Silent Victim(26)

‘Me?’ I said, frowning. ‘I’ve not even started yet.’

‘I guess word’s gotten around. He said you and him go way back.’ Hopkins rummaged in his inside suit pocket and pulled out a slip of notepaper. ‘I tried to poach him, but he insisted he’d only speak to you.’

I raised an eyebrow at his shamelessness, curious as to the identity of my mystery client.

‘You can’t blame me for trying.’ Flashing me a smile, Hopkins handed me a folded slip of paper. ‘His name’s Luke Priestwood. Ring any bells?’





CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

LUKE





2002


Morrissey sang a haunting melody from my car stereo system. The more someone ignored him, the closer he got. It was my favourite track from the playlist I had compiled. I loved nothing more than creeping into Emma’s thoughts. Had she battled with her conscience? Such a good, caring girl, lying to her father and sneaking out of her room. Had the thoughts of our secret meeting kept her awake at night? It was convenient, Emma living in such an isolated spot in the countryside. Far from the glare of CCTV and with her nearest neighbour a mile away, I could pretty much get up to anything I wanted. I was no stranger to subterfuge.

You couldn’t exactly call my new Ford Fiesta a passion wagon. The most exciting thing about it was the tinted windows I had insisted upon when it was ordered from the dealership. Sean Talbot, my friend and fellow teacher, called it the granny cruiser. It was all right for him to laugh; he owned a sportier motor far superior to mine. That’s what happens when your mum pays for your car. You end up with something solid and sensible. Still, for as long as she was willing to throw money at me, I was prepared to take it. I smiled as I reread the texts on my phone, glad to be making some progress at last.

Emma: About the other day, I meant what I said. Text me. Xxx

Emma: Is it something I’ve done? Have I upset you? If so, I’m sorry. Xxx

Emma: Need to talk. Xxx

Luke: Sorry, didn’t mean to upset you. That’s the last thing I want. ?

Emma: Can’t stop thinking about you. Please call. Xxx

Luke: I only want what’s best for you. Xxx

Emma: I’m almost 16. A grown woman. Please. Can we meet? Xxx

Emma: I’m free tonight. Are you about? Xxx

Emma: Please. Xxx

Luke: East Road on the junction of Ivy Lane at 9 tonight. Be discreet. X

Emma: I will. See you then xxx

I checked my watch. Five to nine. My car was tucked in behind the high ditch that afforded the neighbouring house some privacy. Not that I wanted to be peering in through their windows. Tonight was about discretion. The last thing I wanted was to draw attention to myself. Still, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of anticipation as the flicker of the light on Emma’s bicycle blinked in the distance. I knew she would be feeling it too. After tucking her bike away next to the hedge, she hopped into the passenger seat beside me. Her face was flushed from the exertion of pedalling, and she pushed the hood of her jacket down from her face.

‘I’m boiling,’ she panted, smiling in a sweaty apology. ‘But I thought it best to wear a hood so I wouldn’t be seen.’ Plucking open the buttons of her blue coat, she revealed a knee-length tweed skirt with thick black tights and a black V-neck top underneath. I had to physically force my eyes away from her body, though she seemed oblivious to the stirrings she had caused. She looked at me in earnest as she shrugged off her coat, rolled it up and pushed it into the footwell. Her top gaped open as she leaned forward, and I almost had to sit on my hands not to jump her there and then. Talk about a body meant for sin. Hers was positively iniquitous.

‘Phone,’ I said eventually, reaching out my hand. She handed it over without question, used to this part of our routine. After deleting the last text, I handed it back to her. ‘You wanted to talk?’ I said, diverting my gaze through the window as my trousers began to feel a bit too tight.

Emma reached for me without a moment’s hesitation and touched me on the arm. ‘I’ve been thinking about what you said. I want to be with you. Properly.’

‘I don’t know,’ I said. ‘It could land us both in a lot of trouble. Can I rely on you to keep it a secret?’

‘Yes, sir.’ Emma nodded enthusiastically, brushing an errant strand of wavy black hair from across her face.

I responded with a laugh. ‘I think we’re beyond you calling me sir, don’t you? I’m Luke, unless we’re in school.’

Emma nodded, her fingers clasped tightly around her knees. ‘I’ll do whatever you ask. You’re the only person I trust. I’d never let you down.’

Despite her mild perspiration, she smelled sweet. I turned on the air con, giving us both a chance to cool down. Finally, I met her gaze. ‘I never wanted any of this,’ I lied, ‘but sometimes you can’t help who you fall for.’

I almost felt sorry for her, the way all her emotions were laid bare. It was as if she had been waiting her whole life for someone to tell her they loved her. She reached over and threw her arms around me, excitement bubbling to the surface in her words. ‘I feel the same way. You can trust me, you know that. I won’t tell a soul.’

I pulled away, attempting a look of concern. ‘Are you sure? Really sure you’re ready for a serious relationship?’