He had been writing all day and was feeling like a walk to stretch his legs. He decided to drive down to Cable Bay and take a stroll along the red sandy beach. It was still quite warm and the sun would not be setting for a couple of hours yet.
As he drove down the main highway just before the Mangonui turn off he spotted Constable Bromley’s car driving towards him. I wonder if he is heading to Hihi to talk to Audrey, he thought as he gave him a wave. The policeman waved back in recognition.
Paul liked living on the edge. He had left school at fifteen and had lived off his wits ever since. He had learned his good looks and disarming charm enabled him to get pretty much anything he wanted in life. It wasn’t until recently, time had played a trick on him and women were not as attracted to him as they used to be. He had always been able to get any women he wanted. Having never married he preferred the freedom single life offered. He liked to think of himself as a “toy boy” and excelled as an accessory worn by very affluent older women.
This pampered lifestyle also came with fast cars, designer clothes and platinum credit cards. He had seen the world from the great heights of Machu Picchu to the remote wonders of Easter Island.
In between his relationships he worked online buying and selling shares in the stock market. Since the latest stock market fall he had been struggling financially. His last job working as a business and marketing manger for a New Zealand corporation was obtained through his close association with the owners’ wife. He knew as soon as he started with the company he wasn’t going to get rich as an employee and had managed to draw a monthly bonus, which was not exactly approved by the management. The owner’s wife was easier to charm than her husband and when his little scheme was discovered he took the easy way out.
This murder has been a lifesaver. He would sell the movie rights to the book and have enough money to retire. Things were looking up and Paul, for the first time, knew that finally he was in control of his life. His next women he had sex with would be young and beautiful with a body to die for. This book was his ticket to freedom.
He sat on the sand and watched the setting sun spray orange and red streaks across the darkening sky. The stillness was sublime. Not even the sound of his phone ringing in the distance would break his trance.
C H A P T E R 8 5
Bruce Bromley was troubled. He decided to call his nephew and have a chat.
“Jimmy, Bruce here. I don’t want to put my nose where it doesn’t belong but I am concerned about that guy, Jamieson’s book he is writing about the murder. Audrey’s says he is all over Lucy being involved with that poor girl, Suzy’s death. I don’t know if it is because you are the lead cop on the case or if he is just stirring up trouble. But, I don’t like it. Tell me Jimmy; was Lucy involved in any way?
“She did go to the movies with her the night Suzy went missing but came home after the movies. Suzy’s friend, Staci dropped Suzy off at the Taipa shops and then she drove Lucy home.
“Is the girl, Staci, likely to talk? He asked
“We have already interviewed her. She is a sex worker and known by the Kaitaia cops. After Suzy’s death she moved to Whangarei. I doubt if Jamieson knows about her involvement.
“I hope not. That would not be good for you or for Lucy.
I would suggest you find a way to keep the girl quiet. If Jamieson gets hold of her there is no telling what she will say. Oh, by the way Audrey’s oleander plant has mysteriously been uprooted and has vanished. It was outside the cabin. I saw it there a few days ago. Strange don’t you think? Audrey thinks maybe Jamieson removed it.” Bruce divulged
“I can’t imagine why. Don’t worry Bruce. I am on it. I have been doing some digging into Jamieson’s past and he is a shady character. Was let go from his last job under some cloud. Seems he lives off wealthy older women. Would be a good thing if he went back to where he came from”.
“I agree. I don’t like him living next door. I am also concerned about Audrey. She has been through a lot with a murderer living next door and now she has a scoundrel and a womanizer. Anyway mate just wanted to fill you in. When are Mary and the kids returning?”
“In a couple of days. I would like this Jamieson thing sorted out before they return.”
“Give them our love when you talk to them next. We miss you guys. Time for a get together.” Says Bruce
“Sure is,” replied Bromley “And don’t worry about Jamieson I have it covered”.
C H A P T E R 8 6
Staci’s phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number and presumed it was a new client. “Hello” she answered warily.
“Is that Staci? She heard.
“Who wants to know?” she answered curtly
“My name is Paul Jamieson. I am writing a book about the death of Suzy Cunningham and I understand you were the last one to see her that night?”
“What’s it to you if I was?” she asked annoyed
“I am just trying to get to the truth,” he said gently. “Anything you tell me is in complete confidence. If it makes you feel more comfortable I will tell you what I know and you can simply confirm it”
“It will cost you,” said Staci “Nothing is free these days”.
“I would be happy to pay you for your time” he said. Why don’t I come down to Whangarei and we can meet over coffee”.
“It will cost you five hundred bucks,” she said.
“That’s a bit steep for a bit of conversation,” Paul complained.
“Then its your choice” she said. “Five hundred dollars or no information. “
Paul paused and thought for a moment. “OK then. Why don’t we meet at the China Town restaurant downtown at noon? It will take me a couple of hours to drive down there, so wait for me if I am a little late.” He looked at the time. It was almost ten o’clock.
“OK see you at noon” Staci hung up her phone and smiled. Five hundred bucks for a conversation. Today is certainly looking up.
Staci had been doing extremely well in Whangarei. Work was good and paid well. In just ten days she had managed to be put on regular staff at the brothel. She enjoyed her work and liked the protection provided by her boss. All johns had to shower before sex. Condoms were a strict rule. The brothel offered half hour and hourly rates.
Staci knew she was in the minority. Most of the other sex workers had chosen the path of prostitution for purely financial reasons. She had read that one third of sex workers had started in their teenage years and child prostitution is aptly named “survival sex” due to the child’s background of poverty, abuse, family breakdown and addiction. Sex with anyone under the age of sixteen is classified as statutory rape. Staci, however, had grown up knowing she wanted to be a sex worker and one day own her own brothel. Yes, the money was good but she enjoyed sex and she liked the power it gave her. Staci never liked school and left as soon as she could. She had been a sex worker ever since. It was also the only thing she was good at.
She looked in the mirror at the outfit she had chosen to wear to meet the writer. She felt very important being part of a book. She must make sure he would not use her real name. She was proud she could dress “straight”. In her outfit of tailored pants, designer jacket, wool scarf and Italian boots she could be accepted into any five star restaurant. Shame he had suggested a Chinese Restaurant obviously expecting her to be too slutty for a classier location.
As she was walking out the door she heard her home phone ringing. She returned inside and took the call.
Inside the restaurant she saw a nice looking mature gentleman sitting alone at a table at the rear of the room. He looked up at her admiringly but with no recognition he looked away. “Pompous Fuck” she said under her breath as she walked towards him “Paul Jamieson” she asked. He leapt to his feet in amazement.
“Staci?” he asked obviously taken back “please, join me”.
“Now what is it you want to ask me?” Staci asked enjoying the power she had over the man.
Paul couldn’t answer. He had j
ust fallen in love.
C H A P T E R 8 7
Paul had got it all wrong. He sat mesmerized by the beautiful young woman sitting across the table from him. She was everything he ever wanted in a woman. He was more than three times her age he deduced but having spent a lifetime seducing older wealthier women he reveled in the possibility of winning the heart of this childlike treasure.
Staci was talking and gesturing enthusiastically as she described her friend Suzy. She streamed adjectives, kind, thoughtful, friendly, beautiful, energetic…
Paul wondered how a prostitute could be so elegant, eloquent and adorable. He hung on her every word. She told him how sweet Suzy was and how the media had got it all wrong. She did sometimes date older men behind her parent’s back but she never was a sex worker.
When Paul asked her about Lucy, Staci said that she only met her the night they went to the movies. Lucy was Suzy’s best friend at school. Staci said she had dropped Lucy off home immediately after the movies. Poor Lucy must have been devastated by Suzy’s death.
As soon as Paul realized he was going down the wrong track he decided to change the subject and put on his charm.
“Do you enjoy what you do?” he asked
“You mean prostitution?” she responded boldly.
“Well, yes. Do you work here in Whangarei?”
“At the moment” she said. “But I am opening up my own brothel in Auckland soon and I will be operating the business rather than participating in it – if you know what I mean?”
“When are you moving to Auckland?” he asked
“Very soon. In a few days” she replied enthusiastically
“Oh,” he said disappointedly. I was hoping you might join me for dinner one night.
“I’m sorry but I obviously work nights. Do you ever make it down to Auckland?” she asked expectantly
“Funny, you should ask.” He said. “I am planning on moving there in a few days myself”.
“Now, that is a coincidence,” said Staci with a smile.
“Isn’t it” he said.
C H A P T E R 8 8
Constable Bromley answered his cell.
“I did what you asked,” she said
“Did he believe you?” he enquired
“Of course he did,” said Staci. “He was like a puppy dog all panting and pathetic. In fact, I told him I am moving to Auckland in a few days. He said he was moving to Auckland also. I guess I must have charmed him,” she giggled.
“Good girl” said Bromley. “I have made the transaction for the twenty. Just like we agreed.”
“Thanks. I’ll keep you updated” she said and hung up.
Bromley breathed a sigh of relief. It was finally over. Staci would keep Paul busy and away from his daughter. He won’t know which way is up by the time she has finished with him.
His visit to Audrey earlier in the day was troubling. St Heliers Bay police station had sent through the copy of the oleander plant information he had requested. They also sent a photo of a green necklace found near the plant. He was sure he recognized the necklace as the one Audrey was wearing when he last saw her. He has an eye for details and blessed with a photographic memory of which he has learned to rely upon.
Audrey hadn’t heard his car approach over the “Happy” song playing at full blast. He saw her through the kitchen window and waved.
She welcomed him inside and offered him a cup of tea and home made banana cake she had just taken out of the oven. It smelled good and the day was chilly. He accepted with pleasure and took a seat at her table.
He noticed that the cottage was an old tin garage that had been converted into a home many years ago. There had been recent renovations but it was a sorry home for a women of Audrey’s financial background. He knew she had built two expensive homes in Whangaroa in the past ten years, both selling for over a million dollars each. Although Tiromoana was a beautiful property the living quarters were certainly rustic to say the least.
“Bruce tells me your oleander plant has gone missing and you suspect Jamieson may have removed it?” he asked.
“I can’t believe it,” she said. “Why would he remove the plant? I know they are saying that they are poisonous but, for goodness sake, it is not as though we are planning on chomping on it. I liked the plant.”
“Have you asked him about it?” he enquired.
“He took off about ten this morning and he is still out” she said. “I will talk to him when he gets back. However, I did find where he had disposed of it,” she said. “I found it in the pile of leaves and branches down the bank on the ridge. It is where I throw all my gardening stuff. I saw it there this morning when I was clearing away the leaves.”
“Well that solves that puzzle,” he said. Then added “I was wondering where you purchased the lovely green necklace you are wearing” he asked admiring the one she was wearing.
“Oh, I bought it at a farmers market” she said. “I love it – thank you” she replied.
“I was thinking of getting one for my wife. Do you think they would still have one? Was it the Mangonui or the Taipa Farmers Market?” He asked.
“Oh I think they have them at both” she said. “It is a local artist -each one is individual”.
Bromley looked closely at the necklace and realized it was slightly different from the one in the police photo but obviously crafted by the same artist. Meaning that whoever dropped it in Diane Jenkins’ garden had purchased it from the Doubtless Bay area. He decided to track down the artist and find out how many she had sold with a similar color and style.
Something was bugging Bromley. The missing plant, the similar necklace, the oleander plant print out.
“You know,” she said interrupting his thoughts “Diane was wearing a similar necklace when I first met her. She must have bought it when she was up here. I remember because we commented that we must have similar tastes.”
“Oh, is that right?” Bromley said wondering if Audrey was covering her ass or was simply making conversation.
“Such an awful situation. She seemed like a nice person and was deeply troubled about her brother. What is it I can help you with Constable Bromley” she asked. “I am sure you didn’t stop by for a piece of my banana cake and a cup of tea”.
“Bruce told me about the plant and with all the information you provided the other day I wanted to check it out. However, that seems to be a non-issue now.”
Audrey smiled. “I’m glad I could help”.
Bromley stood to leave “One last thing. You might want to do more thorough checks on your tenants. It would appear that middle-aged men tend to go missing or are found dead in your establishments. That can’t be good for business.”
“You are right,” she said. “I will be more careful in the future.”
C H A P T E R 8 9
Audrey watched Paul walk into the cabin. He had been gone most of the day. Within ten minutes she saw him carrying his suitcase out to his car. He returned to the cabin and continued removing his belongings.
She watched as he walked towards the cabin.
“Audrey, sorry I have to vacate the cabin. I am moving back to Auckland. My plans have changed. I hope I have left everything as I found it. Here are the keys,” he said passing them to her.
“Oh, I am sorry to see you go,” she said.
“You can keep the month’s deposit” he said “and I am sorry for the inconvenience”.
“No problem” she said.
As she watched his car heading off down the driveway she wondered what Bromley had done to get him to leave town so quickly. She didn’t know and really didn’t care. She had made two months rent in just fifteen days. She had also finished two projects during the same time.
The ringing of her phone interrupted her thoughts.
“Audrey” she announced.
“Constable Bromley here Audrey. Have you by any chance seen Jamieson?
“Oh yes, Constable, he was here but he has just left. He said he had to return to
Auckland. He didn’t leave a forwarding address. Seemed in a bit of a hurry. Have you tried his cell phone?”
“Yes, it just goes to voice mail. Thanks anyway” he said careful not to show his relief.
“Sorry I couldn’t help you” Audrey said
“Oh you have” said Bromley as he hung up.
Audrey knew it was over. She walked over to her computer and placed the ad:
A Cabin by the Sea
Private, secluded and fully furnished.
14 acres of native bush * overlooking the ocean
Suitable for one adult
$200.00 per week
No pets, No smoking, No children
Owner lives on property in separate cottage
This time she was sure she would find the perfect tenant.
T H E E N D
The Audrey Murders - Series
Audrey is a psychopath, a serial killer and friendly resident in a small town in rural Northland New Zealand.
The Murder Suite - Book One
Audrey owns and operates “The Three Suites” perched high on a
remote mountain top
But when male guests check in - Audrey takes “checking out” to the extreme
The Cabin by the Sea - Book Two
Having lost everything, her fortune, her career and her youth, Audrey has moved to her family’s remote seaside property in the far north of new zealand.
In order to survive financially she is forced to rent out a small cabin on the fourteen wooded acres. But finding the right tenant proves to be more difficult than she ever imagined.
The local police found a young girl’s body washed up on a remote rocky beach. Two more suspicious deaths follow.
The Murder Trail – Book Three
The Cabin by the Sea: The Audrey Murders - Book Two Page 15