Dark Secrets

by Jack Steele

  Cross could see the danger and dived to prevent Geb from using the blade on my colleagues. He held onto the arm holding the knife but fate was to deal another cruel twist. Geb was far stronger than Cross especially now that his assistant had obviously switched allegiances. It had made the monster appear to double his strength and slowly the knife edged towards Cross’s neck.

  I should have removed his handcuffs earlier because now he was severely hampered in his attempts to defend himself.

  ‘Watch out!’ screamed Stella but it was too late. The knife was pressed against his jugular vein severing the main artery, sending blood pulsing out from the wound. The amount of blood spraying into Geb’s face temporarily blinded him. That’s when the TRU had a clear line of sight and delivered several bullets into his body causing him to collapse at Miranda’s feet. He lunged with the blade at her leg and edged nearer to get a more powerful and deadly strike.

  Miranda was probably the final act of retribution in the monster’s reckoning. She had deliberately lied in court and sentenced him to years in Broadmoor. Stella screamed at him to leave them alone but it was Graham who instinctively wrestled with Geb in a brave attempt to save Miranda.

  Still dazed from the fall I got to my feet and tried to grab Zane’s arm but he kicked me in the shin and punched me to the floor again.

  Was this the end? Carl was knocked out, Jasper was nowhere to be seen, Cross lay dying and Graham was trying to stop Geb from reaching Miranda.

  Zane took more bullets but this time to the head and he began to choke on the blood spilling out of his mouth. He staggered towards me then fell with the full force of a dead weight on top of me. His knee caught me in the temple and everything went dark.

  I don’t know how long I was out but I came around to hear Stella sobbing. Carl was receiving oxygen by a medic and I had a paramedic talking to me while shining a light in my eye.

  ‘What happened?’ I asked as I tried to sit up. Once again the room was spinning and her advice was to stay down and wait for the spinning to stop. It made me feel sick but I had to make sure we had all survived. I slowly sat up and looked over to see Miranda cradled in the arms of Stella who was crying so much that I feared the worst. I saw Miranda’s body breathing, the rise and fall reassured me that Graham had saved her. He was a true hero and I wanted to thank him from the bottom of my heart. Jasper should take note of how his colleague had summoned up such courage to save her.

  ‘Geb was too strong for him,’ Carl explained, ‘All those bullets… but Graham was pulled into his body…windpipe…crushed.’ His voice was breaking up with the heart-breaking news. I felt numb and couldn’t believe what I was hearing. This wasn’t in the script; we were all supposed to walk out of here alive. Then I saw Graham’s lifeless body being covered over with a sheet. I got Carl to help drag me over to Stella and Miranda where we cradled each other all lost for words.

  Chapter 88

  It had been a tough couple of days but now at last I was waiting in the sanctuary’s reception room for someone to escort me to see Gemma. I had read the marketing magazine and studied the artwork on the walls that many times recently that I ignored them and looked out the window instead.

  The sunshine always brightens up a landscape especially one with colours like those displayed on the foliage of evergreen shrubs and those still clinging onto the last days of autumn. The red and orange leaves waiting to fall from branches made for a spectacular scene. I had always hoped that one day Gemma and I would walk hand in hand around the garden but it seemed like a lifetime away in reality.

  The door behind me opened and I was surprised to see it was the man in charge of the sanctuary’s guests, Doctor Chang who had come to see me. He offered me a seat and immediately I was concerned that something had happened to Gemma.

  ‘Please take a seat Joe,’ he gestured to the two leather chairs while offering his hand as a welcome.

  ‘Is everything alright?’ There were so many scenarios rushing through my head both good and bad, yet his smile was a giveaway even before he answered.

  ‘Yes, in fact it is very good news Joe.’ He replied. That was a relief, so all thoughts turned to Gemma’s well-being as we both sat down facing each other.

  ‘I am so glad to hear that.’

  The doctor proceeded to tell me how she had reacted to my last visit when they both had a consultation. I felt she had slipped back to our first meeting when there was little response to my presence.

  ‘That morning before your arrival, Gemma passed the bedroom of a guest who had left the television on. It was a news programme and there were references to you and your colleagues and how the SIU had averted a catastrophe. The nurse alongside her praised you in particular for your efforts and then she reported Gemma’s demeanour changed. It was when the news presenter listed your achievements, including the time you had assisted the Stettsi family in finding their missing daughter.’

  I realised that seeing the same person who had brought her to the Sanctuary would have brought back the nightmare of her abduction and everything that happened during her confinement.

  ‘She was in quite a lot of distress but when we suggested that your visit should be cancelled Gemma was adamant that it must continue.’

  ‘Have you managed to find out anymore on the person who brought her here and why?’

  ‘No that will take some time but forget about him; the good news is that she woke up this morning with a positive frame of mind. I hope that our therapy session helped her but Joe, it is her inner determination that is shining through and I can see Gemma is truly making good progress.’

  It was great news. The fact that she was strong despite setbacks bode well for our future. She was always great in times of adversity and was the positive voice in our relationship. If I came home after a bad day at the CID it would be her that suggested we have a quiet night in with a DVD, pizza and plenty of beer.

  ‘So shall we go and see her?’ The doctor got up and I followed him into the corridor and we walked together while he hinted at a couple of points that could prove to be useful.

  ‘Allow her to take the lead Joe and point out the sights, sounds and smells of the garden.’ He directed me away from the usual route to her room and instead through another corridor which had windows looking out onto the grounds. Seated in the sunshine were two people, a nurse and Gemma.

  ‘Enjoy your walk in the grounds.’ He said opening the door. My heart almost skipped a beat with a mix of emotions.

  Chapter 89

  As we stepped outside could I dare to hope that at last things were turning around? Would Gemma say anything or would she revert back into her shell after promising so much progress. Then I noticed how animated she was with the nurse and it filled me full of hope. Gemma was gesturing to the flower beds and looking up at the clear blue sky. I have to confess that my heart was pounding with anticipation.

  Gemma looked over as we approached them and there was the hint of a smile. The nurse shielded her eyes from the sun as she looked at me.

  ‘We have just been saying how beautiful the grounds look at this time of year.’

  The nurse introduced herself to me as Rachel and we shook hands while she looked me up and down. Rachel was around thirty years of age but there was no wedding band or any jewellery on her fingers. I wondered what skills she had acquired to enable this vast improvement in my girlfriend’s condition.

  ‘Hi Gemma, isn’t it a gorgeous afternoon?’

  ‘Yes it is.’ She replied still seated but holding my gaze and not looking away despite the direct sunlight. Then the doctor asked the two of them a question which must have been discussed prior to my visit.

  ‘Seeing that it is such a wonderful day ladies, why not take a slow walk around the grounds. Breathe in that fresh air and feel the warmth of the sunshine while you have a nice relaxing chat.’

  Then he turned to me and explained that Gemma was happy to walk alongside me with the nurse just a few feet behind us. It was keeping
a connection with the nurse who had spent time with Gemma since her arrival. I was more than happy to take a walk with both of them considering what we had been through lately.

  We began to walk along the path which took us to the side door we had just come through. Here the doctor left us with an assurance that he would be watching from inside and would greet us when we returned. Tiny steps on the road to recovery. I wasn’t too sure how the next few minutes would pan out but I wanted to talk to Gemma so desperately. I wanted to hold her hand, put my arms around her and revisit those places we used to call our favourites like London Zoo and the Natural History museum. Despite that I knew this was a work in progress and I should embrace just walking together.

  The sun briefly appeared from behind a cloud and bathed us in warmth. It reminded me of how lucky we were so I made the effort to break the ice and see what kind of a response would be forthcoming.

  ‘This is nice.’ A short sentence, but it was something which Gemma could add to if she was willing.

  ‘Yes, it is.’ She replied turning around occasionally to make sure the nurse was behind us.

  ‘I’m still here Gemma and I will be all the way around.’ She reassured her as the clouds enveloped the sunshine. When she encouraged Gemma to take things easy I could detect a definite Norfolk accent.

  I found myself deliberating on what to say next. My first reaction to it turning cold was possibly along the lines of ‘surprising how deceiving the temperature can be…’ but what if she picks up on the word deceiving and then other sentences I was about to say. Suddenly I was in danger of over thinking and analysing what I should say which had a negative effect resulting in me saying nothing.

  It was a relief when Gemma spoke instead.

  ‘Will you promise me something Joe?’

  My answer didn’t need any deliberation.

  ‘Anything Gemma, you know that.’

  We turned a corner and were walking back towards the entrance of the Sanctuary. I wondered what she was going to ask. My mind became over active again and I prayed that she wouldn’t ask me to forget about her or move on with my life. All I wanted was to have her back in my life.

  ‘Promise me that you will wait for me.’

  She asked with such sadness in her eyes and my answer came straight away.

  ‘It doesn’t matter how long this takes Gemma I will be waiting for you. In the meantime I will visit as many times as you want me to.’

  She smiled and nodded her delight at my reply.

  I told her that Carl was taking me to Jamaica for a week but we could chat on the phone and I would see her as soon as we returned. She understood and asked me to say hi to Carl for her.

  We reached the entrance and true to his word Doctor Chang appeared to welcome us inside. It had been a very productive walk regards Gemma and I interacting with each other and it provided me with hope for our future progression.

  The nurse shook my hand saying how nice it was to meet me and hoped that I enjoyed the grounds. Gemma was about to leave with her but put out her hand, palm facing downwards and I placed my right hand gently onto hers. It was like electricity running throughout my body when we touched.

  ‘See you soon Joe.’

  ‘See you soon Gemma and thank you.’

  She smiled knowing I was praising her determination to pull herself together and make this happen. Gemma slowly withdrew her hand and made her way down the corridor towards her room. I waited until they were out of view then turned to the doctor. I thanked him for what had been such a brilliant day and the amazing work that went on here. He escorted me to the main entrance where I signed out and said goodbye. When I reached Carl’s car I felt so euphoric that I punched the air. I had been waiting for this moment for such a long time.

  I put my seatbelt on and he started the engine.

  ‘Gemma has definitely turned the corner Carl. It will still take a while but it seems that she has improved each time I visit.’

  He put his hand on my shoulder and we hugged it out.

  Chapter 90

  En route to the airport for our long overdue holiday, Carl attempted to remind me who, out of all his relations, we were staying with in Jamaica. The last time I met them was at his mother’s wake. That got me thinking about Graham’s funeral. His partner, Cesc had pleaded with me that he didn’t want the large scale affair that we thought he deserved. Instead we dutifully gave him the small private funeral which he had asked for.

  There were just ten of us in attendance including Stern and the Commissioner. Stella’s eulogy was full of praise and she was quite emotional as we all were because of his sacrifice to save her and Miranda. I read a passage from the bible on behalf of Cesc who was too upset to deliver it himself. Then Stern said a few words adding to Stella’s tribute and emphasising that Graham would be a hard act to follow.

  The wake was a small affair in the tea room that Cesc owned. When we had time to have a conversation he told me that the previous evening he didn’t want to sleep. It helped him to push away the emotion of the funeral by being busy so he was up until midnight making all the cream teas and sandwiches. He didn’t mind because it gave him something to focus on. He came across as a nice man and it was a shame that Graham hadn’t introduced him to us earlier. I reminded him that practically all of the Strategic Investigation Unit staff wanted to be present today to pay their respects but they abided by his wishes and had all put in to a collection instead.

  Cross had also died on that day but for him there were only three people at his funeral, Jo Julious, her friend Ruth and me.

  ‘Did you hear any of that?’ Carl asked as I was brought back from my thoughts.

  ‘Sorry mate. I was remembering Graham’s funeral.’

  He shook his head but accepted my apology.

  ‘I don’t want this to sound wrong but it could have been so much worse.’

  He was right of course. On reflection I have to concede that without Jasper’s help we could have all died in that room. Carl and I know only too well how easy it is to get lost in hospital corridors especially without signage.

  The morning papers all had Graham’s picture on the front page with the single word HERO blazed across the paper. The write up by Sue Harrison was an exceptional piece of writing.

  I was asked how far I would go to save a loved one. My answer was to the moon and back.

  There was another surprise and that was from the Blood’s residence. Something that Zane had said to me about Geb hiding his mother, prompted me to organise a police helicopter sweep over the forest using the infra-red camera. Considering we had trespassed inside a few days earlier it was still a surprise when they found a heat signature there.

  Two women were discovered under the floorboards; The Blood’s mother and Angie Smitheringale. Apparently Geb had hidden them so that his brother Zane wouldn’t find them. He must have thought highly of them but the paramedics had to work on the mother to give her any chance of survival. Both women are currently in the intensive care unit responding to treatment. Obviously Angie will have a lot of questions to answer once the doctors deem her fit enough.

  Commander Stern had some great news about his wife when we caught up with him. She was being released from hospital having made an impressive recovery. He was still deciding on his future at the SIU with a consultancy role his preferred option. I was still against taking charge of the unit and had voiced my opinion to the commissioner who decided to wait until my return before deciding on the next step.

  As we approached the airport I noticed a voicemail message from Gemma. Now it was my turn to stress even more. She had been doing so well hadn’t she? The walks in the grounds and that moment when we touched hands meant so much to me. I knew that I had to listen to the message.

  On hearing her sweet voice I could tell that she was reading her notes but the message just blew my mind.

  ‘Hi Joe, it’s me Gemma. I just wanted to wish you a pleasant holiday with Carl and not to worry about me. When you arr
ive back here I would love you to do something for me. My small suitcase will be packed and I am ready to visit you for the day my darling. Love you and see you when you return.’

  When Carl parked up there were tears of joy in my eyes. He looked at me and instantly grew concerned. I handed him my phone and played him the message. The smile on his face had never been greater.

  THE END

  AUTHOR’S NOTES & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  I always enjoy returning to the East End of London to research locations for my novels. Occasionally I will change the name of a building or an area purely for fictional reasons.

  There are a number of people who have advised, encouraged and enabled me to write this third book in the Detective Joe Stone series who I would like to acknowledge.

  Firstly, I would like to thank Clive, Gill, Dave, Natasha, Sandra and Sue who make up my reading group. You have all provided feedback and useful suggestions.

  To my amazing editors, Gill Webster and Sue Homan, thank you for your input and corrections.

  Thanks James (JW Graphics) for making sense of my images and making them into awesome covers.

  Special thanks to Neats Wilson for promoting the cover reveal and launching the blog tour.

  Thanks to all of the bloggers, authors and readers who have taken the time to read and review my books, interview me and provide me with guest spots on their website. Special thanks must go to Shell Baker, Joanne Robertson, Sarah Hardy, Noelle Holten, Sharon Bairden, Claire Knight, Barbara Copperthwaite, David Ellis, Fiona McVie, Susan Hampson, Sooz Turner, Daniel Seely, Annette Hannah, Gemma Myers, Lynnette Lock, Jen Lucas, Jackie Roche, Nicki Murphy, Jill Burkinshaw, Lisa Doherty, Linda Green, Simon Leonard, Kate Noble, Elaina James and Adrianne’s Book Cave.