwack deeply erotic.

  “Harder,” Anna commanded.

  The next slap was harder and stung his hand but they both cried out with pleasure.

  “Again,” Anna panted as he slammed into her.

  He spanked her again, dangerously close to orgasm, but he tried to hold back. He wanted to please Anna. She deserved it. He massaged her red skin knowing she was close too. He picked up his pace. Bringing his hand down hard, Anna’s body jerked from pleasure and pain.

  “Again,” she whispered, already lost in a haze of pleasure.

  With a final sharp stinging slap she climaxed, gasping as her release hit her hard and fast. Finally, he gave into his own. Sweat glistened from their bodies but they didn’t move. When he pulled out of Anna she straightened. Her eyes were ablaze.

  “Well, that was a nice welcome home. I should go out more often.”

  Guy’s gaze swept her body. Her breasts moved up and down as her breathing gradually slowed, the pink buds hard and inviting. Gloriously naked she crossed the room to the bag she had dropped on the floor. She pulled out several things as Guy stared at her warily.

  “These were the bits and pieces I was telling you about.”

  Guy looked at the vibrator in one hand and the tube of lubrication in the other.

  “That was just for starters. Don’t you just love Ann Summers?” Anna licked her lips. “Let’s have some fun.”

  Chapter 5

  The Braille Club Reborn