Followed Page 4

  ‘I don't recognize anyone,’ I say, walking over to where he’s standing. ‘Do you have anymore ?’

  He snorts and looks at me. ‘Are you sure? Why not have another look.’

  Is he serious? There are only six photos and none of them look at all like the guy who tried to rape me.

  ‘No, I'm sure, so what happens now?’

  ‘Forensics will test the samples; we'll be in touch.’

  ‘And how long will that take?’

  He gives me an irritated look and starts walking out of the room. ‘As I said, we'll be in touch, now if you'll excuse me...’

  I'm so angry, I have to stop myself from charging after him, but what's the point, it'll only makes things worse.

  Out of the corner of my eye I suddenly see Nick, he’s talking to someone. Maybe he has some news. I decide to hang around, there's nothing much to look at so I just stand looking out of the window.

  After a few minutes, I turn and catch him looking at me. He mumbles something to the man he's with then beckons me over. As the man passes me his cold grey eyes bore into me.

  ‘Who is that?’ I ask, turning to look at the retreating figure.

  Nick laughs and takes me by the arm. ‘That's Major Oliver Hudson, he's really nice, he owns a farm in Evesly, he's an MP – he works most of the time in London but he's often in the village. He used to be in the army, lived in Cyprus.’

  ‘He’s here on business or just a friendly visit?’

  He gives me a surprised look and taps his nose, as if to say it's none of my business. ‘Now let's not waste any more time talking about the Major, did you look at any mug-shots?’

  I shake my head. ‘I didn't recognize any of them.’

  He raises an eyebrow.

  ‘Nick, there were only six photos, surely you have more.’

  ‘Obviously not, this is after all a very small village.’

  ‘Well it’s nice to know there’s not much crime happening here, but what about the CCTV footage from the train, can I take a look at that?’

  He gives me a steely look. ‘The police are working as fast as they can, you must be patient, I’ll let you know when we have it.’

  I'm about to reply when my phone rings, it's Mum.

  ‘Okay, I've got to go Nick; I’ll talk to you later.’

  I can feel his eyes burning into my back as I leave the room. No wonder nothing gets done in this place, they're all too busy hobnobbing with the local gentry, then I think of the Major, a nasty looking man, a member of parliament – whoever elected him needs their brains tested.

  I'm nearly home when my phone rings, it's Nick. I let it go to voicemail. It rings again, he's left a message to call him, says it's important. I switch off my phone and drive home.

  Later, after I've eaten some pizza and had a couple of glasses of wine, I switch on my phone. Ten missed calls, all from Nick and another message from him.

  'I forgot to tell you, the Major's holding a charity ball tomorrow and you're invited – let me know if you want to come.'

  Why would the Major invite me to his ball, he doesn't even know me?

  9

  Athens - 10.15pm

  HELEN

  Grabbing an ice-cold beer from the fridge, I open the French windows and inhale the scent of the warm summer evening. The heat from the day still lingers in the streets of Athens, the heavy scent of jasmine clings to the night air, it’s the perfect time to go for a stroll but I’m tired. I started work at 7.30 this morning, it’s now 10.15 in the evening, I’m hot and exhausted. I stand sipping my beer while gazing at the Parthenon, it's a beautiful sight any time of the day, but tonight it looks brighter than usual. Then I think of Beth, she used to sit gazing at it for hours as if she was hypnotized. If only I hadn't asked her to visit that damn house, none of this would have happened, I should have let the estate agent deal with it.

  I sit down, light a cigarette and inhale deeply. I know she can take care of herself but I'm worried. All I can think of is the man who attacked her, why the hell did I ask her to check on the house?

  The house phone rings - it's my husband Theo. He says not to wait up for him, he does this practically every night, so I'm used to it. Then it hits me. Why am I sitting here worrying when I should be in Oxford with Beth?

  I rummage through my bag for my phone, I’ll book a flight to London, a few days in Oxford will give me enough time to convince Beth that it's time to come back. I'm sure Tula can take care of things at the travel agency for a few days, she often helps me out when I’m busy and I know she needs the money.

  As soon as I've booked my ticket, I call Tula, no reply. I leave a message, telling her I'm going to Oxford for a few days and to call me, she has the keys to the office so it shouldn't be a problem. If it is, it'll just have to stay closed for a few days.

  A couple of hours later I call Tula, I’m in luck. She was late getting back from the islands and is only too happy to take care of the office for a few days.

  I throw a few things in a small bag for the morning then go to bed. If I call Beth, she'll tell me not to come, she'll say she's fine, but I know she isn't. I'll send her an email then she won't be able to stop me.

  Theo didn’t come home last night, he often does this when he drinks too much, he probably slept at his club. I scribble him a note about where I’m going, pin it onto the fridge and leave. I was going to take a taxi to the airport, but it might be quicker to go by train, the roads are busy now and I don’t have much time, my flight leaves in just over an hour.

  I run down the steps of the metro then stop – someone's calling my name. I turn around, it's Theo, he’s running towards me.

  ‘Where do you think you're going?’ he shouts, clenching his fists angrily.

  I put my hand up to shade my eyes from the early morning sun. ‘Theo, I have a plane to catch, I'll call you later.’

  As I turn to leave, he runs down and grabs me by the arm. ‘No, you don't, you're coming back with me.’

  The arguments have become worse over the past few months, they always end the same. He says he's working hard to make money for me, what a joke.

  People are staring at us, I lean forward so they won’t hear me. ‘What’s wrong with you, Theo? I'm going to see Beth, now let go of my arm.’

  But he won't let go, his breath stinks of alcohol. I don't want him to cause a scene, but the state he's in... I'm so angry, but other than call the police, what can I do?

  I run up the steps, walk the ten minutes back to the house with him and open the door. ‘This has got to stop,’ I shout, as soon as we’re inside. ‘I told you what happened to Beth, what's wrong with you? You stay out practically every night and come home reeking of alcohol, how dare you!’

  He pushes me into the living room and starts screaming like a lunatic. ‘Don't talk to me like that, ever!’ Then he starts prodding me with his finger. ‘You’re staying here.’

  I give him a shove which sends him flying onto the sofa. He's so drunk, but he manages to pull himself up. He sways then staggers and lunges towards me. My hand hovers over an onyx ornament on a nearby table. If he comes near me again, I swear I'll smash it over his head.

  He seems to know what I'm thinking because he turns and flops down on the sofa. He sits with his head in his hands. He begs me to forgive him, his voice is slurred. He says he loves me, that he wants to take me to a Greek island for a long holiday. Then his head falls forward, he's asleep.

  Closing the front door gently I run as fast as I can to the metro. On the way my phone rings but I don't have time to answer it.

  At last I’m at the station, it’s rush hour. I squeeze into a carriage but there’s nowhere to sit so I have to stand all the way to the airport.

  Feeling hot and sticky I leave the train and run to departures. It's the last call for my flight, the boarding gates are closing but they usher me through. I stumble onto the plane, locate my seat and two minutes later we take-off.

  10

  Oxford

&
nbsp; BETH

  I'm hunched over my laptop searching all the local news websites for assaults and arson attacks in the Evesly area and I've found zilch, nada.

  A bottle of Pinot Noir on the kitchen shelf catches my eye, it's very tempting but I must keep my wits about me. Instead I make a cup of strong black coffee to keep me going.

  My phone rings, it's Helen.

  ‘Hi Beth, I've just landed at Gatwick, I'll see you soon.’

  ‘Helen!’

  Coffee spurts from my mouth. ‘But I sent you a text, didn't you get it?’ I wail, whilst searching for a tissue.

  She laughs. ‘I didn't get it I was in the air, anyway, I'm here now.’

  I catch a glimpse of myself in the kitchen mirror and groan, my hair needs washing, the place is a mess and there's no food.

  Suddenly the house phone starts ringing.

  ‘Helen, the house phone is ringing, it might be the police, I must answer it.’

  ‘Of course you must, see you soon.’

  There’s a click and she’s gone.

  I grab the phone. It's Nick.

  ‘Beth, I've been trying to get hold of you, can I come around?’

  ‘What's so urgent?’ I snap. ‘I really don't have much time, Helen's...’

  ‘I'll tell you when I get there.’

  A few minutes later his car skids to a halt outside our house.

  ‘Give me your phone,’ he asks, as soon as I open the front door. He pushes past me into the kitchen and holds out his hand. He looks flustered I wonder what’s happened?

  ‘Why do you want it?’

  ‘Just give it to me Beth.’

  He stands glaring at me, taps his hand nervously on the chair in front of him and frowns. ‘Come on Beth, it's just to be on the safe side, in case...’

  ‘In case what? Has something happened?’

  He shakes his head. ‘No, but I need to fit you with a tracking device.’

  ‘So, something has happened?’

  He shakes his head impatiently. ‘Come on Beth, I haven't got all day.’

  My mobile’s on the table, he spots it, picks it up and opens it. I walk around the table, so I can see what he's doing.

  ‘What aren't you telling me, Nick?’

  ‘Like I said, it's just to be on the safe side, you must stay inside, it's only for a few days, I'm sure you can manage that.’ He points to the garden. ‘Make yourself useful, plant some vegetables or flowers.’ Then he looks over towards the living room door. ‘There's a lot you can do in there, clean it up, paint the walls and if you really need to go out, give me a call and I'll take you.’

  Something's wrong; it's written all over his face, then I think of Helen. ‘Well, if you really want to help.’

  He looks at me and groans. ‘Beth, I'm working, I can't take you out now.’

  ‘I'm not joking, the fridge is empty. Helen's coming, I must do a food shop and get some drinks in.’

  Disbelief is written all over his face. ‘Surely you knew she was coming. You must have something in the fridge?’

  ‘If I knew she was coming I would've gone shopping or done an online shop, wouldn't I? She just called me from the airport, so I have to go out.’ Then just in case he’s forgotten who Helen is, I add. ‘You remember Helen, don’t you? We were at school together.’

  ‘Of course, I remember her,’ he snaps. ‘She went to live in Athens, soon after you left.’ Then with a shrug he hands me my phone. ‘Seems I don't have much choice do I, but you'll have to be quick.’

  It only takes us a couple of minutes to get to the supermarket. I jump out of the car, he sits drumming his fingers on the steering wheel.

  ‘Be quick, I shouldn't really park here.’

  ‘Don't worry, I won't be long.’ I know he won't get a ticket he's just pissed off because he has to help me.

  Grabbing a trolley, I start throwing cartons of milk, coffee, tea, pasta, sauce, pizza, salad stuff, nibbles and anything else we need into the trolley - then I remember the wine.

  It takes me fifteen minutes and two trips to carry the bags and wine to the car. Nick's busy on his phone and ignores me. I shove it all in the back seat and get in the front with him. On the way back he doesn't say much, I can tell he's nervous.

  When we arrive back at the house, he sits tapping the steering wheel waiting for me to get out.

  ‘Come on Nick, I need some help, I'll take the shopping bags, you bring the wine.’

  He rolls his eyes, grabs the wine and follows me inside, dumps it on the kitchen table and goes to leave. Then he suddenly stops. ‘Oh, I nearly forgot, bring Helen to the ball tonight, I'll pick you up around 7ish.’

  11

  The Major’s House

  I’ve just about finished tidying up and washing my hair when there’s a familiar knock on the door.

  Helen looks at me anxiously as I open the door.

  ‘Oh Beth, I’ve been so worried about you.’

  ‘I'm alright.’ I laugh. ‘Come here.’ I give her a hug then haul her into the hall. ‘You must be exhausted, come into the kitchen, it’s the only decent room we have downstairs.’

  Suddenly there's the familiar ping of a text coming through. My phone’s still on the table where Nick left it.

  Don't forget to tell Helen about tonight, I'll be there at 7.00

  I groan to myself, grab the phone and delete the message. Helen's watching me, a look of surprise on her face. ‘That was a text from Nick, you remember Nick from school, don't you?’

  She nods.

  ‘Well, he just invited us to a charity ball - I'll text him back in a minute and say we're too tired.’

  She looks puzzled. ‘I didn't know you were such good friends, isn't he that geeky little guy who used to follow you around?’

  I look at her and frown. ‘I don't remember that.’

  ‘You must do, I think he had the hots for you.’

  ‘Oh, be quiet.’ I start filling up the kettle and smile to myself. I won't tell her he's not so geeky anymore, why bother, she'll soon find out.

  She looks over towards the blackened door then at me.

  ‘I’ll show it to you later, after you’ve had something to eat and a large glass of wine.’

  She takes off her jacket, hangs it on the back of the kitchen chair and looks around.

  ‘So, where’s Jamie?’

  ‘He’s staying with Mum for a few days.’

  Helen looks surprised. ‘But she’s in Spain.’

  I laugh. ‘Yes, it’s only for a few days till I get things sorted here. When I told Mum about the fire she said she was getting the next flight back. I didn’t want her to ruin her holiday and I didn’t want Jamie to stay here, so…’

  ‘Your mum must be so worried.’

  I nod. ’She is, she suggested I give Nick a call said he could help.’

  ‘But how can he help?’

  ‘That's exactly what I said, but it turns out he's a detective inspector at the local station, he knows all about my case.’

  Now she looks surprised. ‘Wow! I would never have thought he’d work for the police.’

  I nod. ‘I know, amazing isn't it? I was even more surprised when he invited us to this bloody charity ball tonight.’

  ‘But I'd love to go.’

  I make a face and switch on the kettle. ‘It'll be a waste of time, let's stay here, we can cook something nice, have a chat, drink some wine.’

  ‘Come on Beth, you need to get out of here and Nick's such a sweetie.’

  Maybe she's right. We have no TV, no comfortable chairs to sit on, just the kitchen table and a few hard chairs.

  Helen's finishing getting ready when there's a knock on the door. Through the peephole I can see Nick, he's wearing a tuxedo.

  ‘Is that Nick?’ she calls, running down the stairs.

  ‘Shhh,’ I say, pointing to the door. She laughs and stands waiting for me to open it. She really does look stunning, her long light brown hair is up in a French Pleat, my short black evening dress f
its her like a glove. ‘Shall I open the door?’

  She nods.

  Nick comes striding in. ‘Helen, how lovely to see you, it's been so long since I saw you.’

  She laughs and stands staring at him. ‘It's lovely to see you too, that tuxedo really suits you.’

  He looks a bit embarrassed. ‘You look great Helen, how are things in Athens?’

  ‘OK. How are things in Evesly?’

  ‘Same as it’s always been, nothing much changes around here.’

  I stand observing them closely, I’m sure Helen blushed, and what a lovely smile Nick has.

  He glances over at me and frowns. ‘Are we ready?’

  I nod.

  ‘Come on then, let’s go.’

  He turns and walks out of the house.

  Helen turns to me, winks and mouths. ‘He’s gorgeous!’

  I laugh and follow them out, making sure to lock the door.

  The Major's house is one of those lovely old Cotswold farmhouses oozing with charm. It's a pity I can't say the same about him, he barely looks at me, but I notice he manages a smile for Nick and Helen.

  ‘I'm so glad you could come,’ he croons, in his smooth, upper class voice. ‘Please help yourselves to the buffet.’ Then he turns to Nick. ‘You probably know everyone here, be sure to introduce them to your friends.’ When saying this, he looks directly at Helen and ignores me.

  Nick laughs and turns to Helen. ‘I don't know what we'd do without him.’ He prattles on about how wonderful the Major is and all the good deeds he does for the local community.

  Just as I thought, it's going to be a long night. I look around for the ladies then feel someone tugging at my arm, it's Nick.

  ‘Do you see what I mean Beth?’ He looks over at the Major and smiles. ‘He's really quite nice, once you get to know him.’ He leads me to a table, one of the round ones at the edge of the room. ‘Now what would you like to drink, wine, champagne?’