Silent Victim(69)

CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE

EMMA





2003


‘Tea for Two’ was an unusual name for a place that served mainly coffee. Regardless of the name, its customers did not seem to mind. It was one of my favourite haunts, when I could afford it. Lots of students came here because of the cut-price drinks. Balancing my cappuccino on the narrow window counter, I craned my neck to watch the baristas at work. My stay in hospital had clarified my thoughts, making me see Luke for the predator he was.

My vision had been filled with his face as I tried to sleep at night. Every time I’d close my eyes, he would be there, but not in the way I wanted. I had imagined him hovering above me with a pillow, his face twisted and angry, just like before. I could believe it – almost. But there was something I needed to know. Was the man I fell in love with just a figment of my imagination? Had Luke presented what I wanted to see? The answers came when I was sorting through the charred remains of the pathetic fire I had lit in my room. Embarrassed by my own stupidity, I had peeled back my photo from the picture of Luke that I had stolen. The girl beside him was pretty, young and blonde, with a face I had not recognised the first time round. It was only when I sought clarity that it sparked a memory in my brain. Now here I was, trying to gather up my courage as I watched her work. She could not have been much older than me – eighteen, perhaps; maybe more?

By the time her customers had cleared, the remnants of my drink had gone cold.

‘Can I get you anything else?’ she asked, rubbing a damp cloth over the counter and gathering up a sprinkling of crumbs. Dressed in black trousers and long-sleeved shirt, the badge pinned to her chest identified her as ‘Vicky’.

‘Just five minutes of your time,’ I said, slipping her photo from my pocket. ‘This is you in this photo, isn’t it? You and Luke?’

She froze as she caught sight of the image, her eyes locking on to his face. ‘Where did you get that?’

‘In his bedroom,’ I said, slightly shame-faced. ‘Please. Did you go out with him?’

‘Why do you want to know?’ She cocked her head to one side. ‘No . . . Surely not. You’re just a kid. How old are you?’

‘I’m sixteen,’ I said, mildly offended.

‘Well, take my advice, honey, steer well clear. He’s not called Mr Love ’Em and Leave ’Em for nothing.’

‘It’s too late for that,’ I said, staring at my empty cup.

‘Vicks, can you give me a hand?’ A bearded man popped his head from behind the counter.

‘Give us two secs, boss,’ she replied. If anything, she seemed relieved to be called away.

‘I can’t get involved, sorry,’ she said, before taking my empty cup.

‘Please,’ I said, touching her sleeve. ‘I just want to know what he’s like.’

‘He’s a bastard, that’s what he’s like.’ Her forehead scrunched as she paused for thought. After a few seconds, she leaned forward, keeping her voice low. ‘For most people, a relationship begins when you date someone properly. Maybe that first kiss, or something more. For Luke, it’s the first moment he sets eyes on you. Seducing you, gaining your trust – the lead-up is his favourite part. As soon as he’s broken you down and got what he wants, he switches off. It’s like that person you fell in love with just isn’t there any more.’

‘So it wasn’t just me,’ I said.

‘Far from it. He’s had loads of teenage girlfriends; a proper little heartbreaker, he is. But take my advice, keep away from him. He’s got a nasty temper when he’s provoked.’

‘But if I don’t stop him he’ll just keep on doing it,’ I said, knowing I couldn’t just leave it at that.

The girl straightened. ‘I’m sorry, love, but he’s not my responsibility.’

My brow furrowed as she walked away. Unlike her, I couldn’t just let it lie. I had been lucky, I survived the fire I had lit. I couldn’t allow him to hurt anyone else, not when I was equipped with the truth. But the police had been called, I’d been served with a harassment warning. Who would believe me now?





CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR

ALEX





2017


I exhaled in relief as I caught sight of Jamie shoving his feet into his furry brown slippers as he sat on the edge of the bed.

‘Guess what?’ I said, smiling widely. ‘I’ve got a surprise for you.’ There was nothing more Jamie loved in the world than a surprise. As for me, I’d had more than my fair share.

His face lit up with excitement as he ran towards me, bouncing as if he had springs in his feet. ‘What is it? Is it ice cream?’

‘It’s far better than ice cream,’ I said, bending on one knee to accept his hug. ‘We’re going to Nanny’s today, and she’s going to buy you all the ice cream you want.’ I knew Mum was counting off the time until she got to see Jamie again.

Jamie had responded with a squeak of excitement before a dark cloud crossed his face. ‘What about Mummy? Is she coming too?’

‘Mummy’s going to follow on,’ I said, feeling a pang of regret. Was I doing the right thing, leaving without telling her? I could not have this argument in front of our son.