Dead Memories (D.I. Kim Stone #10)(102)

The tear slid over her cheek as the female paramedic leaned over.

‘We’re taking her in to get her checked over but should be okay in a few hours.’

‘I’m going with her, boss,’ Stacey said.

Kim was not surprised.

‘Inspector…’

Kim moved closer.

‘I don’t know what… there are no…’

‘Save your energy,’ Kim said.

Kim couldn’t imagine the terror she’d experienced in the clutches of Mallory, having full control of her brain but no control of her body. It would take a while until she felt normal again.

‘Okay, go and get checked now and, for God’s sake, Stace, as soon as you can, get her something to eat.’

She was rewarded with a chuckle from both as she stepped back on to the gravel.

‘Hey, Stone,’ she heard and didn’t need to turn to know it’s source.

She groaned. ‘Bryant, have I not done enough good in my life to—’

‘Just one fucking minute, Stone,’ Frost called louder.

Kim grudgingly changed direction and headed towards the journalist.

‘What is it, Frost?’ she asked, reaching the cordon.

‘Your voicemail broken?’

‘My voicemail is perfectly fine, thank you. I was under strict instructions from my boss to stay away from the press and no matter how many messages you leave I’m not gonna call back and discuss the finer details of an ongoing—’

‘Oh, how I’d love to let you continue your lecture and allow you to look even more ridiculous,’ she said, folding her arms and tipping her head so that her long blonde ponytail swished across her back. ‘But I think I’ll just shut you up right now by telling you there’s a big, thick file in the back of Bryant’s car.’

A file? Her file?

‘Yeah,’ Frost continued. ‘Stupid bitch sent it to me thinking I’d publish it.’

And the hits from Mallory Preece just kept on coming.

‘You weren’t tempted?’ Kim asked.

‘You ain’t all that, Stone. Much more interesting stuff to report this week.’

‘But you read it?’ Kim asked, knowingly. The woman was a reporter after all.

She shook her head. ‘Like I said, you ain’t all that.’

Kim offered her a smile and turned away realising she could still be surprised by people after all.





One Hundred Thirty-Seven





Kim rubbed her right palm against her hip as she waited to be shown into the visitor’s centre.

In the days since the confrontation with Mallory on the roof her thick dressings had been reduced to a thin bandage and had begun to heal. And itch.

Mallory Preece had been charged with the murder of Amy Wilde and Mark Johnson, John Duggar and the Phelpses. CPS were dubious about the murder of Ernest Beckett as the only tangible link was the use of the drug Baclofen but with no proof of who had injected it. They hadn’t given up yet and her team would continue to work towards a conviction. The one they had to let go was the horrific assault of Billie Styles who had not seen or heard her attacker and had only responded to a message to meet John Duggar at the park.

Mallory was saying nothing and had chosen to hide behind a very expensive lawyer. Kim wasn’t sure what she was hoping to achieve but CPS were confident that she’d never see freedom again.

Amy’s mother had been truly mortified that her suspicions about her daughter’s involvement had been groundless. After a little digging had confirmed it to be the same MO as seven other attacks traced back to a travelling gang from Lincolnshire, Kim had been able to reassure her that Amy had had nothing to do with her attack and mugging. Kim had felt as though she was piling guilt on top of guilt when speaking to the woman, but once the horror faded she hoped her memories of her child would be a bit more positive. Amy deserved that much. Sadly, she had been unable to find anyone who cared about Mark’s demise.

But Kim consoled herself that wherever Mark and Amy were, they were together, which was clearly what they had wanted. Other than some petty theft neither of them had ever hurt a soul. There was no doubt in her mind that they had loved each other very much.

Ernest’s colleagues at Children’s Services had been genuinely sorry about his death. He’d been a hard-working, genial man with a kind word at the ready for everyone. She was pleased they’d been able to quash the rumours following the bogus complaint and could leave his memory and reputation intact.

Alison was on the mend and had ventured on her first run earlier that morning, accompanied by Stacey who had insisted on needing to shift a few pounds. Kim was interested to see how long that would last. Not because the constable lacked determination but because, whether or not Stacey realised it, she was actually completely content with herself.

Jamie Hart had been questioned and charged with one count of murder and one of attempted murder due to Alison’s tenacity and Stacey’s assistance. A partial fingerprint had been found on the flamingo earring that had belonged to Beverly and a search of his home had turned up Jennifer’s missing silver earring at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Curtis had been released, and Jennifer’s parents had been there to greet him.

All the loose ends had been tied up. Except one.

She had known since her time on the roof with Mallory that this was a conversation she had to have and she didn’t relish it.