Page 47 of The Serial Killer's Sister
He hesitates a moment, then says, ‘I’ve been outside every night, Anna. For the most part, anyway. Once I’ve finished with the team, I keep a watchful eye on the property.’
This is news to me, and I can’t hold back my surprise. ‘Even last night?’
‘Not until late, so I appreciate I might’ve missed something. It’s the early hours of the morning I feel you are at your most vulnerable.’
‘Right, well … thanks. I guess.’
Is it DI Walker that I’ve seen, then? Or heard, at least? I wish I’d realised last night – would have saved the anxiety and insomnia. Although, that time awake did lead to a noteworthy find. One I should probably mention now, before I get chastised for not informing the police of something else.
‘I made an interesting connection last night,’ I say, getting up to retrieve my laptop. I open the small article I found buried in online archives of a local newspaper. The headline readsMy son took his own lifeafter rape allegation.DI Walker turns the screen and continues reading it. He lets out a big sigh when he’s finished.
‘This relates to someone at the children’s home you and Henry lived in,’ he says.
‘Yes. It’s more … personal … than that, though.’
‘Oh? In what way?’
‘The “young man” referred to here is the brother of Craig Beaumont, the headmaster of Seabrook Prep School.’ DI Walker’s eyebrow arcs, and he sits forward. ‘And the girl …’ I take a deep breath. ‘The girl who accused him of rape was supposedly me.’
The room becomes quiet, like it’s been muted. I allow this to sink in before continuing. ‘It wasn’t me, though. I wasn’t the one who accused Neil of rape. I think … I think it was my friend, Kirsty. And I also believe her brother Dean took the law into his own hands to deliverjustice. Anyhow, it doesn’t matter how it happened now, the point is Henry might’ve used this knowledge and my connection to Neil to convince Craig to create this smear campaign and get his revenge by suspending me. I don’t imagine he’s backing me with the parents and board. Iwillbe fired.’
‘It’s not actual proof, though – just circumstantial.’
‘I guess. And it could be a massive coincidence, I suppose. I admit, I actually thought Craig might be Henry to start with.’ I laugh awkwardly.
DI Walker’s face is thoughtful, his mouth twisted in concentration. ‘It’s worth following up – I’ll let the team know.’
‘Good, thanks.’
He hits a button on his mobile and gets up with it pressed against his ear. He begins to relay this new piece of information as he walks to the kitchen, where his voice becomes muffled. I sip more latte while I await his return.
‘Well, anyway,’ he says, sitting back down and slapping his hands onto his thighs. ‘The clock is ticking; we need to press on. We’ve only hours left to solve this puzzle.’ DI Walker slides out the paper from the envelope. ‘What is the point of this final clue do you think?’ He hands me the piece of paper. I realise he’s not wearing gloves and he hasn’t made me either, so I guess this is a copy and the original has been filed in evidence.
I take it from him. It shakes in my hand as I read the short riddle.
Cross my heart, hope to die. Stick a needle in my eye.
It’s the last promise you made. It’s the first promise you broke.
Meet me where the lie was spoke.
‘I–I’m not …’ I stammer, reaching forward to put my coffee on the table before my twitching hand causes it to spill. My vision distorts and the walls feel as though they’re moving, closing in on me. On my secret. Our shared secret. Just as Henry has wanted. It’s what this has all been about. But I still don’t knowwhy.
The only way to find out is to go where the riddle points to, and confront Henry. My only hope of living through this is to take DI Walker. But once it’s all laid bare, the police will learn the truth and my life will still be over. If I go alone and Henry intends to kill me, he’ll make up his own version to tell the world.
It all comes down to what I have left to live for.
Chapter 33
‘Anna – are you all right?’ DI Walker waves a hand in front of my face and I snap back to the moment.
‘Sorry, I was just thinking.’
‘Are you going to let me in on it?’
‘Meet me where the lie was spoke,’ I say, my spine tingling. ‘He wants to meet me at the place I last saw him.’
He shakes his head. ‘Because that’s where you lied to him?’
