Maggie: a gripping psychological thriller

by Netta Newbound

  “What’s wrong with him?” Matt asked.

  “He’s still not himself since Claudia’s fall.”

  “Poor little fella.”

  “He’ll soon come back down when he smells the food.”

  We went through to the living room.

  “So, how long have you been seeing your bit of stuff?” I asked when we’d settled down on the sofa, and were munching on our food.

  “Who? Penny?”

  I jiggled my eyebrows.

  “Two years, or so.”

  “Is she the one?”

  He shrugged. “I guess so. We’re planning to move in together as soon as we find a place.”

  “You’ll be married with two-point-four children next.”

  “Is she the reason you went into a huff yesterday?”

  I barked out a laugh, covering my mouth so I didn’t spray him with chewed up burger. “I didn’t go in a huff,” I eventually said.

  “What would you call it, then? You were bouncy and bubbly when I met you inside the station, and then tight lipped and flippant by the time we got to the car.”

  “Did she think I was rude?”

  He shook his head. “No.”

  “Liar.” I laughed, and he joined in. “I was just surprised, that’s all. I thought we were friends, and yet, that was the first I’d heard of her.”

  “We’re friends now. But you were my client before that, and there are some things you just don’t discuss with clients.”

  “I guess. Maybe I should apologise to her.”

  “Not necessary. She thought you fancied me.”

  I spurted out another laugh. “Not likely.” I could feel my cheeks redden. Had I been that obvious?

  “That’s good, then. I can assure her she hasn’t got any competition.”

  “As if I’d be competition for her. She’s gorgeous.”

  “You’re pretty damn gorgeous yourself, squirt.”

  I stopped eating and cleared my mouth. “Do you mean that?”

  “Of course, I mean it. You’re gonna make some man very happy one day.”

  I wrapped up the remnants of my food and placed it back in the bag.

  “Have I offended you again?” he asked.

  I gave my head a quick shake. “No. I’m tired, that’s all. You’d best get off anyway, hadn’t you? Penelope will be wondering where you’ve got to.”

  He glanced at his watch and whistled. “Yeah, I’d better scoot. We’re supposed to be going out for a romantic dinner.”

  “You’ve just eaten an entire burger meal.”

  “I know. I’ll have to wing it – pretend I’m just not hungry.”

  “Men!” I laughed, shaking my head.

  “Shh! Our secret. Okay?”

  “Whatever.”

  He bent and kissed the top of my head. “I’m going to be tied up most of the day tomorrow, but I’ll call you when I’m free. Turn the bloody sound on.”

  “Yes, boss.” I smiled, rolling my eyes at his nagging.

  As I watched him drive away, I felt empty. Did I fancy him? Or was our relationship more like brother and sister? I didn’t know, having been an only child. However, I knew I cared for him, a lot.

  I brought Sandy downstairs and, after letting him outside for a few minutes, fed him the scraps along with his dried food. Claudia had him on a strict diet and would have a fit if she knew I’d fed him scraps – but Claudia would need to wake up and bollock me herself, wouldn’t she?

  I called Agnes and Fred in London to keep them updated, and then, after flicking through the TV channels for a while, I tucked Sandy under my arm and headed up to bed.

  During my usual nightly Facebook trawl, I was surprised to see I’d received a private message from Rachel.

  Hey babes.

  Heard you were back in

  town and wondered if you

  fancied catching up?

  Missed you,

  Rach xxx

  My heart almost missed a beat. It had been so long since we’d had any real contact, apart from the five-minute conversation in Yazz’s shop. But although I was wary of what she’d told Matt, I’d missed her too.

  Oh, Rach. I’m so pleased

  you contacted me. Things have

  been awful between us for such a

  long time. I’m sure you’ve heard, but

  Claudia has fallen down her stairs – she’s

  in a coma. I would love a chance to

  catch up. I’ve missed you so much. Xx

  The message had barely sent when another popped up.

  Great! How about tomorrow?

  I can meet you after school –

  4pm at Lardoes?

  Got so much to tell you. xx

  I was beaming as I snuggled down to sleep.

  19

  I waited at the end of the street, watching the dirty fucker leave. No wonder he was so intent on getting her off with killing Kenny – he’s screwing her himself!

  I ducked down as he passed me and then hurriedly started the car and followed, keeping a little distance between us. He drove for around ten minutes, to a village I didn’t know. Then he parked outside a pub.

  He was out of the car and running across the road in front of me before I reached him. Thankfully, he didn’t appear to see me.

  I parked a little further up and doubled back on foot. It was easy to spot him. I didn’t even need to go inside. He sat beside the window, fawning all over a stunning blonde. I wondered if Maggie knew about this.

  I waited for what seemed like forever, and almost gave up, but then, Matt appeared on the street, arm in arm with the woman who had a good six inches on him. They looked comical together, and I wondered what she saw in him. He was good looking, in a boyish kind of way, but didn’t seem suited to her at all.

  Instead of walking back to the car, they turned down the side of the pub and followed the signs for the canal.

  I followed on foot. And when they’d walked for a few minutes along the bank without seeing anyone else, I pulled up my hood and jogged past them, thanking them for stepping to the side. I almost laughed out loud.

  Then, a little way ahead of them, I pretended to stumble and cried out as I fell to the dirt, rocking as though in agony. I heard do-gooder Matt race towards me.

  “Oh, my god, are you okay?” He dropped to my side.

  I didn’t waste any time. Swinging my arm around, I caught the blade in the centre of his throat.

  He gripped the wound, his eyes wide, and I saw a split second of recognition before he fell forward, making a grotesque gurgling sound.

  His gangly girlfriend was beside us before she realised what had just happened, and as though in slow motion, she turned and began to run back the way she came.

  Her long legs were only for show, I found, as I caught up with her in a few strides and slammed the knife into her back.

  She was strangely quiet. I’d expected at least a scream, but she fell forwards with a sickening splat – not at all graceful as her gazelle-like appearance suggested.

  I didn’t know if she was dead. She hadn’t got a good look at me, so I didn’t care. However, as I stood over her watching, expectantly, she didn’t move, and I had a feeling I’d struck a bullseye, straight into her heart.

  I took a folded cloth from the pocket of my jogging pants, and after wiping my gloved hands on it, I yanked out the knife and wrapped it in the cloth before strolling back to the car.

  I was surprised at how scenic the little canal walk was and made a mental note to come back in the summer.

  20

  The situation with Claudia was exactly the same when I arrived the next morning. I couldn’t understand how a person could just lie there for so long. I knew she had a head injury, and that she could have died – but she was in a hospital. You’d think they would’ve been able to fix her by now.

  All day I sat by her bedside, taking a half-hour break at lunchtime to go to the canteen for some soggy fish and chips. At three-thirty, I kissed
Claudia’s cheek, promising to return the next day.

  I thought I’d have heard from Matt by then, but he had said he’d be busy all day.

  The bus dropped me in the centre of the village, and I strolled the few hundred metres to Larooes, a greasy spoon that was often full of kids my age. On the scruffy painted sign outside, someone had changed the first o to d with a magic marker, and now, everyone called the place Lardoes, which was totally fitting.

  Rachel was already there, dressed in jeans and cerise pink T-shirt. Her brown suede jacket hung on the back of her chair. She jumped to her feet as I entered and rushed towards me, her arms outstretched.

  We hugged, and within minutes, we were jabbering as though we were the best of friends again. There was no mention of the months she and the rest of our friends had ignored me, and I chose not to bring it up, not yet. We caught up on everything. And after being eyeballed by the café staff for taking up a table for so long, we ordered a bowl of chips to share and a couple of milkshakes.

  Afterwards, we walked arm in arm to Claudia’s so I could feed Sandy. The silly dog ran in circles in the hallway until he saw I wasn’t alone, and then, again, he scarpered. We found him whimpering underneath the table.

  I got on all fours and laughed. “Look at the state of this guard dog.”

  “Aw, what’s the matter, poochy?” Rachel said, crouching onto the cold floor beside me.

  Sandy made a funny, whining whimper and began licking the air, comically.

  We laughed hysterically.

  “Don’t take it personally, Rach. He’s had quite a few scares this week.”

  Eventually, Rachel coaxed Sandy out with the rustling of a sweet she had in her pocket. “Come on, you silly sausage.”

  We fed and walked Sandy along the back alley, laughing like silly kids after Sandy did a massive poo. Rachel found me gagging, as I picked up the steaming mound, highly amusing.

  It felt good to laugh again. “I’ve missed you so much, you crazy bitch,” I said.

  “Me too – I’d hug you if you didn’t have that stinking shit-bag in your hand.”

  I lifted the bag in front of me and chased her back up the alley and in through Claudia’s kitchen door, with Sandy yapping at our ankles.

  When inside, Rachel called home to tell them where she was. Her dad insisted on picking her up in an hour.

  I didn’t want her to go, but it was a school night. “Maybe you can stay over at the weekend?”

  “I’d love that,” she said.

  While waiting for her dad, we had a coffee and sat on the sofa, Sandy sandwiched between us.

  “So, I heard you’d inherited your old house?”

  I nodded. “Not that I plan to live there. It seems strange.”

  “I’m sure it does. I was gutted to hear about your mum.” She reached for my hand.

  My breath hitched, and I looked up at her as my eyes filled with tears.

  “I’m so sorry I didn’t get in touch. I couldn’t cope. I’ve never had to deal with death before, and I had no clue what to say or how to behave.”

  “So, what changed?”

  She shrugged. “My nan got sick, and the only person I wanted to call was you.”

  “Oh, no. Is she okay?” I’d known her nan for years – she’d taught us both to bake all sorts of goodies.

  “She’s been put in a nursing home. I’m ashamed to say it took something like this to make me realise how much I missed my best friend. But by then, you’d moved away.”

  “I wish you’d just messaged me.”

  “I did as soon as I heard you were back.”

  I nodded and wiped my tears. “I know. I hope we never lose touch again. I didn’t realise how lonely I’ve been, until now.”

  “Let’s make a pact. Besties forever.”

  I sighed. “Besties forever.” We clasped our hands together.

  The sound of a car horn tooting outside had us on our feet.

  I stood on the doorstep and waved her off. We’d agreed she would come to stay on Friday night. I glanced at my watch. 8.30. I was surprised Matt hadn’t been in touch. I called Doreen and left a message on her answerphone, telling her there was no change. Then, I sent a text to Caroline, asking her to pass the message on to Agnes and Fred. I was all talked out.

  Finally, I texted Matt.

  Going to bed.

  Speak tomorrow – still no change

  in Claudia. xx

  Sandy and I were again woken by someone banging on the door. I staggered from my bed and down the stairs, still half asleep.

  Doreen looked through the letterbox as I reached the bottom of the stairs.

  “Maggie, open up.”

  “Hold your horses. Bloody hell!” I opened the door in a temper. “What?”

  She barged in and headed straight to the kitchen. “I’ve just heard something and I’m not certain, but I think something has happened to that friend of yours.”

  My legs almost gave way.

  Doreen leapt forward to catch hold of me. “Oh, heck. Hang on. Let’s get you to a chair.”

  “What happened?” I asked when I was steady again.

  “I think your friend was attacked, along with a woman. They are both dead. I’m sorry, Maggie.”

  “That’s not possible. She was only here last night. Her dad picked her up to take her home.”

  “Who?”

  “Rachel,” I said, shaking my head.

  “No. Sorry, love. I mean your solicitor friend. They were found last night along the side of the canal.”

  21

  I felt as though I’d been punched in the stomach. All the air whooshed from my lungs. I couldn’t breathe. Doreen was in a panic, but I couldn’t tell her what to do. I finally managed to scramble for my inhaler, and I took several deep pulls on it.

  “I’m sorry. I’m such a blabbermouth. I didn’t think of the effect the news would have on you.”

  I nodded, concentrating on breathing in and out.

  After a few minutes, I asked her to tell me all she knew.

  “Dirty Derek, from Barber Street, knows someone who knows your friend’s girlfriend.”

  “Penny?”

  “Aye, that’s the one. Apparently, some woman was jogging along the canal, and she stumbled upon two dead bodies. According to the ID found at the scene, it’s this Penny and your solicitor friend. They’d been stabbed to death.”

  I couldn’t believe it. I kept seeing Matt’s smiling face when he’d left a couple of nights earlier. “Are you sure?”

  She rubbed my hand and nodded. “They reckon they’d been there several hours, but because they’d gone off the normal path and were hidden by shrubbery, it was a while before anybody found them.”

  “But are you sure it’s him?” I couldn’t believe what she was telling me.

  “They haven’t been formerly identified yet.”

  Still struggling to take enough breath, I knew I should head to the hospital for a nebulizer. I took two more puffs of my inhaler, feeling so weak. Jake’s words kept running through my mind. He’d almost threatened Matt the night before Matt and his girlfriend were attacked. But he was a detective! Could he actually be capable of murder? Could it just be a coincidence every single person who had supported me was being killed?

  My initial thoughts had been for Rachel, but if my suspicions were a reality, she would most certainly be his next victim. But what could I do about it? Who would believe a well-respected police officer could be a serial killer? It sounded crazy, even to me.

  Doreen left as soon as she was happy I wasn’t about to cark it, probably to pass her gossip on to the rest of the street. I didn’t know why I was angry with her. Without her, I wouldn’t have a clue what had happened to Matt. But I was so angry. I knew I needed to tell Agnes and Fred, but decided to wait until it was confirmed.

  After a short rest on the sofa, I fed and walked Sandy, before showering, and getting ready for the hospital – praying for some good news about Claudia. I felt defla
ted. Although I hadn’t known Matt long, he was one of my only friends, and I’d been a complete bitch to his girlfriend who also lay dead in the morgue, according to Doreen.

  As I rounded the corner at the bottom of the street, a car skidded to a stop beside me. Jake jumped out. “Just the person I’m looking for. I need you to accompany me to the station, Mags.”

  “What? Why?” I pushed his arm away.

  He held his hands up as though backing off. “Are you resisting arrest?”

  “Arrest? What the fuck are you on about? I’m not going anywhere with you.” I felt sick. The thought of getting in his car made me almost pee myself again.

  “We’ll see about that. Stand there – don’t move.” He bent back into the car, and I could hear him talking on the radio.

  Moments later, a siren approached, and a police van also skidded to a stop beside us.

  “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.” I shook my head, backing away from them.

  Two uniformed policemen jumped out and circled me. They read me my rights, handcuffed me, and then bundled me into the back of the van.

  Trembling and alone in the back of the police van, it suddenly occurred to me what Jake had in mind – one way or another, he’d make sure I paid for killing Kenny.

  At the station, I was stripped and searched – my clothes were taken for forensic examination. I was given paper overalls to wear instead. Then, Jake took great pleasure in shoving me in a cell.

  I cried until my face felt ugly and red. This was so unfair. They still hadn’t told me about Matt and Penny, but I knew they were the people I was being accused of killing.

  A few hours later, Jake appeared, an evil grin plastered on his face. “Ready to answer some questions, Mags?”

  “I’ve told you,” I growled. “Don’t fucking call me that, you pig.”