I've Been Watching You: a stunning crime thriller from The North East Police Series (16 page)

‘But he’s a guy. I guess I always figured when I told someone, it would be a friend or something.’

‘You told the person who it was right for you to tell. It’s that simple. Now, I think it must be time for bed. You look exhausted. Let’s check the house together, then head upstairs.’

Ben looked up at her aunt. ‘You really think it was the right thing to do? I work with Jacob, it’s probably unprofessional.’

‘Bugger that, love. At the end of the day, there’s something between you two. Whether you’re both ready to acknowledge that or not is irrelevant. He obviously wanted to know or he wouldn’t have been here.’

Ben leaned in and placed a kiss on her aunts soft cheek, inhaling the hint of the lavender body cream she knew Aoife used. It was a smell she would always associate with her aunt. ‘I loves you, Aoife.’

‘I loves you too, now let’s be off.’

Ben helped her aunt to her feet and kept hold of her hand as they checked the house together.

Chapter Eleven

9
^th
June, 0910 hours – Whitworth residence, Sunderland

John had shipped Matthew out of the house and onto the school bus over half an hour ago. He should have left for work already, flexi-time was all very well but he had to work the late starts he took at another time. But he had managed to distract himself with the internet.

Google was a wonderful search engine. All he had done was enter the words, ‘what’s the best way to kill someone’ and he had millions of hits return. He hadn’t been able to get Ann out of his mind, the crunch as she hit the car replaying as if through a speaker constantly, the image of her crumpled body implanted in his brain.

He had to feel
that
again.

When he’d pushed Eve down the stairs, it had felt good, but this? This was great. He wished he’d gotten out of the car and looked at her face. John wanted to know what it looked like, what death looked like when it happened unexpectedly.

He had to do it again.

But who to do it to? It couldn’t be someone close to him, someone who knew him, that would be too obvious. He wasn’t a particular fan of cop shows, but even he knew if someone he knew died then he would be a suspect.

A stranger then. Someone not connected to him in any way.

But who?

This question now implanted in his mind, he gathered his things up and locked up the house. Research, that’s what he needed to do. Even as he drove to work, he had images of crumpled bodies flooding his mind, and for the first in a long time, he felt alive.

9
^th
June, 1405 hours –CSI Department, Sunderland City Centre Depot

Cass smiled at the front office clerk as she pushed the buggy through the doors and into the corridor that led to the CSI offices. Just being out of the house was a godsend at the minute – the parents and in-laws driving her nuts. It felt like she’d had no time to herself since Isobel had been born. At a week old, her daughter was as cute as a button, and was an excellent sleeper. But it didn’t stop Cass watching her constantly as she slept, terrified that something would happen. It was a habit she was finding hard to break, and deciding that she needed a little air, she’d wrapped the baby up, popped her in the car seat, and driven to work.

She frowned a little as she felt her abdomen pull in protest – there was still quite a bit of pain, but the doctor had said it was to be expected. He’d also told her to take it easy, but he plainly didn’t have children – no mum could ever take it easy.

Pushing the buggy was a skill, and she turned the corner into the CSI office as though she was an expert. Ben looked up from the desk as Cass entered the room, and her eyes widened both in shock and pleasure at seeing her friend.

‘Cass! What’re you doing here? Isn’t it too soon to be out of the house with Isobel yet?’

‘I’m sick to death of being cooped up to be honest. His mum’s round constantly, my mum’s round constantly. It’s like Piccadilly bloody station at my house! I just wanted an hour where I wasn’t with family.’

‘You look a little pale. Are you sure you’re OK being out at present?’ Ben frowned a little as she asked – she’d felt the same when she’d had Grace. And had eventually been diagnosed with Post-Natal Depression.
Is that what this is?

Cass pouted, her face reminiscent of a moody teenager. ‘I’m fine. Still a bit sore but that’s no reason I have to stay house-bound right?’ She sighed before continuing, ‘You’re probably right, I probably shouldn’t be out yet. But I was going nuts there. Alex is great, he’s up doing night feeds and everything. And Isobel is a dream. But I guess I just miss my independence. It feels like my little cottage is over-run with people. It’s so loud and all I want to do is sleep for a while.’

Cass stopped talking when she realised her voice had gone up an octave and had started to sound desperate.

‘Izzy’s only a week old – if I feel this nutty now what’s going to happen later? I don’t know if I’m cut out for this.’

Cass’s voice broke and tears started falling from her eyes.

Ben jumped from her seat and knelt in front of her friend, pulling her in close in a tight hug. ‘Shhh, it’s OK. What you’re feeling is completely natural. I felt exactly the same when I had Grace. It’s like all of a sudden there’s this little, fragile person that depends on you, and all you want to do is wrap them in cotton wool and keep them all to yourself.’

She felt Cass sniff on her shoulder, and continued. ‘You have to remember that the parents are just trying to help. This is all new for them too, and they both have their own way of doing things. Have you told Alex how you’re feeling?’

‘No, when he’s not taking care of Izzy he’s chatting to his mum or Ali. It feels like he’s not even there sometimes, even though he is.’

‘You need to sit and talk to him, Cass, how’s he supposed to know what you’re feeling if you don’t tell him? Can I be honest with you?’

Cass pulled back and looked into Ben’s eyes, ‘Please.’

‘Perhaps you need to speak to a doc too? I had feelings like this when I had Grace, I felt like I wasn’t good enough, and that she would be better off without me. I felt like I was walking in the dark without a candle. I’d barely have enough energy to get washed and dressed. If it hadn’t been for Aoife, I don’t know what I would have done. Cass, what I’m trying to say is talk to someone before the baby blues turn into Post-Natal Depression. I mean you might be fine too, but it’s worth speaking to someone, like your midwife.’

‘I shouldn’t be feeling like this, Ben. I’m so lucky; I have everything I could ever have dreamed of. But I’m so afraid something is going to happen to her. I sit and watch her every time she’s asleep. I lie in bed listening to her breathe. I’m so scared, Ben.’

Cass dissolved into tears again, resting her head back on Ben’s shoulder. After several minutes crying though, she pulled back, and looked slightly more relaxed.

‘There are a lot of other women out there who feel the same as you, you know. When you get home I want you to tell Alex how you feel. When’s your next home appointment?’

‘Tomorrow morning,’ replied Cass, wiping her hand over her eyes. A sudden rush of determination flashed over her teary eyes, ‘You’re right. I’ll talk to Alex when I get home, and I’ll tell the midwife tomorrow.’ Her voice dropped to a shaky whisper, ‘What if she thinks I’m nuts though?’

‘She won’t, Cass, I promise. If you like, I can come and sit with you for the appointment? I’m off tomorrow.’

Cass gave her head a shake, ‘No, you’ve got enough going on at home. I can do this. Now though, I’m going to get a McDonalds, and I’m gonna head home, and tell some parents I need a little bit of space.’

‘If ever you need anything you know where I am. You sure you’re OK to drive? I can take you home if you like?’

‘No, I’m OK honest,’ Cass paused and took hold of Ben’s hand. ‘Thanks, Ben, you’re a good friend.’

A little embarrassed, Ben replied, ‘You’re welcome. Now get that little bundle home to her moses basket. I’ll pop up and see you over the next couple of days.’

Ben watched as Cass got to her feet and pushed Izzy out of the room. She waited a few more minutes, then picked up her mobile and selected Alex’s name from the contact list.

‘Alex, it’s Ben. Listen, Cass has just been to the office with Izzy. I’m not wanting to interfere but you need to know what’s going on …’

After explaining the situation to Alex, Ben felt both relief and guilt. Cass was going to need a little help, and Alex was best placed to get her that help. Telling him meant that he was aware even if Cass got home and bottled out. Thoughtfully, she turned back to the computer and refocused her attention on inputting her scene notes.

9
^th
June, 1430 hours –CSI Department, Sunderland City Centre Depot

Jacob paused outside the office door, listening as he heard sniffling from inside. He heard Ben softly tell someone that it was all OK, and for a minute he wondered what was going on.

A stab of guilt passed through him – it was rude to eavesdrop. But he’d come all this way to see Ben, believing they needed to carry on from their chat last night.

The conversation inside the office changed as he listened, and eventually he heard someone shuffle to their feet.
Shit, this is gonna look so bad.

Using his stick, he limped round the corner out of sight.
I’m terrible! Can’t believe I’m hiding. What am I, twelve?

He waited a couple of minutes and walked back round to the office entrance. Ben was on the phone talking softly, and again he found himself listening.

I’m a bloody stalker is what I am. Pull yourself together and get in there.

As his train of thought ended, he forced himself to wander into the room, a faint flush on his cheeks the only give away that he wasn’t wholly at ease.

‘Hey,’ he said, as Ben looked up.

He watched as a flash of desire passed over her face, masked by a smile.

‘Hey back. You OK? What’re you doing here?’

‘I had a job round the corner and thought I’d pop in and say hi. You said last night you were on days today. Last shift?’

‘Yeah I’m off after today for three whole days.’

‘I erm, wondered if you fancied going out one night? Maybe for dinner or something?’

Ben froze, her breath caught in her throat.
He’s asking me out! On a date! Holy crap, what do I say?

Releasing her breath, she smiled. ‘That’d be really nice, Jacob. Where did you fancy?’

‘Honestly, I don’t have a clue. I don’t date much. There’s a great Mexican in the city centre?’

‘Desperado’s? Yeah I know it. Sounds good. What time?’

Ben thought her voice sounded detached, a little like she was watching herself say it. It sounded polite, and aloof, and for a minute she thought she had scared him off. Her heart was pounding in her ears, and her stomach was turning somersaults.
A date? An actual date.

Jacob smiled back. ‘I could pick you up at say 7.30 p.m.? Would tomorrow be OK?’

‘Can we make it Wednesday? Grace has a dance recital tomorrow and I don’t think I’ll be back in time?’

‘Thursday is great. I’ll see you then. Here’s my mobile number in case something comes up.’ He handed her his business card
.

As Jacob left the room, Ben found herself grinning like the Cheshire cat. She plugged his number into her phone, and put the card in her purse. Inside her mind, she did a little jig. She hadn’t had a proper date since well before the rape. Maybe she really was ready to start moving on.

10
^th
June, 0605 hours – Tunstall, Sunderland City Centre

His eyes blurred as he stared at the computer screen. He’d been sat there for a while now, watching Clarice sleep. It would be so easy to have her now. His mouth went dry at the thought of how she would taste. He needed a release. Bringing himself to orgasm just wasn’t going to cut it this time.

He grinned to himself as he pulled himself out of the leather computer chair, pulled on a pair of trousers and made his way to an address a couple of streets over.

Knocking on the door, he waited impatiently for an answer.

Finally a blurry eyed girl answered, obviously having just woken up.

Her eyes widened as she saw him standing there. Silently she opened the door to allow him access.

He knew where he was going, and made his way to the bedroom at the back of the hallway, not even noticing the dirt on the floor and the thread-bare bedclothes. He was there for one reason only, and he knew she would accommodate. She always did, the need for her next fix prevailing over any other emotion.

He didn’t need to speak as she came into the room and knelt before him.

The rush of power was faint, but he still felt it, as she pulled down the zip to his trousers and took him inside her mouth.

He needed more though.

Pulling her to her feet, he twisted her round and flung her face down onto the bed. Yanking her pyjama bottoms down, he applied a condom and within seconds was buried deep inside her. Grabbing the hair at the nape of her neck, he yanked back hard, satisfaction seeping into his soul as she cried out in pain.

Huddling over her as he pounded, he put his hands round her throat and squeezed, hard.

Hearing her breath choking in her throat as she tried her best to inhale through the vice-like grip, his body shuddered. It wasn’t anywhere near the scale he would feel when he finally had Clarice, but it was better than doing it himself.

He felt the woman’s thin body go limp beneath him.

Dirty bitch. She loved it.

He discarded the used condom in a carrier bag lying on the floor, tucked himself back into his trousers and stood over her, staring. She wasn’t a pretty girl. Her body was thin, undernourished, and he could see the ribs protruding outwards from her chest. She had yellowing bruises on the right hand side, indicating she had taken a beating in the not so distant past. Turning her over, he saw the black circles underneath her eyes, the gauntness to her cheeks. He placed two fingers against the bruises now covering her neck, checking for a pulse. It was still there; faint, but beating none-the-less. Pulling out his wallet, he peeled off two ten pound notes, threw them on the bed beside her and left.