The Watcher : A Chilling Serial Killer Thriller

by Netta Newbound

  8.45am - I missed you when I woke to an empty bed

  8.45am - Yeah, sorry about that. You looked so peaceful, I didn’t want to wake you. What time does your mother arrive?

  8.45am - Not until this evening. Maybe we could meet for dinner, if you’re back early enough

  8.47am - Sounds wonderful. I’ll message you later xx

  The day flew by.

  She considered racing home after work to put some finishing touches to the flat, but she had a mountain of paperwork to get through, so she decided to stay behind and wait, instead.

  At 6.15pm, she packed up her desk, turned off the computer, and headed from the building.

  “Hello, Ms McLaughlin. You’re here late,” the security guard said, as she stepped into the lift beside him.

  “I’ve been catching up on some paperwork while waiting for my mammy to arrive.”

  “Oh, that’s nice. Will she be staying long?”

  “Just a day or two. But, yes, I can hardly wait to see her.”

  “Treasure the time you have with her, dear. You only get one mother.”

  The lift door opened on the ground floor. Hannah nodded. “This is me. And thanks for the advice. I intend to spoil her rotten while she’s here.” She smiled at him, and headed for the sliding glass doors.

  Her phone buzzed in her pocket.

  6.19pm - Where shall we meet? I’m almost back

  6.19pm - I’m heading to Piccadilly bus station now. Shall we meet you there?

  6.20pm - Okay, see you soon

  Hannah waved down a taxi. Less than ten minutes later, she was standing at the outdoor bus station, waiting for her mother to arrive.

  She felt nervous butterflies fluttering in her stomach, and more than a little light-headed.

  She glanced around for a seat, and spotted an elderly man gathering his shopping bags together. When he vacated his seat, Hannah gratefully claimed it, her heart hammering in her chest.

  The stench of the fumes coming from the buses made her feel woozy and suddenly claustrophobic. She’d love nothing more than to be able to strip her clothes off, and lie down on the cold concrete.

  Just then, another bus arrived. She forced herself to her feet. She wanted this moment to be perfect.

  Her mother appeared. Her striking red hair was now slightly more muted than Hannah’s, but still the first thing you noticed. Instead of coming down the steps, her mother escorted a young woman off the bus with a stroller and several bags.

  Hannah waited patiently for her to turn around, and then, she was pounced on and dragged into a bear hug.

  “Oh, I’ve missed you. I’ve missed you. I’ve missed you,” her mother squealed into her ear, before planting a huge kiss on her cheek.

  Hannah laughed, and hugged her back. “I’m so glad you’re here, Mammy.”

  Suddenly, her mother stepped backwards, a strange expression on her face.

  “What is it?”

  Her mother nodded at something which had caught her eye over Hannah’s shoulder.

  Hannah spun around, her eyes resting on Max, who was dressed to kill in a navy pinstriped suit. His white shirt was open at the neck and a few wispy dark hairs poked out of the top. She smiled, turning back to her mother.

  “Mammy, I’d like you to meet someone. This is Max. Max meet my mammy, Agnes.”

  Max stepped forward, and kissed her surprised mother’s cheek. “It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs McLaughlin. I can see where Hannah gets her looks from, you’re both so alike!”

  “Only in looks—not everything,” her mother said, stiffly.

  Max’s face had flushed deep red, and Hannah couldn’t help but smile at the hardened businessman’s sudden embarrassment.

  “I hope you’re hungry, Mammy. Max is going to take us out to dinner.”

  “A little, but I have my suitcase.”

  Hannah noticed how her mother’s Irish accent came to the fore, once she became flustered.

  “Here, allow me.” Max picked up the suitcase, and set off walking towards the car.

  Hannah could sense her mother’s disapproval, without even looking at her face. She tucked her mother’s hand through her arm. “You ready?”

  Her mother nodded, and gave a tight-lipped smile.

  They fell into step, as they followed Max and the suitcase.

  However, once seated in a booth of a popular steakhouse, it didn’t take long before her mother made her disapproval known.

  “So, Max. Am I right in thinking you’re Hannah’s new boss.”

  Max gulped, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down nervously, before nodding. “Yes. That’s correct.”

  “How did you know that, Mammy?” Hannah asked.

  “I’m not as green as I’m cabbage-looking, sweetheart.”

  “I never said you were. I just wondered how you knew.”

  Her mother sighed, and made a play of moving a fork to one side, clasping her hands on top of the table instead. “I remember you had an interview with Max before you left home. There can’t be many people around here with that name, so I put two and two together.”

  “I can see where Hannah gets her sharp mind.” Max grinned.

  “Yes. But, what I want to know is, do you always take your employees and their families for dinner, or do you have an ulterior motive?”

  “Mammy!” Hannah cried, mortified her normally placid mother would be so outspoken.

  “No, that’s a fair question, Mrs McLaughlin. The truth is, Hannah and I have been seeing each other for a little while. And I know what you must be thinking, but I have the utmost respect for your daughter. I swear I don’t make a habit of dating my staff. This is the first time, in fact.”

  “Really?” Her mother arched one eyebrow, as she continued peering at the menu, her lips pursed to the side of her face.

  “Yes. Really,” Hannah said. “Now, can we change the subject, please?”

  They ordered their food, and Max excused himself when his phone rang.

  Hannah and her mother watched him in silence, as he headed to the exit.

  “Mammy, why did you say all that? I could’ve died!” she hissed, as the door swung closed behind him.

  “He’s your boss, Hannah.”

  “Do you think I don’t know that? But, I like him. Please keep your nose out of it.”

  “I hope you know what you’re letting yourself in for, young lady. I see nothing but heartbreak coming from this.”

  “I don’t see why. So what if he’s my boss. That doesn’t make a blind bit of difference to the way I feel. The way we both feel. I really like him, Mammy. He might just be the one.”

  Max cleared his throat, clearly embarrassed. “Sorry about that. I’ve switched it off now.” He placed his phone on the table, and slid into the booth beside her.

  Hannah smiled at him nervously. It was obvious he’d heard her confession, loud and clear.

  The awkward moment was broken, as the waitress appeared with a tray of drinks.

  Chapter 35

  After dinner, Max dropped them off at the flat. He carried the suitcase up the stairs, then said his goodbyes.

  Hannah walked him back to the stairs. Checking the coast was clear behind them, she turned to face him. “I’m so sorry about tonight. I was mortified.”

  He pulled her into his arms, and kissed the tip of her nose. “Hey, don’t worry about it. She cares for you. That’s all.”

  “I know she does, but I honestly didn’t think she’d be like that, or I wouldn’t have put you through it.”

  “I didn’t expect her to be such a fiery redhead. But, at least we’ve met now. Next time shouldn’t be so bad. I hope.” He grinned.

  “Next time? You mean you haven’t been put off me for life?”

  “It would take more than a bit of a grilling to put me off you. Although, I haven’t met your dad yet.”

  Hannah groaned. “Oh, don’t even joke about it.”

  He belly-laughed, and cupped her buttocks in both hands, pressing h
er into his groin. “Go on. You’d better go in before she comes looking for you. I’ll see you after the funeral tomorrow.”

  “I was going to come in to the office for a couple of hours in the morning.”

  “Don’t be silly. Take the day off. Just call me, and I’ll meet up with you afterwards. If you want to, that is?”

  “Of course I’ll want to. I wish you didn’t have to go now.”

  “Don’t be silly. Go and catch up with your lovely mother. You don’t know how lucky you are to be able to do that. I’d move heaven and earth to be able to spend ten minutes with my mother. You only get one.”

  “That’s the second time today somebody’s said that to me.”

  “Really? Who else said it?”

  “That security guard at AdCor.”

  “Who? Don?”

  “I think so, yes.”

  Surprised, Max nodded. “Maybe he has a human streak in him after all.”

  “He’s always very pleasant to me.”

  “I’m pleased to hear it. Listen, I’ll get going. Call me tomorrow.” He kissed her, before heading down the stairs. “Sleep well, my sausage,” he called over his shoulder.

  “I wish you’d stop calling me that,” she hissed.

  He laughed all the way to his car.

  ***

  Don was thrilled to discover Hannah’s mother would be around for a few days. At least that would keep Maxwell-fucking-Myers at a distance.

  He’d really felt a connection with Hannah today. It was clear she was as interested in him as he was in her, but he wouldn’t be able to make his move until he’d got their sleazy boss out of the picture.

  After doing his rounds, he sought out Ken, who had been very cool with him since their run-in last night. He found him in the staff kitchen, making himself a hot drink.

  “Hey, Ken. How’s things?”

  The younger man’s face dropped, and his posture stiffened. “F-fine. I’ve done my rounds and was just making some coffee.”

  “No problem, mate.” He slapped Ken on the back, as though they were best buddies. So what if they’d had a disagreement. They were adults, and had no choice but to work together. Don had no time for pettiness in the workplace. When he officially took over from Steve, he’d make a number of changes to ensure the team developed tougher methods and practices, just like he’d learned in the army.

  He left Ken to it, and took the lift down to the basement. As the door swished open, he crashed into Max, who was heading into the lift.

  “Ah, Don. I’m glad I bumped into you. Can you spare a minute, and travel up with me?”

  “Certainly, sir.”

  His boss pressed the top floor button, and Don swiped his security pass for him.

  “What can I do for you, sir?” Don reached for the band at his wrist, remembering he needed to replace it, when his agitated fingers found a patch of bare skin.

  “Just a catch up, really. Things have been hectic around here for a little while, and you’ve been left to keep all the plates spinning single-handedly.”

  “No problem, sir. I’ve enjoyed the extra responsibility, if the truth be known.”

  “Well, I want you to know how much I appreciate your hard work. I promise it won’t be for much longer. I’ve contacted the employment agency, and hopefully, we should have some suitable candidates soon. Cheryl will probably be in touch for a job description at some point, if you don’t mind helping out?”

  “Not at all, sir. Would you like me to be on the interview panel too?”

  “The interview panel? No, I don’t think so. But, if I need you, I’ll let you know.”

  The lift door opened. Max stepped forward, placing his foot on the door track.

  “We are also interviewing for Angela’s position, too. How did the staff react to her shock departure?”

  “Oh, so-so. There were Chinese whispers spreading from floor to floor, but nobody seemed too bothered. Angela wasn’t that popular, frankly.”

  “Good. Hopefully, it will have blown over by next week,” Max said, stepping into the corridor.

  “I’d put money on it, sir.” Don’s fake smile dropped, as the doors closed between them. He shook his head, exhaling noisily, and pressed the button for the basement.

  Although he couldn’t stand the bloke, Don had to admit Max was being good about getting him a new member of staff. He’d even asked him to liaise with the agent to give her a job description and possibly sit in on the interview.

  It was only fair, though. Steve used to have a lot of input into the hiring and firing, as well as the staff rosters. And, now Don was Head of Security, of course the responsibility would fall at his feet. But, he was a little concerned they hadn’t renegotiated his salary or senior staff benefits. If he was expected to work extra hours, then they could damn well pay him for them. He’d mention it to the agent, when she called.

  Chapter 36

  Hannah’s mother was waiting, hands on hips, when she returned to the flat.

  “Just spit it out, Mammy.”

  “Don’t be like that, Hannah. It doesn’t become you.”

  Hannah shook her head. “I don’t even know what that’s supposed to mean.”

  “Well, you can’t blame me for being worried. You left home just a few weeks ago, and I’ve been worrying you’re probably homesick and lonely. But, no—not you. You’re already shacked up with some sleazy man. And not just any sleazy man. Only your bloomin’ boss. So, when it all turns to custard—and it will, you know—not only will you lose your job, but you’ll have thrown away everything you’ve worked for these past years.”

  She caught hold of her mother’s hands mid-flap. “Mammy. Calm down. Maybe I should have warned you, but I honestly thought you’d be cool with it. If Daddy was with you, I would’ve been worrying, but not you.”

  Her mother pulled her hands free, and sat down on the sofa. “It was a shock, that’s all.”

  “I’m a big girl now, you know.”

  “I know you are, but that doesn’t stop me being concerned, if I think you’re making a mistake.”

  “Do you think I haven’t thought about all the points you’ve made?”

  Her mother shrugged.

  Hannah shook her head, and rolled her eyes. “Of course I have. There are no guarantees with any relationship. All we really have to go on is our instincts. And my instinct tells me Max isn’t a mistake. If you just give him a chance, I know you’ll love him, too.”

  “You can be the one to explain it to your father. He’ll only chew my ear off when I get home.”

  “I’d actually thought about bringing Max home to meet you both.”

  “Don’t just arrive with him. Your father would have a fit!”

  “I won’t. I’ll call Daddy, and tell him everything soon. Now, will you stop going on, and tell me all the gossip. I need a dose of normality—these past weeks have been chaotic, compared to my normally boring life.”

  “Your life was never boring, sweetheart.”

  “Well, you know what I mean.” Hannah settled on the sofa beside her mother, and curled her legs underneath her.

  “Oh, okay, then.”

  The sound of her mother’s tinkling laughter filled Hannah’s heart with joy. She didn’t realise how much she’d missed her family and the steadiness of her old life.

  They spent hours talking. By 2.00am, Hannah yawned, and sent her mother to bed.

  “Why don’t you get in with me, sweetheart? There’s plenty of room.”

  Hannah usually wouldn’t have worried about it, but having spent the last few nights in Max’s passionate embrace, she worried once asleep, she might begin groping her mother. She shuddered at the thought.

  “No. The sofa’s really comfy, and I’ll only keep you awake with my tossing and turning.”

  “Okay, then, if you’re sure. Goodnight, sweetheart.”

  Once alone, Hannah checked her phone. It had been vibrating in her pocket all night. Seven messages from Max.

  9
.20pm - Hope you’re having a nice time with your mother.

  10.34pm - My ears are burning-she hates me, doesn’t she?

  11.02pm - Miss you

  11.39pm - Going to bed now – goodnight sausage, lol

  12.15am - Can’t sleep. Watching a movie, a chick flick. Must be getting soppy in my old age

  1.42am - OMG! I’m crying! Bloody stupid film.

  1.58am - Has your mother whisked you off to Shropshire? She hates me, doesn’t she?

  Hannah was belly laughing by the time she’d read them all. She hit reply.

  2.22am - I’m still here, and no, she doesn’t hate you. Mammy’s only just gone to bed, and yes, we had a lovely evening, but I miss you now. Have you stopped crying yet? What was the movie, by the way? Cry-baby.

  2.22am - Cry-baby? I’ll give you cry-baby when I see you!

  2.23am - Oh, so you’re a tough guy now? Too late, I know you’re a cry baby – ah, diddums…

  “I thought you needed to get some sleep?” her mother said from the living room doorway. She had changed into a white cotton, calf-length nightie.

  “I do. Sorry. Did I disturb you?”

  “Not really. I just need a glass of water.”

  Hannah made as to get up off the sofa.

  “I’ll get it. Don’t get up.” She trudged past her to the kitchen.

  “The glasses are in the cupboard above the coffee machine,” Hannah called.

  2.24am - If you don’t watch out, I’ll come over there, and show you what a man I am.

  Hannah chuckled, and glanced up to make sure her mother wasn’t watching, before tapping in a swift reply.

  2.24am - Mammy’s up again, and wants to know why you’re keeping me awake! She’s not happy. Still fancy your chances?”

  2.25am - Perhaps I’ll leave it until tomorrow night.