Maggie: a gripping psychological thriller

by Netta Newbound

  I took Rachel’s place on the sofa and watched mind-numbing TV. At eleven, I made my way to bed and was startled by the ringing of my phone on the bedside table.

  “Hello?” I whispered.

  “Maggie?”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s Sister Robinson from The Manchester Royal. I’m phoning to let you know that Claudia’s finally awake.”

  I was stunned. “I’ll be right there.” I hung up and rushed to Rachel’s room.

  “Rach!” I called, popping my head inside her door. I was surprised to see her on her laptop.

  “What’s happened?”

  “Claudia’s awake. I’m going to the hospital now.”

  “I’ll take you.”

  I paused. “What in? Your flying machine?”

  “No, silly. I have Nan’s little car in the garage. It’s automatic and real easy to drive. She used to give me lessons in it.”

  “I didn’t even know you could drive, but I do know you don’t have a licence.”

  “Where’s your sense of adventure? There’ll be no bus for ages, and a taxi will cost you a fortune.”

  She was right. I hadn’t thought about how I was actually going to get there. “But I’d feel terrible if you were stopped by the police.”

  “I won’t get stopped. I’ve been driving it all over for weeks, and nobody’s noticed, not even you.”

  I laughed. “I think I’d have noticed if you were driving, Rach.”

  “I had the car parked along your street the other day and doubled back when you got on the bus.”

  “Why? Why be so secretive?”

  “Because I know how much you worry, and I didn’t want to give you cause to – you’ve got enough on your mind.”

  “Then, why now?”

  She shrugged. “Needs must. Now, are you coming or not?”

  She grabbed a set of keys from a hook by the back door and led me through an internal door I’d thought was just a cupboard, into the small windowless garage that housed a small gold-coloured car.

  “Mum was planning on selling it, but I convinced her to keep it for when I get my licence. She’d have kittens if she knew I was already using it.”

  I shook my head. “But I still don’t get why you are. Your dad runs you around all over the place, and you’re usually such a wuss when it comes to breaking rules.” I climbed into the passenger seat, still unsure but desperate to get to the hospital whichever way possible.

  She hit a button on the sun visor and the garage door sprang to life. When she started the engine and turned on the lights, it suddenly struck me that we were actually doing this.

  “Are you sure you can drive?”

  “Who’s the wuss now? Trust me. I know what I’m doing.”

  She pulled out of the garage and drove the car surprisingly well all the way to the hospital. My heart was in my mouth as we approached the city, but she didn’t flinch even when we passed two police cars at the side of the road.

  We found a car park right outside the front of the hospital, and security buzzed us in the front door.

  I recognised the nurse on the main desk. She recognised me and grinned. “Great news, hey?”

  “Is she still awake?”

  She chuckled. “Yes. Go and see for yourself.”

  “Shall I wait here?” Rachel said.

  I glanced at the nurse. “Maybe just go alone for now. She’s still pretty drowsy, so we don’t want to over stimulate her.”

  I nodded. “I won’t be long.” I squeezed Rachel’s arm.

  “Take all the time you need.”

  The light in Claudia’s room was dimmer than the corridor, and the curtain was partially pulled. I cautiously walked further into the room, brimming with excitement yet terrified at the same time. When I first saw her, my stomach dropped. She looked no different. I approached the bed and placed my hand on hers.

  Her eyes slowly opened, and she smiled. “Oh, Maggie.” Tears filled her lovely, smiley blue eyes.

  “Hey, you. How are you feeling?”

  “Oh, you know. A bit shit.”

  I barked out a laugh. “I’m sure you do. But I’m so pleased you’re awake. I’ve been so worried.”

  “Have you?”

  “Yes. I’ve been here almost every day since it happened.”

  She appeared confused. “How long?”

  “A few weeks. But let’s not worry about that, for now.”

  “Weeks?” She shook her head and closed her eyes for a second. “Sandy?”

  My heart stopped. How could I tell her about her darling dog? “I’ve been staying at your house. I’ve got so much to tell you, but I’d rather wait until you’re feeling better in a day or two.”

  She patted my hand. “You’re a good girl, Maggie.” She closed her eyes again.

  “I’ll leave you to rest, and come back tomorrow. I just wanted to see you were okay.”

  She could barely muster the energy to nod and smile at me. I bent and kissed her cheek before leaving.

  Rachel was sitting in the day room reading a magazine. She jumped to her feet when I appeared in the doorway. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. She’s tired, so I said I’ll come back tomorrow.”

  Rachel looked relieved. “Did she say what happened to her?”

  “No, and I didn’t ask. She’s still a bit out of it. She did ask about Sandy, though.”

  “Shit. What did you say?”

  “I avoided it. There’s no way I could just blurt it out like that.”

  She nodded. “It’s going to be hard on her, regardless of when you choose to tell her.”

  “I know that. But I was thinking I may not tell her anything. It’s best if she thinks he just ran away.”

  “She’ll find out eventually, though.”

  “Yeah, but at least it can wait until she’s up and about again.”

  “I guess so.”

  “Let’s get home. I’ll come again in the morning, and maybe she’ll be more with it.”

  44

  The next morning, I called Detective Kent and told her about Claudia. She said she’d come in to see if she was up to being questioned later on that day. I declined Rachel’s offer of a lift to the hospital, choosing instead to catch the bus. It was less hassle, and far more legal. She left for school in the car.

  I wondered how much longer she’d have kept the fact she was driving from me if I hadn’t been living at her nan’s. I didn’t really want any part of it. When her parents found out, and I had no doubt they would, I didn’t want to be blamed.

  I picked up a couple of newspapers and women’s magazines from the newsagents on the ground floor of the hospital. I was sure Claudia would want to catch up with what had been going on in the world.

  Claudia was sitting up and appeared much brighter than she had last night. “Ah, there you are, duck. I’ve been dying for you to come back and tell me all I’ve been missing.”

  I took a deep breath and sat in the chair beside her. “I brought you something to read. I figured you’d be itching to know what you’ve been missing.”

  “I didn’t mean with celebrities, silly. I meant with you.”

  “Gosh! Maybe I should wait to get the all clear from the doctor? There’s so much to tell you, but I’d hate to make you ill again.”

  “Sod the doctor. I want to know.”

  I chuckled, thrilled to see her fall hadn’t altered her personality. “Okay. I think the police will be in to speak to you this afternoon, so I guess you’ll find out everything anyway.”

  “You’re worrying me now. What’s happened?”

  “Can you remember the night you had your fall?”

  “It’s hazy. The last thing I remember was going to bed, and Sandy wouldn’t settle. I thought he needed to go wee, so I ended up getting up again and heading for the stairs. I don’t remember anything else until I woke up in this bed last night. I feel there might be more, dancing around on the edge of my subconscious like when you can vaguely r
emember a dream but not the details. Does that make sense?”

  I nodded. “I honestly wish you could remember. You see, the thing is, I’m sure you were pushed.”

  Claudia’s eyes widened. “Pushed? By who?”

  I shrugged. “I’ve no idea. We were hoping you could shed some light on that. But whoever it was left you for dead.”

  “Who found me?”

  “Doreen found you. Matt let me know, and I came right away.”

  “Thanks. I’m sorry to interrupt your school work, though.”

  “Ah, don’t worry about that. I’ll catch up.”

  “So, what else. I know there’s more.”

  My eyes filled as I tried to find the words. “Matt and his girlfriend were killed.”

  Claudia gasped, and her hand flew to her chest, which had turned a deep blotchy red.

  I dabbed at my eyes with my sleeve.

  “Don’t tell me there’s more.”

  I nodded. “I’m sorry, Claudia. Sandy ran off one night. When we found him a while later…” Tears rolled freely down my face. “He was dead too.”

  She buried her head into her pillow, and the sound of her sobbing broke my heart. “Why? I don’t understand why anyone would hurt my poor baby.”

  I stroked her arm, feeling helpless. “I think he may have seen the killer, and they didn’t want him identifying them.”

  “Them?”

  I shrugged. “Kenny’s sisters have moved into number eleven. I was certain it must be them, but apparently, they weren’t in the area until long after Matt’s death. I was hoping you’d remember.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t remember a thing. I wish I could. I’d string the bastards up with my bare hands for hurting my poor Sandy.”

  “There’s more.”

  Claudia groaned.

  “Another person I’d suspected was Jake Stuart. He kept coming around, taunting me. But during our slanging match, we both agreed the deaths of Detective Sullivan and Yazz and her husband were also connected. I thought it was him, and he accused me.”

  “But you no longer think that?”

  “Nope. Jake was killed in your old coal shed the day before yesterday. One of your knives was used, and the police arrested me, but CCTV showed them I was here all day.”

  “How did they get one of my knives?”

  I shook my head. “Don’t know. Does anybody else have a key to your house?”

  “No. Oh, hang about, Doreen may have one?”

  “Did you ever give one to my mum?”

  Claudia closed her eyes as though deep in thought then opened them again. “You know, I do remember giving her one when I went into hospital for a procedure a few years ago, but I can’t remember if she gave it back or not.”

  “I’m wondering if Kenny’s sisters could have found it. My money’s still on them – who else could it possibly be?”

  Claudia closed her eyes again for a moment as though trying to remove the mental images.

  “I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t want to tell you like this.”

  “I needed to know,” she said, as though breathless. “Tell me, what did you do with poor Sandy?”

  “He was taken away and cremated. I thought we could do something special to remember him when you’re feeling better, maybe scatter his ashes at the park.”

  Claudia placed a trembling hand on my arm. “I’d like that, duck.”

  I grasped her fingers with my other hand. “In the meantime, we need to focus on getting you back on your feet. I’m ecstatic you’re with us again. I truly thought the longer it went on, the less chance we would have of you waking up.”

  “I’m back now. And I don’t intend going anywhere again for a good while.”

  “Thank God for that.”

  “Detectives Kent and Jones said they will be in later to talk to you. Do you know how long you’ll have to stay here for?”

  Claudia shook her head, her eyes clearly heavy – it had been a tough morning.

  “You have a nap. I’ll just be here, reading your magazines.” I grinned at her as she seemed to fall asleep mid-smile.

  As promised, the detectives arrived just after two. They were clearly disappointed when Claudia told them she couldn’t remember a thing. Although still weak, she told them off for treating me like a criminal.

  Jones bristled. His top lip curling slightly, and I could tell he wanted to bite back, but DI Kent put her hand on his arm and smiled sweetly at Claudia. “We’re just doing our job, Mrs Green,” she said, before backing out of the door.

  I followed them into the corridor. “Any idea when we’ll be allowed to return to the house?”

  “Is she…?” DI Kent pointed towards Claudia’s room.

  “I’m not sure when she can go home, but I need to clean her house before she does.”

  “I’ll double check with the team, but I’m sure we should be finished there tomorrow at the latest.”

  I watched them leave, and then, I walked into the day room to call Rachel.

  “How is she?” Rachel asked as soon as she picked up.

  “Tons better than she was, but still exhausted.”

  “What did Mulder and Scully say?”

  “Who?”

  “The cops – don’t you watch the X-files?”

  “Never heard of them.” I chuckled.

  “Oh, well, maybe they’re not cops after all. It’s a stupid programme my mum watches.”

  I shook my head. “I should be leaving here around five. Are you home yet?”

  “I didn’t go in today. Couldn’t face it, after everything.”

  “Your mum’ll have a fit when she finds out.”

  “She’ll be fine. Mondays are always slow anyway.”

  “Because that’s the day most people wag it.”

  “I’m hardly wagging it.” She laughed. “Shall I pick you up? We could go shopping right after.”

  “I don’t want to get in the car with you, Rach. You’re not even insured.”

  “Suit yourself. I’ll meet you at the supermarket at five-thirty, if you like.”

  I could tell by her snotty attitude that she wasn’t happy with me. But I couldn’t just sit back and say nothing. She’d be in big trouble if she got caught.

  “Great, see you then.”

  45

  Claudia was struggling to sit up when I returned. “Ah, Maggie. Shove this pillow behind my back. That’s a good girl.”

  I helped her get comfy and then sat down beside her on the armchair.

  “So, what did they say?” she asked.

  “Who?”

  Claudia rolled her eyes. “Who do you think?”

  “Oh, nothing. I was just asking them if they’d finished at the house so I can go back and make sure it’s all nice and tidy for you.”

  “You’re a good girl.” She patted my hand. “I can’t wait to get in my own bed, I can tell you.” She then frowned. “If the police are still all over my house, where are you staying?”

  “I’ve stayed at Rachel’s nan’s house the past couple of nights.”

  “Oh, friends with her again, are you?”

  “I am. And she’s been great, Claudia – a true friend.”

  She pulled a face.

  “What’s that for?”

  “True friends don’t dump you in your hour of need.”

  I nodded. “She’s apologised for that. She just didn’t know how to be around me. I understand, and I’ve accepted her apology.”

  Claudia didn’t need to say another word; her tight-lipped expression spoke volumes.

  “I know how it looks, and I was a bit wary at first, but she’d made a mistake. I honestly believe her.”

  Claudia shrugged. “What about the stuff she told Matt? He said if he was to use her as a witness, you’d be locked up by now.”

  That stumped me. “What do you mean? What did she say?”

  “He didn’t go into detail, but she indicated you were getting a name for yourself around school.”
<
br />   “Name? What kind of name?”

  Claudia looked down at her hands and picked at her fingernails.

  “Tell me. I have a right to know.”

  She took a deep breath before lifting her head to look directly into my eyes. “She said you were sleeping your way through the school.”

  My breath caught in my throat. I jumped to my feet and went to the window.

  “I’m sorry. I really didn’t want to tell you like this.”

  Turning to face her, I placed my elbows on the back of the armchair. “I don’t get it. Why would she say such a thing?”

  “I don’t know. But we didn’t believe her. In fact, I’d say she’s the one who sleeps around.”

  “No, you’re wrong. She doesn’t even have a boyfriend.”

  “Maybe because boyfriends are beneath her.”

  I shook my head. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “She’s into older men.”

  I laughed. “Rachel? Rachel Mendoza?”

  Claudia raised her eyebrows in confirmation.

  “Who?”

  “I’ve said enough already. Why don’t you ask her yourself? Because you won’t believe me until you hear it from the horse’s mouth.”

  Her words were swimming around in my head, without making any sense. Firstly, why would Rachel tell Matt I was sleeping around? And who was the older man she was seeing? And how come I was only just hearing about all this now?

  I glanced at my watch – almost 4.30. I’d arranged to meet Rachel at the supermarket in an hour, so I guessed I’d be getting some answers then.

  Claudia dozed off again while I pretended to read a true-life story from one of her magazines. At just before five, I kissed her cheek and left to catch the bus.

  Could Rachel have been seeing Matt? The way Claudia said it, it was clearly someone we both knew. But there didn’t seem to be any sign of a boyfriend anymore, which is why I thought Matt could’ve been the one. But if that was the case, why hadn’t Rachel told me? I couldn’t figure this out, and I was desperate to talk to Rachel.

  I arrived at the local Asda with five minutes to spare and went to the toilet. Rachel was standing beside the trollies when I came out.