Silent Winter, page 15
If you tell anyone, his abuser had said, I will make your life hell. Wherever you are, I will find you, and you will suffer.
Drew heeded that warning until he turned twelve. Then Morrison made his threat to strangle him. That same night, pale and shaky, Drew confided in Todd that he’d been molested. As always, his older brother knew what to do.
NOW, FOURTEEN YEARS later, Drew became conscious of his screams as they crashed off the walls. Matthew Thomas stood at his bedside, conferring with Tucker. Drew squeezed his eyes shut to blank out Morrison’s hated face. The man’s warning—wherever you are, I will find you, and you will suffer—had often echoed in his brain over the years.
‘Sorry,’ he muttered, once able to speak.
‘Don’t sweat it,’ Tobin said. ‘We can do this another time.’
Drew shook his head while he struggled for words. His heart raced, and perspiration soaked his pyjamas.
‘I’m sorry if that name triggered uncomfortable memories,’ Tucker said. ‘I think it’s best if we leave now.’
He couldn’t allow that to happen. Not when he was on the point of hearing his captor had been caught. With an effort, he dragged himself upright.
‘Don’t,’ he said. ‘I’m all right, really I am.’
‘You sure you don’t need a break, Drew?’ Matthew asked. Tucker also looked doubtful. So did Tobin.
‘Positive.’ Drew threw all his emphasis into the word.
‘I’ll allow it. But go easy with the questions,’ Matthew warned.
Drew turned to Tucker. ‘Please. Tell me. Where is he? Have you arrested him?’
Tucker replied, but her words—ruled Ian Morrison out from our enquiries—made no sense. Drew shrank against his bedding, unable to comprehend what he was hearing.
‘I don’t understand,’ he said. ‘He was the one who abducted me. He came into my cell. Several times. I saw him.’
‘That’s impossible.’
‘You’re mistaken.’ Drew’s voice cracked. ‘He did this. I know he did. Who else could it have been?’
Sympathy hovered in Tucker’s expression. ‘Not Morrison, that’s for sure.’
‘How can you be so certain?’
‘Because a week after his release from prison, he was murdered.’
Shock pounded through Drew. He couldn’t compute this. ‘Why wasn’t I told at the time?’
‘Morrison’s death happened in Cheltenham, where he’d gone to live with his mother. Gloucestershire police investigated the case, not Avon and Somerset.’ Tucker released a long breath. ‘Communication between forces isn’t always as good as we’d like, I’m afraid.’
‘How did he die?’
‘His penis was sliced off.’ In his peripheral vision, Drew saw Tobin wince. ‘He was also stabbed in his femoral artery. Morrison bled to death at the scene.’
Despite his confusion, satisfaction sparked in Drew. The bastard had deserved his fate. ‘Some vigilante killed him?’
Tucker shook her head. ‘One of his former victims. Didn’t bother to hide the evidence. Even offered a full confession. Said he’d happily do jail time for murdering Morrison.’
But he’d seemed so real. Then Drew remembered. When Morrison had appeared, Drew hadn’t heard the door open first. Also, how could they have seen each other, if the room was pitch-black? If his eyes no longer worked?
He’d been so terrified that he’d failed to spot the obvious. Morrison’s face didn’t have a body. Drew had hallucinated him.
‘Please,’ he whispered. ‘I need time alone.’
Tucker stood up, gesturing for Tobin and Smith to do likewise. ‘We’ll let you get some rest.’
After they’d gone, Drew slumped against his pillows. His abuser was dead. If Morrison hadn’t abducted him, who the hell had? Was it, like he’d once suspected, some random psychopath?
Unable to answer himself, he dozed for a while. When he awoke, he spotted a man, most of his face hidden, peering into the ward, visible from the open door to Drew’s room. The moment their eyes connected, the guy walked away. White-skinned, with dark hair, but other than that Drew would struggle to describe him. His mouth turned dry. Who was this guy? Why had he stared at him?
Panic swamped Drew, so fast his breath caught in his chest. With shaky fingers, he found the call button, and jabbed it hard.
A woman he’d not seen before appeared. She shrugged when he told her what happened. ‘Probably a visitor, looking for the right ward.’ Her tone was curt. ‘Or an outpatient. You’re not in danger, not here.’ She studied the notes on his chart, her eyes flicking between them and Drew. He realised he’d lost her the moment she read the word ‘hallucinations’.
Useless to protest further. ‘Dr Thomas,’ he managed. ‘I want to see Dr Thomas.’
Another shrug. ‘He’s due to assess your progress later. You can talk to him then.’ With that, she walked away.
Drew pulled the bedclothes over his head, shrinking under them, then thought better of it. He needed to watch the entrance to the ward at all times. That bitch of a nurse had been wrong. He wasn’t safe, even in hospital.
CHAPTER 41
Ethan Parker’s screams filled the basement room in the derelict warehouse. His world had dissolved into a blur of pain and terror. From his right eye, the one that hadn’t yet been blinded, he watched the screwdriver disappear from view. Oh, God, no, not his knee again—
‘Please,’ he whispered. Blood from his busted nose trickled into his mouth.
‘Don’t mess me around, you little prick. You fucked up badly, you know that? I want you to admit what you did.’
Ethan would have sworn the moon was a melon if the pain would only stop. ‘Yes,’ he mumbled. ‘It was me. And I’m sorry.’
‘Not good enough.’ Fire bolts of agony melted Ethan Parker’s knee. Not for the first time, he passed out. Seconds later a bucket of icy water revived him.
‘Great to have you back. You see, Ethan, actions have consequences. I believe you’re beginning to understand that.’
CHAPTER 42
Holly parked her car outside Todd and Nessa’s home, with DC Jessica Smith in the passenger seat. Jessica had arrived at the house earlier that morning to introduce herself as their Family Liaison Officer and to update Holly with the news about Ian Morrison. She told her she’d called Todd to inform him as well. Holly had hoped Drew’s past could remain a secret from Nessa, given that he’d not wanted people to know, but secrecy no longer seemed an option.
Todd had texted while Holly was with Jessica, suggesting she come over so that they could discuss how to help Drew’s recovery. She’d agreed, grateful for the chance to offload. To her surprise, Jessica suggested she should accompany them.
‘I told Todd on the phone I needed to meet him as soon as possible,’ she said. ‘This would be an ideal opportunity, don’t you think?’
Holly agreed. Two birds with one stone, and all that. Now, an hour later, here they were.
Nessa eyed her sister-in-law with a critical gaze after Holly stepped into the hallway. Her body language indicated a hug wouldn’t be welcome. Holly couldn’t recall the last time they’d embraced, unlike her memory, sharp and uncomfortable, of Nessa’s scrutiny in the kitchen at Christmas. Anxiety squeezed the air from her lungs. She suspects something happened between Todd and me. Wrong, of course, but how can I tell her?
Holly introduced Jessica to Nessa, then took off her coat. She watched Nessa’s gaze travel over the soft curve of her belly. She’d forgotten she’d made Todd promise not to tell his wife.
‘You’re pregnant.’ Her sister-in-law’s voice was flat. So much for Todd’s assertion that Nessa would be overjoyed.
She nodded, her mouth dry. ‘The timing’s not great. I’m pleased, though.’
Nessa didn’t reply, and Holly detected in her expression everything she wasn’t saying. Did Drew father your child? Or...
‘How far along are you?’ A question loaded with subtext: or was it my husband?
Holly eyed her square on. ‘Five months. Drew’ll make a fantastic dad.’ From her peripheral vision, she saw Jessica observing their interaction.
‘I’m sure he will.’ Still the frostiness, but melted somewhat. ‘How are you holding up?’
‘I’m fine.’ She shook her head. ‘Drew’s the one you should be concerned with. He looks like hell.’
‘Hardly surprising.’ Nessa waved a hand towards the living room. ‘Make yourself comfortable.’
Todd was sitting on the sofa. Holly considered whether to mention to him Drew’s response to the news of his impending fatherhood, but decided against the idea. She was still too hurt. On seeing Holly, he got to his feet, giving her a quick embrace. ‘Thanks for coming over.’ He turned to Jessica and shook her hand. ‘So you’re our Family Liaison Officer. Good to meet you.’
Jessica smiled. ‘Likewise, Todd. As I said on the phone, I’m here to help.’
‘Damn right you are. The bastard who abducted Drew needs to be locked up, and fast.’ Todd ran a hand through his hair. ‘I’ll make us some coffee.’ He headed for the kitchen.
Holly sat next to Jessica on the sofa, opposite Nessa who chose one of the armchairs. The sound of a ring tone reached the room, followed by Todd’s voice, too low to hear his words.
‘Shane and Jack are having a nap, so with luck we won’t be disturbed,’ Nessa said. ‘What’s the news on Drew?’
Holly drew in a breath. ‘He has a session with the physio guy first thing, then an assessment with his psychotherapist, Dr Thomas. The police want to talk further with Drew; he’s not been able to tell them much so far. I’m heading over to Southmead this afternoon.’
‘You’ve taken time off work?’
Holly nodded. ‘My divorce cases can take a back seat. Drew needs me.’
‘Todd and I will visit this evening. We won’t bring the boys. They’re desperate to see their Uncle Drew, but too young to understand. It’s better they don’t go while his head’s still a mess.’ She paused. ‘That sounded insensitive. I meant for Drew’s sake, not theirs.’
That was Nessa for you, thought Holly. Not one to play safe with words. Just as she was about to reply, Todd returned.
‘Sorry about the coffees,’ he said. ‘DS Tucker called me. She asked if she can come round. Now.’
‘Did she say why?’ Holly asked.
‘She said there’d been a new development, but refused to elaborate. I told her you were here.’
‘But it’s you she wants to talk to?’
‘Yes, but she said your input would be useful. She’ll be here by eleven o’clock, if the traffic allows.’
TUCKER ARRIVED HALF an hour later. Holly observed the tension around the woman’s mouth. Whatever she’d come to discuss, Holly doubted it was good news.
Tucker addressed herself to Nessa once she’d sat down. ‘I’d like to speak with Todd and Holly alone. If you don’t mind?’
From her expression, Nessa did, but she got up with good grace. ‘I’ll leave you to it.’
‘I’d love to meet Shane and Jack,’ Jessica said. ‘Why don’t we go check on them, and get to know each other at the same time?’
Nessa smiled. Holly knew she never missed a chance to show off her beloved boys. ‘Sure. Let’s do that.’
‘You said there had been a new development?’ Todd said after the two women had gone.
‘Yes. Your father was Barry Blackmore, right?’
Holly felt Todd stiffen beside her. She cast him a sideways glance. His face had paled, his mouth set in a tight line.
‘If you know, why ask?’ Todd replied.
Tucker ignored the hostility in his tone. ‘Does the name of Rosalie Parker mean anything to you?’
‘You know it does.’ The antagonism in Todd’s voice had shot up several notches.
Who the hell was Rosalie Parker? Unease prickled in Holly’s brain. Had Drew been hiding other secrets from her?
DS Tucker leaned forward. ‘Holly, let me fill you in on some details. Todd, a few of them will also be new to you. Certain facts weren’t made public at the time.’ She cleared her throat. ‘Sixteen months ago the body of a woman was found in an industrial unit close to Farrington Gurney. Workmen hired to demolish the building discovered her when they searched the premises. The autopsy established she’d been dead for over twenty years.’
‘And this woman was Rosalie Parker?’ Holly asked.
‘Yes. A part-time prostitute and mother of a young son.’
‘But how does that relate to Drew?’
‘I can’t comment,’ Tucker replied. ‘Not at this stage.’
‘Then why mention her?’
‘I’m coming to that.’
Something clicked into place in Holly’s brain. ‘Had she also been chained to the floor? Was there sound-proofing? No light?’
‘Again, I can’t say.’ Tucker’s eyes confirmed Holly’s hypothesis, however.
The facts didn’t gel, though. ‘My husband would have been a toddler when Rosalie Parker disappeared. Surely you’re not saying the same person abducted both of them?’
Tucker turned towards Todd. ‘How old were you back then?’
He exhaled an angry breath. ‘You know damn well. I was thirteen.’
‘Old enough to remember the police arriving at your house to question your father about Rosalie Parker,’ Tucker said.
Holly stifled a gasp. She’d never once heard Todd speak about his long-dead father. When she’d asked Drew about his dad, he told her he barely recalled his mother. His father not at all. From the little he’d said, he clearly idolised the man, despite not remembering him. She recapped on what she did know. Barry Blackmore had died after Drew’s third birthday, in an accident at the meat-packing factory he owned. Eloise Blackmore had succumbed to cervical cancer two years later, leaving the boys orphaned. Drew had always regarded his Aunt Mel and Uncle Hal as his parents. How Rosalie Parker fitted in, Holly hadn’t a clue.
‘Nothing was ever proved,’ Todd said. ‘But, yeah, I remember my father yelling abuse at the police. Overheard most of the conversation.’
‘What exactly do you recall?’
‘Dad admitted to being one of Rosalie’s clients but not to knowing her whereabouts. Mum provided him with an alibi for the night she went missing.’ Todd snorted. ‘My mother would have sworn the moon was made of Swiss cheese if he told her to.’
‘Was your father a violent man, Mr Blackmore?’
‘He was a bastard.’ Disgust hardened Todd’s face. ‘She’d never admit it, though. In the end, I stopped asking her about the black eyes, the broken bones. I couldn’t bear to hear she’d walked into yet another door.’
Holly gasped. Todd’s words were at odds with her husband’s version of Barry Blackmore.
Tucker nodded. ‘The investigating officers suspected your father was an abusive husband, from your mother’s frequent hospital admissions. He was verbally aggressive with them too, as you’ve confirmed. He’d already refused a request to interview him under caution at the station.’
‘I’m guessing that, with no solid evidence he’d abducted Rosalie, the police’s hands were tied.’ Todd’s voice grew rough with emotion. ‘I had no idea her body had been discovered. You found nothing at the crime scene to implicate my father? Of course you didn’t. Otherwise you’d have questioned me again.’
‘I can’t comment on that.’
‘I still don’t understand,’ Holly cut in. ‘There’s too big a time difference between her death and my husband’s abduction. Besides, Drew was found alive.’ She sucked in a breath. ‘How did this woman die?’
‘The autopsy revealed a fracture of her hyoid bone consistent with strangulation. We’re unable to estimate how long she was held captive for prior to her death. But there was a pile of discarded food wrappings around her corpse.’
Horror crawled over Holly. ‘So her abductor kept her alive? For what reason?’ Then she understood. ‘The bastard wanted to rape her whenever he chose. That’s why he chained her up.’
Todd grimaced. ‘It’s the most likely explanation,’ he said.
‘But—’ Holly gathered her thoughts. ‘Drew’s father was the main suspect in her disappearance, right? But he died years ago, as did this woman. So who abducted Drew? I’ll ask you again. How are the two cases connected, apart from Barry Blackmore?’
Tucker leaned forward. ‘Like I mentioned, Rosalie Parker had a son. After she went missing the boy, Ethan, got taken into foster care. He was ten years old at the time.’
‘He’d have been an adult when her body was found,’ Holly said. ‘He was informed how she died, I take it? Including the stuff that wasn’t made public?’
‘Yes.’
‘And you think he might have abducted my husband?’ Holly leaned forward, her gaze on Tucker.
‘Ethan told us he’d always suspected Barry Blackmore.’
Todd looked sceptical. ‘What are you saying? That Ethan Parker imprisoned Drew to avenge his mother’s death? Sins of the father, and all that?’
‘It’s a possibility.’
Holly couldn’t contain her agitation. ‘Where is he? Have you questioned him? What did he say?’
‘There’s a problem,’ Tucker said. ‘He’s gone missing.’
A stunned silence filled the room, before Todd spoke. ‘Since when?’
‘He vanished not long after Drew was rescued.’
‘What can you tell us about him?’ Todd asked.
‘I take it neither of you knew this man?’ Tucker’s gaze travelled between Holly and Todd.
‘Ethan Parker? Doesn’t sound familiar,’ Holly said. ‘Drew never mentioned anyone called that.’
Todd shook his head. ‘I’ve never heard of him either. Do you have any photos we could see?’
‘Not at the moment. He didn’t have a passport or driving licence and wasn’t on social media.’
‘Isn’t that a bit odd? Not to travel, or drive, or use Facebook?’ Holly asked.
