HWSNBN

Ch13

Charlie put his mug down and said, “Those rooms are stunning, Gavin, like this whole house. I can’t believe we have them to live in.”

He smiled across the table at Charlie, “It had to be like the rest of the house and it took me a while, working out how to get a music room up there, as well as guest digs.”

“I’m glad you haven’t covered the beams – we both love it. Where did you get all those swords?”

I was sitting on one of the outside chairs, opposite Luke, and when I heard that I stood up and couldn’t help butting in on their chat, “Who’s taking me up? I’m the only one who hasn’t bloody seen it.” Luke giggled, grabbed my hand and the next second we were in the music room. Gavin and Charlie appeared beside us, laughing.

“They can show you, Jane, I’ve seen it.” That tickled him, making him titter. “I’ll play my guitar and open some wine.”

“Come on then, boys, I’m itching to see it now.”

Luke opened the door and took me into a small kitchen, shielded from the other three-quarters of the room by a beautiful black lacquered screen, dripping in gold Japanese paintings. My eyes wandered to the detail in the rest of the room. I looked up to the rafters that were the backbone of the roof and saw the roof-lights. They looked like solid blocks of glass to me, hanging down between the wood which would cast pillars of light down to the low slate table and cushions, in daylight. Charlie flicked a switch on the wall, and it was then that I realised they couldn’t have been solid. White-light spotlights did that task now, because it was dark outside. It was stunning.

Along the straight wall, backing up to the music room, lacquered cabinets matching the screen, stood proud and beautiful against the silk covered wall; hand-painted with bamboo and a perfect accompaniment to the whole theme. The Chinese rugs looked wonderful on the dark oak floor – tying it all together. I turned to the boys, “This is really beautiful.”

Luke took hold of my hand, saying, “Come and see the bedroom, Jane?” On our way to the door, we heard Gavin playing some intricate music on the piano.

“Christ, he sounds good on that joanna,” fell out of Charlie’s mouth.

I giggled at them, “How many bloody years would’ve passed, before you’d said something to each other, if you didn’t have rooms up here?”

Luke couldn’t get the words out fast enough, “Too fucking many – idiots, Jane.”

You said it.

He laughed at me and took me through the door where the gable end of the house faced me. My eyes were drawn up to the dozens of beautiful swords, resting on black shapes that were fixed to the wall. The razor-sharp edges glinted when I moved my head. I turned to see the rest of the room and the headboard of the low bed, stood out at me. The shape alone was stunning; inlaid with carved Japanese Geishas. Apart from the ivory they’d used for their faces and hands, they’d carved large chunks of brightly coloured semi-precious stone and they’d used gold for all the detail on their clothing, making them striking against the density of the lacquer, which looked like a deep pool of water. Instead of pillows, there were strange black pillars to rest a Geisha’s head on. I’d seen them in books.

“Careful you don’t drown in that headboard, boys. I wouldn’t want to crease the bloody sheets, either.”

Charlie laughed, “That did cross my mind when we brought Alli in. She loved it.”

“If you get a headache resting on those block thingies, I’m sure Gavin could find you some tablets.” He flashed his eyes. “I can’t wait to see their house, Charlie. Harvey collected tribal furniture, before they found each other – bet it’s lovely.”

Come and get some wine?

“We’re coming. Could I scrounge some tea, instead, Luke? I don’t fancy wine.”

“Go out there and I’ll make you some – no trouble.” He hurried ahead of us.

“Now you’ll have to get all your gear from your digs, Charlie.”

“Let’s hope we’re not called out tomorrow night. It won’t take long. We had to store a lot. The speed we had to move was a bit ridiculous, but give Reese his due, he’d already found us a storage place that was open during the night.”

Back in the music room and before we sat down, Gavin gave Charlie some wine. He’d grouped the large chairs in a circle. I sank down into one and pulled my feet up. “This is cosy.”

“They were in the cellar, Jane, and the only place not soaked and covered in black mould – perfect up here.” He asked Charlie, “What instruments have you got, Charlie?”

“A couple of guitars, Gavin – not much. Luke’s got quite a selection of music, plus a few instruments.”

“Here, Jane,” Luke said, giving me my tea, and then he filled Gavin in, “I have some strange stuff. Anything that looked hard to play, really…you’ll see.”

Charlie laughed and added, “He can knock a tune out of anything.”

Luke sat down and said, “I’ll sell the drum-kit, Gavin. You don’t want that up here.”

“Yes, we do, Luke. There’s tons of room, so don’t get rid of anything.”

“It’s a bloody noise and drives everyone loopy.”

“This place is detached and sound-proofed to the hilt. For Christ’s sake don’t worry about that? We could have a brass band up here and no one either side would hear it, Luke – even the roof’s got a second skin on the inside.” We looked up and heard Gavin laugh. “I’m telling you, it’s fine. All the spaces between the floor joists are stuffed with wool, as well as the studded wall and both gable ends.”

“I’m staying out of this tiff, you two. I’m just pleased we’ve got this lovely room up here.” I drank my tea and looked around at all the things hanging on the rafters, wondering how they sounded. Charlie broke into my thoughts.

“What was Alli saying to you, about playing something, Jane?”

“Oh, that. She just asked if I’d tried anything, Charlie – no point now.”

“That makes me think you wanted to play something.” I looked at him and laughed.

“It would have sounded like tom cats, fighting in the night – bloody awful.”

Gavin asked, “Please tell us what you had in mind?” I looked at him and smiled.

Really no point, love – I mean it.

“Please?” he asked again.

I took a deep breath, “Oh, well. Two things, really. A violin and I heard something on one of those shows with Irish dancers on it. I think they were Northumbrian pipes. The sound was really haunting. I loved it.” Gavin smiled and suddenly Luke disappeared. “Where the hell’s he gone?”

Charlie laughed; said nothing and continued to sip his wine.

Please your bloody self!

Gavin cracked up and grabbed my hand, “I love it when you’re sarcastic.”

I giggled, “Just as well, you’ll hear it forever, Gavin; don’t forget?” They both laughed.

Charlie got up and chose a guitar off the wall. He sat down again to tune it. Then I remembered that Gavin was playing the piano.  I turned to him, “Hey, you didn’t say you could play the piano, as well, Gavin.”

“I didn’t mentioned a lot of things you’ve found out today, Jane.” He knew I wanted to answer – I kept quiet instead, which made him smile and stand up. He said with his hand out, “Come over to the piano and sit beside me?” I wanted to watch him so I took hold of his hand.

I was surprised how long the stool was when he pulled it out. He parked himself at one end, patting the other end for me.  Once I’d sat beside him, he told me to press every key from left to right – black as well as white. I didn’t understand why, although I did as he asked. Once I’d done it, he played something simple, using both hands, and then he told me to play the same. I felt sure he was kidding. I hadn’t really watched that closely, only listened.

He knew I was puzzled and said, “This is middle C, Jane. Now work it out?” I glanced at him, remembering the tune, so I tentatively pressed the key. That one note swam around my mind with the others that Gavin had played previously; joining up the dots on a puzzle. It suddenly gelled in my head and made sense. I knew I’d chosen the wrong fingers, to play through the short piece – I didn’t care – I’d played a tune. A thrill coursed through me that almost made me change, it was so powerful. Gavin cuddled and kissed me, to cheers from Charlie. I hugged Gavin so tightly; he’d opened a door for me that I’d never thought possible.

A melodic sound filled the air and we both turned to watch Luke, playing a set of Northumbrian pipes. He smiled at me with his arm blowing up the bag, in short intervals throughout the beautiful music, filling the rafters with a sound I wish I could bathe in. I felt the tears dribbling down my cheeks, long before Gavin saw them. When he did he squeezed me. Another little repair job.

Worth it! I could get drunk on this music. He cuddled me closer and we listened until Luke had finished, with the last notes floating away to a whisper. I was thrilled.

Luke saw my tears, put the pipes down and came over to give me a cuddle. Gavin let me go. “You really loved it, Jane, I felt it.”

I looked at his T-shirt and giggled, before saying, “Now I’ve covered you in mascara; bet that’s a first?”

He sniggered. Charlie yelled as he jumped up, “Now that would be telling, Jane! A boy has to have his secrets!”

Gavin roared with laughter and as sure as eggs were eggs, we both knew they’d been drag artists. “You’ll have to give me a few tips, boys – this bloody lot is always streaming down my face.”

They fell in a heap, laughing so much. Gavin grabbed my hand and took me into their kitchen. He pulled some paper towels off the roll, wet them under the tap, and then he began the job of wiping the black streaks from my cheeks. “I’m chuffed they live with us, Jane.” I giggled.

“Me too, Gavin. I’ll be able to cadge some make-up, if I run out.”

He laughed, just before they came in. Luke asked, “More tea, Jane?” He was so dead-pan, I couldn’t help sniggering. He turned away, quickly. His shoulders were shuddering and I knew he was laughing, trying to fill the kettle and missing the tap, with his hand shaking so much. Not a sound could be heard from him, in or out of our heads, though.

You’re getting good at that, Luke. They moved even more. He was trying so hard to stop it, and he wouldn’t turn around or he’d have landed in a heap again.

Charlie grinned at him, then he flashed his eyes at me, “That was in another life, Jane, before we were bitten, and the first night we were together. We were asleep and attacked in my bed.”

“Christ! I’m so sorry, Charlie, and you Luke.” Gavin was gutted for them, too.

“Hey, we brought it up, so don’t feel like that? We both love being hybrids, and I could give you a few tips, if you want, Jane?”

“Perfect guests, Charlie. As you’ve seen, I’m a hopeless case.”

“You’ll have eyes to die for when I’m finished – pun intended. Get your make-up…we haven’t any now – years ago, Jane.”

I laughed and vanished. I could hear them laughing before I picked up my make-up bag. There was no way I wasn’t having eyes to die for. When I appeared next to Charlie, he was waiting by an upright chair, he’d brought out from their room. I gave him my kit of goodies.

“Sit down, Jane,” he said, unzipping my bag. “Let me see what you have in here. Oh, well, look at this?” He dug around in the bottom and brought out something.

“Let me see?” He showed me the small box that held Kohl dust. “Oh, I bought that with every intention of learning how the model’s used it. Another thing that’ll live in that bag, forever, Charlie – it’s full of those.”

“Sit down, Jane. Some good stuff in here, you’ve never touched.” He looked around, “Is there a small table up here, Gavin, please?” Gavin got up and headed down to the bar cupboard, to get something from behind it. He brought a folded card table over that he erected beside Charlie. “Thanks, Gavin.” He tipped my whole bag out on the table and sorted everything into different sections. Mascaras, eye shadows and miscellaneous. There was a heap of those and a lot of trash that Charlie put to one side with a smile. He picked up my one and only hair band and pushed all my hair back from my face with it.

“Right, lie back and think of England, Jane? In the nicest possible way, of course.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” He giggled. I put my head back and waited for him to begin.

It didn’t seem to take long. I listened to the music Luke and Gavin were playing quietly, on their guitars. I’d moved my eyes wherever Charlie had wanted and couldn’t wait to see the finished result. He said, “Keep your eyes closed for a sec?” I felt him spray my head.

“I’m finished. All we want now is a mirror?” He pulled the band of my hair and ruffled his hands through it.

Gavin piped up, “Wait there.” A couple of seconds later he said to Charlie, “Will this do?”

“Perfect, Gavin, hold it up?” I lifted my eyelids and sat up straight, staring at the woman in the mirror. That’s not me? She’s beautiful. Look at those eyes, like pools of black water.

I heard Gavin’s voice, “Jane, you don’t see it, but you are beautiful. You look bloody amazing.” Luke whistled which brought me back to earth.

I smiled at Gavin. He could feel my emotions brewing, “Don’t cry, for God’s sake, it’ll slide right off your face, Jane?”

Charlie laughed, “That’ll last for a few hours yet. I sprayed it lightly with hairspray. We had to know a few tricks, to stop us melting under stage lights. They were fucking hot. All you want now is a belly-dancer’s costume and you’d look the part, Jane.”

“I have something like that.” I vanished and could hear them wondering what on earth I’d gone for. Gavin was the most confused. If he could have secrets, then so could I.

I found the costume I’d bought in an Indian shop, over a year ago. It was so beautiful and I just had to have it – girls are like that, squirreling things away.

I put it on, though I didn’t just appear in the room again, I climbed the stairs and stood in the door-way. Then I thumped my bare heel on the floor, to make the bells around my ankles jingle, with each thump of my feet as I walked slowly into the room swaying my hips; twisting my hands in different shapes, not really knowing how they’d have danced in the costume. It kept them entertained until I got to my chair and sank into it, laughing at their gobsmacked faces. “More tea, vicar?”

Gavin couldn’t help himself and almost yelled, “You’ll have to give me a private viewing with that on, Jane, no mistake!”

I loaded my answer with a ton of innuendo, “I might, if you’re good?”

“I’m gunna be perfect from now on, Jane.” We laughed at him, almost grovelling.

Over breakfast, Gavin told me that Mike Brooks would be back from remand, for another interview about Stephen and Maxine.

“That’s made my day and it’s only just started, Gavin.”

“The Richardson’s, too. Perhaps we’ll understand them this bloody time?”

Charlie said between drinking his tea, “I’ll fax you the PM reports, as soon as we’re in work, Gavin.”

“Cheers. I can’t wait to see Brooks’ face when he knows we’ve found Maxine as well.” Gavin turned and asked me, “Has she asked you to cross her over, yet, Jane?”

“No, love. It could be years before she’s seen all her family. She might even wish to stay near one or more of them and never cross over. They have to want to go and it wouldn’t surprise me if she turned up at his trial. They do that sometimes; hang around until they know their killer has been caught. Before you ask, I didn’t have a job at one point so I used to go to the court-house near where I lived. I had to do something to fill the days. I saw a few ghosts, laughing at the people who’d killed them, and one was in the dock, taking swipes at his killer. I had a job not to laugh.”

They were laughing and Luke said, “I bet that was difficult.”

I giggled, “It was. I was above the dock and the bloody ghost was looking up to me and yelling for him to die, making a hell of a racket. I was dying to make him visible to all of them.”

Charlie blurted out amongst his laughing, “Didn’t know you could that. Christ!”

“You don’t know the half of it, Charlie. They would have smelled his rotting carcass, as well.” Gavin was sniggering beside me. I pushed my thumb back at him and said to Charlie, “Gavin’s had the full dose.” The lads were in fits.

Gavin said, “If that didn’t put me off you, Jane, nothing will; good first date.”

My eyes flashed at him and I giggled before I said, “I think we better get to work or we won’t have a bloody job to go to?”

Gavin checked his watch, “You must be eager, we’re not late. I’ll make more tea.” He collected our mugs and stepped into the kitchen.

“Poor bugger. I showed him in the Indian restaurant, on the High Street. Forgot to tell him he’d get it all – nearly sunk him.”

“You and Alli sound the same with your gifts, Jane.”

“I don’t think there’s much difference, Charlie. She uses all hers in her interviews and I’ve no objections, either. Brooks has it coming today although I don’t think Alli get’s the smell with hers. She’s lucky – makes me feel sick at times.”

Gavin came in with the tea and dished it out, saying, “Maybe next time we see them, she could stop you getting that, Jane?”

“God, I hope she can, Gavin. That’s the only thing I really detest when I see them. The rest, I can put up with.”

“Perhaps we could organise a day away, before we finish this case? We’ll see what happens and I’ll ring Reese. You shouldn’t have to put up with that. I wish I’d remembered.”

“Alli did mention hypnotising people, to stop them feeling tattoos. I should’ve remembered myself, Gavin. Didn’t think.”

Once we were in work, things happened fast. I was sat at Gavin’s desk, checking that we had everything we needed for the interview. The door to the team’s office was open. I looked up when I heard the fax machine begin to churn out the reports. Jenny waited next to it until they’d all been delivered. I saw her gather them up and tap the pile on the table, before she’d finished straightening them, and then she brought them in for Gavin. He’d been on the phone since we arrived.

Jenny glanced at Gavin and said with a low voice, “These are from Charlie, Jane.”

“Thanks Jenny. How are things going between you and Phil?” She giggled.

“He’s been home for tea with the rellies. While he was there I showed him where I worked when mum and dad get away.” I couldn’t help laughing; she smirked loudly. I glanced at Gavin, thinking we’d been too loud. He was trying not to laugh himself – totally bored with the phone call. I knew it was John on the other end, bending his ear and not giving him a chance to even say yes or no.

Got it in one, Jane. I think I might have a nap. We both creased up. He couldn’t if he tried. He just grinned at us.

Finally he said, “Yes, it’s all in hand, John, and I’ll let you know how it goes.”

He closed his phone and blasted, “About fucking time! I’m making a brew before the bloody interview. Sorry, Jenny. Half an hour he prattled on.” He headed for the door.

I looked at Jenny, who was smiling like she would burst. “He does bloody slow us up. His promotion has gone to his frigging head.”

“That’ll be his wife, Jane. Have you seen her?”

“God, no. She can’t wriggle out of that dominatrix kit of hers.” We heard a roar of laughter from the team’s office. “Shit! I forgot they can hear me. Bloody glad he can’t.” Jenny was holding her sides when Gavin returned with our tea. He could hardly put them on the desk without slopping them.

Once they were safe, he said, “Fuck! I hope we’re not bugged like the others are?”

“When did you find that out?”

He looked at me, “From Harvey. I’ll tell you later – too long-winded now. We’ll have this and start the interviews.”

When we got to the interview room door, we could see him yelling at Rod, who sat patiently without answering. He’d put up a barrier that Brooks couldn’t break through. Being hybrids we couldn’t afford to get angry and Rod was stronger than I’d have been, with that lot hurled at him. Gavin turned the handle and Brooks’ head shot around to watch up come in. Just as well you’re silent or I’d have stopped you talking for life!

I saw the glint in Rod’s eyes, hearing my thoughts. He said, “Good morning, Jane; Gavin.”

Gavin pulled my chair out, answering, “Morning Rod. I see you’re getting on famously with our prisoner?”

“If I could get a word in, I might have, Gavin. As it is, he’s foregone any help from me, as he wouldn’t shut up.” Brooks was pissed at that and stared at Rod beside him.

Phil, could you stand across the door please?

Pleasure, Gavin. Two minutes.

While we waited, Gavin opened two new tapes and slid them in the groves of the machine, ready for when we logged everyone in the room. I stared at Brooks, digging around inside his head, on the hunt for the info I wanted. I found a ton more, we knew nothing about. Under the table, Gavin tapped my leg with his and when I turned to him, he was grinning. I can see you’ll enjoy this; fill your boots, Jane!

The door opened and Phil came into the room. We could feel him behind us, no need to look, although Brooks was trying to see him between us. I moved nearer to Gavin to block his view; wanting nothing to distract him. Gavin switched the tape machine on.

“Those present are Detective Inspector Wells.” He glanced at me, to say mine.

I said, “Psychic and Detective Jane Hanson.” Brooks stared at me.

Rod followed, saying, “Rodney Miller, solicitor.”

Behind us, Phil said, “Detective Phillip Brecon.”

Gavin thought to me: You start, Jane. Looking forward to this.

I cleared my throat, to make sure I had Brooks’ full attention. “We’ve found Stephen.” His jaw dropped like a stone. “You hit him and because you thought he’d died when he fell against something, you decided that burying him in the grounds of that bloody hotel was preferable to ringing for an ambulance.”

“What do you mean, thought!” he yelled.

“He was still alive! There was soil in his lungs that could only have got there by gasping for breath, underground!”

He screamed, “HE WAS DEAD!”

“A doctor, are you? Paramedic or in the St John’s Ambulance Brigade. Do tell me please?” He began to splutter. “Don’t bother lying to me. That’s not all. Have a guess what else I have to tell you?” I crossed my arms and waited.

Brooks glanced at Gavin and then at Rod, wishing he wasn’t here and in the deepest shit ever. We could all hear it running around his mind as he tried desperately to find an excuse for burying Stephen alive.

I reminded him, “We know about Stephen, so why are you cooking up lies about him? Think man! What else do we know that you think we don’t?” He began to shake his head at me. “What’s her name?” He turned grey before us. “She’s gone back to Manchester to say goodbye to her family, one last time.”

He looked at my face, “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“You should know. You got rid of her partner for the night; only she wouldn’t play ball with you, would she?”

He snapped, “Now you’re talking rubbish.”

“You’re wishing I was, but Maxine had a long chat with me at her graveside, about ten metres from Stephen’s grave.”

He huffed at me and turned to Rod, “I’m not saying another word.”

Rod glanced at me and smiled before he answered him, “I don’t think you’ve grasped what’s going on here. You won’t have to say anything, detective Hanson will pull it all from your mind and you won’t be able to stop her.”

“SHE CAN’T DO THAT!” he blasted at Rod.

“Watch me.” I said quietly and he turned his head slowly to stare. “Forgot the word psychic when we logged in our names, for the tape?” He opened his mouth to speak and nothing came out – powerless to make his tongue move.  About bloody time. Gavin tapped my knee again, laughing in my head, along with Rod and Phil.

I said bluntly, “Now, give us a statement about everything?”

“You can fuck off!” I could feel Gavin tense.

Don’t worry – leave this to me, Gavin. He’s walked right into my hands.

I closed my eyes and pushed the scene beside Maxine’s grave; blasting into his head. His hands gripped the edge of the table when it hit his mind and I made sure he had everything attached to the vision. He started gagging with the stench, pulling back from the table, trying to get away from the sight of her rotting flesh. She was covered in earth that dropped off when she moved, talking to me. His chair fell over. He landed on his back on the floor with his hands in the air, trying to fend off what really wasn’t there for anyone else to see. I kept pushing it until he cried out for it to stop. Then I switched it off. I waited for him to get up. He was dubious about sitting that close to me now.

“You better sit down or it’s the cells for you and we’ll have to go through all that again. I think you get the message, Mr Brooks. Fancy it?”

“No I bloody don’t,” he mumbled, picking up his chair. He parked his backside on it, although about a foot away from the table which made me giggle. That went down like a lead brick with him. I ignored it.

Gavin turned to Phil, “Could you take his statement, Phil, please?”

“Pleasure, sir. I’ll get the forms.” He left us.

Gavin said, “Interview terminated at ten fifty-five.” He switched the machine off, taking the two tapes out and giving one to Rod.

“Thanks, Gavin. How are the lads settling in?”

“Great, thanks, Rod. You’ll have to come to dinner – bring a guest?”

“I’ll take you up on that. Could I bring Beth?” Don’t worry; we’ve become great mates and nothing physical will ever happen.

You have your head screwed on, Rod, I know it won’t. Come whenever you want; Beth’s itching to see the house.  “It’ll be a pleasure, Rod.” He laughed in our heads.

“Jane.” I looked up from my pillow to see why Gavin had called me. He wasn’t in bed, but getting dressed really fast.

“A call out?”

“Sorry – afraid so, love.” I leapt out of bed and turned on the speed; dressed properly for work, the same time as Gavin. We hurried downstairs and the two lads were right behind us. Gavin headed for the kitchen which surprised me.

“The kettle’s boiled so grab some tea. Uniform are already there and the guy’s in custody. This isn’t linked to the kids but we all need to go. A tom’s been murdered in her bedsit. Her landlady called it in when the screaming started and they caught him red-handed – literally.”

Gavin made the tea and we sat at the table. I had to ask him, “Why do Luke and Charlie have to go, then? It’s Socco we want.”

Luke answered me, “We go out with all your calls, no matter what, Jane. It’s proved necessary with the other cell, every time they’re called out.”

“But you’ve got this bloke.” I couldn’t see the point.

Gavin handed out the tea and sat beside me. When he was stirring his, he said, “Nothing is ever straightforward, I wish it bloody was, Jane. I’d take bets it’s not just a killing. You remember I said that – drink up.” He giggled, watching me load mine with sugar.

On reaching the road the house was in, all we saw was the bloody press, clamouring around the gate, trying to get into the garden. Mehmet had a straight face, surprising for me with the barrage of questions hurled at him from every direction. Beth’s four-wheel drive, pulled up beside us. The window went down, and Tom, who was in the passenger seat asked, “Are we frisking them for scanners again, Gavin?”

“They’re idiots if they’ve replaced them, Tom. Go ahead, and any you remember from last time – arrest the buggers. Ring for the wagon first and while you’re on there, Mehmet could do with more help, and I want this road blocked off completely.”

“Okay, Gavin.” Tom turned from us and lifted a phone to his ear.

Gavin looked in his rear-view mirror. “The lads are here – ready, Jane?”

“For anything.” Gavin giggled and opened his door.

Mine was opened by Luke. His eyes sparkled when he said, “I hope we’re running that fucking gauntlet.” Should be fun!

Naughty! He glanced at me and smiled.

Gavin had come around to our side of the car, “Much as I’d love to, Luke, we better wait. They won’t be long and it would get some of them out of our hair for a while, if we find scanners on them again.”

I shoved in, “I feel sorry for Mehmet, Gavin.”

“He’s all right, Jane, don’t worry. He’s been trained for riots and will be blanking all that out. Here’s the wagon, now.” We watched them drive past us and pull up right near the press, who were totally oblivious. Another of our vans stopped right behind it and half of our team flowed out of the side door. Tom was out of Beth’s car; running over to them. They surrounded the press, who were so tightly bunched around the gate; they made it easy for our lot.

“TURN AROUND, ALL OF YOU!” Tom bellowed at them. You could see their hearts do more than sink when their eyes settled on who’d yelled. Tom was over six foot and towered over them.

“HAND THEM OVER!” he yelled again. The first one who pulled a scanner from his pocket was happily escorted to the wagon by Tom and the cage slammed shut.

The others looked dubious now and I knew there was another scanner. I ran over to them. I was only next to a woman for a second, “She’s got one – search her.”

Beth took her to one side, and she was given the scanner before she’d said a word to the woman. “Thank you, now come with me?” She went quietly. Beth handcuffed her before she put her into the team’s van and locked it.

I pushed further into the crowd and tapped a man on the shoulder. “Take him.”

Jenny came through my wake with her hand out, “I’ll take it, please?” He fumbled around in all his pockets with a smile on his face, time wasting.

Arrest him, Jenny – he’s taking the piss.

She glanced at me and said, “I’ve had enough of this…you’re nicked, anyway.” She took him by surprise with her strength when she grabbed his lower arm; pushed it up his back and nudged him, hard. The rest of the huddle parted like the red sea to let them through.

I couldn’t feel another one and I didn’t recognise any of them from last time. I yelled, “If you don’t want to follow them, I suggest you bugger off, NOW!” They were like rats fleeing a sinking ship.

When I finished giggling at them, I looked up and Mehmet was laughing his head off. I grinned at him and said to Beth, “Let her go, Beth. Jenny’s captive pushed it into her pocket. Some bloody colleague he is.”

“Okay, Jane.” She left us to get her out.

Gavin laughed behind me, “I don’t think they’ll be back in a hurry.”

“Until the next time, Gavin. I heard you ringing Lionel. Will he be long?”

“No. He was just finishing a patient call-out…he’ll be along in a few minutes.” He turned to Mehmet, “Where’s Eddie, this morning – still in bed?”

“I’ve no idea, Gavin. He answered his phone when control rang him – should’ve turned up when I did.”

“Chase control and see if they’ve heard anything, Mehmet. It’s icy where he lives and he could be wrapped around a tree.” He nodded and spoke into the radio that was clipped to his uniform on his left shoulder. The crackling and static on it was pretty bad, for some reason. He had to walk away from us to get a better reception. We suited up at the back of our car and just as Gavin closed the back door Kevin and Neil parked their van on the other side of the road. They got out and came over to us.

“Hi, we’re going in now – couldn’t before this – the bloody press…”

“Not again.” Keith was pissed off.

Beth came over to us. “We’ll get back to the nick, Gavin.”

“Okay, Beth. Stick them in the cells after you’ve searched them. I want to know which rag they’re working for – they’ll get a visit from me.”

“Consider it done, Gavin. See you later, Jane.”

“Bye, Beth. Now, let’s see what’s inside that bloody house. There’s more than a dead body in there.” What did I say this morning? I smiled at Gavin and left them standing when I walked off.

Mehmet stepped away from the gate and said, “The landlady is next door, Jane.  I told control, but I’m not sure you were told.”

“It’s okay, Mehmet. We’ll speak to her after we’ve seen what happened inside the house.

Gavin was beside me by the time I reached the front door. He pushed it open and we stepped over the threshold. “We’ll look upstairs first, Jane. I presume the woman rented a room up there – bit unusual if she didn’t.”

He looked at the treads as he climbed, just in case there was anything that Socco needed to take samples from. We didn’t touch the handrail for the same reason. There were two short flights to climb and the first of the rooms was on our left on the landing that was quite wide with doors on either side and ahead of us.

“The size of this is deceiving, considering how big the house is from outside,” Gavin said and then he knocked on the wall beside us. It echoed. “Stud walls,” he said to himself. He looked all around the door and handle before he used it to open the door. He pushed it open; looked inside and then we walked in there. What confronted us was a small room with very little furniture. A single bed with filthy sheets was in the corner and the carpet had seen better days. There was nothing in the room to say a human actually lived in there. The smell only reminded me of one thing. Sex. Gavin glanced at me and nodded.

“Come on, Jane – next room.” We crossed the hall and he checked that door too. He pointed to blood on the door jam, although when he pushed that door it mimicked the one opposite and no body. He turned to the door that faced the top of the stairs.

“It has to be in here, surely, only I can’t understand why the door would be shut if he was arrested up here.”

He opened the door and pushed it. There were blood trails everywhere on the wall that faced us and crossed the only window in the room; blocking out some of the daylight. Gavin put his head in to find the light switch and when the bare light-bulb illuminated the whole scene, I knew then that there was more than one body.

“Three people died in here, Gavin. One, a few months ago. She’s standing beside me and pointing into the room – she’s still here.”

Gavin looked back at me; not shocked that I knew all that, and said, “Stay there. Socco’s job up here, but first I’ll see where the other two bodies are. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Gavin. This place is a knocking-shop and I can’t wait to speak to the ‘Madam’, next door.”

“Me too – won’t be a sec.” He gingerly entered the room, making sure he didn’t step on any evidence. Meanwhile, I held the hand of the ghost and asked her a few questions.

“What’s your name, love?”

Lucretsia Krunitch.

“Hello, Lucretsia, I’m Jane.” She tried to smile – difficult when your nose and lips had been removed – poor bugger. “What happened to you, Lucretsia?”

Many woman here – pay enter your country. I try escape. I had enough, ten, twelve men – day – beating. Animal – the men.  

I gave her a hug and said, “We will find who did this to you, Lucretsia.”

Thank you. She vanished.

Gavin hugged me. “Let’s get out of here, Jane.” He picked me up because I couldn’t see for the tears that had filled my eyes.

When we exited the house, Gavin said to Charlie, “Back bedroom – two bodies and Jane…”

“It’s okay, we heard, Gavin. She’ll be hidden in there somewhere – we’ll find her. Are you all right, Jane?” I nodded and wiped my sleeve across my eyes.

“This happens sometimes, ignore it, Charlie, I’m fine.”

He and Luke went into the house. Gavin carried me to our car and put me down. Lionel had just arrived; strolling towards us with his bag in his right hand.

“Sorry to call you, Lionel; two bodies in the back bedroom. It’s a mess in there – you might be wise to have one of my forensic suits.”

“Thanks, Gavin. I should carry some, really.” He saw I’d been crying. “That bad, eh?”

“I’ve been talking to a woman who was killed in there, months ago, Lionel, and it gets to me – that’s all.”

“I didn’t realise you were psychic, Jane. What a gift,” he said happily.

Gavin was getting the suit and when he heard that, he pulled his head out of the back door quickly and said, “I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, Lionel. You’ve no idea how they hound her.” He gave him a suit.

“Ah, has its drawbacks – I see that now. Sorry, Jane.” I smiled at him. “Thanks for this, Gavin. I should get on. Socco will want to shift on this.” He toddled off.

Gavin opened the passenger door, “You’re having five minutes before we tackle ‘Madam’.” I giggled and climbed in.

I pulled the visor down to look at my face. Christ, what a mess.

Gavin giggled beside me, “I didn’t like to say.”

I laughed and picked up my bag to find the wipes I used to clean myself up. “Thank God not many people saw this; they’d have thought I was the ghost.”

“They must have done that to her, as an example, Jane.”

I began the repair job on my make-up. “I forget you can see them through me. I agree. I think she was Ukrainian or Russian – not sure.”

“We’ll find out when we catch the bastards running that place. That woman will be the same as them; just doing as she was told, or else. Whoever it is will have all their passports stashed somewhere. Immigration will have to be informed. They may even know about this place.”

“And they do nothing to stop it?” I was horrified by that.

“People risk their lives, undercover for years, to wheedle their way into operations like this, just to catch the money-men behind it.”

“Oh. I have an awful lot to learn, Gavin. I didn’t even think of that, but all those deaths.”

“It seems harsh, I know. People-trafficking has overtaken the drug-trade as regards money that’s laundered, across the globe. It’ll never stop until there’s no one who wants an easier life in a richer country. I can’t see that happening, can you?”

“Not when you explain it like that, no. I do know one thing. I’m glad I’m a hybrid, Gavin.”

He flashed his eyes at me, “So am I.” I giggled and dropped my bag into the foot-well.

“Right, let’s get this over with – I’m human again.”

Gavin laughed at me for being so daft and opened his door. We met on the pavement where he took hold of my hand and we headed for the neighbour who’d taken in the so-called landlady.

We looked down on her, huddled with her feet up, in the corner of the old sofa she sat on. The woman who’d answered the door had shown us into the room and promptly left us. I could tell she was annoyed at being lumbered with this apology of a woman, so stoned, she could hardly stay awake.

Gavin said to me, “I’ll get her shipped to the nick. She can come-down there and we might get some sense out of her, if she craves more.”

“Good. We’d only waste our breath here.” He took his phone out and ordered the wagon. If she was going to be sick, it wouldn’t be in one of our cars. They could hose the wagon out.

While we waited, I said to Gavin, “I’ll have a quick word with Mrs Farley.” He nodded and I left the room to find her. “Mrs Farley, I’d like a little chat.”

She came through the door at the end of the hall, “I don’t know what was going on next door, and I don’t want to know.”

“I don’t want to talk about that. I know you don’t.” She looked puzzled. “Can I sit and talk to you, Mrs Farley, please?” She put her hand back and pushed open the door again.

It was her kitchen. I followed her in to a really cosy room with an open fire and two armchairs, either side of it at one end, and the normal kitchen things at the other, “Sit by the fire, dear.”

“Thank you.” I sat down and smiled at her. “I’m psychic, Mrs Farley and that’s why I work with the police. I also feel things when I’m near people. Please don’t be scared?”

“I’m not scared, dear. I attend the local spiritualist church; go on.”

You’ve been worried about a pain in my stomach, for a while now. I’m right, aren’t I?”

Her hand shot up to her mouth, “I don’t want to know if it’s bad news.”

“I wouldn’t do that to you. It’s not what you think it is, you know. You have a hernia, that’s all. Go to your doctor and don’t worry about cancer anymore, Mrs Farley. I can imagine it’s the first thing on anyone’s mind. Please say you’ll go?”

She put her hands forward and took hold of mine, “Thank you, dear. I’ll make an appointment. Can I get you some tea, or for the other officer?”

“No, thank you. I’m pleased I didn’t freak you out – it does some people.” She laughed. “We’re just waiting for someone to collect her. It’s pointless trying to talk to her in that state and you don’t need this. She had some front pushing her way into your home.”

“I tried to stop her. She’s stronger than she looks.”

“That’ll be the drugs, Mrs Farley. God knows what she’s taken?”

The wagon’s here, Jane.

“They’ve arrived to take her away. I’m pleased we met each other today. Have a nice life, Mrs Farley, and thanks for being so patient, putting up with her.”

“I have to thank you, too.” She stood up, “I’ll see you out. Thank you, dear, really.”

“It’s been a pleasure.” In the hall we watched two uniform officers, one either side of the handcuffed woman, almost drag her from the premises. I put my hand on Mrs Farley’s shoulder, “You stay in the warm. Good bye.” Gavin held his hand out to me and he smiled at Mrs Farley. We left the house and heard the door close behind us.

Gavin waited until everyone was back at their desks and then he went out there to tell them something. The door was open and when he cleared his throat, I watched them all raise their heads to listen.

“I’m sure by now you’re aware that there’s something embedded in the music that all the kids listened to. We’re going to listen to the iPods from the first kids, and we cannot do it here. Anyone human, who hears our thoughts, could potentially turn into killers, like the kids. It won’t affect us at all, so after work we’ll drive right away from town to listen to them. Luke thinks we have a rogue hybrid making the CD’s, and selling the iPods cheaply, loaded with the same music. I’ve asked the commissioner to contact MI5, to ask how we proceed with this. If Luke’s right and I’m sure he is; you could be in serious danger, if you’re involved. I don’t think you’ve been told how strong we all are, and they’re not all like us. You wouldn’t want to piss off a nasty one. We need help with is and I’m accepting all we’re offered. Any questions?”

Tom put his hand up. “Yes, Tom.”

“Won’t you feel odd having to catch one of your own?”

“Good question, Tom. Now I’ll ask you one. Do you feel odd nabbing a murderer?”

The rest of the team giggled and Tom spouted, “All right, get it over with, you lot? Point taken, Gavin – no more crap questions, like that. Here’s another though – do we get to meet any of the other hybrids?”

Gavin laughed at him, “If they come to help us, you’ll still be working and be involved where you can. You’ll all meet them. Christ, they’ll feel like royalty with a bloody fan-club.” Laughter filled the office.

Phil pushed in when he could, “I’ll be first in the queue, Gavin.” All Gavin did was nod and laugh at him.

Trailer for  THE HYBRID SERIES.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR42GjLgmrc&feature=plcp

~ OR ~

NEW ~ Trailer for THE SPIRIT TRILOGY.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQLicVhau0s&feature=youtu.be

COME BACK ~~~PARANORMAL THRILLER ~WRITTEN HERE>>>

30+K  READERS EVERY MONTH

SPIN-OFF to the HYBRID SERIES OF BOOKS: HWSNBN

Book 1 Split Decision

Book 2 Critical Moments

Book 3 Devil’s Dyke

Book 4 Wet Daddy

Book 5 Medium Rare

I’m writing this blog to clarify a few points about this series of books. They are in Graphic books on Amazon for more than one reason and I’ll explain why. Yes, they are extremely erotic; far beyond anything on the market today, and yes, they are Thrillers where the crimes in the books are beyond belief, and the characters have to muster all their ingenuity and use their gifts to solve them. Also, the titles are all linked to the sick crimes.

It wasn’t the case when I wrote them, to write erotic books…I had no idea they would be, since I only have one sentence for an idea and find a good title, each time I start another book. I’m a panster; no plotting and write whatever comes into my head, no matter how shocking, gruesome or erotic, and I never change the story-line from my initial first thoughts that come thick and fast.

They are first and foremost Thrillers and the eroticism is just something in the make-up of the Hybrids – nothing more, although very extreme and relentless, the same way they go about their jobs and everything else they do in their lives.

This series is a blow-by-blow account of a Government Project to use Hybrids, half-human, half-vampire, in the Police Force, to try to turn the tables in the serial-killer crime, over-running the country. The first cell they tried didn’t work and then Harvey was chosen in basic training to head the second one.

Across the books you’ll see other Hybrids brought into the story to build a different world that they live in, although told in the present day, and everything they do is accepted by the powers-that-be, who have watched some of them from their childhood.

I make no apologies for the graphic writing and it has never been the case of me being indecisive about which genre this series is in…you’ve totally missed the point if you think that. This series is a melting-pot of genres and I will keep stirring it to make each book pack the same punch.

Hybrids are a different breed…get your head around it! Extreme in everything they do; quirky, funny and each book is an unstoppable, fast-paced page-turner, from the first to last word in them all.

“Beth, would you bail the other parents and I want them to sign in every day,no exceptions – I don’t care what their excuses are.”

“Okay, Gavin. By the way, the Brooks’ boys were on the ‘at risk’ register and taken off it about a year ago. They had no idea that Stephen was missing and blamed it on heavy case-loads and new staff.”

“Typical…what about the other families?”

Beth rolled her eyes and said, “Apparently they have a bug going round the office and half of them are off sick.”

“I’ll give them bug, tomorrow – thanks, Beth. Oh, get Socco on the blower – we’ll need them and I hope we get Kevin.”

Tea was waiting for us in our office. I sat down and added sugar to our mugs and stirred whilst thinking about what was to come. Gavin had been on a quick phone call and looked at me before he picked up his tea. “You’re worried…what is it, Jane?”

“Just a gut-feeling we’ll have more than one body to dig up. I won’t know for sure, how many, until we get there, Gavin.”

“Christ! To do with, Brooks?”

“One, maybe, but the others – I don’t think so.”

“Bloody hell! John wasn’t wrong when he said things were getting out of hand.” Gavin picked up his tea. “We have to get on or we could be there for the rest of the bloody day.”

In the outer office several lads and Jenny, along with Phil, were waiting to be the digging party. “Are you sure you want to be in on this, Jenny?” Gavin asked, puzzled that she didn’t look perturbed, in the least.

“I’ve seen plenty of dead bodies before. My family run a funeral business so I’ve seen it all and helped out when staff were off ill. Nothing would shock me, Gavin.”

We all laughed and Gavin said, “Welcome aboard, Jenny. You’ll be kept very busy.”

She giggled and elbowed the lad next to her as he still hadn’t stopped laughing. “Watch it, Nate, I’m a good embalmer.” He put his hands up in submission with a grin on his face.

You could embalm me any-day!  We glanced at Phil. That thought and the glint in his eyes proved he was interested in Jenny.

Gavin cleared his throat, “Jane thinks we have more than one body to dig up.” Surprise flashed across their faces. Gavin ploughed on as this would be the norm for them all, in this team, and they had to get used to it, bloody fast.  “We’ll go to the house first and check if there’s a way into the field from their back garden – could save us a lot of hastle. Let’s go.”

We drove to the house and the team followed in one of the nick’s vans. Gavin shouldered the gate at the side of the house and when we saw there was no way into the field, Brooks had called it, he trashed the idea of using his car any longer and parked it away from the house as forensics would need the room. We joined them in the van – Gavin in the passenger seat.

Phil was waiting to drive off. “We’ll have to find the farmer who owns that field?”

“It’s no field, Phil. Do we have a map in here?” Phil took his hand off the wheel and rummaged in the driver’s-door pocket. He passed a really old dog-eared map to Gavin who flicked through the pages, really fast, then stopped abruptly. “Got it! We couldn’t see it but there’s are large building marked on this map and these houses don’t bloody exist. Turn around Phil…there must be a way off this estate, to the left.”

I was in the back of the van, on the long bench-seating; right behind Phil. Gavin turned his head and smiled at me. Are you okay, Jane?

Absolutely, Gavin. I can’t wait to get going. Phil soon turned around and took the first original road he came to, before the estate had been built. Gavin kept his eyes peeled for some sort of gate or entrance, to the grounds behind Brooks’ house.

We came to a main road and Gavin said, “Turn left again, Phil. That estate might have skirted the back of the place, whatever it was – no name on the map.”

“I know what it was.” A voice drifted up from the back of the van. I turned to see who it was and didn’t know his name.

“What was it, Justin?” Gavin asked, as he twisted around in his seat, to see him.

“There was a derelict building on there when I was a kid. My dad told me, it used to be a hotel – when I asked him, Gavin. It was bloody grotesque and only fit for a horror movie.”

Before Gavin could say another word, Phil called, “There’s the entrance!”

Gavin swivelled around to look at the monstrous dark-red brick wall we were following on our left. Massive pillars loomed at us that used to have gates slung between them. Phil pulled in and stopped the van in between the gate posts and a drive stretched out ahead, flanked on either side by mature trees, creating a tunnel beneath them. The whole thing looked depressing to me and I already knew there were plenty of ghosts waiting, pissed off that their building had gone.

“Let’s get this over with,” dropped out of Phil’s mouth, as he put the van into gear. The talking stopped and all our passengers looked out of the windows as it was almost night under the overhanging branches. When we broke through at the end there was a large circle of gravel with a heap of rubble in the middle. Behind that was what looked like the base of a house, as if you’d ripped the house away from the ground floor, but on a much larger scale. A few brick were left, here and there, where walls used to be, revealing the size of the enormous rooms that must have been inside the acreage of space the building had covered.

I saw the hoard of ghosts, waiting for me to get out. Oh, fuck!

What’s up, Jane? In the next few seconds Gavin had read my mind. Are you sure you want to do this?

Positive! You better warn the team…I’ll have to shout or be mobbed and these buggers will crap themselves when they hear me.

Phil turned in his seat. “I’ll keep them in here, Jane. Do what you have to.” He looked down the van at the guys who’d heard him. “Stay put, you lot – we’re not getting out yet.”

Gavin opened his door and said, “Cheers, Phil.” I clambered between the seats, stepped down into the foot-well and out of the van. They were running towards us at full pelt. I raised my hand and yelled, “STOP! I WON’T HELP ANY OF YOU, IF YOU DON’T!” It was like they were on elastic and all pulled back as one.

“Christ, Jane – how the hell will you deal with dozens of them?”

“You can see them, Gavin?” I hope to God you can’t.

“Only what you’re looking at, if I really try – not like you, I’m pleased to say. Sorry; that came out wrong.”

I grabbed his hand, “Don’t be…I’m thrilled you can’t, Gavin. I’ll send most of them on their way, once we’ve dug up the bodies.”

I left his side and walked over to them, checking out each one as they covered centuries in time. Some looked like beggars, standing in rags and were half starved. Workhouse, sprang-to-mind – poor buggers. The others spanned the different periods of fashion, almost to the present day. Some had been murdered while others had died in the building, now demolished and all annoyed that they were surrounded by other ghosts.

As I got closer they jostled and elbowed each other to get to the front. “I told you to stop and I bloody meant it!” I waited until they were still. “That’s better. Now, I didn’t just pop round to see you lot – we have a kid’s body to dig up and a woman who’s buried near him.” I pointed out to my right. “Several more graves are over there and I mean to help get them out of the ground, so I don’t want any more shit from you. Is that clear?”

But they took our home away. It was one of the beggar women who’d spoken up, which surprised me. I suppose if you were on the streets, any place out of the elements, you called home – no matter how bad it was.

“Look, once we have them out of the ground, those that want to move on, and I know some of you don’t, will have my help. You’ll be better off on the other side, believe me.”

Thank you, my dear. I would love to see my family again.

I smiled at her, “It’ll be a pleasure and they’ve waited a long time for you to join them. Wait patiently, please, all of you – this could take a few hours and then I’ll come back.”

The team were out of the van and I listened to Gavin, directing Charlie and Luke, on my walk back to them all. They appeared from the tunnel and drove over to us, skidding to a halt on the gravel. Where the hell did you learn to drive?

Charlie laughed at me when he poked his head out of his window, “Dodgem’s!”

Phil was in a kink as he’d heard it and yelled, “Best place to learn!”

Charlie beamed at him, “Always fancied Formula 1 Phil – wouldn’t hurt, would it?” He flashed his eyes at me. I was creased up and had to grab hold of Gavin who was in the same state as me. He could wreck the bloody thing and walk away, Scott-free.

We all heard one of the lads, tut at us for laughing. Jenny jumped straight in. “You better wise-up or get another bloody job! If you don’t have a laugh when you’re dealing with this shit, you’ll end up in a fucking nut-house!” Her hand slammed on to her mouth. Oh, Christ! Shut the fuck up, you idiot!

The lad in question had a faint smile on his lips, thinking she’d get a bollocking from us. Instead, I had a cosy chat with him. “What’s your name, please?” I asked, on my short walk to stand right in front of him. I could feel him shaking and he was so tongue-tied he couldn’t answer. “Let me help you out, Tom – Jenny has more idea about this job than all of you put together. She was right; find another one if you can’t handle it or if you think we’re being offensive, laughing. You’re helping Charlie, so let’s see if you don’t need to let off steam, after that little lot.” He was as white as a sheet.

I turned from him and smiled at Jenny. Pleased you’re here, Jenny. She looked a bit startled at the words that filled her mind and then a smile grew on her face. Thanks, Jane. I nodded to her and joined Gavin.

“Glad that’s out of the way, Jane. Perhaps we can get down to some bloody work now,” Gavin said, loud enough for Tom and the rest of the team to hear how pissed off he was.

Charlie called from the back of their van, “Tom, you’re carrying these bins – come on?” His dressing-down made him shift pretty smartish and Charlie loaded him with the four bins they’d need. He grabbed trowels and sheets of plastic and anything else he’d use on the job and lifted out a large metal box with all his lab gear in.

Luke had two bins on the floor and was slinging in his gear. “Jenny, would you like to work with me?” Her face lit up. Absolutely! That was enough to put a smile on Luke’s face. “We’ll wait until we’re shown the other graves.”

She hurried over to the van to help him. “I love this kind of work – thanks.”

“You don’t have to tell me, Jenny – I know and the name’s Luke.”

Another van came out of the tunnel – Socco. Neil was driving and he pulled up behind Charlie’s van. They both got out to suit-up.

Gavin called over, “How did you find this place?”

Neil laughed, “Confiscated a scanner from my little brother before he landed in the nick. We listened to your directions for Charlie and Luke.”

Terry was struggling into his suit and said, “My aunt used to work in this place – said it was haunted.”

Neil blurted out, “Why didn’t you say…daft bugger?”

“Too much fun with that thing, to spoil it.” They grinned at each other and got down to work as they had to do their jobs first.

Charlie and Tom joined us. “I’ll take you to Stephen’s grave and then to Brooks’ bit of stuff on the side. He really thought a lot of her – bought her a lovely apartment, underground.”

Gavin looked back at our motley bunch, “Half of you follow us and we’ll be back in a few minutes.” He took hold of my hand and walked beside me through gardens that must have looked beautiful when the hotel was open. Now briars had taken over, with thorns like razors, that snagged everyone in turn. Thank God we had forensic suits on or our clothes would’ve been in shreds. It didn’t take long for me to find his grave as he was stood next to it.

I see you Stephen. Say hello to Peter for me, please? He smiled and nodded his head then looked down at the pile of earth beside him that was covered with rocks. So out of place, a blind man could’ve found it and showed us the mentality of Brooks in absolute panic.  Neil caught up with us and started taking shots of the grave and surrounding area. Keith looked for signs of anything else we might destroy before he let Charlie take over. When he did, he got on with his job, really fast. Our lot stared with open mouths at the speed he worked. He set up the bins on ground cover, to sift every gram of soil from one bin to the other. Next he sheeted the area around the grave and gave them instructions on how to remove the soil; riddle it for any objects that may be useful to him and set two lads on that job. He picked up his kit. “Tom, follow me with those bins – and the rest of you.”

I couldn’t see the woman, which was strange to me, then I realised why; she’d been buried alive and wasn’t ready to move on. Gavin’s face said it all…he was horrified but he didn’t speak out loud or in my head – my concentration was key. “Maxine! Come on love; show me where you are?” I looked around and a figure began to materialise about ten yards away from Stephen’s grave. “Thank you. We have him banged up Maxine and he’ll be severely punished, I promise.”

That’s all I want, Jane. From the sound of her voice I knew her soul had been in torment since he’d buried her – who’s wouldn’t? Everyone trailed behind me on my way to her and by the time I got there she was in tears. I gave her a cuddle while Kevin and Neil worked over her burial site.

“I’m so sorry, Maxine. How long have you been here?”

Three weeks. I refused to stay, on one of his weekends away.

“Why? What were they into, Maxine?”

He found swingers on the internet and a group of them rented cottages for weekends away. It was the first time we joined them and I didn’t know, but one of the other women told me, he’d told the guy I was with to sod off, not long after we got there. I was in the bathroom and was left there with them. It was supposed to be couples only and I told him to go to hell. He didn’t like it; we had a blazing row outside the house and he strangled me. When I woke up my mouth and nose were blocked with soil. I couldn’t breathe or scream and everything turned black.

“I’m so sorry to hear that. We’ve come to take you out of the ground and I’ll help you move on, if you want it.”

Not yet, Jane. I’d like to visit my family before I go.

“I understand, Maxine. We will need your address?”

6 Lyle Terrace, Sale, near Manchester.

“Christ, he must have brought you here in the boot of his car. Where was his wife – she was there?”

If she was, I didn’t see her.

“That doesn’t surprise me. Go now Maxine; see your family as you don’t need to watch this. Look me up if you want to move on.”

Thank you, Jane. She vanished and I turned back to everyone, “We’re going back to Luke and I’m sorry it’s taken so long.”

Charlie answered immediately, “Hey, you can’t rush what you do, Jane. We’ll have her out of there in no time. I’ll start this and then check how they’re doing with Stephen.”

Kevin and Neil had gone back to their van to change into different forensic suits. Cross-contamination was a complete no no in this job and they also had to make sure they had everything they needed for another crime scene.

On our way back to Luke, Gavin put his arm over my shoulder and said, “That was fascinating to watch.”

“You’re more tuned in to me, by the day, Gavin. I just hope you don’t pick it all up. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.”

“I’m here when it gets too much – you know that.”

I looked up to his face and smiled, “You didn’t have to say it…I’ve known that since the first minute I met you.” I felt his hand grip my shoulder. That was enough for me.

Luke and Jenny had everything they needed beside them in the bins. The rest of our team were in the van with the sliding door open, waiting patiently; although they exited quickly when they saw us – Tom’s dressing-down was still vivid in their thoughts. I chucked in my head with Gavin. Very bloody wise! They don’t want a repeat performance.

Keep them on their toes, Jane; they’re scared of you. Then he cracked up in my head, forcing me to giggle at him. He knew as well as I did, I wouldn’t harm a hair on their heads, but they were still very wary which kept us totally in charge. The first thing we did was to change our forensic gear which took a few minutes. Beth was right, it did get easier.

As we approached the other graves I was shocked rigid when I saw them standing beside their tombs. They were kids, not much older than the others we’d found at Brooks’ house and all had their throats ripped open. Gavin gripped my hand tighter. What the fucks’ going on with these kids?

“I haven’t a fucking clue, Gavin!” I looked back at Luke as he was curious at my outburst. “Four kids – same as in Brooks’.

“Jesus!”

By the time we left there, we had the names and addresses of all the kids; Maxine was on her way to the morgue with Stephen and Luke was just finishing. He had to wait with Charlie for the body-van to come back for his haul. What a bloody day!

Back at work it was almost knocking off time. On the way to our office Gavin stopped us in the teams. “I’m very pleased with you all today and that does include you Tom.” He looked up in surprise. “You knuckled down and worked hard with Charlie. He told us, before we left; he’d work with you any-day.” A smile broke out on Tom’s face and he nodded to Gavin. We won’t have any more shit from him. Gavin smiled at me and we hurried into our office to collect our gear – I was desperate for a swim to get away from the ghosts.

“Let’s get out of here, Jane.” I grabbed my bag and jacket, held Gavin’s hand and on our way out he told them to go home. Chairs pushed back immediately and chatter started but we didn’t hang around. Gavin took the short-cut home and hurried to open the front door. He knew what state I was in – swamped by dozens of ghosts that clung on until I hit the water which made them slough-off, so fast, it was heaven.

We heard the chatter before we saw them and hurried to the door, to watch. They were all checking out where everything was and John was stood near our door, sporting a huge smile. When he saw us he cleared his throat, loud enough for them to hear. They all stopped and waited for him to speak. “Now everyone, I’ve explained to you exactly what Gavin and Jane are and I hope you’ll make them both very welcome as heads of this, the second elite team in the country.” The cheer that went up, mixed with whistles from the lads, nearly brought the house down. Gavin hugged me so tight.

Once they’d settled down, John took us into our office and closed the door. “I was told by Reece, to explain to them, everything about you and why they will learn from you. Apparently, the whole team down there, bar a few, have picked up the mind reading, after thoughts were pushed into their heads. He added that the time it’s saved has been a huge asset and he wished they’d known from the start. They all know this comes under the Official Secrets Act and have had to sign forms to that fact. All I have to do is hand this over to you now, Gavin and Jane.” He shook our hands. “Don’t forget; I’m here to make this run smoothly. So don’t worry, if you find fault with anything, I’ll get it put right.”

“Who’s the other team leader, John? Gavin asked.

“Phil. He’s got his head screwed on.”

“That’s who I’d have picked, and we get on well. Thank you, John – we couldn’t be happier.”

“Don’t thank me, thank Jane.” He winked at me and left the office.

After a quick cuddle, Gavin grabbed my hand and he took me into the team’s office. The hum of noise stopped and they all looked at us.

“Let’s start as we mean to go on.  It’s first name terms, from now on. I’d hate to be called sir and we’re a team, no hierarchy. Beth and Phil are team leaders. Either one of them will control things here, when we’re called out, but that’s the only reason for it. Once you start picking up the mind reading, things will move faster than you could imagine. I’m looking forward to this. I don’t know about you lot.” The laughing started and they relaxed.

“You’re a dark horse, Gavin. I’d never have guessed in a million bloody years.”

Gavin laughed at him, “Phil, this is Jane, my other half and I don’t just mean here.”

He slapped Gavin on the shoulder; flashed his eyes at him and then put his hand out to shake mine. “I’m pleased he’s got you, Jane. Perhaps he’ll have a life, now.”

“Yeah, Beth said you couldn’t drag him down the pub, but I’ll come, no…” The phone on Phil’s desk rang and he hurried to pick it up. Everyone was silent as he listened for a couple of minutes, then he hung up.

“29 Bennington Road. Parents arrived home, after a weekend away and found their two kids and three others, dead in the house. That was Uniform, Gavin.”

“Right! Phil, stay and hold the fort, and you bring half the team, Beth. We don’t know how many we’ll need. This is our first case everyone, and we’ve no idea what we’re walking into. If anyone feels sick, leave the house. I’ve even puked at a crime scene. Let’s go about this exactly how you’ve been trained, in a calm and orderly fashion and we have a grieving family, don’t forget. Let’s go!”

It wasn’t long before we turned into a newly built housing estate. We knew by the state of the road. They hadn’t laid it and manhole covers and drains were well proud of the sea of mud that filled the space between the paving stones, on either side of us. It was like an obstacle course for Gavin as he was following Beth in her 4×4. He clipped the spoiler on the front, a couple of times and winced every time he heard the crunch.

“We’ll be investing in a Range Rover tomorrow. I’m not having this.” I kept quiet as I knew whatever I said, wouldn’t help. I couldn’t even bloody drive. Beth indicated left and she bumped up a ramp onto a proper road. “Thank God for that,” slipped out of Gavin’s clenched jaw, just as the spoiler scraped right across the ramp. I could feel he was seething, but slowly, as we got near the squad car, he settled down again to pull up behind Beth. We joined her between the two cars and the rest of the team parked well away from the house. They knew the space would be needed for pathology vans, Socco and the doctor. Gavin went back to the boot to collect a forensic suit for himself and Beth looked for one to fit me, but I really wasn’t listening to either of them. I was concentrating on the five kids, aimlessly milling in the middle of the lawn, confused and totally in distress. I ignored the state of them, walked over and cuddled each one in turn.

I’ll be back to talk to you when we’ve seen what’s happened, inside the house. I promise, I’ll come back. Sit down and wait, please? They held hands and sat down to wait and they we’re less worried than before we arrived. I felt more comfortable about that and went back to join Gavin. It must have looked like I was cuddling fresh air to anyone who watched.

“I heard what you said to them, Jane,” Beth said to me.

One of the lads, balked, “Yesh, right,” and sniggered.

I turned to him, “I don’t know your name yet, but I pushed words into Beth’s head, earlier today, and that’s how fast some of you could pick up the mind reading. We won’t have anymore of that, will we?”

“Sorry, I’m Tom.” I won’t forget you in a hurry.

“I’ve seen what’s in there and it isn’t good, I’m telling you now. If you have to go in there, all of you should remember what Gavin told you earlier, and get out, if you feel sick.”

“I think we should take a look, Jane.” Gavin pulled on a forensic suit. Beth had one ready for me and it was a struggle to get on. It gets easier, Jane.

We’ll be living in these, for the next few weeks.

Fuck!

I leaned back against the car, to put plastic covers over my shoes and took the gloves from her. Thanks, Beth. I’m pleased you’re the first. She smiled at me. We walked towards the front of the house. Two guys in Uniform were standing either side of the front door.

“Hi, Eddie. Have you been in?”

“No, Sir.” He looked at his mate.

“I’m Mehmet, Raffi’s brother, Sir.”

“Good. He said you were joining up, Mehmet. You all call me Gavin, I hate Sir. Spread the word, Eddie. What did you see, Mehmet?”

“I pushed open the living room door and they’re all lying in a heap, in the middle of the room. I didn’t set foot in there and came back out. The parents were distraught and crying at the side of the house, until the neighbour took them in. ” He pointed to his left, “That house.”

Gavin nodded and pulled his phone out, “Phil, we need Socco, pathology and the doctor; yesterday. Send Uniform to cordon this lot off. The bloody press will be baying for blood, with this.” He snapped his phone shut and when he pushed it into his pocket, he glanced at me. Gloves, Jane. I pulled them on and Gavin opened the front door.

Once we were inside, I warned him exactly what I’d seen. “You’re never going to believe what’s in there. They’ve all bitten each other’s necks, and I mean, gone to town.

“Jesus!” I opened the door and walked in, with Gavin on my heels. Mehmet was right, they were in a heap and just as well no blood could be seen from the door, but what we faced was carnage. They all had the left side of their necks ripped open and there was blood, not only on their faces but all over them. The floor beneath their bodies was soaked with it. Some had chunks of flesh hanging out of their mouths. It was the ages of them that got to Gavin. These weren’t older teenaers, two of them looked about ten and the others, not much older. The strange thing to me was that they all had ear-pieces in their ears, linked to iPods on their arms - like joggers wore.

Gavin blasted, “What the fuck were they doing, leaving young kids alone, for the weekend?” His phone rang. He pulled it out, “What!” He listened and then spoke in a lower tone to whoever had called. “Sorry. You don’t want to know what we’ve got here. Put them all in the rape suite lounge and give them tea. They’ll bloody need it, Phil.”

Socco and the doctor are here. We both heard from Beth.

Send them in and have Uniform arrived yet?” Gavin asked her.

Just. We’ve been holding off the press, since you went into the house.

Tell them to get a move on and get them cleared, right out of the way. This is bloody monstrous.

“Am I pleased I pushed words into her head.” Before Gavin could get any words out, the front door opened and in came more people in forensic suits.

The first one through the door put his hand out to Gavin, “Before you ask, we’ve all been briefed about the pair of you and I’m pleased to be working with you both.”

Gavin laughed and shook his hand, “Cheers, Kevin. This is Jane, my other half and watch it, she reads minds.” Kevin giggled.

I banged Gavin on the arm. “Take no notice of him, Kevin. He’s picking it up, faster than a bloody jack-rabbit.”

“I can see us getting along, like a house on fire, Jane.” He glanced between us, “What the fucks’ gone on here?” I’m sure he had some sixth-sense. He looked at us, “Don’t get worried. We’ve been grilled and know this wasn’t down to a hybrid.”

“Christ, am I pleased about that,” Gavin said, now he’d relaxed.

Kevin looked back, “Neil, take shots from every angle possible, and I want this fully documented, no slip-ups. When you’ve done in here; the rest of the house and particularly the kids bedrooms.” Neil nodded to us as he passed, holding a high-tech camera. He was straight on the job and we had to move away from the bodies. Waiting quietly in the hall was a man in a very smart suit. Very dapper and sporting a cravat, not normally seen much these days.

“Lionel, this is Jane, the other half of our duo.” He grinned at me.

“I knew there was something different about you, Gavin, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. How do you do, Jane and I’m pleased you’ve found each other.”

I giggled at him, “Not as pleased as me, Lionel and I’m not divulging anymore.”

He laughed out loud, “I don’t want to know. You’re safe there, Jane and I think you make a perfect couple.”

We both smiled at him, then Gavin became very serious. “Lionel, you’ll be shocked when you see the kids. It’s nothing like you’ve seen before and I hope to God we don’t either, although Jane says different.”

He looked thoughtful, “I think we’ve given psychics a raw deal, all these years and I expect your little gift is heightened enormously, Jane.”

“The five kids are on the lawn, waiting for me to question them. I’ve seen the dead all my life and I’ve even shown Gavin what hounds me constantly. I’m like a bloody honey-trap if I stay in one place, for too long, Lionel.”

“I don’t envy you that, Jane, one bit. Now, I’ll have to go through the motions, for the paperwork. The bane of my bloody life.” He picked up his bag and walked cautiously into the room. He didn’t show it on his face, but I could feel it rocked him, at his first glance. He stood with his stethoscope in his hand, waiting for Neil to finish and then he bent over each of the bodies, to pronouce them dead, for the paperwork. By the time he came back out, he was very solumn indeed.

“It’s their ages. It always gets to me, the poor little buggers. Where were the parents?” He was totally dismayed.

“That’s what we’re about to find out, Lionel. The kids were left alone, so they could go on a jolly, somewhere, with another three sets, back at the nick. I’ll throw the bloody book at them.”

“I hope it’s heavy.” He picked up his bag and left the house in a worse state than he arrived. I feel sorry for him. Gavin uttered, in my mind.

He’ll be a broken man, by the time this is sorted.

Gavin stared at me. “Let’s get them down the nick, pronto. I don’t care how bad they feel.” Outside we pulled the suits off each other and dumped them on the path to the side of the front door. “Eddie, Mehmet, come with us; they’re headed for the nick.” They followed us to the neighbours front door. Gavin knocked and we waited a few minutes for someone to answer. He had his hand up to knock again when it opened. An elderly gentleman was stood there, close to tears. Go easy on him, Gavin.

“I’m Detective Inspector Wells. May we come in Mr…”

“Murray Inspector. William Murray. Of course you can. This is so distressing and I have a sick wife upstairs. Our eldest came over to sit with them, in the back room. She’s nearer their age, you see.”

We stepped over the threshold and Gavin looked back at the lads, “Stay there for the minute. This won’t take long.”

I touched the old man’s arm, “Could you show us where they are, Mr Murray and we’ll leave you in peace. They will be coming with us.” He looked relieved. The poor sod. He’ll have enough grief ahead of him, in a couple of weeks. This is all he bloody needed.

The quicker we get this done, the better. Gavin didn’t mess around, as soon as we entered the room, he told the couple they were to come with us and thank God, they didn’t argue. This family had had enough, without them kicking off. Outside the house, Eddie handcuffed the man and Mehmet the woman. They were ecorted to different cars on the street that was clear of any press and driven away.

A white van pulled up and two guys, wearing forensic suits, crossed the road to us. Gavin looked at the card he was handed. “I don’t understand. We have a pathology team.” They’re hybrids. They both giggled, as they’d heard me and so did Beth. Gavin tried to stifle a laugh and put his hand out. “Good to have you aboard. Who organised this?”

“Reece from MI5. I’m Luke and this is Charlie. We’ve be listening, on the way here. Sounds a rough bloody ticket, in there.”

I elbowed Gavin. We have to talk to the kids, they’re really worried.

Luke heard me and said, “We’ll get on. The body van will be here in a minute. We’ll call in, on the way back.” Gavin nodded, opened the passenger door of his car and found a pad and pen. He took hold of my hand and we crossed the lawn to talk to the kids. I told him where to sit, in case he sat on one of them and I knelt beside him.

Before I ask you anything, I’ll have to show you to Gavin. Give me a minute. I closed my eyes, whilst holding his hands and pushed their vision to him. Bless him, he didn’t make a sound or pull away when it hit his mind. I let go and he picked up the pad and pen again. Gavin writes very fast, so speak normally. I’d like each of you to tell me your names and ages, please? I looked at the tiny girl to my left. Sarah Mullins and I’m ten. I glanced at the lad beside her. Lee Hughes and I’m twelve. The next lad said; I’m Peter Brooks and thirteen. Jessie Williams and I’m eleven. I’m Suzzy Mullins and I’m Sarah’s twin sister. That fact rocked the pair of us.

Who lives in this house, then? I asked. We do, silly! Suzzy Mullins said, cheekily and I couldn’t help laughing at her. Who was left in charge of you all?  Suzzy giggled. You are silly, the big boys, of course.

I heard Gavin giggle at her and she pushed his leg with her hand. I bet you’re a handful, for your mum. He said, playing with her. She screwed up her nose and giggled. She was a bit fed up with me, sometimes.

Have you ever been left alone, like this, before? Peter answered me, bluntly.  Just lately; every weekend. I kept telling them I didn’t like it and was told to shut up.

Gavin said to him; I can promise you this, Peter, they’ll be punished for leaving you all to fend for yourselves. It’s just not allowed. Peter huffed at Gavin. My dad said, I was over twelve and it’s perfectly okay for them to have some fun.

Did he now. I could feel Gavin was upset and I took over again. Do any of you know what happened in there? Suzzy piped up; We were just dancing with our iPods on. I’m getting good at dancing. I held my arms out to her for a hug. She got up and cuddled me, nudged Gavin with her hand and turned to her sister. Come on Sarah. Nanny’s over there and I haven’t seen her for ages. Sarah took hold of her hand and they skipped over to their nanny. I could see her. She nodded to me, cuddled the two girls and they all disappeared.

Peter stood up. My brother is waiting behind you. Do you mind if I go? I stood up to give him a hug, Gavin did too and he ran off to his brother. He waved and they vanished.

I was adopted. No one will come for me. Jessie was near to crying. I gave her a cuddle and turned her towards a young boy who was waving at her. He’s your cousin, Simon. There’s always a family member to help everyone on their way, Jessie. You’ve been very brave. Now go and meet your cousin. She squeezed my hand and let go. Bye Jane and thanks from all of us.

Before I burst out crying, I held my hand out to Lee. Come with me, Lee. You have the biggest family of them all, waiting for you. I took him down the side of the house to quite a gathering of young and old. Look after him, please? This should never have happened. An aged lady came over to me with her arms out and I fell into them and cried.

You’re an angel, my dear. We’ve listened to your kindness, to these kids. Go to Gavin. She turned me around into Gavin’s arms. I looked back and they’d all gone. “She’s right, Jane. You are.” He held me tight and let me sob in his arms.

When we walked back to the team. my make-up was all over my sleeves and Gavin. I looked a mess, but I didn’t care. Beth looked at me. “Don’t say anything, Beth. I’ll only start again. Now I’m ready for those bastard parents. They won’t know what the fucks’ hit them.”