

#

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# SILENCE

## By Sara Dalton

# Copyright

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2020 by Sara Dalton

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review. For more information, address: theofficialsaradalton@gmail.com

First paperback edition August 2018

Book design by Nicci Jane Donoghue

ISBN: (ebook) 9780463530979

www.saradalton.co.uk

## Prologue

2016

The rain tapped constantly against the window, and the sudden noise of what turned to hail, echoed throughout the bedroom. She heard the wind attacking the trees in the garden, and the sound of roaring that made her feel as if she were in danger. It was nights like these that she found it hard to sleep. A double flash lit up her room, and she squeezed her eyes shut. The crashing outside her window made her feel as if she were in danger. Her blanket was warm, yet she still shivered. The lamplight started flickering until she couldn't stand it, so she switched it off. Luckily, the dimly lit fish tank was enough to ward off her fear of the dark.

Fifteen-year-old, Anna Willis, turned in her bed away from the window, she let out a sigh and rolled onto her back, looking up at the ceiling. She knew the storm would soon drive her brother into the comfort of her room. She started counting in her head, counting the seconds until he would pop his head through the door. She watched her fish dart back and forth in the tank. They were restless, too.

There was a soft knock on her door, slowly opening. A small figure appeared with his Teddy in his hand, quivering. Anna sat up in her bed as she watched her four-year-old brother, Jake, shuffled towards her.

"Anna, can I get into your bed please?" His soft little voice squeaked.

"Of course," Anna smiled, trying to reassure her little brother. She moved the duvet over to one side, enough for him to slide in next to her.

The small boy slid close beside his older sister, surrounding him with the duvet tightly. She felt his body relax in the warmth of her bed. He lay facing Anna as they both listened to the storm. A flash lit up the whole room, only for a second. After a few moments of silence, there was a crash of thunder, and that was when Anna realised the hail had stopped. It was now quiet. Anna felt him trembling beside her from the thunder; she started stroking his hair, telling him everything would be fine.

"Jake, it will be all over soon," Anna whispered into his ear. He closed his eyes to the sound of her soothing voice, trying to drown out the noise from outside. He held his Teddy tight as Anna carried on stroking the top of his hair and humming a soft tune. It wasn't long until he was sleeping peacefully.

Anna's eyes began feeling heavy, so she closed them. It was hard for her to hold them open any longer. The last thing she saw was her fish, swimming around in the tank and the dim light that started to fade slowly.

Another crash of thunder woke Anna. She glanced to her bedside clock and rolled her eyes when she noticed it was only ten minutes ago since Jake joined her in her bed. She sat up in her bed, looked around her room, expecting to see something she didn't want to see. But there was nothing out of the ordinary. She heard a high pitch screech coming from the kitchen. At first, she thought it was her mother but when she heard it again, this time it was louder. She moved the duvet slowly, taking a step out of her bed. She didn't want to wake her baby brother, so she tiptoed out of her bedroom, closing the door carefully behind her.

Anna made her way down the hallway as she slowly approached the staircase, she noticed her mother's bedroom door was open. Another flash of lightning lit the bedroom, and Anna saw it was empty. Her mother always went to bed early, so Anna wondered why she wasn't there. Another crash of thunder made Anna jump, even though she was expecting it. She waited for a moment to see if Jake had woken up from the thunder, but he didn't.

She took a step on the first stair, and it made a creaking noise as she slowly went down, one by one. She covered her ears from the loud screeching noise that came from the kitchen again. Anna's heartbeat started quickening at the thought of an intruder in the house, it was playing on her mind. She started to come closer to the kitchen and noticed there was a light on. Anna crept to the kitchen door, which was slightly open, and her bare feet felt cold against the wooden flooring.

She peeked through the gap but couldn't see anything. Having a good look around the kitchen, she noticed the knife block. It was missing a knife; her Mum always organised the kitchen before going to bed. She suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder, and everything had to be perfect. Anna's heart started to thump in her chest, she knew someone was there and it wasn't her mother. Pushing the door open further and having a closer look, she saw her. Her mother was lying on top of the kitchen counter.

Anna's hands covered her mouth before she could make a noise, she wanted to run over to her, but she didn't know who else was there. She shook uncontrollably and tried to remain silent while tears ran down her face.

She kept as still as possible, beside the door, building up the courage to go back upstairs without making any more noise. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she couldn't control them from shaking. She took a small step backward, without taking her eyes off her mother, followed by another step. Suddenly, Anna knocked on the cabinet with the back of her foot. She made a hiccup noise and ran as fast as she could up the stairs. Running down the hallway and back into her bedroom, she closed the door behind her. Anna rushed over to wake up her brother.

"Jake, Jake. Wake up," she shook him awake.

He opened his eyes glimpsing up at his sister, noticing the tears in her eyes. He sat up in a panic; she had one hand on his arm, holding onto him tightly.

"What's going on?" Jake asked. Fear started to overcome him.

"Someone's in the house," Anna whispered. The pair both fell silent over the sound of footsteps near the bedroom door. Jake gripped a hold of Anna's hand tightly, as she dragged him towards her wardrobe, closing the door silently behind them.

Then they waited.

Anna held Jake tightly against her. The bedroom door squeaked open slowly and they listened to the footsteps that entered the bedroom. Anna moved forward, taking a small peek through the wardrobe door. A flash of lightning lit the bedroom, and then she saw the intruder who was standing by the window.

Now moving towards the wardrobe, Anna shifted back, holding her brother tightly in her arms. She swallowed hard, waiting for the wardrobe doors to swing open. She moved her hands up to her brother's eyes, covering them. He didn't make any noises or movements. He was frightened; Anna felt his body stiffen.

The moment came, and the doors opened, revealing a figure towering over the children in the wardrobe. Anna's screams echoed through the room and slowly throughout the house.

## Chapter One

2016

The sun was not even up, and someone was already dead. It was Addison Scott's first day in the Criminal Investigation Division with the Sawbridgeworth Police Department. She hoped she wouldn't be on tea and coffee duty, like before, when she was a uniformed officer. She earned her position as a Detective. With a pink reusable coffee cup and mobile phone in one hand, she searched for her keys from the back pocket of her jeans with her other, while stepping towards her car. Addison struggled to put the keys into the slot of the car door lock in her Nineties Ford Escort; they slipped out of her freezing cold fingers and into a puddle. She closed her eyes while taking in a sharp breath before picking them up.

She didn't like her car, but it got her places. She couldn't wait for the department to issue her with an unmarked vehicle. Addison could smell the musky storm air that still lingered, and the ground was still soaking wet from the downpour. She could see her breath in the cold air as she let out a sigh, she placed her coffee container on top of the car along with her mobile phone and tried to rub her hands warm.

Addison bent down for her set of keys. Her wet flaxen ponytail whipped her in the face as she regained them from the rain puddle. She tried unlocking her old banger which she named Ethel, only to be interrupted by the dancing of her mobile phone across the roof of her car. She cursed as she answered the call, her keychain falling into the same puddle a second time.

"Oh no, I wasn't talking to you, sir,"

She ignored the keys.

"I'm listening sir," it was her Detective Chief Superintendent Brian Dowell, but she preferred calling him Chief or mainly sir.

"Could you say that again?" Addison shuffled around, pulling a notebook from the other back pocket of her jeans. She listened, as his clipped tone gave her the information she needed. "Number seven, Cannons Drive." She repeated, "yes sir, I'll be there as soon as possible." She hung up. She bent down picking up her keys and finally yanked her car door open. She swiped her hot container and shoved her notebook back into her pocket before bending down to fit into the driver's seat.

This car better not stall on me again. She thought.

Addison placed her coffee into the cup holder below her cassette radio and pushed the keys into the ignition. It took a couple of turns to get it started, but eventually, it did. She sat back putting her seat belt on, also taking a quick swig of her coffee, milky with two sugars. Addison took one quick look around and then pulled out from the side road, outside her tiny flat. She thought about the location she was headed; it was close by.

As she arrived at the scene, Addison saw police cars and news reporter vans everywhere. She parked as close as she could and trudged the rest of the way to the crime scene. Blue and white fluttering tape spanned the perimeter of a detached home. The crime scene unit had set up base in the front garden, with figures dressed in white Tyvek suits scurrying around like ants on a disturbed mound. She glanced down the road where people lingered to see what was happening, neighbours coming out of their homes. Addison saw the news reporters trying to interview each officer who comes out of the house, waiting for a story.

"Scott, over here." Called the voice of her new boss from across the drive.

"Name and badge number please." A uniformed officer requested while clicking the back of an ink pen as Addison approached.

"Peter, it's me. Addy."

"Well, well look at you. Made Detective already. Now, don't you forget about us poor sobs still out here on the street?"

"I wouldn't dream of it."

"Uh huh," Peter grunted with a smile while lifting the tape.

She headed towards her boss, DCS Brian Dowell where she could see him talking to someone. A man, roughly in his mid-thirties she guessed, was standing beside him. Addison raised her eyebrows to the mysterious man; he was good looking with short, brown, shaggy hair and his focused green eyes. One thing caught her attention, his height. With his blue button-down dress shirt bunching at the sides in a desperate attempt to cling to his six-foot-three frame.

He's very good-looking. She thought.

"Addison Scott, this is Detective Chief Inspector Robert Ashworth." He introduced the pair. Addison put her hand out for him to shake. Robert Ashworth inspected Addison as a teacher about to admonish a child. His eyes narrowing into slits. He heard Brian Dowell clear his throat and Robert shook her hand quickly.

"Why don't you run and get us some coffee; the real police will handle this." Robert dismissed her with his hand.

"I'm not here for coffee duty sir, I'm here to help solve a case." She responded. She crossed her arms when he finally looked at her.

"She'll learn a lot from you, Robert," Brian said turning back to Addison. She stared at Robert who turned away, back towards the house. She watched him as he put on a Tyvek suit and latex gloves.

"He's an arrogant bastard," Addison nodded the direction Robert went. Brian laughed as Addison's eyes followed Robert head back into the house. "He is a good Detective though, one of the best." Brian defended.

"What happened?" Addison said leaning sideways to look through the doorway of the house. Brian nodded his head for her to follow him. He was tall but not as tall as Robert, he had brown hair with a touch of grey on the sides. Addison estimated in his late forties maybe early fifties. She had known him from when she was training as he was one of her examiners, he gave her a recommendation and she ended up on his force. She watched him smooth out his tie and tucking it into his suit jacket.

"You'll need these before you enter." One of the forensics team said. He handed over two white Tyvek suits and a box of latex gloves. "Once we've finished examining the crime scene, I want you to interview the first officer on scene." Brian said as they both got into the white coveralls.

"Yes sir," Addison nodded.

Addison was already taking notes of the crime scene on her notepad. They made their way to the kitchen first, number cards marking anything thought to be of evidentiary value. Addison glanced at the kitchen counter. Her eyes widened; the body of a woman was laying there. Her arm dangling down the side with dried blood around her hand from where it had previously dripped.

Holy shit, she thought.

The knife was plunged into the heart of the woman's chest, a few centimetres deep and fatal. The body was propped in an awkward fashion as if it were ornately placed, planned to be the centre of attraction in a landscape of blood. Addison grimaced at the smell and thought of death. A man with a Nikon camera flash sparking with each shot, he was being guided by what Addison assumed was the coroner. He pointed to certain bits of the body for the young camera man to take some close ups, especially of the knife.

"That is Dr.Charlie Richards; we will speak to him in a few moments. This is Wendy Willis, forty-two-year-old divorcee, and mother of two. A single stab wound to the chest and..." Brian started.

"Where are the children? Were they here?" Addison interrupted, earning a scornful eye.

"They were both taken to Morburn hospital, they didn't say a word when we first arrived, they still haven't now. Social services will be with them until they have contacted a next of kin." Brian cleared his throat. "After we are done here, I would like you to talk to the children. The daughter had wounds on her wrists, slashed but not deep."

Addison chewed on the end of her pen and pulled at her sleeves. She pressed her lips into a thin line as she jotted down the information. Her eyebrows furrowed as she started to write quicker, her jaw tightening the quicker she wrote.

How could someone do this to a mother and her children? She thought. She scrunched up her face when she looked at the body. Her heart pounded in her chest as she saw the dead woman upon the counter. She hoped Brian hadn't noticed her discomfort.

"What are their names?" Addison asked.

"Anna and Jake Willis,"

Addison noticed a tall attractive woman entering the kitchen. She was dressed in a plastic white Tyvek suit with latex gloves on like the rest of them. She swiftly walked in their direction.

"This is Detective Sergeant Addison Scott, Robert's new partner, she is our newest Detective graduate." Brian quickly introduced them. The woman put her hand out to Addison which she took, shaking hands.

"Congratulations and welcome on the team, I'm Forensics team leader Nora Williams," Nora said and turned her attention back to Brian. "So, from what the evidence shows are that, Wendy possibly knew her attacker. There is no sign of forced entry nor any open windows, or possibly someone who pushed their way inside." Nora said. "There doesn't seem to be a scuffle, so Wendy wasn't expecting it. She was facing her attacker when he stabbed her, fatal blow to her chest. But Charlie will explain more." Nora waved her hand for them to follow her.

"I believe that one of the kids witnessed what happened, my guess is Anna. There were some faded barefoot marks which would have been too big to be Jake's." Nora pointed. "I'm unsure if the killer expected the children to be home, but I think he saw Anna; because she ran upstairs. Jake might have been in her room because of the storm. They both hid in the wardrobe when the killer went up after them, slashing Anna's wrist, possibly as a warning."

"What wrist did the killer cut? Or was it both?" Addison asked.

"It was her right wrist," Nora replied.

"Was she right handed or left?"

"Is there a meaning to this?" Nora looked at Addison.

"I don't know, it could be or become relevant to the case."

"She's got a point. I'd like to know as well." Brian added.

"Anna is right handed,"

Dr. Charlie Richards joined the group, handing Brian Dowell a bag of evidence containing jewellery. "Nora is right, Wendy died instantly. Roughly at one thirty-five am. She doesn't have any other wounds, but I won't know anything else for sure until I get her on the table. The body will be gone soon, so you can continue with the scene. I'll get Harry here to take some shots of all the evidence for you Nora." Dr. Charlie Richards headed back outside.

"Thanks Charlie," Nora called.

"Do you think the children saw the killer?" Addison asked.

"It's hard to tell, but possibly, we will need to get statements from the kids soon as possible, they are witnesses. The killer could have worn a mask or covered it with something." Nora answered.

Nora nodded for them to follow her. They took a closer look at the body. Addison bit the inner of her lip, as she got a good look at Wendy's face. Her eyes slowly drifted to the knife that was sticking out from her chest.

Addison looked over at the block behind her, a knife was missing, she scanned the kitchen searching for a knife but there was nothing, it was clean. She assumed the one in Wendy Willis's chest is the one missing. Brian watched the forensic worker dust the sides of the counter. "Have you lifted any finger prints yet?".

"Only the family. We haven't found anything else yet; but the killer most likely wore gloves." Nora replied. "Dr Richards told me the body was moved into this position and that she was also killed here in the kitchen. The knife stopped her from bleeding out, but it was fatal, straight to the heart. She was neatly placed; arms and legs were placed at her sides. I don't know if there was a meaning for the killer to do that." Nora shrugged.

Nora headed towards the kitchen door. Addison glanced back at the dark-haired woman laying lifeless on the counter. She saw the number markings placed on the spot where one of the children had once stood.

That poor woman and her children. She thought.

With her latex-gloved hand, Nora pulled the door just a fraction.

"This is what I think one of the children saw when the door was like this. I think they got a glimpse of the killer. They must have panicked and rushed back upstairs." Nora explained.

"What makes you think they went back upstairs?" Addison asked.

"Because the children were found in the bedroom wardrobe." Nora paused and looked at Addison.

"Right," Addison was left red faced.

Nora led them to the stairs. Addison saw Robert with his latex gloves, looking through paperwork in the dining room. He glanced up to see Addison passing and then carried on with what he was doing. She followed Nora and Brian up the stairs. They walked into the room, everything was pink, the bedcovers, the drawers, even a pink TV. Nora stepped into the wardrobe. Addison and Brian looked inside, a couple of blood drops on the wooden floor.

Addison looked around the bedroom; she noticed the fish tank over to the side. The light was still switched on, she moved to the side of the bed. She glanced out of the window across to the neighbour's house opposite, noticing someone standing by their window next door. A young boy was staring back at her.

"Sir," Addison called.

Brian moved next to Addison, he looked out of the window and saw the boy. Only for a second before the boy moved away.

"Do you think he saw anything?" Addison asked.

"We have uniforms doing door to doors, but you can go and have a talk with them," Brian replied.

Addison carried on looking around the room, she moved towards the fish tank and watched the fish scatter. She glanced down to the floor, it was dark, but she could just make out what it was; a faded footprint. It was too big to be any of the families.

"Sir, a muddy footprint has been missed here," Addison told them. He moved to her side, following where she was pointing and saw the print on the floor. Nora moved over, placing a number marking next to it.

"Ben," Nora yelled.

A man in white coveralls appeared through the doorway with a kit in hand and gave the superintendent a curtsy nod. Nora pointed towards the print and watched as he knelt, pulling out his measuring kit from his bag.

"I want that print taken in; find out what size, shape, what shoe it could have been, brand-new or old," Nora demanded.

"I want you to find PC Richards, he was the first on scene. And then do you think you can go over to the hospital? There are a couple of uniformed officers over there right now with the kids. Maybe see if you can get anything from the children. After, I would like you to talk to the next door neighbour and see if that little boy saw anything, take Robert with you." Brian said. She nodded. She went to turn around, but Brian spoke one more time.

"We'll get him," Brian told her. Addison nodded and smiled.

She plodded down the stairs and outside the house removing her white suit and gloves. She glanced over to where Peter was still standing, and she headed over to him.

"Peter, do you know where I can find PC Richards?" She asked. He clicked his pen over and over which made her eyebrow twitch. He nodded his head over in a direction and she glanced over to see PC Richards hovering around. She nodded to Peter and scurried over to Richards.

"PC Richards?" Addison asked.

"Finally, you've come to interview me, it's been a long night." Richards explained.

"Of course, it shouldn't take long." Addison said as she got her notebook out. "What time was it when the call came in?"

"It was between four and five am, I can't remember exactly but it will be on the records. Someone phoned it in as a burglary."

"How long did it take you to get here after you received the call?"

"It took me fifteen minutes. The front door was wide open when I arrived."

"Did you call for back-up before going inside?"

"Yes, I did, they arrived twenty minutes after me. I went inside as I could hear crying. I found the woman on the counter but there was no pulse, then I followed the crying upstairs." He paused. Addison glanced up at him from her notebook.

"That's where I found the children, in the wardrobe. The girl she had something wrapped around her wrist, it was stained with blood. I guided them outside, avoiding the kitchen as the ambulance arrived. More officers also arrived and two of them went with the children to the hospital PC Tony Poole and PC Rebecca Smith. I was told to remain here until someone spoke to me." He finished.

"Thank you, Richards, you may leave now. If there is anything else you remember when you arrived on scene, please let me know or DCS Dowell." Addison told him. He nodded and headed off under the tape, she watched until he disappeared into his car and went from the scene.

Addison glanced at her watch and quickly made her way to her car. She noticed a news reporter heading in her direction, panic started to rise until someone grabbed her arm.

"McKenzie," She looked round to see Robert behind her. She sighed, placing her hands on her hips.

I'm determined to earn this man's respect. I will show him what I'm capable of and he'll be surprised. She thought, hiding a small smile.

"It's Scott," she snapped.

"Whatever, we are going to need to contact Wendy's parents." Robert started. Addison nodded but then said, "I am going to try interviewing the children first and when I get back DCS Dowell wants us to talk to the next door neighbour." She said.

"Why?"

"Because the little boy who lives next door, his window is opposite Anna's, and he could have seen something from last night. We saw him at his window when we were going through the scene. He saw us, so what else did he see?" Addison explained.

"Well, make it quick. We've got much work to do."

"Arrogant Bastard." She said under her breath.

He went to walk away but heard Addison mutter. "Excuse me?" He stopped and looked at her.

"Nothing," Addison said turning on her heel towards her car. He watched her stride away and then stuffed his hands into his pockets, making his way back to finish the crime scene.

## Chapter Two

2016

Addison stopped short of a set of white double doors decorated with rainbows, flowers and a big colourful welcome sign above. She clenched her fists before pressing the call button next to the sign. What did she have to be nervous about? These were just children and she was a grown woman, a policewoman at that. Her fingers ran the cold metal edges of her police badge as a woman's voice crackled, "May I help you?"

"Um, yes, Detective Sergeant Addison here to speak with the children brought in earlier." She looked about the door frame for a camera, not sure if she should hold up any identification.

"Yes, of course. Please step through."

The doors buzzed, and Addison pushed them open. A rush of chilled air shocked her cheeks as if Jack Frost had blown her a kiss. The white tile hall reflected the brilliant fluorescent lights spaced every few feet in the cork drop ceiling. The walls were painted in colourful murals depicting cartoon characters, waving and greeting the occupants of the ward through dialogue bubbles floating above their heads. The murals were interrupted every few feet by numbered solid wooden doors. Addison made a quick peek inside the first open door she came to only to be met by the swollen eyes of a woman who was holding a small child in her arms.

"I'm so sorry, wrong room." She could feel her face growing flush. She stepped back and that was when she saw the uniformed officers.

"Look who it is, Addy the Detective. Congratulations," Officer Tony Poole waved Addison over.

"Thanks, Tony, how are the children?" Addison asked, trying to peek in to see them. She could see Jake sleeping in his bed by the window. The curtain was partially pulled covering Anna leaving Jake in full view.

"They are quiet, not said a word," Poole mentioned. "By the way, this is Officer Rebecca Smith. She's my new partner now as my old one ditched me." Tony laughed. Addison playfully punched him in the arm and then stepped into the dimly lit hospital room. A dark blue curtain was pulled across, guarding the children inside from the world. The chemical smell of antiseptic filled her nostrils as she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, offering a silent prayer to a God she hoped was listening. Clearing her throat, she pulled back the curtain revealing Hertfordshire's two newest orphans.

The frail frame of Jake, the younger of the two, was curled in the fetal position in a hospital bed by a large bay window, like a stray dog too tired to run anymore. Anna lifted her chin, looking at Addison who moved around the foot of her bed, taking a seat in a chair between where the siblings rested. Ribbons of dried tears stained Anna's rosy cheeks. She sniffled and wiped her bandaged arm across her nose.

"Mummy?" Came the meek question from Jake who turned toward Addison.

"It's not, Jake, try and get some sleep," Anna answered softly, Jake rolled back over facing the window again.

"Are you the police?" Anna asked Addison.

"Yes."

"Are you sure? I've never met a Detective lady before."

"Here, I'll prove it." Addison reached down to pull her badge from the hem of her trousers and handed it to Anna.

She ran her thumb over the surface of the badge just as Addison had done in the hall.

"Were you at my house?" Anna asked still looking down at the badge.

"Yes"

"Did you help my Mum?"

"I'm here to help you now." Addison's throat grew dry as pain radiated up her cheeks. She fought back the tears that welled up at the corners of her eyes.

"Mum needed help."

Swallowing hard Addison looked down at her fingers which were fidgeting with one another. "Your Mum was hurt bad," Addison's voice cracked, "I'm so sorry baby..."

"Mum?" Anna's doughy brown eyes grew glassy as new streams spilled over and down her face.

Addison moved, sitting on the edge of Anna's bed, the young girl crumbling into her, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Do you like watching TV?" Addison asked.

The young girl nodded as she pulled away from Addison's arms. She sat back in her bed as Addison started to sort out the television for them to watch.

"They have two DVD's here, you can watch, Finding Nemo or Toy Story?"

"Finding Nemo," Anna nodded to the one on the right Addison was holding up. She turned and put the DVD into the slot and played it. She sat back in her seat between the siblings as the film started.

"Do you watch films with your Mum?" Addison asked.

"Mum always put a film on before Jake goes to bed."

"Did she put a film on that night?"

"She put on Despicable me, that's Jake's favourite." Anna smiled as she glanced over to Jakes bed.

There was a short silence as the film finally begun. Addison sat comfortably in her seat as she watched the film with her. She noticed Jake had turned in his bed to see the television.

"What time does your Mum normally put you to bed?" Addison asked. Anna shrugged her shoulders.

"I normally can go to bed when I want to, but last night I was really tired. It was about nine."

"And what about Jake?"

Anna gazed upward as if the answer was scribbled on the ceiling. "About six, I think."

"Did you both go straight to sleep?"

"No, I was in my bed with Jake; he was having trouble sleeping because of the storm last night," Anna replied. Her voice was weak and quiet, but Addison could hear her just enough. She started jotting in her notebook what Anna said.

"What happened?" Addison asked. She saw Anna look over to Jake; he shifted slightly on his bed. His bed was next to the window and Anna was located on his left. Anna had asked them to have him next to her.

"The storm scared him, so I comforted him, stroking his hair until he fell asleep. It was what Mum did to me when I was little, and it always helped. I had closed my eyes and fell into a light sleep, and then I heard a noise. It woke me up. Jake was still sleeping soundly." Anna spoke again. As her confidence grew, she spoke louder.

"What kind of noise did you hear?" Addison asked. Anna sat there in silence for a moment, trying to remember. She glanced over at her brother again, he had fallen back to sleep.

"I don't know how to describe it. It sounded something like a chair screeching on the floor." Anna said trying to think. Addison saw the tears building up in her eyes again. There was another pause as they carried on watching the film.

"Was it just, you, Jake and your mother in the house last night?" Addison asked, changing the subject slightly. Anna nodded.

"Did your mother have any visitors?"

Anna shook her head.

"Did you go downstairs to check out what the noise was?" Addison asked. She remembered what Nora had said about the faded barefoot prints. Anna nodded her head confirming their theory.

"Did Jake wake up at any point?"

Anna shook her head again and watched Nemo start his school for the first time. She smiled when the little pink squid inked.

Addison noticed Anna started to fidget more in her bed, her hand stroking her bandages gently.

"When you got downstairs, what did you see?" Addison asked. She knew Anna was starting to feel uncomfortable. She shuffled in her bed before answering. Addison saw that her eyes kept shifting from her arms to her brother.

"I peeked into the kitchen," Anna spoke finally. "I saw..." she paused. Jake was fidgeting in his bed as if feeling his sister's pain.

"What did you see Anna?" Addison asked.

"I saw my Mum." Anna finally admitted.

"What was your Mum doing?"

"She was on the counter, there was a knife in her chest and there was blood everywhere." Anna finally broke. She started crying into her hands. Addison shut her notebook for a moment. She moved from her chair to the side of the bed. She sat down and put her arms around Anna. She shuffled closer to Addison putting her arms around her waist tightly and wept.

Addison, don't cry. Addison, don't cry. Be strong and keep it in, even if you know what the young girl is going through just remember to keep it in.

Addison rocked her gently waiting for her to calm down.

"I'm not allowed to speak of him," Anna muttered.

Addison moved away slightly so she could see Anna's face. Anna glanced up at her, eyes full of tears.

"What do you mean?" Addison asked. Her heart started to pump a little faster, she realized that this girl may have seen the killer.

"By my blood, I'm not to speak or he will kill Jake," Anna spoke again. "But I've said too much."

Addison stared into Anna's eyes, searching for something. She thought the words sounded like something she had heard before. Her palms started to sweat. Her heartbeat quickening.

"Is there anyone you want me to contact, your father?" Addison asked. Anna shook her head. Addison stood up from her chair and headed for the door.

"Mandy Philips she's our auntie, also Dad if you can get in contact with him." Anna said. Her full attention turned back to the film and Addison knew that it was time to leave them to grieve. Addison wrote the name into her notebook and nodded. The two officers came back into the room followed by an older woman. She had dark red hair pulled into a ponytail. She wore square glasses that were bigger than her eyes sitting on the bridge of her nose, green eyes blinking through them.

"This is Emily Carter; she is a social worker for these children." Officer Poole introduced the woman. Addison gave her a welcoming nod. "This is our Detective Sergeant Addison Scott who is working on the case," he carried on.

"How are the children? Were they able to give you anything?" Emily squinted at Addison as a critic examining distasteful artwork.

Feeling the scrutinize, Addison crossed her arms over her chest. She had always worn her departmental issued uniform, when on official business, but now she could wear what she pleased if it fell in line with the department's scope of 'dress attire.' Had she committed some fashion blunder? She had seen plenty of businesswomen wearing pinstriped trouser suits, on the streets of London, though without a Taser hooked to the waistband. Maybe she should have listened to her friend when she compared her outfit to that of a 1920's Chicago mob boss.

"They are very tired and need some rest. They are our only witnesses, so I may need to come back and talk to them again." Addison mentioned. She took a step to Anna's bedside again and she glanced up at her.

"I want you to call me if you remember anything, I will be straight here." Addison handed her work card with her number on it. Anna politely took it. She glanced down at the card taking in the name and number. She gazed up at Addison and gave her a faint smile. Addison nodded taking her leave. She started down the hallway until her phone started to buzz in her pocket. She fished it out and answered it.

"Scott." Her voice snipped, her eyebrows arching as Robert's voice began dictating orders. As the one-sided conversation grew on, Addison began gritting her teeth, her nostrils flaring as she paced the hall. At one point she knocked into a cleaning cart, sending most of its contents crashing to the floor and drawing attention from the nurses' station.

"Shit," she hissed. Mentally blaming Robert for the mistake.

After the line went dead, Addison felt like slinging her cell phone across the ward. The only thing she recalled from the call was, she had to rush back to the crime scene and update the man in person, who had just crawled under her skin.

She carried on walking down the corridor and into the blinding sunlight, though it was still freezing. She had lost track of time, squinting her eyes as she walked to her car. Setting up shop in the car park was a food van which Addison eyed from her parking space. Why not, she thought as she dropped her car keys back into her pocket, I'm thirsty and that bastard can wait.

The guy in the van handed her the piping cup of coffee, its paper protector stamped with an inspirational quote. 'Work together to achieve great things', great even her coffee was against her today. She slapped the money on the counter and headed back toward her car, nursing the strong brew.

She placed the cup in the cup holder, next to her pink metal tumbler, which would have been cold by now. She took a quick look at her watch, before setting off back to the crime scene to pick up her new arrogant partner.

Addison finally arrived back, and she saw Robert Ashworth standing by the blue and white tape outside the house, tapping his foot impatiently waiting for her, throwing the butt of his cigarette to the ground. She grabbed her paper cup of coffee, locked her car and made haste towards Robert.

"I hope you are going to pick that up and put it in the bin." Addison nodded towards the fag butt on the ground. Robert glanced at it and then back at her.

"How long were you planning to make me wait?" He hissed through his teeth. His dark brown eyes bore into hers, waiting for an explanation. She tried hard not to talk back, but his next move took her a little by surprise. He glanced down at the cup in her hand, snatching it from her. She stood there with her hand still sticking out with a missing cup. She watched as he drained her cup of coffee and threw the empty rubbish into a yellow bin that was attached to a lamppost. He stepped under the tape and started to put on his white Tyvek suit and a pair of latex gloves.

Mental note; always bring two cups of coffee in future. She let out a sigh.

"He can throw things in the bin," Robert paused and glared at her. Addison held back a smirk. She quickly dipped under the tape and put on a Tyvek suit and gloves, as she rushed into the house after Robert.

He stood at the dining table, paper spread everywhere. He started flicking through Wendy Willis's bills and post. Addison recognized a letter with a tree symbol, it was a medical letter.

"Was Wendy seeing a counsellor?" Addison asked.

"I believe so, I've got someone contacting them for me to find out who she was seeing," Robert told her.

She started going through the papers and post one by one. School bills for Anna and Jake and letters from her counsellor, appointments.

"What will happen to those kids?" Addison asked curiously. Even though she asked, she knew what was going to happen to those children. Unless their Dad takes them in, they'll end up in foster care and maybe separated.

A familiar figure caught Addison's eye as he moved through the threshold of the kitchen door. Dressed the same as Robert, Harry Lynch, the senior crime scene tech, approached them both; a wide-angle lens protruding from a Nikon slung about his neck. "The body is gone now." His genteel voice was frank but made Addison feel somehow at ease. His eyes drifted from Robert to Addison as the corners of his mouth turned upwards. She felt like a school girl and turned away as she felt her face grow flush. Robert nodded as Harry walked out of the house. Robert carried on flicking through all of Wendy's letters while Addison was looking around the kitchen. She saw the coffee machine and suddenly she wanted a cup.

"Could do with a coffee right now," she said to Robert.

"Not my problem."

"You stole my one."

"And it was a good cup of coffee," Robert smirked.

"Pig," she said in a breath.

"What?" Robert glanced at her.

"Nothing,"

Robert was looking inside Wendy's cupboards. Nothing seemed unusual. Addison started going through the drawers. Tea towels, black bags, and cutlery in the draws. She looked in the last one, finding money and a mobile phone.

"Robert," she called. He came straight to her side, looking in the drawer. She glanced to the side where he stood, he was close, looking over her shoulder.

"Is the mobile phone on?"

"No, it's not."

"Bag it," he spoke.

"And the money?"

"How much is there?" Robert asked.

"You want me to count all of this?"

"Yes, that would be great."

Addison let out a sigh as she started counting the notes. They were all in twenty's and she piled them up in hundreds trying to keep track with how much is there.

"Two thousand pounds," Addison finished.

"That's a lot of money," Robert acknowledged. He handed her a couple of bags, which she put the money in one and the phone in another. She handed them to one of the forensic workers who were still dotted around.

"Why does she have this much cash in her draw?"

"We better go and talk to those neighbours and head back to the station as soon as possible." He finally said. Addison nodded following his direct orders.

## Chapter Three

2016

Addison stood behind Robert as he knocked on the door of Wendy's neighbour. They could hear a boisterous woman as her footsteps echoed as she rushed to the door.

"What is it now?" she interrogated the two Detectives through the door.

"I'm Detective Chief Inspector Robert Arrows and this is my..." He paused. He glanced at Addison and she noticed his hesitation. "This is Detective Sergeant Addison McCain, we wanted to ask a few more questions." Robert said. The woman finally opened the door.

"I'm Susan Richards. You've had people knocking on my door all morning." The woman said as she put her arm out guiding them through the hallway. Addison noticed all the beautiful family photos that were hanging on the wall. She noticed the young boy she had seen at the window earlier this morning in some of the pictures.

"Sorry for barging in on you like this," Robert started. "We are double checking on some inquiries we have about Wendy Willis. How well did you know the family?" Robert asked. Robert and Addison walked into a large living room, the woman offered them a seat. Addison sat down as Robert stood with his hands in his pockets.

"Would you like a drink?" The woman asked.

"No thank you," Robert replied. "But I would like you to help us understand your relationship with Wendy. Did you know her well?" Robert carried on.

"We've lived in this house for fifteen years, they moved in next door about five years ago. Trouble always came knocking on her door." Susan said.

"What trouble?"

"She's always shouting, arguing, I'm sure she threw her sister out the other day," Susan recalled.

"Where is your son Mrs. Richards?" Addison asked.

"He's upstairs, he didn't want to go to school today because of what happened to that family. He's been silent all morning."

"Do you mind if I went up to try to talk to him?"

"Be my guest, it's the first door on the left. You can't miss it." Susan waved her hand, dismissing her. Addison got up from the sofa and headed upstairs. She heard Robert carry on with their conversation as she left the room. She headed down the hallway and stopped outside his door, with a sign which said keep out. Addison knocked on the door and waited for a response, though it didn't come, she still entered his room anyway. When she entered the room, the boy was laying on his bed looking up at the ceiling. Addison saw a big poster of the football team West Ham. His room was blue with a few other posters on his wall. He had a shelf of football trophies. She noticed a desktop in the corner of his room, there was a screen saver of football players from West Ham.

"Are Anna and Jake... are they... I mean..." The boy swallowed hard.

"They are in the hospital, traumatised by what's happened, but they are okay," Addison told him. She watched him let out a sigh of relief. "May I?" She asked nodding to the seat next to his bed, the boy shrugged his shoulders, so Addison sat in the seat anyway.

"Do you know why I'm here?" She asked. Again, the boy shrugged his shoulders. She leaned forward which caught his attention. "You saw me this morning, through that window, didn't you?" Addison asked.

"What's your name?" He asked quickly.

"I'm Detective McCain, but you can call me Addison, my friends do." She said. She pulled out her ID card from her pocket and showed him. She leaned forward again handing him her ID card. He took and studied it.

"This is pretty cool and heavier than I thought it would be." He smiled.

"What's your name?" She asked. He handed her the card back which she put back into her pocket.

"My name's Joey and I did see you by the window." He confessed.

"Are you friends with Anna?"

"I am, though my mother doesn't like it."

"Why?"

"She doesn't like Anna's Mum because she's always shouting. We hear them all the time." He told her.

"Was there any shouting last night?" Addison asked, but he shook his head. "Did you look out of your window at any time last night?"

Joey sat in silence, glancing towards the window. He nodded his head and got up from his bed. Addison watched as he moved towards it. She got up from her seat and stepped behind him, looking across to the house next door. She could see right through his window and into the familiar scene of Anna's bedroom.

"Did you know Anna can do sign language?" Joey smiled. Addison realised that he liked Anna. She shook her head. He started doing a signal with his hands. "That means 'I can see you'." Joey showed her. Addison smiled and did a hand gesture back to him.

"You know sign language?" Joey lit up.

"I had a very good friend when I was younger who was deaf, so I took a course in sign language, so she could communicate with me better. I did it for her." Addison confessed. "Has Anna ever told you where she learned sign language?"

"She told me it was a club after school where she was doing it from. She loved it. She has a cousin who is deaf, and she wanted to learn how to do it." Joey told Addison. "Anna would flash her torch into my room, and I would come to the window. She signed that to me every night."

"And last night?"

"It was just after nine when she flashed her light in my room."

"How did she seem?" Addison asked.

"She seemed fine. But once the storm started to settle later in the night, I had got up to go to the toilet last night and I peeked through the window." Joey paused and glanced back at Addison behind him. He turned his full body to face her. "I saw someone at her window wearing a black mask." He said. "Like those ski masks, the ones who rob banks and you see them on those tv shows."

"Did you see anything that stood out, the colour of their eyes, tall or short?" She asked.

"Well, they seemed very tall. I would assume it was a man, he took up all the window frame when I saw him standing there. I couldn't see their eyes, it was too far and dark." Joey told her. She patted him on the shoulder, and he made his way back to his bed. He sat on the end of it while Addison sat back in her seat. "Anna is going to have a tough time through this, and she will need her friends. I believe she might be going to her fathers, but you can contact her. I think she'll need you." Addison told him.

"Thank you, Detective," he smiled.

"You support West Ham?" Addison asked. Joey nodded. "I support West Ham too." She smiled.

"Really?" Joey's face lit up.

"I was a big fan of Teddy Sheringham, do you know who that is?"

"Of course, I know him," Joey replied.

"I have two signed shirts from him. I only need one." Addison smiled. Joey leapt up from his bed. "Would you like it?" She asked.

"Hell yeah, I would love that. That's amazing, you are really cool." Joey laughed.

"No worries, I'll get it to you as soon as I can. But if you remember anything at all from last night don't be afraid to contact me, this is my card." Addison handed it to him. She went to leave his room when she saw a football to the side of his door. Addison kicked the ball up with her foot and started to do kick-ups. Joey watched in amazement as she kept it up. She gently knocked the ball in Joey's direction, and he put his hands out to catch it. He smiled when she finally left. She headed back down the stairs and Robert was pacing around the living room.

"Did he say anything to you?" Susan asked.

"We talked, I think he'll be okay. You have raised a good son, Mrs. Richards." Addison said. Robert shoved his hands into his pockets and nodded to her.

"If you have anything you remember or can tell us that will help us with this investigation, please call us," Robert said as he handed one of his own cards to her. Susan took it and nodded. She let them out of the house closing the door behind them.

"So, what did the kid say?" Robert asked.

"Well, he saw the killer, but he was wearing a mask. But he's convinced it's a man by the way he covered up the whole window frame. Or it could be a large woman. Also, Joey said that Anna knew how to do sign language." Addison told him.

"Joey?"

"The kid,"

"Well, it's something we can work on." Robert nodded. "Come on, let's get back to the station and find out who is Wendy's next of kin."

## Chapter Four

1981

Alan was in trouble again. No matter how bad it was, his little brother, Ian, always looked up to him. Their Dad, Anthony was standing at the bottom of the staircase waiting for Alan to emerge from his bedroom. Ian sat at the dinner table with his Mum, Shirley placing the dishes and cutlery on the table, watching as Alan slowly descended the stairs. He saw Anthony tapping his foot, he knew what was coming. He didn't know why his Dad was angry at him, it's not just one time. His Dad was angry all the time. Alan braced himself for his Dad's wrath. He finally hit the bottom step and rolled his eyes when his Dad stopped him.

"Alan Reed, didn't I tell you to help Mrs. Hammerly with her garden next door after college today?" His voice was surprisingly calm. "What was so important that you didn't turn up? You didn't even let her know, she was upset when she came to me!"

"I'm sorry, I won't do it again," Alan replied.

"Well..."

"Well, what?"

"What was more important?" Anthony studied him. His Dad never understood what Alan was going through, he never cared about his son. He always cared about himself.

"That's none of your business." Alan shrugged his shoulders and then crossed his arms over his chest.

"Excuse me?"

"Anthony, please just leave it. The dinner will get cold." Shirley said as she sat at the dinner table. Alan glanced over at them and Ian signalled him to sit next to him.

"We will carry this on later," Anthony said as he moved to the spot next to Ian and sat down. He glanced down at his younger son and ruffled his hair, but Ian watched Alan as he sauntered to the seat opposite his Mum. Alan glanced and winked at his little brother as they started to tuck into their food. Ian beamed as he shoved his first spoonful of dinner into his mouth. There were exchanged glances but nothing else was said.

Shirley was in the kitchen washing the dishes after everyone had demolished their food. Alan locked himself in his bedroom trying to avoid his Dad. There was a soft knock on the door, he was expecting it to be him, but it wasn't. He opened the door to find Ian standing there.

"What's wrong Ian?"

"I'm curious, what was more important?" Ian smiled. Alan glanced up and down the hallway, making sure his parents weren't hovering around. He grabbed Ian by the collar of his shirt and dragged him into the bedroom.

"That's got nothing to do with you," Alan said.

"I just wanted to know what was more important than listening to Dad."

"I found something out... about him..." There was another knock on the door and this time he was sure that would be his Dad. "Hide in there, I want you to witness this." Alan ushered Ian into the wardrobe and closed the door.

"What do you want?" Alan asked. He moved away from the wardrobe before his Dad entered, and quickly sat on his bed reading a magazine. Anthony walked into the room clearing his throat. Alan watched his Dad examine the contents of his bedroom. He pretended to ignore him and carried on reading his magazine, but, watched him out of the corner of his eye. He observed his Dad looking at his cricket helmet and his trophies. His Dad moved onto Alan's bookshelf, touching each book with his fingertips, and lastly, he stopped to look at Alan's ACDC poster on the wall above his bed.

"What do you want Dad?" Alan finally put his magazine down on the bed.

"I want to know your reason for not turning up at Mrs. Hammerly's."

"I want to know where you were last night when it was Mum's birthday," Alan remarked. He saw his Dad's face turn red, clenching his fists but no words came out. Alan stood up from his bed folding his arms over his chest, he was slightly taller than his Dad. He couldn't help but have a grin on his face showing he knew about his Dad's secret.

"How did you..."

"How did I find out?" Alan raised his eyebrows as he finished his Dad's question. "Mum said you were working late last night, I came by your office and you were certainly working late." Alan mocked. Anthony stood in an awkward silence. "What? Did I say something wrong?" Alan carried on. Anthony turned towards the door, but Alan burst into laughter.

His Dad turned beet red. Alan had never outright challenged his Dad before, so he was treading on new territory. "Why you little...how dare you spy on me."

"How dare I? How dare you. I should run downstairs and tell Mum everything."

"You will do no bloody such thing."

"And why not?"

"Your history isn't too good lad, you're all mouth and no trousers."

Alan turned back to his bed and pulled out a cassette player from under his pillow. He lifted it and presented it to his Dad whose eyes took on orbs. The red record button was mashed and the spindles on the tape were rotating. "You see, I'll have you bang to rights."

"Give that to me." Anthony lunged at the recorder in his son's hand, foam forming in the corners of his mouth.

Alan jumped back, holding the cassette player behind his back. "So, help me I'll scream, and Mum will come running, I'll spill my guts"

Anthony stood up, sniffed and began smoothing his tie out with his hand. "What do you want?"

"I'll let you know." Alan chuffed as the corners of his lips curled upward.

"You won't get away with this," his Dad's index finger quivering inches from Alan's face, "You'll get what's coming."

Alan snickered, pushing aside his Dad's hand, "Go back downstairs and be nice to Mum before I decide to blow the whole affair and your marriage goes tits-up." Alan said, "You know, Mum will be heartbroken if she found out that you are having an affair. So, you better stop the affair, or I will tell her myself." Alan finally said it.

Anthony spun to face the door, his hands balled into clenched fists as he stormed out of Alan's room and down the stairs.

"He's gone." Alan called. Ian slowly appeared from the wardrobe looking at his brother.

"Are you really going to tell Mum?" Ian asked. Alan shook his head and moved towards him, putting a comforting arm around his little brothers' shoulders.

"Nope, I'm going to use it against him to get whatever I want. Come on, it's movie time." Alan grinned. The boys went back downstairs to see that their Mum and Dad were hugging together on the sofa getting ready for the film to start.

"Come on boys," Shirley tapped the sofa beside her, and they all sat together. Alan glared at Anthony, arching an eyebrow and mouthing 'fake' to him. Shirley glanced up at Anthony and gave him a soft smile. He quickly pecked her on the lips and looked back at Alan.

## Chapter Five

2016

Addison entered the department for the first time. There were desks scattered everywhere and officers were in and out of the department. She found a desk that had a silver name plate with DS Addison Scott in front of a new desktop computer. She sat down at her new desk and picked up her name plate, observing it. She glanced back to see where Robert's office is, his name DCI Robert Ashworth written on the door.

At the front of the department was a large white board with a photo of Wendy Willis stuck in the middle. Addison had noticed some of the evidence photos that were taken at the crime scene. Under the suspects section, it had 'NONE' written below in red pen. Addison placed the silver name plate back on her desk and shuffled forward in her seat. She switched on her computer. Once it finally loaded, she typed Mandy Phillips into the system. She needed to notify the next of kin. A file of a woman popped up.

Addison clicked on the photo of Mandy Phillips and it was like looking at a double. She glanced up at the board where Wendy Willis's photo was, and then back to the one of Mandy on her computer. They looked exactly the same. She scrolled through the file and saw previous arrests for minor offences like thieving, damage to a property and public nudity.

Addison scribbled down the address into her notebook as Robert walked in. He strolled into his office and slammed the door behind him which rattled the whole department. He threw his jacket on his chair. She didn't want to go and talk to him now she knows of his foul moods. She took in a deep breath and plucked up the courage to get up from her seat.

Addison picked up her notebook and tapped on his office door. She stood waiting for him to call her in, the longer he took the more nervous she got, but he finally called her into his office. She shuffled her way in and moved over to his desk in front of him. He was slouching in his chair undoing the top button of his shirt. Addison watched as she saw a small reveal of hair on his chest, his voice slowly dragged her eyes back up to his.

"What do you have?" He asked her. Addison handed a file of the information she collected from the system. He took it and started to flick through the pages as she carried on talking.

"I've found Wendy's sister Mandy Phillips." Addison flipped open her notebook. "I've written down Mandy's address which is in Harlow. She is named as Wendy's next of kin."

"Take Fletcher with you." He waved his hand for her to leave his office, but she hesitated. "What is it?" He raised his voice.

"Who's Fletcher?"

"FLETCHER!" Robert bellowed. Addison flinched at the sudden call. The sound of the door opened, and she heard a voice behind her.

"Yes sir," she heard him say. He stepped into view as he came up beside her in front of Robert. The first thing she noticed was how tall he was, his head nearly touched the ceiling. He ran a hand through his dark blonde messy hair as his eyes flickered over to Addison. She turned to face him as he greeted Robert in his chair. She could see a crescent moon shaped scar around his eye.

"Addison Scott, this is Andrew Fletcher, you two will be travelling to Mandy Phillips house to tell her the news of her sister," Robert told them. Addison glanced at Andrew Fletcher who nodded and left the room. She paused before she followed him, Robert had turned to face the window. She wanted to slam the door behind her, but she stopped herself, she didn't want to look bad on her first day on the job. She closed it gently.

"I'm guessing you are the new DS on this case. Robert new partner." Fletcher asked.

"I'm supposed to be his partner, but he's not very happy about it. I'm sorry you are left with me. We must go and notify Wendy's family. I'm Addison Scott, thought I'd introduce myself properly." Addison put her hand out and Fletcher shook it.

"DI Andrew Fletcher, shall we get going?" Fletcher smiled at her. Addison knew she would get along with him much better than Robert. She glanced back into the office window to see him running his hands through his dark brown hair. She grabbed her jacket from her chair and rushed off out after Fletcher. Robert watched out of his office window as Addison got into the car with Fletcher.

"So, what's up with you and the DCI?" Fletcher asked.

"Honestly, I don't know. It's my first day here as a DS and he's not exactly happy that he's been partnered up with me. He's even palming me off on you, which I'm sorry about." Addison said. Fletcher kept his eyes on the rod but from his peripheral vision, he observed Addison.

"I think we would make a good pair, let's show Robert how good you really are," Fletcher replied. Addison glanced at him and he grinned. She smiled realising how good-looking he was, soft, brown eyes that glanced back at her.

"Let's do it."

Addison pulled out her notebook to look through all the notes that she had made. "I have a theory that the kids saw the killer's face. From what we know, he had his face covered, but what if he took it off?" She said.

"Anna and Jake?"

"Yes,"

"It's possible and if they did see his face, then I'd imagine the killer might have threatened them somehow, with something that is important to them."

"The boy who lives next door to them told me that Anna knows sign language. I think that might be a good route to go down. Find out where she learned it and how long for, why she learnt, who for?"

"That's good, not many people learn sign language so it's a good start."

"Well, there wasn't a break-in at the house. Wendy must have invited this person inside, so she may have known this person personally." Addison carried on. "I want to know why he killed her, what was his motive?" She started to rub the white scar on her right wrist.

"That's what we plan to find out, the sooner, the better." Fletcher told her.

Addison glanced out of the window trying to push back the memories of her past. Fletcher noticed that she was distracted, so they sat in silence for the rest of the journey.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" Fletcher asked as he pulled into the side of the road. She glanced down to double check the address. Addison got out of the car with Fletcher following close behind. There were drunk people everywhere, in and out of the house, dancing to loud music. They were surprised no one had made a complaint. Everyone saw Fletcher and Addison coming up the walkway to the house, staring at them as they walked by.

"Why is everyone looking at us?" Addison moved closer to Fletcher.

"It's a house full of junkies. Stay close." Fletcher ordered. They entered the house and asked around to help them locate the owner. Addison was stunned by the person who approached them, she instantly knew that this was Mandy Phillips. She looked exactly like Wendy, remembering they were twins. Mandy looked a lot thinner, bags under her eyes and a cigarette between her crooked hot pink fingernails.

"I haven't done anything wrong. If, someone has complained about the music..." Mandy started.

"Mandy, we are here to talk about your sister Wendy," Fletcher said. There was a short pause before she stumped out her cigarette in an ashtray that sat on a side table beside the sofa.

"Excuse me for a moment," Mandy Mumbled. Fletcher watched her move towards her DJ, she whispered something into his ear. He picked up the microphone and announced for everyone to leave the house. There were some boos and hisses as they left, but Mandy didn't care. She picked up a dressing gown from the cupboard and wrapped herself inside it. She sat down on her sofa and invited Addison and Fletcher to sit opposite her.

"She's dead, right?" Mandy asked.

"How did you..." Addison started.

"How did I know? Wendy is trouble, she probably had a relapse."

"She was murdered," Fletcher announced.

"Murdered?" Mandy stood up.

"Yes, she was murdered Ms, Phillips, we wanted to ask you some questions about her social life," Fletcher asked.

"I don't know much. She wouldn't let me see my niece and nephew unless I cleaned myself up. But the urge is too strong, so I stayed well away from her and her family." She replied as she sat back in her seat, folding one leg over the other.

"You mentioned Wendy relapsing, was she a user?" Addison asked.

"She was, but after having her children, she cleaned herself up. She did well." Mandy told her.

"Are you a user?" Addison asked.

"Well duh," Mandy responded sarcastically. Addison sat in silence and let Fletcher carry on. She moved over to the mantelpiece to have a look at Mandy's photos of her and Wendy when they were children. There was a photo of Wendy and a man with his arm around her, Addison picked it up and showed it to Mandy.

"Who's this?" Addison asked. She saw the photo and she leaned back on the sofa resting her head back. Addison put the photo back and perched next to Fletcher.

"That's Michael, Wendy's first husband."

"What happened?" Fletcher prompted.

"He beat her up all the time. She filed domestic abuse against him many times, but the police never did anything, I think it was because of the drugs. Eventually, she ran away from him, met someone else and had a family. I'm glad she did, he was a nasty piece of work. I never like Michael." Mandy explained.

"What's his full name?"

"Michael Ray," Mandy said as Addison jotted the name into her notebook. Fletcher looked over her shoulder to see her shorthand writing that he couldn't understand. "This is a secret between us, I believe Anna was Michael's kid. Wendy was already pregnant when she ran away, she wanted to save her kid from a father like that. She never planned to tell Anna the truth and I don't think Michael knew about her." Mandy mentioned. It was enough to put Michael as a suspect, his motive to murder Wendy. Addison jotted everything down into her notebook and quickly pocketed it. "I saw a dead crow this morning on my way to the corner shop, it's a sign of death. I never knew it would be Wendy."

Fletcher glanced down at his phone and then nodded to Addison. She knew it was a sign for them to leave which she was glad.

"We better get going, but if you come up with anything else that could help us don't hesitate to contact us." Fletcher left his contact details on her coffee table. They left her house and Addison drew in a deep breath.

"Finally, I'm able to breathe." They both headed back over to the car. Addison noticed that Mandy was watching out of the window as they left. "What do you think of her story?"

"I believe her." Fletcher said, opening the car door.

"I want to talk to the children again. Do you think they'll let me?" Addison asked.

"You'll have to run it by Robert first. He wants an update on how it went with Mandy if we got anything that was useful."

"As if he'll let me, he hates me as it is." She replied insolently.

"Are they still at the hospital?" Fletcher asked.

"The nurse isn't going to release them until the social worker traces down Carl Willis, the father. I could ring before arrival to see if they are still there."

"Make it quick and we will go and see them. We'll only have a short time."

"I've got a feeling about this. The children are the key, they know something." Addison expressed. "I'll give them a quick ring to make sure they are still available at the hospital." Addison carried on as she shuffled forward pulling her phone out from her pocket. She dialled the number to the children's ward.

"Hi this is Detective Sergeant Addison Scott, I'm on the case of Wendy Willis who was murdered and wanted to know if Anna and Jake Willis were still available there as I have a few more questions to ask them," Addison told them. Fletcher watched as she nodded her head to him. Addison hung up the phone. "They said we can have ten minutes with them."

## Chapter Six

2016

Fletcher pulled up in the Morburn hospital car park. He switched off the engine and they both got out of the car. Addison had filled him in with the interview she had with the children earlier this morning. She led Fletcher into the building and down the corridor towards the lift.

"Have the children got anyone to collect them?" Fletcher asked. They both stood watching the number above the lift stopping on each floor before reaching the children's ward.

"The social worker is with them now. I'd imagine she's been in contact with the father by now," Addison said, "Although, I'm worried that the father won't come for them."

"It's not our business if he comes or now." Fletcher told her, "we work with some many child victims and most of the time, there isn't anything we can do once they are homeless. Don't get attached, I'm sure they will end up somewhere they feel like they belong."

They exited the lift. Addison watched as Fletcher walked briskly in front of her with his hands in his trouser pockets. She knew he was right, he's got the experience and seen it all before. Addison glanced ahead at the familiar white double doors, she noticed that there was different animals hanging on each word of the 'welcome' sign. She didn't remember seeing it before. Fletcher pressed the button of the intercom and they both flashed their badges. The door buzzed open.

They walked down the corridor until they arrived at Anna and Jakes room. The curtain was pulled to the side and they were in full view. Jake was sitting in the play area, playing with the small lorries, while Anna was staring out of the window. It's like she hadn't moved since Addison left. The television was still there too. She saw Emily walking over towards them as they entered the room.

"What can I do you for you?" She asked.

"I was hoping to get another word with Anna as I wanted to confirm a few things with her." Addison started.

"Of course, there won't be a lot of time as their father is picking them up in half an hour," Emily mentioned. Addison put her hand to her chest in relief, hearing that the father was coming to collect them. She nodded to Emily and moved over to greet Anna. Fletcher sat in the spare seat on the other side of the bed keeping a short distance while Addison asked her questions.

"Hi Anna, do you remember me? I came to see you this morning?"

"Addie," She smiled.

"How was the film?" Addison asked.

"It was good, wish you could have stayed though," Anna replied.

"I'm sorry Anna. I heard your Dad is on his way, you get to go home soon."

"It's not home though, Mum won't be there."

"I'm so sorry Anna. We will get the person who did this." Addison told her. She heard Fletcher clear his throat. Anna glanced over at him.

"That's my partner, Detective Inspector Andrew Fletcher."

"He's cute,"

"He is," Addison put her hand on Anna's arm and sat beside her. "Anna, we have some things to ask you."

Addison pulled out her notebook from her pocket and had a look through her notes. "I met your Aunt, Mandy. Do you see her often?" Addison asked.

"Not much, Mum and aunt Mandy were always arguing. When Mandy would come over, Mum would throw her out." Anna said.

"What did they argue about?" Anna glanced up at Emily and she nodded. "It's okay, you can tell me. Was it drugs?" Addison prompted. Anna looked up at Addison surprised and then nodded. "Do you remember when the last time you saw Mandy?"

"I saw her a couple of days ago. I came home from school early and she was here raiding the house. Mum was working that day."

"What was she looking for?"

"Mum's jewellery box." Anna glanced at Emily again.

"Did you know what was in that jewellery box, Anna?" Addison asked her. Anna was still looking at Emily who had moved closer to the bed. She gave her a nod and Anna looked back at Addison. It was the first time she made eye contact with her since Addison arrived.

"There were Drugs inside."

"Did Mandy take them?"

Anna nodded. She started to pick at the bandage on her wrist. "Can I ask you questions about your Mum?" Anna nodded again and glanced back out of the window. Addison quickly looked over at Jake who was still playing with the lorries on the floor. "Where does your Mum work?"

"She's a receptionist at Ford, you know the cars," Anna replied.

Addison recorded it in her notebook. She glanced round to see Fletcher still sitting quietly behind her as she spoke to Anna. He hadn't jumped in with any questions yet.

"Do you know if your Mum had a boyfriend?" Anna glanced down at her hands picking at the bandage on her wrist again. Addison found herself touching the scar placed in the same area on her own wrist. She finally shook her head. "Did you hear any voices that night other than your Mum?"

"I heard voices."

Addison's head shot over in Jake's direction. He sat staring at her. Even Anna was looking at her brother, surprised that he remembered anything from that night. There was a long silence as everyone sat in shock apart from Fletcher.

"I was going to Anna's room." Jake carried on.

"Did you go to Anna's room because you were frightened by the storm?" Addison asked him.

"Yes, I heard Mummy too. She was talking to someone." He said.

"Do you remember what she was saying?" Addison asked. Jake shook his head. "Do you remember hearing anything else?" She continued.

"I saw shadows on the walls." Addison glanced over at Fletcher who was now sitting on the edge of his seat. "One was big."

Addison wrote everything into her notebook, surprised how much Jake had overheard.

"Jake, what happened when you hid in the wardrobe with Anna?" Addison noticed Anna had moved next to her little brother when Jake started talking to them. She shuffled closer to her brother and put her arm around his shoulders, comforting him.

"Anna covered my eyes," Jake said. He turned away and carried on playing with his lorries. Addison knew he wasn't going to say anything else, but this was enough. Anna got up and sat beside Addison again. She placed her head on Addison's shoulder.

"He left twenty minutes later," Anna whispered. She moved away from Addison and showed her the bandaged wrists. "He said to me that I must keep silent or he will come back and kill me and Jake." Anna started to cry. "But I still told you everything I know. He's going to kill me, isn't he?" Addison pulled her into her arms, tightening them around her.

"Your Dad will be here soon. He will take care of you. You've got nothing to worry about. I promise we will catch him." Addison said. Although she knew she shouldn't say anything, she wanted to make Anna feel better and safer.

"There was one more thing I wanted to ask," Addison said. Anna moved away, and Addison signed with her hands. Where did you learn sign language?

Anna's eyes widened. "Not a lot of people know sign language." She said. She started signing back to Addison with her hands and fingers. I was taught when I was younger, our cousin who lived next door was deaf. I learned it from her.

Addison smiled.

Fletcher was up from his seat and Addison noticed that he wanted to leave now. She glanced up at Emily and she gave her a soft smile. They both finally left the ward and headed back down in the lift.

"Addison, you can't make them promises you can't keep. I know you want to make them feel better but promising them things isn't the way to do it." Fletcher said. He crossed his arms over his chest.

"They are children, a bit of comfort wouldn't hurt anyone. I think they've done well telling us what they know, considering what they've been through."

"Addison, this is only the beginning. We will find out much more as we dig deeper. For a start, this person who killed Wendy, knew her and probably the kids."

"Yes, I know that, Andrew." Addison rolled her eyes.

"Don't do that, it makes you look childish,"

Addison didn't say anything else, as they exited the lift, she slowly trudged behind him feeling like a naughty child. They got back into his car and she pulled her notebook out to have a look through the notes she had jotted down.

"Do you remember what time the storm started last night?" Addison asked breaking the awkward silence between the two of them.

"I'm pretty sure it was around nine that the storm began. I was finishing a shift when I got home. I remember the downpour as it soaked me through."

"So, the killer was at their house anytime after nine last night." Addison considered.

"Jake mentioned hearing their voices and seeing the shadows. How did they not hear anything? Was there any struggle?" Fletcher questioned.

"Maybe he drugged her?"

"That's possible." Fletcher threw his phone into Addison's hands and she noticed that Robert was calling him. "Answer that," he said. Addison rolled her eyes and answered his phone.

"Fletcher is driving. You can tell me." She responded to his abrupt attitude. Fletcher heard her grunt.

"Yes sir, be there as soon as possible." Addison hung up the phone and glared at Fletcher. "He wants us at the morgue, Dr. Charlie Richards has something for us concerning Wendy's body," Addison instructed.

"We better hurry then, we don't want to keep Robert waiting." Fletcher laughed.

## Chapter Seven

2016

Fletcher finally pulled up outside the entrance of the mortuary hospital where Robert stood. Addison noticed that he was stubbing out another cigarette butt on the ground and then shoving his hands into his trouser pockets.

"Why does he do that?" Addison started. "There is a bin right next to him," Fletcher laughed as they both got out of the car.

"What took you so long? And don't even comment on my fag butt kid." Robert said. Addison raised an eyebrow but kept her mouth shut. Fletcher went inside with Robert while Addison tagged along from behind. They passed through the silver entrance doors and by the reception desk. No one was there so they continued down the corridor.

Addison watched as Fletcher and Robert engage in an animated conversation. Fletcher had to duck his head down after each door frame. He was taller than Robert, Addison hadn't noticed that until now. Fletcher was filling Robert in with all the information they had gathered from Mandy Phillips and the children. Robert glanced back at Addison of the mention of the children, she hadn't asked or informed him of their plans, and she was now wondering if she should have told him.

They arrived at the mortuary examination room. Fletcher opened the door and Robert entered first, Addison waited for Fletcher to enter, but he didn't.

"Ladies first," Fletcher gave her a cheeky wink. She smiled and entered the cold room. The shape of a body was laying on the large metal table, covered by a white sheet. Robert strolled around the table, peeping under the sheet. The smell was strong. Addison tried to fight back the heave that was bubbling in the back of her throat. Fletcher noticed and handed her one of his strong minty chewing gums. She took it and shoved it into her mouth. The mint overpowered the smell which settled her gag reflexing stomach.

An older man entered the room with a clipboard in his hands. The big round glasses sat on the tip of his nose while he studied the paperwork on his clipboard.

"I see you have a new partner, Robert." He said. He put the board down beside the covered body and pushed his glasses up with his index finger. Robert watched the little old man move towards Addison who was stood at the back of the room. He put his hand out to her. "I'm sorry I didn't get to formally introduce myself at the scene, I was a little pre-occupied. I'm Dr Charlie Richards, don't hesitate to ask any questions."

"Yes sir, I'm DS Addison Scott. Pleased to meet you." She shook his hand.

"Charlie, get on with it." Robert said. Fletcher went and stood next to Addison.

"Charlie has been doing our murder cases for years, the old bastard refuses to retire. But he's one of the best at his job," Fletcher laughed. She nodded and moved forward along with Fletcher, standing in front of the covered body. Charlie picked up the clipboard and placed himself next to Robert.

"Wendy Willis is her married name. Phillips is her maiden name, born 23rd March 1975." Charlie told them. He pushed his glasses back up as he carried on looking through her file. "Female, obviously, she's white and was born in Hertfordshire." He put the clipboard back down, rolled the sheet and stopped at the body's shoulders. "There is something that may shock you, but we will come to that in a few minutes," Charlie mentioned, as he glanced at Addison.

"She's a healthy woman, kept herself in shape, she has no tattoos. She used different chemicals on her skin to keep it looking young. Her last meal was..." He glanced down at the clipboard and lifted a bit of paper. "Lasagne, probably what they had for dinner with her children."

Charlie Richards was talking rather fast as Addison struggled to keep up with him. Robert and Fletcher were both nodding their heads along with the elderly man, understanding everything he was saying to them.

"Come, look," he waved them closer and they all leaned in. Addison held her breath as she leaned in over the dead body to see where Charlie was pointing. "Your girl was injected with something, here, there is a puncture wound just on the nape of her neck. The killer put her to sleep, that's why the children didn't hear any screaming because there wasn't any." Charlie explained. Addison moved away as the other two stayed close. She watched from behind, chewing on her gum rapidly. She even got a sneering look from Robert.

"We are still waiting for the toxicology results to come back. As soon as they do, I'll get them sent to you as soon as possible."

Charlie rolled the sheet down, setting it on the body's belly. There was a large stab wound in the middle of her chest.

"She died instantly. One stab to the heart. To the killer, this was easy. There doesn't seem to be any signs of sexual activity. The stab wound was done by a 10-inch knife, most likely a carving knife." Charlie explained.

"So, he injected her in the neck and then stabbed her in the heart?" Addison questioned.

"Yeah, the killer wanted to get this over and done with. There are no defense wounds, no fighting back, just cutting to the chase." Charlie told her.

"That's quite a boring kill, no torture or rape?" Addison said. Everyone stopped and looked at her. Her hands were behind her back as she started to stroke the scar on her wrist, but nobody could see her doing it.

"We haven't finished yet. The fun part comes next." Charlie said. Addison stayed quiet as Charlie rolled the sheet down past her knees. Addison gasped.

Robert moved closer to look. Fletcher turned away cursing under his breath. Addison moved closer to see the word 'shh' carved into the stomach of Wendy Willis.

"Did the children see this?" Addison asked. Robert moved around the table and grabbed a magnifying glass to inspect the carving as Addison watched from behind. Fletcher stepped towards the body to have a look. The tissue of the stomach was ripped, and dry blood crusted around the wounds. The marks were horrendous, it wasn't a clean cut, very unprofessional.

"Do you think they knew?" Fletcher asked. Addison shrugged her shoulders. Robert put the glass down and straightened his jacket. He glanced over to Addison who was still looking closely at the wounds.

"Do you know roughly what time she died? If she died instantly, could there be an accurate time?" She asked. She looked up to see Robert studying her. She ignored him and turned her attention to Charlie.

"Time of death is between 9.15pm and 9.45pm." Charlie said.

"Do you know if this was carved into her stomach before or after she was stabbed in the heart?" Addison asked. She watched as Charlie started to stroke the white goatee around his chin. "Because it would explain the injection in her neck, she would have still been alive when he did this." Addison threw in her theories as she circled the table. Charlie followed her as she glanced at the puncture wound again, taking the magnifying glass for a close look.

"You are right detective, she was alive when that happened to her." Charlie admitted. He turned to Robert and gave him a little nod.

"It would have seemed odd to inject her with something to put her to sleep and then stab her, which killed her instantly." Addison voiced her thoughts. "But what was the motive behind his method?" Addison questioned.

"The key is the children." Robert said.

"But what does the killer have against the children?" Addison asked. She directed her question at Fletcher as Robert ignored her and left the room. He shrugged his shoulders and followed Robert. "Would you mind sending me that full report as soon as possible?" She asked Charlie.

"Of course, my dear," Charlie smiled and covered up Wendy with the white sheet. Addison left the room and hurried after Robert and Fletcher. They were both standing outside waiting for her. She saw Robert was smoking another cigarette. They were engaged in a serious conversation until she turned up, they went silent, it made her think it was about her, no doubt. Robert was probably checking up on her, making sure she wasn't doing anything she shouldn't be. She hoped Fletcher was telling him good things.

"I want you to go to Wendy's work, find out who she was close to, who she wasn't close to, I want you to find her ex-husbands, both. I want to know if the father sees his children often." Robert started as he stomped out his cigarette butt.

"What about you?" She asked.

"I'll be going down to forensics to see what they have for me." He told her.

"Fine. Come on Fletcher, let's go." She headed towards his car and he followed behind her. Robert stood with his hands in his trouser pockets while he watched them get into the car.

"Why does he have to be like that? He treats me like a child." Addison said as soon as she closed the car door. She placed her seat belt around her and glanced into the rear-view mirror. She watched Robert walk over to a motorcycle which she assumed was his own. He removed his navy-blue blazer jacket and replaced it with a black leather one. He straddled the bike and roared the engine.

Fletcher reversed out of the parking space and she couldn't see Robert in the mirror anymore. Fletcher watched her from the corner of his eye.

"Do you like him now because he rides a bike?" Fletcher teased.

"What, no, don't be silly? I'm trying to figure out what type of guy he is. He's so moody all the time." Addison sunk into her seat.

"You will never figure him out. I've worked with him for three years and I still can't figure him out."

"You've known him for a bit then, is he like this all the time? Did he ever have a partner he liked?"

"He's a stubborn bastard, I'll give you that." Fletcher laughed. His attitude suddenly changed. "He did have a partner, she was a newbie like you." He mentioned. Addison saw that his grip on the steering wheel tightened.

"Where is she now?"

"She died, almost a year now. She was killed in the line of duty. Robert blamed himself for it and have done ever since."

Addison didn't say anything else. She didn't want to get into something that would make her feel lonely. Robert didn't want her because of what happened to his old partner. "Her name was Leonie Collins," Fletcher mentioned.

"Were you close? With Leonie, I mean?"

"We were dating."

"But?"

"She fell in love with Robert. She told me she didn't want to see me anymore."

"I'm sorry,"

"It doesn't matter."

"I had noticed a bit of tension between you and Robert."

"Was it that obvious?" Fletcher laughed. The two both fell silent as they arrived at Ford cars where Wendy Willis worked. They drove inside and parked the car outside the entrance. Fletcher opened the door and let Addison through first, he followed her inside as they headed to the reception desk. They both flashed their police badges to the receptionist.

"We would like to talk to the manager," Fletcher said.

"He's just out in the showrooms, I'll go and inform him that you're here." The young woman jumped up from her seat and went inside the showroom. She came back within seconds followed by a tall, grey-haired man. He looked young to have grey hair. He greeted them with a smile and shook both of their hands.

"My name is Harry Thompson. How can I help you?"

"Harry, we are here about Wendy Willis," Fletcher said.

"Wendy Willis, she's not here at the moment. She is working tomorrow if you come back..." Harry started but Fletcher stopped him.

"Wendy Willis was murdered last night," Fletcher told him. The woman behind the reception desk gasped. Harry's eyes were wide with sudden shock.

"Wow, she was killed? Did you catch the killer?" Harry rushed.

"We are still working on the case, but we wanted to get an inside look at her work life," Addison added.

"What do you want to know? She was a very quiet worker; she didn't involve herself with others very much." He started.

"Did she ever bring her children in?"

"She has a lovely little boy, Jake. She had brought him to work once. He had an inset day at school, and she asked if I minded if she'd bring him in. He was as good as gold."

"What about her daughter?" Addison asked. She saw Fletcher moving around, glancing through the glass into the showrooms. He noticed a couple peeking into the window of the Ford cars.

"I didn't know she had a daughter," Harry said. Fletcher watched as she started jotting down everything into her little notebook.

"Was there anyone she was close to that worked with her?"

"Lily Sampson normally works at the same time as her. They always go out for their lunch break together. She's not in today, but she will be working tomorrow if you want to drop by to speak to her?" Harry offered.

"We will drop by tomorrow to speak to her. Here is my card if you think of anything else that could help us with the investigation." Addison gave him her little white card with all her details, email address and phone number. Fletcher nodded for her to hurry up as he headed for the door.

"Oh, DS Scott," Harry called for Addison. She stopped and looked around while he quickly jogged up to her.

"We had a problem with her ex-husband about a month back. He came in shouting at her and we had to call the police because he wouldn't leave her alone. I don't know what happened after that though. I thought you might want to know." Harry mentioned. Addison nodded and thanked him. She left with Fletcher and got back into the car.

"Let's go and find her ex-husband," Fletcher said as he put the car into reverse and left the car dealers.

## Chapter Eight

2016

They parked on the opposite side of the road from where the house of Michael Ray is located. Fletcher turned off the engine and they both sat, staring at the house.

A beautiful white walled house with a wooden swing on the front porch. It was surrounded by decking and swinging flower baskets by the front door. Addison could count seven windows and that was only from the front of the house.

"Are you sure this is the right places?" Fletched asked.

"Well, it's the address Robert sent me." Addison doubled checked the message on her phone and glanced up at the road side. She showed Fletcher the text message.

"This house is huge, for a criminal and a drug dealer, he's done pretty good for himself." Fletcher commented. Addison pocketed her phone and the both got out of the car. "I must be in the wrong job." He joked.

They both strolled up the pebbled pathway, with just four steps, to the door. Not like Addison was counting.

Addison knocked, but there was no answer. She knocked again and this time they heard movement come from inside. Fletcher and Addison both glanced at each other. He leaned into the window, using his hands to shield the sun. He peaked inside the house but couldn't see much. He glanced at Addison and nodded for her to go around the back.

He stepped down from the porch while Addison jogged around the back. Fletched looked down the alleyway, down the side of the house. He called for Addison as he watched a man climb over the fence. Addison appeared from the other side of the house, but Fletcher was gone. She headed to the alleyway and saw Fletcher chasing someone. She ran the opposite way, hoping to trap him from going anywhere. As she ran down the road, someone bumped into her, knocking her to the ground. The man got back up and started running again. Fletcher ran past, carrying on chasing the culprit.

"Stop," Fletcher yelled.

"I'll go this way, we can trap him." Addison pointed. She headed the other way, hoping her plan would work a second time. She ran down a tight alley, hoping she could stop him when she came out the other end. She popped her head around the corner to see no-one in sight.

Her phone started ringing, which she fished out of her pocket.

"I've lost him." Fletcher told her.

"I've not seen him come this way,"

"He will be around somewhere, keep looking." Addison went to hang up, but a man appeared from nowhere, pushing her face into the brick wall. She dropped her phone to the floor; hearing Fletcher call her. Her hands instantly came up to her nose, feeling the blood drip into her palms. The man gripped a fistful of her hair and dragged her backwards. Her hands came up to her head, but he pushed her forward again. She put her hands out before her face could hit the wall. Addison turned around to see a man with dark circles around his brown eyes and his horrible yellow wonky teeth; as he sneered at her.

He reached for her neck, pushing her against the wall, squeezing her thin neck tightly. She gasped, struggling against him. She kneed him in his groin and released her neck, rolling over in pain. Addison took this opportunity to run, but he grabbed her by the waist, stopping her from going anywhere. He spun her to face him and punched her in the face. The force sent her backwards and stumbled to the ground. He stepped over her body and grabbed her by the collar of her shirt, lifting her from the floor. He punched her for a second time as she tried to fight him off her. She flicked her leg up, striking him in between his legs. He crumbled to the ground, holding his crotch area. Addison gripped the back of his neck and forcefully pushed his face into the brick wall. He yelped and Addison pulled the cuffs from the hook on the back of her trousers, snapping them onto his wrists.

"You, Michael, are under arrest."

She chucked his face into the wall one last time and kicked him in the knees as he tried to get up.

"Addison," Fletcher shouted. He saw her arresting the culprit, but when she looked up, he was stunned by the state of her face. Red had spread over her white shirt and blood was still pouring from her nose.

"Are you okay?"

"Do I look like I'm okay? He tried to beat the shit out of me." She told him. She titled her head forward as Fletcher took the suspect from her.

"Never mind her, have you seen what she's done to me?" Fletcher and Addison both ignored Michael.

"Do you want me to call you an ambulance?"

"No, I'm fine. I just need a tissue." Addison glanced at Michael, who was giving her a horrible look. She kicked him hard in the shins and then looked at Fletcher, giving him a don't-you-dare-tell-anyone look.

"What was that for? What have I even done? This is abuse." Michael yelled.

"I'm arresting you for assaulting a police officer and for murder, understand?" Addison hissed in his face.

"Right, move it." Fletcher put the suspect into the back of their car as he shouted abuse to the pair. He slammed the door and there was instant silence. Fletcher handed Addison a cloth, which she held to her nose.

"Is it broken?"

Addison shook her head. Even though she said she didn't need an ambulance, Fletcher called her one anyway. "I'd feel better if you were checked out. And I think Ashworth will feel better too." Fletcher told her.

"Robert won't care." Addison laughed.

"He will. Just get yourself checked, as I would like my partner to stay in one piece." Fletcher nudged her with his shoulder, and she smiled.

"What are you going to tell Robert?"

"I will tell him that you were assaulted, and you've gone to the hospital. I bet he will worry."

"Yeah, we will see about that."

"You will, you will."

Addison and Fletcher can hear the faint sounds of sirens coming.

"Right, I will come and pick you up from the hospital. Just give me a call when you're done. That's if Ashworth doesn't come and get you first." Fletcher laughed and Addison gave him a small punch in the arm. The ambulance arrived and Fletcher took Michael Ray back to the station.

## Chapter Nine

2016

Michael Ray was shouting in the backseat of Fletchers car. He turned up the music to drown out the noise Michael was making.

Fletcher ran his hand through his dark blonde hair. He stared at the traffic ahead of them, hoping it would move quicker. Michael was now kicking the back of Fletchers seat. He couldn't take anymore, so he slammed his fists on the steering wheel.

"Will you shut the fuck up."

Michael didn't say anything. He stared at Fletcher, who was glaring at him in his rear-view mirror. Michael kept his mouth shut for the rest of the journey, which surprised Fletcher.

The silence was nice, but they have arrived back to the station. Fletcher got out of the car and rushed around to yank Michael from the backseat. He marched him inside the building, where Robert was already waiting for them.

"Where is DS Scott?"

"While we were in pursuit for our suspect Michael Ray, he assisted arrest and he beat the crap out of Addison." Fletcher explained.

"Is she ok? Where is she?" Robert exploded.

"She's fine. I called her an ambulance and she's being checked over. Her nose wouldn't stop bleeding." Fletcher chuckled. Robert rolled his eyes and grabbed Michael by the cuffs, dragging him inside the building.

"Lay off will you, these cuffs are tight." Michael yelped.

"Shut up, you're a big boy." Fletcher said from behind them. Robert pushed him against the booking counter and patted him down, emptying his pockets onto the side. The uniformed officer behind the counter started putting in Michael Ray's details.

"I didn't mean to hurt her." Michael told Robert.

"Her? Do you mean DS Scott?" Fletcher leant on the counter.

"The police girl, she was chasing me and fell into the wall." Michael told them. Fletcher laughed out loud and glanced at Robert.

"Are you kidding me? That's your excuse?" Robert pushed him harder against the counter.

"This is assault. Are you seeing this?" Michael addressed the officer behind the counter. The officer didn't even make eye contact and carried on typing away on the computer.

"What have you taken?" Robert glanced into Michaels eyes.

"I've taken nothing."

"Well we will be taking blood tests and fingerprints, so it doesn't really matter to us." Fletcher said. Robert pushed Michael into an empty cell and closed the door on him, while he was shouting nonsense.

"I ain't done nothing. That bitch is lying."

"We will interview him once Addison comes back." Robert told Fletcher.

"I'm going to get her from the hospital now, I promised her I'll be back." Fletcher said.

"It's ok, I can go."

Robert left Fletcher standing there not knowing what to do. He glanced around the hallway and back to the door that Robert just left through. He went over to the door and looked out of the window. Robert was getting into his black Mercedes. Fletcher glanced down at his phone, wondering if he should let Addison know that Robert is coming. He smirked and put his phone into his pocket. She will have a go at him, but it will be worth it.

## Chapter Ten

1981

Alan stood outside Ian's school. He glanced around to see other parents, brothers, sisters, aunties and uncles waiting by the school gate. A swarm of children started exiting the school, some running to their parents and some walking home alone.

Alan told his mother that he wanted to pick up Ian from school today. He had a surprise for him. Ian emerged in the crowd of children, a big smile on his face from ear to ear as he saw his big brother waiting for him by the gate.

"Hey kid," Alan ruffled Ian's hair.

"You've finally come to pick me up." Ian looked up at him with excited puppy eyes.

"I've got a surprise for you." Alan grinned and Ian's smile dropped from his face.

"I love surprises, but your surprises always get us into trouble."

"Not this time, come on you'll see." Alan started walking ahead and Ian fell into step behind him.

"Is this surprise big or small?"

"You'll see,"

"Can you give me a clue?"

"Nope, just wait and see. I'm not telling you anything." Alan slowed down his pace as Ian caught up beside him. He ruffled his young brother's hair as they continued to walk in silence. Ian had a feeling that this could be something to do with dad. Alan and his dad weren't getting along and he knew Alan was on a mission to destroy him.

Ian stopped outside the building, looking up at it. Alan nodded his head for him to follow.

"Why are we here?"

"You will see," Alan smirked. He entered the building with Ian behind, they headed up the stairs and went inside the corridor. Ian was walking slowly; he knew this was going to happen. He didn't want to follow Alan anymore. They stopped outside an office, their father's office to be exact. Ian went to say something, but Alan put his finger to his lips. Alan put his ear to the door and listened. Ian didn't need to; he could hear everything loud and clear. A woman moaning and sounds of heavy thumping. Ian looked up at Alan who was grinning, "this is the moment you need to realise our family is over." Alan whispered.

He pushed the door wide open and they both saw their dad on top of another woman, a woman who wasn't their mother. The pair both jumped and scrambled for their clothes. Ian had tears in his eyes as reality started to hit him. Alan laughed the whole time, he wouldn't stop.

"ALAN!" Anthony bellowed. Ian watched the woman gather her clothes and rush out of the office. Anthony quickly put his jeans back on and charged at Alan. "Why is Ian here? Why did you bring him here?" He grabbed Alan by his shirt and pinned him against the wall.

"I wanted him to see what kind of father we have. You made a promise to me. You are a shit father." Alan shouted. Ian stood staring at them, tears running down his face.

"We just wanted to see you, is that a crime?" Ian said. Alan glanced at him, surprised. He glanced back to his father.

"Yeah, is it a crime?" Alan smirked. Anthony had let go of his son and leant against his desk. He touched his forehead with his fingertips as if a headache was on its way.

"This will break mum's heart. You've broken mum's heart! Alan was right about you." Ian ran out of the room. Anthony glared at Alan as he headed out of the door before turning around to say, 'You're a family wrecker.".

Alan ran down the corridor, chasing after Ian. He finally caught up with him and Ian stopped and glared at his older brother.

"Why did you bring me here? Was it to hurt me too?" Ian yelled. His face was streaked with dry tears and fresh ones about to drop.

"I wanted you to see what dad has done to our family. He's ruined mum and us! You needed to see the truth, which was eventually going to come out. It will shatter mum, but she deserves someone so much better than him." Alan told him.

"I hope she can see that when she does find out, because if she doesn't..." Ian said. He glanced down the hallway and back at Alan. "I don't know what she will do to herself."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Because she loves dad so much, she told me it hurts to love him." Ian said. Alan stood in silence. He didn't know what else to say to him. "I know you want us to see him for who he is, I know you want to watch him ruin this family bit by bit. But if you really want to ruin him, tell mum. But remember, if you do, you can deal with what happens next." Ian shrugged his shoulders as he walked on. Alan stood watching his little brother walk away, wondering when he grew older. Alan knew Ian was right, their mother was going to be heart broken and Alan was going to be the one to break it to her.

## Chapter Eleven

2016

Addison stood by the hospital main entrance as she tried to call Fletcher. But he didn't answer. A patient came out to have a cigarette next to her. She moved away and tried to call Fletcher one last time. But there was no response. She out a small sigh and stuffed her phone into her pocket. Addison headed back inside the hospital and back to the ward where she had been. The doctor had told her that she had mild concussion and to take it easy or she would end up with another nosebleed.

She thought that Fletcher might still be booking Michael Ray into the cells, which could be why he wasn't answering his phone.

She touched her nose where they placed a small bit of tape over the bridge of her nose where it needed some stitches. It was sore but she was ready to get back out there. She hoped no-one thought she had a nose job, because she liked her button nose.

Addison checked her phone, but she didn't have any messages or missed calls from Fletcher. She wondered if she should wait for him or make her own way back to the station. She grabbed her things and exited the ward, as she turned the corner, she saw Robert leaning against the counter at the reception talking to one of the nurses. He glanced her way.

"What are you doing here? I thought Fletcher was picking me up?" Addison asked.

"I offered. He's dealing with Michael Ray."

"Oh, how nice of you." Addison said. Robert rolled his eyes and started walking back the way he came in. Addison followed behind him. They both exited the hospital and Addison waited for Robert to unlock his car. She knew he was taking his time to annoy her and the worst thing about it, it worked. He finally unlocked the car and she jumped into the passenger side, while he got behind the wheel.

"I'll drop you off home, take the rest of the day off to recover. We will interview him in the morning." Robert told her.

"Fine. Wait, we?"

"Yes 'we', that's including you."

"Fine." Addison glanced out of the window, holding back a small smile that tried to escape her lips. She noticed they had entered her road and guided him to her place. He pulled up outside a small building and glanced at it.

"That yours?" Robert asked.

"Yes, it is, it's small but cosy. Stop judging."

"I'm not judging."

"You are about to laugh." Addison said. She crossed her arms over her chest and arched an eyebrow. "Go on then, laugh."

He tried hard to keep a straight face, but he couldn't. He finally laughed, and she got out the car slamming the door behind her. She marched up to her front door and glanced back to see Robert still sitting there in his car, watching her. She gave him a little wave and went inside the building. She peeped out of her curtain to see Robert drive off down the road.

Addison took off her shoes and put them on the rack. She slipped her feet into slippers and headed into her living room. She slung her bag onto the sofa and dumped down next to it. She glanced at the mess on her glass coffee table, the old case files of The Silent Killer that she had taken without knowledge along with an empty wine glass. The killer from 30 years ago, the one she remembered her whole life. The files were scattered everywhere, the pictures of the victims lay on the top. She'd forgotten to put them all away the night before.

She took the wine glass from the table and placed it in the sink in her kitchen. She got out a clean glass and placed it on the counter. The bottle was sat to the side where she drank most of it the night before, she filled her new glass with the rest of it. Wine helped her sleep when her medication wouldn't, she would drink a glass or two every night.

She took back to the sofa in her living room and glanced at the case files while sipping her wine. She had read through the files many times that she knew them 'off by heart'. She knew she had to put them back eventually. She looked at each of the photos, the murdered teenage girls, seven of them including their mothers. They were gruesome murders and it was one that no one would ever forget, especially Addison. She started to stroke the large scar on her wrist, trying hard to put the nightmares behind her. The memories flashed in her mind every minute of the day, haunting her.

She down the rest of her wine and picked up one of the photos. It was the first victim of The Silent Killer. He focused on single parents and their teenage daughters. 'By blood, they were bound to him and if they disobey, this was a price they had to pay.' Addison remembered those words, them very cruel, cruel words. She placed the picture back down and picked up another one. This time it was a picture of her mother.

Addison slammed it back down on the table and got up with her glass of empty wine, heading back to the kitchen for a refill. She pulled out another bottle from her fridge and popped it open. She poured herself another glass of red wine.

She went back into the living room and peeked out of the curtains. The sky was almost pitch black and clouds could be seen moving slowly in the sky. Addison glanced back at the case files on her table, the picture of her mother now on the top. There is one thing on her mind, could this be a copycat killer? There are a few similarities, but she wasn't sure.

She drained her glass and decided to have a hot shower. After she had finished, she took some painkillers for her nose before heading to bed. Her phone started ringing, she glanced down and saw Fletcher's name.

"Ads, how is the nose?" He said.

"Ads? And yes, my nose is fine. I'm tough as nails." She chuckled.

"Ads is my new nickname for you."

"Was there a point to this call?"

"I only wanted to see how you were doing and wanted the gossip, what happened with Robert? He came back and told me you have taken the rest of the day off. I just wanted to check in and make sure everything is fine?" Fletcher explained.

"No damage was caused, just a mild concussion. I'll be back in the morning and we will interview Michael Ray. I've got a bad feeling about this case." Addison told him. She glanced at the case files again on her table.

"You and me both, I've been looking into an old case of The Silent Killer and thought it was a bit of a coincidence, maybe to have a copycat killer. I've not seen anything that says so yet..." Fletcher said.

"The Silent Killer? Are you sure? That was quite a gruesome case and The Silent Killer murdered mainly children. Maybe we should wait and see what happens."

"Addison, this is a gruesome murder. Anna Willis witnessed her mother dead on the kitchen counter in their own home." Fletcher reminded her. Addison knew he was right as it had crossed her mind too.

"You're right, we will interview Ray in the morning and see where that leads us. For all we know, this could end up being a domestic." Addison hoped. She knew deep down that wasn't the case.

"That's a good point. Anyway, I will see you bright and early tomorrow. Get some rest," Fletcher said. Addison said her goodbyes and then she was left with the dead picture of her mother again. She put her empty glass on the table and headed into her bedroom. She plugged the charger to her phone to charge overnight. Her first case was bringing back events from 20 years ago. At the age of 14 years old, she saw her mother murdered in front of her and the killer was caught. Addison went through counselling and eventually someone adopted her. Her name Addison Scott wasn't her real name, it was Maddison Reed. She suffered severe depression and anxiety, hitting rock bottom, until her adopted family took her in. Her adopted father was in the police force and she wanted to follow in his footsteps.

She got changed into some comfy pyjamas and headed back out into the kitchen. She grabbed the bottle of wine and took it to the sofa. After reading all the autopsies on the bodies from the Silent Killer case, she had fallen asleep.

Addison woke with a start. She sat upright on her sofa, glancing around her dim lit living room. After finishing her wine, she took empty bottle to her front door. She noticed a letter had been posted, she quickly threw her bottle in the recycle bin and picked up the letter. When she turned it over, it had MADISON REED written on it.

She fell to her knees and sobbed as she held the letter. She was scared to open it and reveal her past that she tried to forget.

## Chapter Twelve

2016

Addison stood outside Robert's office. She peeked through the window and noticed he wasn't there. She put her report back on her desk to hand to him once he arrives, but for now, she went down to the cafeteria to grab herself a cup of tea. Including her usual three sugars. Fletcher was sitting alone at a table, scoffing down a bacon sarnie, tomato ketchup dripping onto his plate. He took another bite and sauce dropped onto his tie. She heard him curse loudly, picking up a tissue and wiped it, a stain was now visible. She laughed and he finally noticed her.

"How's your nose?" He asked her. She sat opposite him. Her nose wasn't as bad as it was yesterday, the swelling had gone down and she looked more like she had a nose job.

"They've given me painkillers which are working a treat. People keep looking at me like I've had a nose job. I've got a bone to pick with you." Addison said. A small grin appeared on Fletcher's lips, knowing exactly where this was going. "Robert? Why on earth did you send him to collect me?"

"He wanted to pick you up. I didn't send him anywhere. It was all his decision, which was very sweet of him." Fletcher chuckled.

"Oh yeah, how sweet." She kneed him under the table. She looked up to see Robert heading towards their table. "Shit, he's coming."

"Come on you two, I want results today, so let's get a move on please." Robert told them. Addison watched as he went over the counter to order himself something to eat. He turned to see them both still sitting at the table. "NOW."

Addison and Fletcher both jumped up from their seats and headed up into the department, feeling like naughty school children. As they went through the double doors, Robert was right behind them with a small brown bag in his hand, his breakfast.

"I've got Michael Rays in the interrogation room. We will interview him as soon as possible. Fletcher and I will run the show and Addison; you can watch for now." Robert said as he walked by them. "Thank you for the report Addison." Then he disappeared into his office.

"Why have I got to watch? I'm perfectly capable of interviewing our suspect. It was my arrest." Addison moaned. Fletcher shrugged his shoulders and headed for the interrogation room while Addison fell in line behind him. They stood outside waiting for Robert to arrive, which he eventually did.

Robert and Fletcher both took their seats in front of the suspect. Addison slipped in and stood in the back, where she was almost out of sight. Michael Rays could still see her standing at the back. He wouldn't take his eyes off of her. He started to fidget in his seat while Robert places all the files on the desk in front of him. He was taking his time.

"How did you know Wendy Willis?" Fletcher started. Addison watched as Robert sat back in his chair putting his hands behind his head.

"I can't believe she still used his name. I knew her as Wendy Phillips." Michael told them. Fletcher checked the file in front of him to double check that her maiden name was correct, which it was.

"How did you know Wendy Phillips?" Fletcher asked again.

"I've known her years, 18 years to be exact." Michael sat back with his arms crossed. "She was the love of my life." He replied as a matter of fact.

"Where were you on the night of the sixth of April?" Fletcher asked.

"I didn't kill her. I would never do that, no matter what the differences." Michael sat forward placing his arms on the table in front of him. He glanced up at Addison who stood at the back quietly. "I was at home with my ma, she was sick, and I looked after her. It should be Carl you should be questioning." He told them.

"Why should we be questioning him?" Robert finally spoke.

"Carl divorced Wendy when he found out about Anna. She's my daughter and he got angry with Wendy for not telling him. He got a new bird quick enough though, he wasn't good for Wendy." Michael explained.

Addison let out a snort and was shocked when everyone turned to face her. Michael furrowed his brow. "You are a bitch. Why are you even in here? You've already made your mind up about me." Michael raised his voice. Robert got up from his chair and gestured for Addison to follow him out of the room. Addison hung her head, knowing she was going to be scolded like a school girl, again.

"Do you want to take over? I can't have you standing at the back if you are going to interfere. I have noticed that Michael doesn't like you, I think you should take over for now and see where this goes." Robert explained. She wasn't quite sure if she was being told off or he's letting her take over the interview. He nodded for her to enter and he followed behind her. She took the seat beside Fletcher, he looked at her as she sat down. Michael wasn't impressed. He glanced up at Robert who was now standing where Addison stood before.

"You were arrested for many accounts of domestic abuse towards Wendy Willis." Addison told him what he already knew.

"That doesn't make me a killer." He shrugged.

"It makes you one hell of a suspect though."

"You are a bitch, fuck off."

Addison smiled. "Unfortunately, no, answer my questions and I will be out of your face." Michael sucked in his top lip and glanced back up to Robert again.

"Fine."

"How did you find out about Anna being your daughter?" Addison started. Michael let out a long sigh.

"Wendy ran away from me. I promised her that I would stop the abuse, but I couldn't help it. So, she ran away, she had enough. When I finally found her again, she had a new family. I hung around and watched for a while." Michael explained. He sucked in a breath and lent back in his chair, looking up to the ceiling. He glanced back to Addison again. "Then I saw her, Anna. I knew she was mine. There was a little boy, but I knew he wasn't mine. But Anna, she was for sure. I broke into the house and stole her hairbrush. I did a DNA test to be sure."

"How long was you watching their house before you broke in?" Addison asked.

"A few months."

"When you found out she was your daughter, which Wendy never told you about, did you plan to confront her about it?" Fletcher jumped in. He started to understand Addison's strategy.

"That is exactly what I did. She tried to get rid of me because she didn't want Carl to find out. But he did and I didn't care. Anna is my daughter. Carl attacked me, the bastard. Wendy threw us both out of the house and I hadn't heard from here for a little while."

"When was the next time you spoke to her after that?" Fletcher asked.

"She called me up, she wanted to talk and tell me the truth. Anna is my daughter. Carl had disappeared and she didn't know where he went. We made an agreement that she would tell Anna the truth and that I'm her father. She could see me if that was what she decided. I accepted that."

"All happy families," Addison laughed.

"Fuck you,"

"What happened next? Did Anna agree to see you?" Addison asked.

"Carl had come back a few weeks later. He threatened Wendy that he would take Jake away. Anna got involved into the argument to protect her mother, but Carl hit her, and he hit her hard. The moment he raised his hand to Anna, Wendy attacked him."

"And you happened to see all of this did you?" Addison raised her eyebrows.

"No, she called me that night. Carl had left and she wanted me to come over. Anna had a black eye and Wendy had scratches on her face. I helped them and they never heard from Carl again." Michael looked up at Robert.

"That's it for now." Robert said from behind them. Addison rolled her eyes and glanced at Fletcher who shrugged his shoulders. She got up from her seat and glanced at Michael who was watching her. "You can take him back to his cell for now." Addison told the uniformed officer who was waiting outside of the room.

Robert waited for them both outside the room. He pointed his finger at Addison first. "You meet me in my office in five." And then his finger moved to Fletcher. "Set Michael on bail pending further investigation." Fletcher nodded his head and went down to the cells. Addison followed Robert down the corridor, watching as he took long strides with his lanky long legs. She found it hard to keep up with him.

She went back to her desk as Robert went into his office. She sat down trying to build up her courage to go and see Robert. She knew he was going to tell her off for what happened in the interview room.

Robert opened his door and she saw him waiting for her. She got up and went inside his office and he slammed the door behind her.

"Before you took over, don't you EVER show any kind of personal response to our suspect again. That was unprofessional and childish." He pointed in her face. Addison straightened her back and held her head high.

"Sir, I wanted to be the one to interview Michael. He was my arrest and I wanted to conduct the interview with him." Addison finally said it. Robert moved around his desk and stepped in front of Addison. She could smell his minty breath sweep across her face as he spoke.

"You did, didn't you?"

"Eventually, yes,"

Robert watched her poker face as she answered him back. He sucked in his lips trying to keep himself calm with her. He stepped away and sat on his chair, he put his feet up on his desk as he watched her intently.

"We will go and talk to Carl. I want to know everything about this woman." Robert said. Addison nodded and headed out of his office. She sat down at her desk, starting to write up her report about the interview.

Robert left his office. He stopped by Addison and looked over her shoulder. She finished up the last bit of her report and turned to face him.

"Grab your coat, I'll wait for you in the car park." Robert told her and walked off. Addison grabbed her jacket and her things and rushed out after him. She bumped into Fletcher on the way out of the department.

"He's finally recognised you as his partner then." Fletcher smiled.

"I don't know if that's a good thing. He probably thinks of me as a liability." Addison told him.

"Don't be silly, I think he was impressed with your interviewing skills. You stayed calm in there and you got a lot from Michael."

"Thanks."

"Whatever you need, I'm just a call away." Fletcher patted her shoulder as he walked away. She carried on down the corridor and out into the car park. Robert was standing by the railing, puffing away on his cigarette. He ruffled the inside of his jacket and pulled out his car keys. "There is one thing I want to make clear," Addison nodded for him to continue. "I do the interviewing from now on." He warned. Right now, she knew she didn't want to be on Robert's bad side; especially now he's considering her as a partner.

"Yes sir," she nodded.

"Good. Let's go and get ourselves a suspect." He smiled and stubbed out his cigarette. It's the first time she saw him smile and she thought it looked attractive.

## Chapter Thirteen

2016

Robert knocked on the front door and waited. Addison glanced around the front porch, brick-layered drive with small fencing on the outskirts. Two fancy cars sat glistening in the sunshine that almost blinded Addison.

The house was big and detached. Finally, a young woman answered the door. Addison was taken back at how young she looked. She was well dressed, perfect manicure on her nails and long blonde hair that reaches her breasts. She barely had make-up on. Addison thought how naturally beautiful she looked. Carl had found himself lucky, she though.

"I'm DCI Robert Ashworth and this is my partner DS Addison Scott. Is Mr. Willis here?" Robert introduced, showing her their badges. She had a good look and nodded for them to follow her. They entered the house perfectly clean house, spiral staircase to the side. They walked down the hallway, passing the staircase and into the kitchen. Addison saw Anna and Jake sitting at the counter, they both turned to see her entering the room. Jake jumped down and ran over to her, wrapping his arms around her. Addison bent down to return his hug.

"Carl, I'm DCI Robert Ashworth and this is DS Scott."

Carl gave his new wife a fleeting look but turned his attention to the officers. "What can I do for you officers?" He greeted with a forced smile. Addison moved over to where the children were. Carl gave her a daring look, but she ignored it and sat at the counter opposite the kids. Anna gave her a big smile.

"Hi," Anna whispered. Jake was shovelling a spoonful of cereal into his mouth and munched loudly. Addison smiled. "Hi Anna," she whispered back.

"We've come to speak to you about Wendy. There have been some allegations made about you." Robert said.

"Let me guess, Michael put you up to this?" Carl said. Anna's head popped up as she heard her real fathers name being mentioned. Robert noticed.

"I think it's best we spoke someone private. It's not something I would like to talk about in front of the children." Robert mentioned. Carl looked at the children who were both watching him. He glanced at his wife and she nodded. He took Robert out of the room, leaving Addison with his wife and children.

"I don't think you've introduced yourself?" Addison asked.

"I'm Stacey Willis." She replied. Her tone was soft and low and very shy. Addison watched as she got up from the counter and placed the children's empty bowls into the sink and started to wash them.

"How are you Anna?" Addison asked the young girl in sign language.

"I'm fine. We are glad to be out of the hospital now." She signed back.

"Are you settling here at your dad's ok?" Addison asked but this time without using sign language. If Anna had any problems, she knew she would have signed them to her when she asked how she was.

"He's not my real dad." Anna said. Addison glanced at Stacey and she scurried Jake out of the kitchen. Anna and Addison were both alone.

"Who is your real dad?" Addison asked. Anna knew more about her family affairs. She listened into conversations that she shouldn't have been listening to.

"I know who he is, yes. Carl or Michael didn't kill her." Anna told her.

"Did you see the killer?"

Anna didn't say anything. From Addison's experience, she knew she wouldn't have seen the killer. She hoped that Anna might remember small parts of that night. Maybe something to jog her memory.

"When he cut my wrists, there was one thing I do remember. He said to me 'By blood, this is my obligation.' I don't know what he meant." Anna said looking at her bandaged wrists. Addison pulled out her notebook and copied down everything Anna was telling her. "Also, his voice, I've heard it before." Anna told her.

"Do you know whose voice it could have been? Would you recognise it again?" Addison pushed. Anna shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. "You have my card if you have anything you want to ask me or remember anything from that night. I will help you." Addison told her. Anna nodded and Addison got up from the counter. "There was one more thing I wanted to ask?" Anna nodded for her to continue, "Did Carl ever hit you?"

Anna's eyes went wide. There was a long pause before Anna slowly nodded her head, tears starting to trickle down her cheeks. "He hit me because I got involved in the argument between him and my mum. He tried to take Jake away from her and I told him, there is no way he was going to do that. He hit my hard and I fell to the ground. Mum attacked him, punching and kicking him. Once she calmed down, he picked up his keys and left. We hadn't seen him until now." Anna sobbed. Addison sat on the stool beside her and wrapped her arms around Anna. She nestled into her side and held onto Addison tightly.

After moments had passed, Carl and Robert entered the room. Carl noticed that Anna and Addison were left alone. Stacey and Jake came back into the room a few seconds after. He glanced over to Anna and she realised he could see that she told Addison things. She didn't regret it. He let out a long sigh as he had already told Robert about that night, but, in Anna's case; the story could be different.

"Thank you for your time Mr. Willis and we will be back with any information about who did this to Wendy. If you have anything else you remember that could be important to our investigation, don't hesitate to contact us." Robert handed him his card with his number on it. Carl guided Addison and Robert out of the house.

Robert quickly lit a cigarette before getting back into the car. He pointed to Addison and nodded back to the house. "What did the children say?" He puffed out a breath of smoke.

"Anna confirmed Michael's story. She said Carl had hit her and her mum attacked him. He left not long after, trying to take Jake with him. She did say something interesting," Addison paused.

"Go on,"

"She said she heard the killers voice before, and she would recognise it again if she heard it. But she couldn't remember who it belongs to." Addison told him.

"That's good to know. She is our main witness and we may need to use her again if we can get ourselves a suspect."

Addison nodded as Robert stubbed out his cigarette and both got back into the car. They headed back to the station.

"I would like to talk to Michael again. Carl is very adamant that Michael was the one behind this." Robert said. Addison was about to say something until she was interrupted by his phone ringing.

"Ashworth," he answered. Addison could hear who was on the other side of the phone.

"Sir, it's Fletcher, Nora wants you back at the station as she has something for you." He told him.

"We just pulled in, be there in two." Robert hung up. "Nora has something for us."

They both got out of the car and headed back up into the department. Nora and Fletcher were waiting in his office as he arrived with Addison in tow.

"This better be good," Robert said.

"I don't know if it will break the case, but you would want to know." Nora started.

"Get to the point."

"On Wendy's clothes, it was all covered in her blood. When I tested her blood, there was two types that came up. The first one is Wendy's, she's O positive and the second blood type was B positive." She explained.

"So, you are telling me that Wendy had someone else's blood on her too."

"Exactly, it could even be your killer. Maybe he hurt himself." Nora nodded.

"I would like you to run the blood against our database to see if anyone pops up. Also run it against Carl and Michael, if there is a match, let me know as soon as possible." Robert said. Nora nodded and left his office. "Let's hope this is the break we need."

## Chapter Fourteen

2016

Rebecca Charles was in her mother's bedroom picking out a movie for them to watch together. Her mother has already dished out their Chinese they had ordered for dinner. Every Wednesday is their Chinese and movie night. Rebecca came back downstairs and noticed her mother had put all the food neatly out on the coffee table.

"What did you choose?" She asked her daughter. She picked up a prawn cracker and chomped down on it, making a crunch noise. Rebecca turned the DVD around and revealed she had picked Final Destination. She placed the DVD into the played and sat beside her mum.

"This food smells so good." Rebecca said as she grabbed herself a plate and dished out the food. Her favourite meal was a chicken curry with egg fried rice, and she could even fit in some sweet and sour chicken balls. Joan had lemon chicken and shredded beef; she also pinched a couple of Rebecca's chicken balls.

"We've seen this film so many times." Joan laughed. It was Rebecca's favourite movie; they had only watched it last week and probably a couple of weeks before that too.

"This food is delicious." Rebecca shovelled a spoonful of curry into her mouth. "So, how did your date go? Am I going to finally meet this mystery man?" Rebecca asked. She watched as her mother's cheeks started to redden.

"The date was lovely; you will meet him soon enough. I want to make sure it's the right time. We will see what happens in the future." Joan smiled.

"It seems that he really likes you, from everything you've told me. And he wants to see you again and again. If he makes you happy, I'm happy." Rebecca said. She gave her mum a little nudge with her shoulder and gave her a big grin, from ear to ear.

"You are very mature for your age and I'm proud of you."

They watched the rest of the film and eaten all their food. Once the film came to an end, Joan took all the dirty plates into the kitchen while Rebecca had fallen asleep on the sofa. She quickly washed up the dishes and then cleaned up the rubbish on the table. She put everything into a black bag and put it in the dustbin outside the front of the house. It was raining again, and it was now pitch black, all she could see were the streetlights. She shut the front door and locked it with the chain. After what happened to Wendy, she wanted to keep her family safe. She couldn't imagine what her children were going through. Their mother had been taken from them.

She glanced back at Rebecca who was still asleep on the sofa and decided to leave her a little bit longer. She headed upstairs into Rebecca's room to get out her school uniform for her in the morning. She hung it up on her bedroom door. Joan went into her bedroom and noticed the window was wide open. She rushed over and closed it. She turned to find a masked figure towering in front of her. She went to scream but he hit her over the head, and she fell to the floor unconscious.

Rebecca had suddenly woken and panicked when it was completely dark. All the lights had been switched off, and she knew her mother wouldn't leave her sleeping on the sofa before she went to bed herself. She rubbed her eyes and pulled the blanket off; she knew something was wrong. She went into the kitchen, but her mother wasn't there.

"Mum," she called. There was silence. Rebecca headed down the hallway and noticed that the front door was left wide open. She went over and quickly shut it, then there was a creaking noise coming from upstairs. "Mum?" Rebecca called again. Again, there was silence. "Mum are you up there?" She started to take one step at a time, heading her way up. As she got to the top, she noticed blood on the floor. Her heart was pumping so loudly, something was wrong. She knew it.

Joan's bedroom door was closed. She waited outside for a few moments, listening for any noises. There was not a single sound. She went to put her hand on the door handle, but it opened before she could. A man in a black ski mask stood in front of her. She could only see his green eyes. She looked behind him and her mother was lying in the middle of her bed, a knife sticking out from her chest and her bedsheets soaked in blood. Her hands covered her mouth.

She ran. She ran as fast as she could back down the stairs. The man was behind her and he grabbed her hair, yanking her backwards. She through her elbow out behind her, hitting him in the stomach. He bent over as he grunted, and she took this moment to run away again. She got downstairs with him hot on her heels, she ran into the kitchen and reached for the biggest knife from the block on the counter. As she turned to face him, he knocked it from her hand and grabbed her by the neck. He pinned her to the counter, and she started to scream, kicking her legs as hard as she could. He grabbed another knife and she instantly stopped.

"Please don't kill me." She whimpered. He leaned forward, almost on top of her, whispering into her ear. "Shh,"

The tears were rolling down her red cheeks as she looked him in the eyes. Something about him was familiar. But she didn't know where from. She closed her eyes tight, accepting this is the end for her. She waited for darkness, she winced as he sliced the knife over her wrist. Warm blood dripped onto the floor from her, expecting worse to happen.

She looked at him as he stepped away from her. She watched him leave the kitchen and then the front door slamming. He was gone.

Rebecca grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her wrist. She ran up the stairs three at a time and into her mother's bedroom. She knew she was dead and there was nothing she could do about it. She climbed onto the bed and wrapped her arms around her. The bedsheets were soaked, and her mother's hair was also soaked in her blood. Rebecca's cried echoed throughout the house.

## Chapter Fifteen

1981

Ian had finished school early today and decided to go straight home. He knew the house would be empty as his mother and father are at work. Alan should be with his girlfriend. When Alan came home and told the family he had a girlfriend, no one would believe him. Ian still doesn't believe him. He thinks it's probably another way to torment their father. Ian did wonder what type of girl Alan would fall in love with, if he did really have a girlfriend, Ian wondered what she would be like.

He finally arrived home and noticed that his father's car was in the driveway. Ian started to worry what he was about to walk in to, but he knew that their father wouldn't risk bringing his affair to the house. He walked through the front door and he could hear Alan's voice. They were arguing again.

"She's pregnant dad, what am I supposed to do?" Alan was shouting. Ian stood by the living room door and listened.

"You are going to be the man I brought you up to be. You will look after your girlfriend and her child, your child." Anthony said to his son. Ian heard his father's calm voice. He knew Alan would try and wind him up, it's what he's best at doing.

"Don't be a hypocrite dad, you didn't bring me up to be anything. You are trying to steal mum's credit, she brought me up. You've been to busy with your affairs to even help your family." Alan yelled again. Ian opened the door just slightly to see what they were doing.

"You are the hypocrite son, asking me for my advice and yet you make digs about my affairs. What would you do if I turned my back on you?" Anthony sat on the sofa and crossed his legs, watching his son pace back and forth in front of him. Alan sat beside his father and they stayed in silence. Ian was about to enter until Alan spoke again.

"What should I do?"

"Love and care for your child. Your life is going to change, and it will be for the better." Anthony told him.

"Yet you still have an affair, ruining the family." Alan retorted.

"Shut up Alan, you are going to need to grow up now."

Ian used this moment to enter the room and Anthony smiled as he glanced up to see his youngest son. Alan wondered how much of the conversation he had heard, knowing he would have listened. They both stared at each other, daring each other to talk first.

"You're home early," Alan started.

"I finished early."

"You sure you aren't skipping school?" Alan laughed.

"I finished early." Ian said again but more firm. "I heard you talking." He confessed. Alan sat up straight, crossing his arms over his chest. He tried to make it look as if it didn't bother him.

"I'm not surprised, you are always listening."

"I'm not the only one who does it. I learn from the best." Ian crossed his arms.

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"Now, now boys. There is no need to argue, mum will be home soon to make dinner. Behave for when she comes back. She doesn't want to come home to you two fighting again." Anthony told them.

"Upset her? Are you fucking kidding me?" Alan got up from his seat and headed upstairs to his bedroom. Anthony glanced over to Ian who had gotten all his homework books out all over the coffee table. "Need any help?"

"No thanks," Ian said. There was a long silence before Anthony got up and left the living room. Ian heard his mother's car pull up outside the front onto the drive. Her keys jingled as she put them into the front door and opened.

"Oh, Ian, you're home early." She smiled at her young boy.

"I finished early because of my good work." He beamed at her.

"Did you show your dad?"

"Nope, I wanted to show you only."

"Ah honey, you are so sweet." She smiled. She went into the kitchen and came back in with a glass of water. She placed it in front of Ian on the table.

"What's gotten into you and Alan lately?" She asked. She propped herself down next to him as she tucked a long strand of hair behind his ear. "I think you need a haircut," she laughed.

"Nothing is wrong, there isn't anything to be worried about. We are boys." Ian smiled.

She ruffled his hair and headed back into the kitchen.

## Chapter Sixteen

2016

Addison rolled over to answer her phone. She knew exactly why someone would be calling her at the crack of dawn.

"Addy, you need to get down here quick." Fletcher said.

"Where's here?" She yawned.

"I'll text the address, hurry up."

"I'll be about half an hour." Addison said as she was about to hang up.

"Robert said make it 15 minutes." Then Fletcher hung up.

She tried her hardest to make it on time. She had a quick shower and tied her long, wet hair into a tight bun. She made herself a quick coffee and then she was out the door within 15 minutes. Her car was what slowed her down, it had taken three turns for it to start.

Addison finally made it to the scene with Robert, Fletcher and DCS Brian Dowell waiting for her arrival. They were already dressed in their white paper suits. Robert tapped his watch as she approached them. Fletcher handed her a white suit which she quickly put on the top of her clothes.

"Joan Charles is the victim." Robert started as he treaded carefully towards the house. Everyone fell in step behind him.

"Same killer?" Addison asked.

"From what we know, yes,"

"Any children?" Addison asked again. Robert stopped and turned to face Addison.

"Yes, Rebecca Charles, she was taken into hospital as she was found unconscious." Robert told her.

"The neighbour called the police because they heard screaming in the middle of the night from the Charles household." Fletcher added.

"Nora Williams will be with us once she has finished with the scene. She will give us a run through. Dr. Richards has already been and gone, you will have to wait for the autopsy report." DCS Dowell nodded to Addison who had arrived at the scene late. "The victim is Joan Charles; she was found in her bedroom when uniform arrived. The daughter was lying face down on the floor beside her mother's bed. She was breathing when found, she has been taken straight to hospital. She had slash marks on her wrist." DCS Dowell told them. Addison quickly put on her white paper suit before entering the house as Dowell finished up his brief.

Addison watched as Robert marched into the house, so she followed behind him. They headed straight up the stairs and entered the bedroom. Robert held the door open for Addison to step into the room. She saw Joan's body lying on the bed, face up, with a knife to her heart. The bedding was soaked with blood and it dripped down to the floor.

Robert moved closer to the bed, carefully stepping over any blood. He nodded for Addison to come over. Joan was wearing a light-coloured top and it was hitched at the bottom ever so slightly, revealing a mark. Robert with his gloved hand lifted the top and revealed the carving on her stomach, the same as Wendy Willis. He glanced up at Addison.

"We need to nail this fucker before he strikes again," Robert told her. He stormed out of the room while the forensics team were in and out of the room. Addison followed him out of the room and joined him where Nora Williams and DCS Dowell were having a walk through the scene. Addison and Robert followed them into the living room. Addison noticed the folded blanket on the back of the sofa, but nothing else caught her eye.

They entered the kitchen and Addison noticed that there were two knives missing from the knife block. She took a closer look wondering why there was two missing.

"Was the girl unconscious when she was found?" She queried. DCS Dowell came up beside her.

"She was found by the officer who arrived at the scene. They entered the premises as the door was left open and there was blood on the porch." Dowell explained.

"Who called it in?"

"Her name is Sienna Walcott; she is the neighbour who lives next door. Do you want to interview her?" Dowell asked her.

"Yes, please sir," Addison got out her notebook and walked over to a woman who was accompanied by two officers. She showed her badge and the officers both left Addison to talk to the witness.

"Hi Sienna, I'm DS Addison Scott. I've been told to take your statement about the domestic you called in."

"Yes, yes, I called it in. I had to call because I heard screaming, it was a blood curdling scream. The first time I heard it, I thought it might have been drunks laughing and shouting as they pass by, but the second time, it was Rebecca, she was shouting for help and that someone killer her mother. I ran to glance out of the window, and I saw someone dragging her back inside the house. That's when I called the police, I stayed by the window and saw him leave." Sienna rushed and started to cry. Addison had written everything down and then put a hand on Sienna's shoulder, hoping to calm her.

"Did you recognise the man at all?" Addison asked her.

"He was wearing a mask. Like those you wear when you burgle someone. He was very tall, at least six feet, and wore all black." Sienna said.

"What about his build?"

"He was quite stocky, squared shoulders."

"Thank you for your help Sienna, if you remember anything at all, you can call me on this number." Addison handed her one of her white cards with her details on it. Addison walked back over to the scene and saw that Robert and DCS Powell were both waiting for her to come back.

"Sienna saw the killer attacking Rebecca on the porch. She was dragged back inside the house. She gave me a description, tall, six feet at least and he was dressed in black and wore a black ski mask. She said he was also quite stocky. Maybe worked out or something." Addison told them. "Do you think he came back to finish off Rebecca? Did she do something for him to come back?" She asked.

"I believe he thought Rebecca was still asleep in bed," Nora said as she joined them.

"She slept on the sofa," Addison told her. Nora glared at her and then carried on.

"She woke up and looked for her mother, found him in her mother's room and put up a fight. I believe he left, and she came out screaming for help before he could get away, so he came back to shut her up. I'm not sure if he intentionally tried to kill her or not." Nora finished. Robert noticed Addison stroking her right wrist where he saw a large white scar. Addison saw him looking and pulled down her sleeves.

"Addison and I will head back to the station and find the next of kin so we can notify them. Rebecca will be heavily guarded at the hospital. Fletcher, you will go and talk to Carl Willis to see if you can find out if there was a connection between Joan Charles and Wendy Willis. Were they friends?" Robert demanded.

"I'll see you down the station in a bit." Fletcher nodded and headed back to his car. Robert didn't say anything else and headed back to the station. Addison followed in her scrappy car and headed up into the department. Robert was back in his office when she arrived. Addison knocked on his door and he called her in.

"Could you look up Joan Charles on the system to see if she has any history with the police or any records of her. Something we could use," Robert told her. Addison nodded and headed out of the office. She went to her desk and typed in Joan's name into the search. She found that her husband was deceased, and her parents live in the area. She had written down the address in her little notebook and the names, Richard and Susie Charles. Joan only has one daughter, Rebecca Charles who goes to the same school as Anna Willis.

## Chapter Seventeen

2016

Addison felt proud of herself finding a possible connection between Wendy Willis and Joan Charles. She went to knock on Robert's door, but she heard talking from inside. She thought against it and sat back at her seat. She wanted to carry on some research about the school, she thought it could be possible that Anna and Rebecca knew each other. There was so many possibilities going through her mind, but she didn't want to jump to any conclusions. There was one thing she knew; she was on the right track to finding this killer.

Someone exited Robert's office and she grabbed her notes, heading straight inside and closing the door behind her.

"I saw you outside my office, if it's important or you have something, I don't mind you interrupting; but it better be good." Robert told her. Addison stared at him wondering if that would have been the case, if she had gone into his office while someone else was in there, she knew he would give her an ear full. She watched as he sat in his seat and waved for her to tell him what she had found.

"First, I've got the address to Joan Charles parents. They live in town. Second, her husband is deceased, Rebecca's father. Third, I believe I found the connection between Wendy and Joan. Rebecca goes to the same school as Anna Willis." Addison read through her notes.

"Good work Addison now let's go to the parents and notify them. We will stop by the school after and make some enquiries." Robert grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair.

"Am I good partner now?" Addison found herself saying. Robert stopped and Addison expected him to bite her head off. But he took her by surprise and laughed saying, "not quite there yet," he carried on walking out of the department.

"You've done well so far kid," Robert told her.

"Kid? Aren't we the same age?" Addison laughed.

"I'll take that as a compliment. I'm six years older than you."

"Six? Wow, you don't look it."

"Stop the sweet talking, it's not working."

"It is a little bit though," Addison said in a sing-like tune. She caught Robert with a slight grin. He glanced over his shoulder at her as they both entered the car park. He was starting to warm up to her and she knew it.

They finally arrived at the address for Susie and Richard Adams. Joan Charles parents. Robert knocked on the front door and waited. An elderly woman answered, blondish-grey hair and green eyes.

"DCI Robert Ashworth and this is my partner DS Addison Scott, do you mind if we come in?" Robert asked. As the woman opened the door, the smell of baking hit their noses. They entered the house and the old lady sat beside her husband who was reading the daily newspaper on the sofa. He put the paper down when he saw the two officers enter his home.

"I better turn off the oven." Mrs Adams said as she rushed out into the kitchen and returned a few seconds after. She sat back in the spot next to her husband.

Addison saw the look in their eyes, as if they knew what was coming. She watched as Mr Adams grabbed his wife's hand, tightly. They sat watching Robert and Addison, waiting for them to say something.

"It's Joanie, isn't it? Something has happened to her." Mrs Adams sobbed. Mrs Adams put his arm around his wife.

"I am so sorry to tell you; Joan was found dead at her home last night." Robert said. Addison watched as he rubbed his thumbs together.

"What happened?" Mr Adams asked. He held his wife tightly as she sobbed into his shoulder.

"She was murdered Mr Adams." Robert told him. Mrs Adams sobbed louder.

"Where is our Rebecca? Where is she?" Mrs Adams suddenly asked.

"She's in hospital. She was badly attacked and was taken in with head injuries." Addison added.

"Can we go and see her?" Mrs Adams lifted her head up from her husband's chest, tears streamed down her face. Mr Adams passed her a tissue and she blew her nose.

"Of course, you can, she's still unconscious from what we know but she is in a stable condition. When she wakes up, we will need to speak to her so we can find out what happened to Joan." Robert said.

"We will need you to formally identify Joan's body. Please, take your time." Addison added.

"I wanted to ask you, do you know anyone who may have a grudge against Joan and Rebecca?" Robert asked.

"Joan and Rebecca are both lovely people. I can't think of anyone who would do this to them. Joan was dedicated to Rebecca; she was so focussed on bringing up Rebecca to be a good person. She done a lovely job." Mrs Adams told them.

"If you contact this number, if you have anything that comes to mind that seemed odd or something that was said from Joan that could help up with this investigation it would be really helpful." Addison handed her white card with her details on.

They finally left the house and Robert walked in silence back to the car. They could hear the sobs from Mr and Mrs Adams as they left the house. Addison watched him as he fumbled with his car key to unlock it, which he eventually did. Just as they got into the car, Robert's phone started ringing. He snapped it open, "Ashworth," he glanced over to Addison.

"You've got to be kidding." Robert hung up and then slammed his phone against the steering wheel.

"What's going on?"

"Rebecca is out of surgery, but there was complications and she's now in a coma." Robert told her the news. She sunk into her seat and let out a long breath. Another step back in the case.

Addison broke the silence as they left the house. "Do you think the killer's intention was to murder Rebecca?".

"I'm not sure, I think it could be a warning. She fought back and gave him no choice to hurt her. So, no, I don't think his intention was to kill her. But we need to catch him before he does kill a child." Robert told her.

"It's odd that he's killing the parents, yet the connection lies between the children. So, what's his motive?"

Robert nodded his head in agreement but didn't respond. Addison could see that he was taking it in, trying to make sense of everything that has happened so far. There is one thing he knew for sure; the children are their biggest lead.

Addison pulled out her notebook to have a look through her notes she has made so far. She knew every little detail was very important and she made sure she could get everything she had noticed or anything that was said.

"Anna said she recognised his voice, it's someone she knows or could be someone from the school. It would make sense if we started to focus on the school now, question the teachers and other pupils." Addison suggested. Again, Robert nodded but didn't respond, but he was listening.

She put her notebook back into her pocket and started to rub the scar on her wrist which caught Robert's attention. He glanced down at her hands as she started to vigorously rub it.

"What did you do?" Robert asked her.

"Hmm?"

"The scar, how did you do that?" He nodded to her rubbing her wrists.

"Oh, erm, I did it when I was little. Bike riding," she laughed awkwardly. She couldn't tell him the truth about how she got that scar. It was her personal reminder of what happened to her when she was young.

"Oh, I see," he laughed with her. "I wanted to go back to Carl Willis, I have a few questions to ask him." He told her. She nodded and glanced out of the window. She knew he wanted to know how they were connected, if Anna may have known Rebecca. Addison was just as curious as Robert; but she already knew the answer. She also knew that it was time to tell Robert about The Silent Killer case and the connection it has with their current case. And, not only that, her personal connection to the cases.

## Chapter Eighteen

2016

Addison was stunned to watch Robert drive off after leaving her at Carl Willis's house. She stood watching the car as it disappeared down the road. He had left it down to her to find out the connection between the two families. He had more important things to attend to back at the station, so he says. Just when she thought that Robert was starting to like her and then he goes and ditches her again. She rolled her eyes as she knocked on the door. Addison was almost certain that Anna was the biggest key to this case, but she needed to piece the puzzle together. The killer was closer than she thought.

Carl finally answered the door, surprised to see Addison there. He opened the door to let her in. "Have you found something?" he asked.

"I wanted to ask Anna a few more questions, if you don't mind." Addison said. Carl stared at her. He rubbed his hand over his face and into his hair. She could see he was very tired, the dark circles under his eyes and his dishevelled hair.

"What now? What is it that you want to ask her? Don't you think this is traumatic enough for them?" Carl hissed. Addison's nostrils flared at his angered words. She knew it was traumatic, but she had a job to do.

"I'm sorry, but there has been another murder and a young girl is in a coma. Anna is our only witness." Addison told him. Carl's eyes widened.

"You mean, he's killed again?" They finally made it to the living room and Carl let himself drop onto the sofa. Addison perched beside him.

"Do you know a Joan Charles?" Addison asked. Carl sat back in the sofa, looking up as if he was thinking about something. He shook his head. "Please can I talk to Anna; Joan Charles has a daughter and she goes to the same school as Anna." Addison asked. "You can stay in the room if you want while I talk to her." Carl nodded and called Anna down.

Addison heard footsteps getting louder as they got closer. Anna came around the corner and entered the living room. She saw Addison, giving her a soft smile which she returned. She sat opposite her.

"Hi Anna, how are you doing?" Addison asked. Anna glanced from her to Carl and back again. "Don't worry, he's just supervising." Anna nodded.

"It's been a hard couple of days, especially with Jake, but we are doing fine." Anna smiled and Carl nodded along with her.

"I'm here because I have some news about our investigation, you are our key witness and I will need to ask more questions. Are you ok with that?" Addison asked.

"He's killed again, hasn't he?"

Addison leaned over and placed her voice recorder on the coffee table. Anna glanced at it and then to Addison with worry in her eyes.

"I'm just recording our interview so I can remember what you said if we ever need to listen back. I hope you don't mind." Anna nodded. "I wanted to ask you some questions, if it becomes to hard, tell me when to stop and I will. There has been another murder, someone called Joan Charles." Addison told her. Anna's eyes widened and her hand came up to cover her mouth.

"Rebecca's mum." Anna said. Addison nodded.

"Are you and Rebecca close?"

"She's my best friend." Anna told her. "Is she?" Anna started but tears appeared in her eyes, rolling down her cheeks slowly as she thought about her best friend going through the same thing as she did. Carl got up and sat beside Anna, putting his arms around her. Anna leaned into him as she sobbed.

"Is she ok? Can I see her?" Anna asked.

"She's in a coma. It seems that she attacked the killer when she found that he killed her mother. She put up quite a struggle, she's a brave girl. Like you," Addison told her.

"So, her mother is really dead?"

"Yes, Anna, I want to know all your classes that you and Rebecca did together at school. Were you both in clubs together, which ones if so? It could really help us." Addison asked.

"I can give you a copy of my timetable, me and Rebecca were in the same classes for everything. Is it someone from school who is doing this?"

"We are not sure, but we are covering all different angles. Our only connection is you two at the same school, so this is a good start, thank you." Addison explained. Anna got up and went through her school bag, she handed the piece of paper to Addison. She had a quick look at it, folded it and popped it into her notebook.

"Can I go and see her?" Anna asked.

"Of course," Addison nodded. "I know my way out, thank you Anna, you've been a great help. Remember to call me if you think of anything else." Addison got up from her seat and glanced to Carl. He nodded and Anna gave her a soft smile.

"Trust us," Addison signed with her fingers. Anna smiled and leaned her head back onto Carl. Addison walked out leaving Carl to comfort Anna. She started to like Carl, he didn't once butt into their interview and he comforted Anna when she was upset.

Addison made her way back home to listen to the tape again. She managed to get Anna's timetable for their school subjects. She was hoping this could be a step forward to finding their killer. She could feel them getting closer.

When she got home, she poured herself a glass of wine and started to go through her notebook and write down some theories. She written down all the evidence they had found and all the interviews they had taken, now she started to piece as much as she could together.

## Chapter Nineteen

2016

Addison woke with a start. She lifted her head and a piece of paper was stuck to her forehead. She took it off, remembering that she was writing down her theories and evidence that could link to them. What was the connection between the killer and the mothers? Why did the killer involve the children? Who was the killer? So many thoughts ran through her mind, she ended up falling asleep.

All the files from The Silent Killer case were scattered all over the table. The pictures were place on top of the table and the autopsies were lying on the floor.

She tidied up her table and put all the case files together. She took her wine glass into the kitchen and headed to her bedroom to go back to sleep. Addison got into bed and placed her phone on charge on her bedside table. The time flashed up, just past three. She pulled the covers over her shoulders and closed her eyes, until the doorbell rang.

Addison opened her eyes and glanced at her phone, waiting for something else to happen, even expecting someone to call her; whoever was knocking on her door. She closed her eyes, but the doorbell rang again.

She got out of bed and headed to the front door. She peeked through the spy hole but couldn't see anyone outside. She bolted the door and went into her living room, sitting down on her sofa. She ran her hands through her hair. The doorbell went again.

"For fuck sake," she muttered as she got up. She headed for the door again and this time she opened it up. No one was there. She glanced up and down the street, not a soul in sight, but she noticed a piece of paper that was flapping gently in the wind under the wiper of her car. She quickly ran over in bare feet, grabbing the paper from her car and running back. She closed her door behind her, bolting it and then she read the paper.

"Madison Reed, I'm coming for you."

She covered her mouth with her hands. Someone had used her birth name and it scared the shit out of her. She ran into her bedroom and grabbed her phone. Could this be from the killer? If so, he knows who she is.

"Fletch, I'm sorry for calling you this late. I really need you right now. Could you come over?" Addison asked. Fletcher could hear the desperation in her voice. She could hear him moving around.

"Give me 5," he said and hung up.

Addison sat in the corner of her room on the floor. Her hands were shaking violently as she gripped hold of her phone tightly and waited.

He finally turned up and knocked on her door. She tiptoed to the front door and peeped through the spy hole. She opened the door to let him inside. She felt immediately safe.

"Mind telling me what's going on?" He said, crossing his arms over his chest. She handed over the piece of paper and he looked at it. He looked back at her, "what's this?" He asked.

"You might want to sit down." Addison told him. He followed her into her living room and sat down on the sofa. He went to speak but Addison cut him off. "Before you say anything, please, just listen."

"You better make it worth my time right now." He said.

"My birth name is Madison Reed," she started.

"You mean Alan Reed's daughter?" Fletcher sat forward taking an interest now.

"Yes, and obviously he is the one who was responsible for The Silent Killer murders. Including me as a witness," she explained. He watched as she stroked the scar on her wrist and suddenly everything made sense.

"You think this is a copycat killer don't you,"

"Yeah, I do believe so, everything is pointing in that direction. I don't want to tell Robert about my history, but I do think we need to bring The Silent Killer case to his attention."

"Not only that, you are being threatened now. The killer knows who you are." Fletcher added.

"I'm not sure if this is the killer. Alan is in prison where I put him. He killed my mother and many other women and children. This is just a reminder of that day." She showed him the scar, which looked a lot bigger up close.

"What happened to you after this all happened?"

"I went into foster care. I was a victim, so it wasn't hard for people to feel sorry for me and I was taken in very quickly. When I turned 18 years old, I changed my name legally and joined the police training academy. I had to work so hard to get where I am now and nothing got in my way, until now. My past is coming back to haunt me." Addison almost sobbed. She put her hand over her mouth and held it back.

"I won't say anything to Robert but sooner or later, this needs to come out."

"I know and I will tell him as soon as it's the right time. I promise."

He nodded over to the box sitting down the side of the coffee table, "is that the case file for The Silent Killer?" Addison nodded. "Let's get it together and bring it to Robert." Addison nodded again. He picked up the stash of photos and opened the box, he noticed a young photo of Addison when she was a teen. He placed them into the box followed by the case files and statements. There is one thing Fletcher knew, she trusted him.

"Would you stay the night; I would feel so much safer if you did. I mean, if you have someone to go home to, I understand." Addison asked. Her heart thumping so loud, hoping he would say yes. He strolled over and pulled her into his arms. She was surprised.

"Thank you Fletch,"

"Would you mind telling me the whole story?" He asked. She nodded. She knew talking about the case, about what happened to her, might bring some clues to their attention. If this is a copycat killer, there will be something within her story. He grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her to the sofa. They both sat down, and she closed her eyes, remembering back to that day. It was as if it was still fresh on her mind.

"I was fifteen at the time. My mum and dad argued a lot, I was a typical teen who thought their parents were about to divorce. My mum thought he was having an affair, she suspected for a long time, but she never confronted him about it. One night, she dragged me out with her. We arrived at a woman's house and she told me to wait in the car. She looked through the window." Addison started while stroking her scar. Fletcher put his hand on her thigh.

"You don't have to tell me; I shouldn't have asked." Fletcher told her.

"I want to, it will help me to talk about it. It will also help our case." She said. He nodded for her to continue.

"I was sat in the car and I saw mum run back. She was so white, I expected to see her burst into tears; but she didn't. I saw fear in her eyes. She drove back home, rather quickly and I started to worry about her. We got home and she ran upstairs so I followed her up, she had dragged our luggage cases out. She started packing all of our clothes, hers and mine." Addison glanced up and Fletcher was watching her. He was close.

"Alan, I mean dad, he came home. I heard him stomping so hard on the stairs as he came up. He had a knife in his hand, a big one. Mum started calling him the silent killer, I remember it being all over the news and I was stunned. I moved back as they shouted, into the corner, and suddenly she dropped to the floor. She was right, he was the silent killer. She was covered in blood, I wanted to go to her, but I feared him. He came to me. I thought he was going to kill me next." She continued rubbing the scar, getting quicker and quicker. She was relieved when he spoke next.

"He cut your wrist."

"He said to me that we were bound by blood and that we will meet again. They were his last words before I saw him being dragged out of the room and someone was in front of me. Every part of me went numb. The last time I saw him was in court." Addison finished.

"You should get some rest and when tomorrow comes; we will sort this out. We won't tell Robert about you yet, but we will bring the case to his attention. I will help you." Fletcher assured her. She nodded and got up, she headed to her bedroom and heard him moving around in the living room. She came back with blankets and pillows for him.

"You are my only friend, thank you for coming. I didn't know who else I could turn to." Addison confessed.

"Addison, rely on me from now on." Fletcher said. She nodded and watched him get comfy on the small sofa.

"Good night,"

"Good night Addison."

She nodded and went back to her bedroom. She finally climbed in and sleep came quickly. After talking about her past, she didn't realise how much it was weighing on her shoulders.

## Chapter Twenty

1981

Alan arrived home early to drop his things off before picking up his little brother from school. He walked into the living room and dropped his bag on the sofa. He noticed his dad was home, but he wasn't alone. Alan didn't think that his dad would bring his mistress to the house, but he did. Alan balled his hands into fists, stomping towards the telephone. He picked up the piece and typed in his mum's work number.

"Mum, I'm sorry to bother you while you are working, but something is wrong with Ian. Please come home." Alan sobbed down the phone. He put the phone down when she agreed, and a smile appeared on his lips.

Alan couldn't believe that dad had been so careless to bring his mistress home. He knew ringing his mum wasn't a good idea, but it's time she found out. He finally left the house to go and pick up Ian. He was debating in his mind whether to take Ian straight home or take him somewhere to eat. But Ian would know something was wrong.

He waited patiently for his little brother. The bell rang and children started to pour out from the school. Ian had finally appeared, but he wasn't alone, he had someone with him. He waved his friend goodbye and skipped up to Alan.

"Who was that?" Alan asked.

"Oh, that's Keith, we are partners for the science project." Ian smiled. He was happy to finally make a friend. Alan and Ian both started walking home.

"I thought I should warn you that mum and dad are probably arguing right now." Alan told him. Ian looked up at his brother and furrowed his brow.

"Why? What have you done?"

"I've not done anything; dad had his mistress at home. I called mum to come home, that you were not feeling well." Alan said. Ian stopped.

"What? Why did you do that? It's going to break mum's heart." Ian sobbed.

"Ian, dad has been doing this for a long time now. It's about time she found out, she deserves better than a man like him." Alan tried to convince his little brother, but he was a mummy's boy. All Ian wanted was his mum to be happy.

"We better hurry up and get home then." Ian started to pick up the pace in his walk, almost jogging. Alan jogged behind him as they turned the corner to see their mum's car on the drive. They saw the front door open. Ian ran inside calling out for their mum, but she didn't reply. Alan was behind Ian as they glanced around the living room.

"She's probably crying in her room." Alan said. Ian ran for the stairs, but Alan stopped him. "I'll go up first.".

Ian went up behind Alan as they headed up the steps slowly. The bedroom was slightly open, and Alan pushed it even more, creaking as it moved. Ian went over to the window in the bedroom and Alan creeped over to the bathroom. He peeked inside and his eyes widened.

"Ian stay there," Alan said as he stepped inside the bathroom. The water was red. Their mum was in the bathtub with blood up the sides of the wall and the shower curtain. The knife was on the floor where she must have dropped it after cutting her wrists. Ian poked his head in and saw her.

"Mum," he squealed.

"Call an ambulance, go now!" Alan yelled. Ian ran out to the telephone and quickly dialled in the numbers to call an ambulance. Alan already knew it was too late. Her skin turned a light grey colour and the bath was full of blood coloured water. She was fully dressed. He checked her wrist for a pulse, but there was none. He gently put his hands into the water and pulled her to his chest.

"I did this, I did this to you. This is all my fault." Alan sobbed, holding his mother in his arms. Ian came running back into the room with the telephone as far as the wire could reach.

"Tell them, tell them what happened." Ian sobbed as he held the phone to Alan. Alan let go of his mum and she fell back into the water. He grabbed the phone from him and explained everything to the ambulance. The operator stayed on the line while they waited for an ambulance to arrive. Sirens were heard faintly in the background, getting louder the closer it got.

The operator finally hung up when the paramedics came into the house. Ian escorted them to the bathroom. Alan took the telephone outside of the bedroom and dialled in his dad's number, he answered on the first ring.

"Alan, you little shit." Anthony seethed down the phone. Alan couldn't help his sobs. He could hear his dad's heavy breath down the receiver.

"She's dead. Mum is dead." Alan finally said. He hung up the phone before his dad could say anything else. He even wanted to believe that his dad killed her and staged it like a suicide. But he couldn't get over the fact it was his own fault. His actions resulted in his mum's death. Alan went over to give Ian a big cuddle as the paramedics called her time of death. He knew the police would be here soon. He went downstairs to the kitchen to make Ian a glass of water when he saw his girlfriend standing by the door.

"Jade, what are you doing here?" Alan rushed over to her. He pulled her over to the sofa where Ian sat sobbing. He sat her next to his little brother, she put an arm over his shoulder and pulled him into her.

"What the hell has happened?" She said.

"My mum has killed herself." Alan told her. Her mouth dropped open and held Ian tighter.

"I'm so sorry," she said. She didn't know what else she could say. She rubbed Ian's back gently as he sobbed harder and harder. Alan saw his dad walk in through the door, heading straight for him. He grabbed his son by his collar and pinned him against the wall. He through his fist at his son's face but Alan dodged it. He pushed his dad and he stumbled backwards.

"How could you leave her like that. How could you just walk out the door, leaving her in this state." Alan yelled. He pushed his dad again. "I wanted her to find out about you because I thought she would get rid of you. It would have been me, her and Ian. You broke her heart and it hurt her so much, she killed herself. She killed herself dad," Alan pushed his dad one last time. He fell to the ground looking up at his son, eyes wide. "I gave you the chance to tell her. You were supposed to tell her." Alan screamed.

"I've failed you. I've failed you all. I'm so sorry," Anthony started to sob, covering his eyes with his hands. Ian jumped up from the sofa and huddled into his dad. Alan had tears falling down his cheeks. He kneeled next to his dad and Anthony put his other arm around him. They huddled on the floor as they sobbed together.

## Chapter Twenty-One

2016

Addison woke up to the smell of bacon. She sat up in her bed, knowing she didn't have any bacon. She rolled out of her bed and put her slippers on. She hovered in the hallway to hear Fletcher humming a soft tune. She slowly appeared in the kitchen where Fletcher dished up breakfast. He glanced up to see her standing there watching him.

"I hope you don't mind; you didn't have anything in your cupboards, so I went out and got back bacon." Fletcher smiled. Addison sat down on her sofa. Fletcher gave her the plate with a bacon sandwich. Addison took it with a smile. She picked up the sandwich and stuffed it into her mouth as if she hadn't eaten for months. Fletcher laughed and said, "what do you even live on?".

Addison slowed down and wiped her mouth with her arm. "I don't mind. You could do this more often." She joked. She noticed that Fletcher had put all the case files away and stacked them on top of each other. She stared at them, nibbling at her sandwich. Fletcher sat beside her with his breakfast. They both demolished the rest of their food.

"I thought I'd clear it all up for you. I wanted to leave you to sleep in." Fletcher told her.

"Thank you, Fletcher, I don't know who else I could have contacted. And this, it's delicious. I've not eaten something like this in such a long time." She tapped her empty plate.

"Don't you cook?" He asked.

"I can't really cook. I do cook, but it never tastes good."

"What do you eat?"

"Takeaways." She laughed.

"That's not healthy."

"I wouldn't mind if you offered to cook for me now and then." She said. She felt her cheeks grew a little hot. She glanced up to see a big grin of Fletcher's face.

"Buy me a crate of beer and you have yourself a deal." He laughed.

"Deal!" Addison said. She got up from the sofa and took Fletcher's empty plate and placed them both in the sink.

"I'm going to head home and have a quick shower before we confront Robert with these files. I'll take them with me, is that ok?" He asked

"That's fine, I'll see you at the office." She said. Fletcher picked up the boxes and headed for the front door. "Thank you for coming over last night." Addison told him as he left.

"No worries, I'll be here if you need me again. I'll see you soon." Fletcher waved after placing the boxes in the boot of his car. Addison waved as he drove off down the street.

She went back inside and quickly washed the plates they had used. After, she went to get herself showered and ready for work. She was terrified what will happen once Robert finds out the truth. She grabbed her things and got inside of her car. She turned the key in the ignition three times, but it didn't start. She growled loudly and hit her head against the steering wheel. The car finally started after the fifth time and she made her way into work. She parked in her usual space outside the station. She noticed Fletcher was standing by the entrance.

He saw her get out of the car and made his way over. "We may have to delay telling Robert about these case files. He wants to take you to the morgue straight away. Some news about Joan Charles autopsy." Fletcher told her.

"I thought you was going to tell me that he found out and he's waiting to have my head." She shrugged her shoulders. Fletcher laughed and shook his head.

"You are in the clear but prepare yourself later. We will have to tell him." Fletcher told her. She nodded as she followed him inside the building, heading up the stairs to the department. She glanced around to see people rushing around the offices. It was a busy day, especially with a copycat killer out there, that is something she is sure of. It was only a few moments before Robert was calling her into his office. She glanced back at Fletcher and he shrugged. She went into his office.

"Good morning," he greeted.

"Morning sir," she said. Addison noticed his unusually good mood today. She wanted to ask him, but she knew she would only put him in a bad mood. Because with her information, his mood wasn't going to last.

"Dr Charlie Richards has summoned us to the morgue this morning, he says he has something in Joan Charles report." Robert explained. He grabbed his jacket and nodded for her to exit his office, while he followed behind her.

"I spoke to Anna Willis again after making the connection with the school and it turns out that she was Rebecca Charles's best friend at school." Addison told him. She could tell Robert was surprised, he took in what she had said and then a smile appeared. "I got everything on tape too." Addison quickly added. She watched as he started tapping away at his navigation system and then Fletcher's name popped up. The sound of ringing echoed in the car and then his voice surrounded them.

"Sir?" Fletcher said.

"When you interview Joan's parents again, ask them if they know about the friendship between Anna and Rebecca?" Robert told him.

"Yes sir, is that everything?" Fletcher said.

"Yes, keep me updated and if anything crops up please let me know as soon as possible." Robert ended the call. "I want you to send a copy of that interview to Fletcher as soon as you get a moment." Robert told Addison.

"Yes sir," she nodded.

Robert pulled into the mortuary hospital car park. Addison saw Dr Richards standing just outside of the entrance, smoking a cigarette. He tossed it to the side as they got out of the car.

"Greetings," Dr Richards smiled. He held his hand out for Robert to shake, which he did. Addison watched as the two men started to share an inside joke between them both. She felt left out until Dr Richards turned to her. He offered her hand and she shook it.

Dr Richards headed inside the building as Robert and Addison fell in step behind him. He held the door open as they entered the corridor towards the mortuary room, the one they were in before.

"What do we have Charlie?" Robert asked. Addison saw the body laying on a silver trolley, covered with a white sheet. Dr Richards pulled it off and Addison saw the word 'shh' carved into the body's stomach. It was the killer's trademark and Addison held onto that information that made him different to The Silent Killer from 20 years ago.

"Joan Charles, white, female and she was 39 years of age. She was a young mother. Same as before, she has 'shh' carved into the stomach. This time, there is an injury to her head. A blunt instrument, I would say something rounded, curved maybe." Dr Richards pointed to the bit to her head and Addison leaned forward to have a closer look.

"I see, something like a hockey stick. Curved?" Addison suggested.

"Exactly like that. She also has a puncture wound to her neck, right here." He pointed again and Addison followed his line of direction. "She was injected with Brevital Sodium, enough to put her to sleep and then he stabbed her in the heart." Dr Richards added.

"Can I ask you a question?" Addison asked.

"You just did," Dr Richards smiled. Addison chuckled at his small joke.

"Another one,"

"Go on,"

"Well I've been trying to come up with a motive that seems to be encouraging our killer, I've found similarities to another case, it's possible they link?" Addison asked.

"The Silent Killer case," He added. Addison looked at him surprised. He pulled the words right from her mouth. Robert moved closer as he listened to them both talk about their theories.

"It's funny, I was going to tell Robert about the case to consider. I believe you have a copycat killer on your hands." Dr Richards said directly at Robert.

"We need to get back to the station and get these files now." Robert demanded. Addison quickly chased up with him as he left the room. Dr Richards didn't follow.

"Is there anything you want to tell me?" Robert asked her.

"I don't know sir, is there?"

"Don't play games with me Addison. You brought up the case for a reason. You must have a pretty good reason for this."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"I was hoping you would tell me the truth; I've given you the chance." Robert said as he carried on walking out of the building. They both got into the car and Robert turned his attention to Addison. She realised that he knew the truth about her.

"You knew,"

"Do you really think I would miss a connection like this? Do you think I would let anyone onto my team without knowing their background!" Robert told her.

"Please sir, don't take me off this case. I really believe I can help with this one." Addison begged.

"Oh, I won't be taking you off the case, but we will be talking about this when we get back to my office. I want to know everything you know." Robert said. Addison nodded. He turned to the steering wheel and started the engine. She didn't say anything else. Addison didn't want to let Robert know that Fletcher also knew about her past.

Addison knew what would happen next, and it's the main reason she wanted to keep it a secret. It's about time she visited her father in prison, because he is the only one who can give her information about this killer.

## Chapter Twenty-Two

2016

Robert and Addison were back in his office. He slammed the door behind them as he moved over and sat at his desk. He pushed his hands into his hair and loosened the top button of his shirt. Fletcher entered the room with the big cardboard box of files. He gave Addison a side glance as he entered. He placed them down in front of Robert. They waited for the arrival of DCS Brian Dowell and Nora Williams. Robert took the first file on the top of the pile in front of him, he looked inside, flicking through the pages as they all waited. He glanced up at Addison. She was staring out of the window, not paying any attention at all. DCS Dowell and Nora finally arrived into the office.

"What do you have?" Dowell asked. He glanced at the box in front of Robert. He noticed the label on the side of it.

"Dr Charlie Richards has come up with a theory that this is possibly the work of a copycat killer. I believe we should consider the possibility this is something to do with The Silent Killer case." Robert told him. He glanced at Addison. For the first time, he could not read her. She was showing no emotion. "We've found many things that link the two cases together, so I would like to investigate more into this." Robert carried on.

"Investigate everything, I want this killer found." DCS Dowell demanded.

"I wanted your permission to go and speak to Alan Reed in prison. He possibly could give us an insight of this copycat killer, that's if he's not in contact with our killer himself." Robert saw Addison flinch from the corner of his eye but ignored it. "Addison and I will be the ones to interview him." Robert added.

Addison had to face the biggest fear of her life. Alan Reed. The first case she had to deal with, was connected to her father. The man who killed her mother in front of her. She had not seen him for 20 years, he frightened her.

"So, you are sure this is a copycat killer?" DCS Dowell wanted to confirm. Robert nodded his head and Dowell headed for the door followed by Nora, who did not speak a word. "Go and get him." He said as he exited.

"Thank you for not telling him." Addison said to Robert.

"Don't let me regret this." Robert waved his hand for them to leave his office.

Addison went to her desk with Fletcher behind her. She sat down in her chair. "He knew this whole time!" Addison said.

"He knows who you really are?"

"He's never going to trust me now. He gave me the chance to come clean and I didn't take it."

"I'm sure he does, he's got you doing the interview with Alan." Fletcher sat beside her in another black office chair.

"That's only because I'm his biological daughter. Robert is probably thinking that I will get a reaction out of Alan. I have not seen the man since I was 15 years old." Addison flopped her head into her hands, fighting back the tears that desperately wanted to come out.

"You will be safe. You will have us there and all of the security." Fletcher put a hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her.

"The prison know we are coming now, so let's get a move on." Robert said as he caught Fletcher whipping his hand away from Addison. They both got up and grabbed their jackets and chased after Robert down the corridor.

There was silence on the whole trip to Brookfield prison. Addison was vigorously rubbing her scar that it left a red mark on her skin. Her hands trembled more as they went through the first security gate that buzzed open for them. They drove down a dirt track that led them to a huge building further in the distance. The prison was surrounded by three gates of barbed wire fencing with security guards standing at their posts and CCTV Cameras.

They stopped in a small car parking area to the back entrance of the prison. One of the guards came out and greeted them as they got out of the car. He led them inside and Addison found herself looking at the cameras as they entered the building. The guard directed them through a metal detector and to sign in for their visitor badges. Robert turned to give the pen to Addison, and he felt her hands shake as she took it. He had noticed the red marks on her wrist, where she had been stroking her scar.

"If you don't want to be the one to talk to him, I can step in for you. Just let me know." Robert told her. She nodded as she handed the pen to Fletcher, who gave her a cheeky wink.

"No, I want to do it. I need to do it." She told him. Robert nodded as they were led into a small room, a two-way mirror showed into the next room. The room Alan Reed will be led to very soon. There was a guard posted outside of the room while the three of them stood, waiting for them to bring in Alan. Robert checked his watch a few times.

The door to the interview room opened and a man in a grey tracksuit walked in. His hands were cuffed together, and Addison noticed his tattooed arms as the sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. His sandy blonde hair was slicked back, and he had many scars on his face. The guard sat him down and cuffed him to the metal bar on the table in front of him.

Robert entered the room first followed by Addison. The moment she entered the room, Alan's eyes fell upon her. He didn't acknowledge anyone else but her. Addison's cheeks flared, feeling Alan's eyes on her. Addison was sure he knew exactly who she was, but he didn't show it. Fletcher watched them from the two-way mirror as Robert sat down first. Addison took the chair beside him and finally looked up at Alan.

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs with a smirk on his face. Addison could feel her hands becoming hard to control, they shook so hard that she clenched them.

"I'm Detective Sergeant Addison Scott..." She started but was instantly cut off by Alan.

"You've changed your name." Alan smiled. The familiar hoarse sound of his voice terrified Addison, she wanted to leave. She was desperate to get out, but she tried not to show it. She felt Robert put his hand on her leg under the table and she instantly calmed down. The man who gave her nightmares, that haunted her, and he was sat fight in front of her.

"This is Detective Chief Inspector Robert Ashworth." She said as she pulled herself together. Robert sat forward and Alan finally turned his attention on him.

"Did you know her real name is Madison Reed?" Alan asked Robert. He grinned as he looked from Robert to Addison.

"I do know, she will also be the one who will interview you." Robert smirked and sat back in his seat. Alan sneered at Robert and moved to face Addison only. He gave her a smile and placed his hands flat on the table in front of him.

"Call me daddy," he told her. She swallowed the lump in the back of her throat and finally managed to compose herself. She took in a deep breath and let it our slowly. She looked at Robert who nodded to her to start the interview.

"Alan," she started. Her voice came out louder than she thought it would. She shuffled in her seat and sat up straight. Alan watched as she fidgeted. He took this moment to speak again. "You look just like your mother." He told her. He moved his hand closer to her, but he couldn't reach her because of the handcuffs that were tight around his wrists.

"Do you have a boyfriend now?" He asked her, still with a smirk on his lips. Addison glanced to Robert and Alan followed her gaze. "Does she have one?" He turned his question to Robert. But he didn't respond to him. "Come on Mads." Alan laughed. Addison slammed her hand down on the table which made everyone jump.

"You murderer! Why are you even breathing right now? You should be dead and gone to hell." Addison jumped up from her seat and started jabbing her finger towards him. "You deserve to die, and I would have the pleasure of watching you!" She leaned forward to spit in his face. As she did, Alan grabbed her hair from his cuffs and yanked her head down to the table. He held on tight as she yelped in pain. Robert jumped up from his seat, trying to separate them. Fletcher and four guards came running into the room. Addison could feel the burning sensation from her head where he gripped her hair and wouldn't let go. They finally got him to let go of her hair, but he managed to scratch the side of her face. Her hand went to where it stung, and she felt blood dripping. Fletcher dragged her out of the room followed by Robert. The guards held Alan down on the table while he shouted at Addison. They rearranged his handcuffs, so they were tighter around the metal bar on the table.

"I wish I killed you that night with your mother." He kept shouting.

The door closed and they couldn't hear him anymore. Fletcher handed her a white cloth that she placed on her face.

"What the FUCK was that?" Robert hissed.

"I don't know. I couldn't hold it in." Addison whimpered. Her hair was a mess and she was sure Alan pulled out a clump. She rubbed her head where it hurt.

"You are going in the room next door. Fletcher will take over from here. This won't be happening again." Robert dismissed her. Addison went into the room. Fletcher followed her while Robert went back into the interview room. Addison stood at the two-way mirror scowling at Robert through it, trying to blink back tears that were threatening to drop.

"I didn't expect myself to act like that. After all these years, I haven't seen him once. I never wanted to see him." Addison said.

"Robert and I will take care of him. We will get something out of him. Rely on us," Fletcher said softly. She nodded and he put his hand on her shoulder. She touched his hand. "Just watch us from here, we will break him." Fletcher said. He left the room and she stood watching through the window. She noticed Robert getting up from his seat and leaving the interview room. A few seconds later the door opened.

"Sir, I'm sorry for what happened." She started. Robert put his hand up and she stopped. He watched her for a moment while she looked at her feet, knowing she was going to be scolded like a naughty child.

"You don't need to apologise. This was my fault bringing you straight into the interview when you weren't ready. I should have been more considerate towards you." Robert confessed. Addison stood there watching him. He was apologising to her.

"Did you just apologise to me?" She bit her lip.

"Don't push it, that's all your getting." He smirked. He moved forward and ruffled her hair. She looked at him confused. He went to touch her cheek but had second thoughts.

"You should have that checked by a nurse." He said. He turned to leave the room, but she called out to him.

"Robert," she called. He stopped and turned to her. "Thank you," she told him. He gave her a gentle smile.

"No problem kid," he left the room.

## Chapter Twenty-Three

2016

Addison stood in the room along from Robert and Fletcher. She watched through the two-way mirror as Fletcher and Robert sat down to interview Alan Reed. He was sat with his legs crossed and his hands cuffed to the metal bar on the table in front of him. One of the guards had told Addison that Alan Reed was a role model within the walls of the prison. The other prisoners worshipped the ground he walked on.

His grey-blue eyes felt as if they were staring right through the mirror at her. His brown hair was combed back, the shine from the light reflected from the top of his head. Roberts voice finally filled the room through the microphone speaker, she could hear everything that was said. Alan's eyes lingered a little bit longer through the two-way mirror before shifting his full focus onto Robert.

"Alan Reed is your full name?" Robert asked.

Addison glanced down at the file in her hand that was given to her by one of the guards. According to the prison, Alan changed his name in 1981, which was the year Addison was born. This information was not in their case files.

"Detective Chief Inspector Robert Ashworth, you should know my full name. It is written on that piece of paper under your hand." Alan said.

"Alan Anthony Reed. Or is it just Alan Reed?" Robert asked.

"You can call me whatever you like Detective," Alan smirked. He rested back into his chair and crossed his other leg over. "What can I do for you fellas?" He said as he glanced up at the two-way mirror, knowing Addison was watching them.

"There is a murderer out there who is copying your murders. We wanted to get an insight about you and to know why this killer is so inspired by you." Robert's tone was clipped.

"Do you want to know about my first kill?" Alan's eyes went wide. He was excited to tell his story. He's told it so many times, but this would be Addison's first time hearing it from his own mouth. Robert waved his hand and leaned back in his chair. "Her name was Katie Herman; it was fitting for her to be my first kill. She is the one who caused my mother's death." He started. Alan looked up to the two-way mirror again. "My wife-to-be went into labour that night. I wasn't there. Did you know that? I was murdering someone, the time you were born." He smiled. He crossed his leg over again. "Do you want to know something else? Katie's daughter was with her at the time, I had no choice to kill her too. You were being born at the time, such a beautiful moment." Alan looked back to Fletcher and Robert.

"What did Katie Herman do that caused your mother's death?" Robert asked him.

"My dad was having an affair with her. It was going on for a while and..." Alan paused. He glanced up to the mirror. Addison moved forward, waiting for him to speak again.

"And what Alan?" Robert drew back his attention to them. Alan let out a laugh. "Did you get fed up with the affair?"

"Yes, I got fed up. I told him to end it many times, but he didn't listen. I warned him that I would tell Mum. I contacted her, she deserved to know. I asked her to come home." Alan told him. His smirk slowly disappeared from his lips. "It wasn't my fault that she came home though." He chuckled.

"So, she came home and found them in bed together. Were you there when this happened?" Robert asked.

"I wasn't going to be there when it all blew up. I was picking up my little brother." Alan said.

"But it was your fault that it happened?" Robert continued.

"You know, it was my fault that I brought Mads into the world. It's my fault that she had to see her mother die, the way she did." Alan's smirked slowly appeared again. He held Robert's gaze.

"Who is Mads?" Robert asked. He knew exactly who Mads was, but he wanted Alan to think he had no clue.

"Madison, my daughter," He laughed. Robert shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. The smile on Alan's face slipped.

"No, the name still doesn't ring a bell." Robert said.

"Oh, I see what you're doing. I'm talking about Addison, standing behind that mirror there." Alan nodded to the two-way mirror. Addison felt his eyes on her again. She took most of her strength not to barge into the room to shout at him again. He was playing games with them and there was nothing she could do about it, but to ignore him. She had no intention in visiting him, but now, here she stood.

"She told me she doesn't have a father." Robert leaned back in his chair again, crossing his arms over his chest.

Addison let out a small chuckle. She knew Robert was goading him, even though he was right. She was better off without having a father. Robert knew what Alan wanted; he knew that Addison was his weakness. Alan wanted to see her suffer, her downfall.

"She's a brave kid. I've seen her do things and she's made her see how much of a tough woman she is." Robert smiled. Alan hissed and clenched his hands on the table. He wanted to turn her life upside down.

"We will see how tough she really is." Alan finally spoke. He rearranged himself in his seat and sat up. He unclenched his fists and let out a long breath. "She put me away all those years ago, no one betrays me and gets away with it." He told them. Robert and Fletcher both got up from their seats and headed for the door. Alan watched them leave and his shoulders slightly dropped.

Robert and Fletcher exited the room, closing the door behind them. Addison was waiting for them.

"Let me go in there and speak to him. Please, alone." Addison begged. She looked up at Robert, trying her puppy eyes as hard as she could. Robert looked to Fletcher for help, but he shrugged his shoulders. Robert stepped out of the way and Addison entered the room.

Alan watched her come into the room and she stood by the door. He noticed the scratch on her face was dried up. She grabbed the chair and moved it away from the table, closer to the door. Alan watched her every move. Robert and Fletcher watched in the other room.

"There is a killer out there, he is admiring your work." Addison spoke. Alan tilted his head. There was a long pause. He watched her.

"So, he should." He finally said.

"You know who he is?"

"No,"

"But you said 'he', you know who 'he' is."

"Figure of speech." Alan said as he shrugged his shoulders. Addison moved the chair closer; her eyes found his and she didn't hesitate to look away. He accepted her challenge.

"Who is 'he'?" Addison asked, still holding his stare.

"I'm not the only one who knows who 'he' is, look closer." Alan leaned forward and whispered. The guards entered the room and started to unchain his handcuffs from the table. He looked down on her as he walked past her, blowing her a kiss. She had held his gaze until the last moment, until he was gone. Time was up.

## Chapter Twenty-Four

2016

Addison sat in front of Robert's desk as he paced up and down his office. He was reading the pages from the visitors book that Addison had asked for copies. They hoped a name would come up they could look in to, but none of the names were familiar.

"Have you checked out Alan's brother Ian?" Robert asked.

"Yeah, he committed suicide a few years after his mother was found dead." Addison told him. He rubbed his chin as he thought hard on what to do next.

"Our only connection is the school, it might be worth talking to the teachers and the friends of Anna and Rebecca." Robert suggested.

"Do you think Wendy Willis and Joan Charles were good friends?"

"After everything we've learnt about Wendy, it doesn't fit her character. But if it's true that she was trying to turn her life around, having Joan as a friend now, would be possible. If you get my meaning?" Robert mentioned. Addison nodded with him.

"Yes, yes I do. It's a good way to look at it and if we can connect the dots it might just bring us closer to the killer." Addison said.

Robert pulled up the case files for The Silent Killer and started pulling out photos and documents. Addison's eyes lingered on the box, recognising everything he pulled out. She knew it was time to let go, but she found it hard.

"I think it's time for me to go home now. I've got some things to think about and it has been a tough day. It will take me a while to sleep tonight." Addison laughed nervously. Robert got up from the desk and placed the photos and documents down.

"Does it still hurt?" Robert said nodding to her cheek. Her hand instantly went up and brushed it with her fingers, where Alan had injured her. He came round the desk and perched on it in front of Addison. She shook her head. He lifted his hand to touch her face, but pulled back on the last moment. There eyes lingered on each other just a little bit to long.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Addison said as she left his office. He watched her grab her keys from her desk and her things, exiting the department. Addison got downstairs and found Fletcher by his car.

"You off home now?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm shattered. I'm going to have an early night. It's been a long day." She chuckled.

"Make sure you lock your doors."

"I'll be double locking them."

"I'll give you a ring later and see how you are doing, if anything happens let me know." Fletcher told her. She gave him a quick nod and got into her car.

She pulled up onto the side road and parked outside her place. She got out of the car and headed up the couple of steps to her front door. She glanced over her shoulder before entering. She took off her shoes inside, placing them to the side. She headed straight to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine. She sipped her wine as she glanced over at the empty coffee table. All the boxes and files are gone. She knew she was going to struggle with sleep; more than normal, tonight.

She finished the whole bottle of wine before she had fallen asleep on the sofa. With no material to read, it took her longer to fall into a slumber. After what felt like hours, she was awoken from her sleep. Someone was knocking on her door, loudly. She jumped up from the sofa and grabbed her phone. She headed to the front door and peeked through the spy hole. She rolled her eyes and opened the door.

"What took you so long? It's cold." Robert said. She was surprised to have her boss standing on her front doorstep, but she wondered why.

"What are you doing here? Did something happen with the case?" Addison asked. He passed her through the hallway, and she closed the front door. She could smell that he had been drinking. He waltzed into her kitchen and glanced around her small flat. Addison quickly put the wine glass in the sink and the bottle into the bin.

"Nope, I've had a couple of drinks while I was putting the board together." Robert told her. "I just wanted to pop by and see if everything was ok?"

"Robert, it's..." Addison started.

"Call me Rob, I'm off duty." He grinned.

"Rob, it's early hours in the morning."

"You told me it would take you a while to get to sleep., I was hoping you would like some company." Robert confessed. He moved over to her sofa and dumped himself down. Addison put the kettle on to make some tea.

"Is something bothering you?" Addison asked. She started to pour in the hot water from the kettle.

"Did you know my father was the one who took on the case of The Silent Killer. It was many years ago." He said.

"Jack Ashworth, yes I knew. He was truly kind to me while I stood against Alan in trial." Addison confessed. Robert glanced up to see Addison coming over with two mugs of hot tea in her hands. She placed them on the coffee table and sat beside Robert. "You forgot I was a witness in the case for a moment." She chuckled.

"My dad was my idol. He trained me to become a police officer. He was always home late because of Alan Reed, he was so focused on catching him. But he still had time for me." Robert smiled.

"Alan killed so many women and children. I can't even think what was going through his head. Your dad did a great job catching him." Addison placed her hand on Roberts shoulder. "Although, I don't know why he didn't kill me when he had the chance." Addison added.

"Remorse?"

"I doubt that, a killer doesn't feel remorse. I am going to make him regret keeping me alive. I'm going to show him the strong woman I am now, we will catch this killer together." Addison told him.

"A strong woman is captivating." Robert grinned. Addison raised her eyebrows together. No words came to her. She saw a cheeky side to Robert, and she liked it.

"Fletcher told me about your ex-partner." Addison mentioned.

"That's something he should never have spoke about." Robert sighed.

"What was she like?" Addison asked. She hoped that he would trust her enough to tell her how he feels.

"She was a good detective. She died in the line of duty. There are many ways that I can think of to have saved her. There were many ways you know," Robert told her.

"She sounds like a strong woman." Addison smiled.

"She was strong and stubborn. She even had the balls to tell me she was in love with me. I couldn't return her feelings, but I respected her. She had my back and I had hers." Robert confessed. He glanced up and their eyes found each other.

"She had a good partner too."

Robert smiled and placed his hand on Addison's knee. They sat in silence for a few moments before he removed his hand. He went to say something but was interrupted by the sound of knocking on the front door. He watched as Addison's eyes widened. He got up from the sofa and slowly made his way to the front door. He peeked through the spy hole but couldn't see anyone. He opened the door while Addison appeared behind him. Her car was covered in paper. Robert walk down the step and to the car. He took one of the papers and looked at Addison who stayed on the step.

"Madison Reed, watch your step." Robert read the note.

"It's him, it's the killer. He knows me, the real me. What am I doing to do?" Addison shivered. Robert quickly went to her side and put his arm around her, he guided her back inside. He glanced up and down the street, but no one was around. He shut and locked the door behind him.

## Chapter Twenty-Five

1981

Alan sat in his car outside her house. It was dark, so no-one could see him. He watched Katie Herman's house from a distance, but close enough to see. She wasn't home yet, but he knew she was due home soon. Her daughter had gone with her dad, so she wouldn't be home tonight.

Alan had been sitting outside Katie's house ever since his mother committed suicide. Katie was the main reason why his mother took her life. Katie was a homewrecker. Alan couldn't understand why his dad was having an affair with this woman, she was nothing special.

He glanced at the clock on his car and noticed that Katie was late. His dad, Anthony finished the affair months ago, but she still tried for his attention. He glanced up to see Katie arriving home. She entered her house and went into every room, drawing the curtains.

He quickly put on his black leather gloves and finally got out of the car, heading to her front door. He knocked gently and waited for a moment before she answered. She was surprised to see him.

"Alan, what are you doing here?" She said.

"I'm sorry for calling over so late. I've only recently finished work. Dad asked me to come and get the rest of his things." He lied. He remembered overhearing his dad talking about some bits he left round her house. It was a great excuse to enter her house.

"Of course, come in. I thought he would have come himself, but he's been keeping his distance recently." Katie said as she closed the door after Alan slipped inside. He headed for the kitchen and she followed behind him.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a syringe that he had prepared for her. He turned quickly and jabbed it into the side of her neck. He pressed down for the liquid to enter her body. Here eyes were wide. She looked at him in horror, no sound coming out from her mouth. Her legs felt like jelly and she slowly slid down in front of Alan onto the floor. Alan smirked as she didn't make a sound, his plan worked. He picked her up and placed her on the counter, moving her arms to her sides. He moved to the end of the counter to remove her shoes and placed the neatly on the floor.

Alan looked through all her drawers, looking for a needle and thread. He found a sewing kit and took what he needed. He removed his black gloves from his hands and put on some rubber gloves on. He threaded the needle and leaned over Katie's body. She was still breathing. He quickly grabbed her largest knife from her block and placed it beside her. He leaned over her and took the threaded needle to her mouth. The skin popped as he pierced it through her lips, sealing them shut.

Katie's eyes opened and she saw Alan towering over her. She tried to scream but nothing came out. She groaned in pain as her hands slowly came up to her lips. She started to shake and tears rolling down the sides of her cheeks. Blood was trickling down her jaw and all she could do was look Alan in the eyes. Alan climbed up onto the counter and straddled his legs on top of Katie. He picked up the knife as she watched in horror, lifting it above his head.

Her tears were strolling down her face and he felt her whole body shaking beneath him. He was going to kill her. The knife finally came down and pierced her straight in the heart. He moved from her body before blood started to spill everywhere. Her eyes were left wide open, but there was no breathing anymore. He left the knife in her chest and picked up the needle and thread, he dropped it down the plug hole in her sink. He wiped everything her touched, even though he wore gloves, he wanted to be extra careful.

Just as he was finishing up, he heard a car pull up outside the house. He quickly ran over to the curtain and peeped outside. Katie's daughter was coming inside. He went and hid behind the kitchen door. He heard the front door open and close, footsteps running up the stairs. Alan waited for a few moments and then he heard her calling for her mum. Katie's daughter was never meant to return, but he now how to deal with her, but that wasn't a problem for him.

She finally came back downstairs, and he heard her footsteps coming towards the kitchen. She took a step inside and saw her mum lying on the counter. But before she could scream, Alan had grabbed her from behind and covered her mouth. He gripped her head hard and turned it until it snapped. He let go of her and her body fell to the ground, her eyes wide open. He stepped over her body and exited through the back door. He rushed into the darkness and down an alleyway back to his car. He hopped inside and closed the door gently. He sat and watched the front of the house for a moment. The father was still sitting in the car out the front, he waited about ten minutes before he got out of the car and checked for his daughter. Alan smirked and drove away.

He arrived home and noticed all the lights were out. He turned them on and saw a note on the table. His wife-to-be had gone into labour. He got back into his car and headed for the hospital. He went through the main entrance and asked a nurse where the maternity ward was. He finally made it to see his wife-to-be cradling their baby.

"It's a girl." Jade said as Alan walked into the room. Alan smiled at his new-born baby girl. "Madison, what do you think?" Jade asked him. He sat in the chair beside her and kissed her on the forehead. He then kissed his new baby on the forehead too.

"Madison is beautiful." He grinned. Today was a beautiful day.

## Chapter Twenty-Six

2016

The next morning Robert and Addison were sat outside the head teacher's office for Saint George Academy. He was currently in a meeting and he made them wait outside. Robert was looking at the board of teachers and Addison watched as the students started to come into the building in their navy-blue uniforms.

Robert hasn't said anything about last night. He only kipped on her sofa and left at four in the morning. But he hasn't mentioned anything about last night. Addison hoped this was a big step in their partnership. She wanted him to trust her more.

"Do you think the killer could come back to finish the job with Rebecca Charles?" Addison asked. Robert's head snapped in her direction, his eyes wide as if she said something insulting.

"Don't ask those sorts of questions here. I've already got Fletcher watching her, so she will be fine." Robert told her. Addison nodded. He was right. If a student caught what she said it would spread like wildfire.

A man came out of the room. He was dressed in a grey suit and a crisp white shirt, his glasses rested on top of his head. Robert stood up first and Addison followed.

"I'm Detective Chief Inspector Robert Ashworth and this is my partner Detective Sergeant Addison Scott. We spoke on the phone earlier," Robert mentioned.

"Yes of course, I'm Harry Kobak, the headteacher of the school. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of our pupil's parents. The school will support them as much as possible in this hard time." Harry said. He guided them into his office and they both took a seat in front of his desk. He moved behind the desk after closing the door behind him.

"Did you know the parents personally?" Addison asked. Harry finally took a seat in his chair. He crossed his hands on the desk in front of him.

"I've spoken to Joan Charles a few times. She had come in and made complaints about her daughter being bullied. We did manage to sort out the issue and I hadn't heard from her again. I've never spoken to Wendy Willis before. You might be able to talk to the homeroom teachers, they have parents evening every term, so they might be able to give you more insight about her." Harry explained. Addison raised an eyebrow; she instantly didn't like him.

"We will need all of the teacher's names who have had classes with Anna and Rebecca. We may need to talk to some other pupils who were close to them too, if that is possible." Robert requested. Harry Kobak nodded and started to rummage through his draws, he pulled out a file and placed in front of him. He started to flick through the pages. He finally came to what he was looking for and handed it to Robert. He scanned the sheet and noticed it was a timetable for all the teachers.

"Do Anna and Rebecca spend time with anyone else in their classes? Have you seen them with other girls or boys?" Addison wondered.

"I'm not sure, you will have to speak to their homeroom teacher." Harry answered. Addison nodded and jotted it down into her notebook to remind herself to ask the homeroom teacher.

"I also noticed that you have lockers in the hallways." Addison mentioned.

"Those lockers are for the last year students. We let them use them while they study for their GCSE's. They can keep valuables and things inside." Harry explained. Robert was still looking through the sheet Mr Kobak gave them earlier. He was looking at the teacher's names to see if he recognised them; but he didn't.

"How long have you been the head teacher at this school?" Robert asked.

"I've been the head teacher to this school for over ten years. There are a few teachers who have been here longer than me, but I know everyone here." Harry told him.

"Who has worked here the longest?" Robert asked.

"That will be Mr Oliver, Colin Oliver, he is our oldest staff here. He teaches technology, one of our best." Harry answered.

"Who has only started working here?"

"Kerry Grey, she is my new maths teacher as I had to fire the old one. He could never control his class and his anger slowly started to show more and more towards the students. Mr Ian Evans came in the same time as Kerry Grey. He's another great teacher, the students are very fond of him." Harry smiled.

"Do you mind showing us to the staff room? We would like to talk to the teachers who know Anna and Rebecca." Robert asked.

"Of course, anything you need." Harry nodded. He got up from his seat and grabbed his keys to lock his office door. Addison and Robert followed him down the corridor to the staff room. They entered and saw a dark brunette woman sitting with a cup of tea. Harry waved and she stood up.

"This is Miss Tracey Brown; she is the art teacher here. She usually has both Anna and Rebecca in her afternoon classes. This is Detective Chief Inspector Robert Ashworth and Detective Sergeant Addison Scott." Harry introduced. "Is there anything else you wanted to ask me?" He turned to Robert.

"That's it for now, but if we have anymore questions, we know where to find you." Robert told him. Harry left them in the staff room.

"What can I do for you detectives? Would you like a drink?" She offered.

"Oh, a cup of tea would be lovely." Addison smiled. She started to have a look around the staff room, while Robert sat down on the small, grey sofa. Tracey Brown put the kettle on and started to make a cup of tea for Addison. Tracey turned to Robert; she raised her eyebrows, but he shook his head.

Addison moved slowly around the room, looking at the trophy cabinet and then the teachers board. It had a photo of every teacher in the school with their name and what subject they teach. She studied each one carefully.

"How well do you know Anna Willis and Rebecca Charles?" Addison asked as she moved away from the board. Robert was sat with his leg crossed over and stretching his arm along the back of the sofa. He watched Addison study the room.

"I know them quite well; they are both my top students in my class. It's such a tragedy that have experienced something like this at their age." Tracey said as she handed Addison her hot cup of tea.

"Thank you," Addison said as she took it from her. Tracey perched on the sofa next to Robert. Addison carried on looking around.

"Have you ever seen anyone else other than their mother picking them up from school?" Robert asked.

"I've seen Rebecca walk home sometimes. Some nights her mother works late, so she makes her own way home. Sometimes she walks with Sophie Harris. Anna, it's always been Wendy that picks her up." Tracey told them.

"Do they ever take part in after school clubs?" Addison asked as she came to the trophy cabinet again. There were many netball and football trophies.

"I know Rebecca did hockey club, that club is usually on a Thursday after school." Tracey mentioned.

"What about Anna?"

"Anna was never interested in after school clubs. She was quite a bad influence on some girls, she was caught smoking behind the gyms. It wasn't much of a surprise, the rumours about her mother didn't help." Tracey told them.

"Rumours?" Robert acknowledged.

"That she was a drug addict." Tracey whispered.

"Was there any teachers close to their parents?" Addison questioned.

"Harry Kobak normally handles any meetings with them if they are having problems. Especially Wendy Willis, she was in his office a few times." Tracey told them. Robert glanced up at Addison who stood behind them.

"How does the parent's evening system work?" Addison asked as she placed her empty cup by the sink.

"Each parent gets a time slot with each teacher in each subject. They talk to them in that time slot about everything that are achieving or anything they can improve on. Usually, it's ten minutes a slot. Do you know the girl's personal tutors?" Tracey asked. She started writing down the names of the teachers anyway and passed the note to Robert.

Robert and Addison finally left the school and headed back to the car in the car park. The whole school was currently empty as they were all in their classes. Addison watched as Harry Kobak exited the front of the school and went towards the gymnasium.

"I don't like him" Addison said.

"Me neither, kid,"

## Chapter Twenty-Seven

2016

Addison and Robert arrived back to the station. Robert went straight into his office to make some calls and Addison dropped herself in her seat at her desk. She glanced up at her computer to see a sticky note saying 'call me' from Fletcher. She pulled her phone from her pocket and dialled his number.

"About time," Fletcher answered.

"What's up?"

"It looks like Rebecca is going to wake up soon. I thought I'd let you know." Fletcher told her.

"Oh, that's great news, I will pop in and see how she's doing." Addison said. She hung up her phone, grabbed her jacket and then left. Robert watched her leave but didn't call after her. He carried on with his phone calls.

Addison arrived at the hospital and she made her way through the entrance. She arrived at the familiar double doors of the Paediatric Ward. She pressed the buzzer and held up her badge. She heard a buzz and the door opened for her to go inside. Addison asked the receptionist for Rebecca Charles room and she gave her directions.

Addison saw the police officer who was stationed outside of the room. He glanced up when he saw her arrive.

"Have you had your break?" Addison asked.

"No ma'am," he replied.

"You've got ten minutes. I'll stay with her until you come back." She said. The officer nodded and headed off down the corridor.

Addison quickly checked her phone and sent a text to Fletcher to let him know she was at the hospital. She put the phone back into her pocket and went into Rebecca's room. She sat in the chair beside her. Rebecca had bandages around her wrists and tubes in her nose and mouth. She touched Rebecca's hand which was warm.

Addison felt her phone buzzing in her pocket. She quickly exited the room and moved down the corridor where it was quiet. She answered the phone but all she could hear was buzzing.

"Hello," She said. She glanced back at Rebecca's room. She quickly stepped outside in the small garden area. She glanced through the window and could still see Rebecca's room.

"Madison,"

"How did you get my number?" Addison said as she turned away from Rebecca's room for a moment. "HOW?" Addison raised her voice. She could hear chuckling. "Don't ever call me again." Addison went to hang up.

"I've got something for you. It's about your killer." Alan spoke.

"I'm not falling for your tricks. Stay out of my life." Addison yelled.

"You should never leave a witness's side." He hung up.

Addison quickly turned to see nurses rushing into Rebecca's room. She rushed into the building and over to the room. She looked inside to see a nurse doing CPR on Rebecca and a doctor rushing to her side.

"What happened?" Addison mumbled. The doctor started charging up the defibrillator as a nurse placed sticky pads on Rebecca's chest. The doctor called and placed the plates on the sticky pads and shocked her body. Addison's hand covered her mouth as she watched.

Addison stepped out of the room and quickly got her phone out and dialled Robert's number.

"Ashworth," he answered.

"Sir, I think the killer has been at the hospital. Rebecca has taken a bad turn. The doctor said she went into cardiac arrest and they are trying to save her life." Addison yelled down the phone.

"Woah, kid, calm down. I'm on my way right now, stay put." Robert hung up. She glanced up to see the doctor coming out from the room.

"Is she okay?"

"We couldn't resuscitate her, I'm so sorry," the doctor said.

"What happened to her?"

"She went into cardiac arrest." One of the nurses told Addison. She pulled her to the side. Addison could feel herself shaking. The doctor went down the corridor as he was paged for his next patient.

"Was there anyone else in the room when this all happened?" Addison asked.

"I didn't see anyone coming out of her room. There was a male nurse who was hovering around the waiting room. Once Rebecca's machines started, he ran off. I couldn't tell you if he went into the room or not though." The nurse told her. Addison got out her notebook and started to write everything down and the times she arrived and the time her phone call came in.

"What did this male nurse look like?" Addison asked.

"Well, he had sandy blonde hair and glasses on. He also put on a dark blue hat as he left the ward." Addison nodded as she jotted everything down. The nurse left and Addison stood by the door to Rebecca's room. She peeked inside and saw the young girl's lifeless body that was now covered by the white sheet.

It was all her fault. If she had never left the room, she would still be alive. How could she leave Rebecca on her own? It was all her fault. It was only for a moment that she left the room. She even had a clear sight of the room door; she would have seen who had entered and exited. How did she not see the man who was hovering in the waiting area? Alan Reed was only calling to distract her. He knows who the killer is.

She glanced down the hallway and saw Robert rushing towards her. She ran up to him and threw herself into his arms. She could feel the warm tears falling down her cheeks.

"It's all my fault," Addison whimpered.

"What?"

"I told the officer he could have ten minutes. I wanted to make sure she was doing alright. I had a phone call from Alan, he got my number and it was all to distract me. I left her room for a moment." She whimpered again. Robert tightened his arms around her.

"It's not your fault. We didn't know he was going to come back and finish the job." Robert calmed her. She sniffed loudly.

"What about Anna?"

"We've sent uniform round there to keep her safe." Robert told her. "You said Alan called you? As in Alan Reed?"

"Yes, he managed to get my number and called me. He said I should never leave a witness 's side." Addison explained.

"I will contact security management to see if we can check out the CCTV cameras for this ward. We will find him. I will also contact someone to search Alan's cell, see if we can find out if he knows anything, or something that could lead us to the identity of our killer." Robert told her.

"What about Rebecca's body?" Addison asked.

"I will contact Nora Williams and Charlie Richards. They will investigate what happened here."

Addison and Robert both saw Fletcher rushing down the corridor. He glanced into the room to see Rebecca's body covered. He turned to face Addison and tears started to stream again.

"The killer was here." She held back her whimper. Robert turned away and called Nora. Fletcher took Addison to the side.

"It's all my fault. Alan Reed was taunting me." She said.

"Alan Reed?"

"Yeah, while I was here, he called me. It turned out it was just a distraction for me to leave the room, so the killer can finish the job. Alan knew the killer this whole time." Addison hissed.

"It's not your fault at all. He has taken advantage of you, on all of us in fact. Don't blame yourself, this isn't on you." Fletcher said.

"He's right don't blame yourself. We will catch this guy." Robert told her. "Nora has a team on the way here, now the room is a crime scene. Dr Charlie Richards has requested for an autopsy on Rebecca's body." Robert explained. Robert went over to the receptionist to let the know of a forensics team who are on their way. The room was now a crime scene.

"Let's go and get that CCTV." Robert waved his hand for them to follow him. They followed him out of the ward and back down to the entrance. The security guard was standing by the entrance, watching people entering and exiting the building. Robert approached him and flashed his badge.

"I was wondering if you could help us out with something. I'm Detective Chief Inspector Robert Ashworth, this is Detective Inspector Andrew Fletcher and Detective Sergeant Addison Scott." Robert introduced.

"I'm Paul Lloyd, what can I do for you?" He asked. He wore a white crisp shirt with dark grey trousers. His name tag was placed on the pocket on his shirt.

"We were hoping to get into your CCTV room. We are investigating a crime that took place on the children's ward and we are hoping to catch something on the CCTV." Robert explained.

"Sure, one moment," Paul said. He took out his radio and spoke. "Could someone come up and cover me. I have some detectives here who need help with something." He said. He waited for a moment and someone had spoken back, 'No problem Paul,' they said.

"Follow me," Paul nodded. They followed him into a security room, he used his key guard to access the room. They followed him inside and they saw the whole room, full of CCTV monitors. Paul sat in front of a computer and started typing.

"What ward did you say?"

"It happened on the children's ward. She was in room 101." Addison told him.

"What time period are you looking at?"

"About two hours ago to now." Addison said. Paul started typing away on the computer and the main screen above appeared with the hallway to the children's ward. "We are looking for a male who is dressed in a nurse outfit, possibly with a dark blue cap." Addison added.

The security guard started to rewind it back a couple of hours, looking for the man they described. It took some time to find him, but eventually he did. Addison was now sitting down in a seat behind Paul. Fletcher and Robert watched carefully as he finally paused it on their suspect.

"He couldn't look more obvious." Fletcher laughed. Addison got up from her seat and looked at the screen carefully. They couldn't see his face as the cap covered him, but they were sure he was the right man.

"Bastard. Could you fast forward it. I want to see the moment when he left." Addison pointed. Paul fast forward the tape to find the moment the man left. After a few moments, he stopped and played it. They all watched intently. He didn't even look back as he left the ward.

"It frustrates me that he has walked out, knowing we still don't have a clue who he is. He is right there in front of our faces and he's laughing at us." Addison made fists. Fletcher put his hand on her shoulder.

"Could we get copies of these please," Robert asked Paul.

"Sure," Paul replied. He entered a blank CD into the computer and started making copies of the CCTV. Addison left the room and went to get some fresh air outside. She pulled out her phone and glanced at it. She went into her received calls and saw the caller ID that was Alan. Addison glanced up to see Robert walking towards her.

"Fletcher is waiting for the copies." He said. Addison looked back down at her phone and let out a long sigh. Robert snatched it from her hand and threw it to the ground, he stepped on it and it broke into small pieces. Addison stood, her eyes wide open. He bent down, picked it up and tossed it into the bin. "We will get you another," he told her. She glanced up at him and he grinned. She burst out into laughter.

"You surprise me every time, DCI Ashworth." Addison smiled.

## Chapter Twenty-Eight

2016

Addison sat at her desk as she stayed behind to write her report about everything that happened at the hospital. Robert and Fletcher had gone to notify Rebecca's grandparents that she was murdered in the hospital. Addison was glad she didn't have to go; she wouldn't be able to lie to them. It was all her fault. She left the girl for a moment, even a moment was enough to finish a job. That was the biggest mistake she would ever make. A typical rookie mistake, that's what Robert probably thought. She was caught up in her thoughts that she didn't notice Robert and Fletcher returning.

Robert stomped past her and slammed his office door. Addison swung round in her chair to see Fletcher coming towards her.

"How was it?" She asked.

"Not great, Mrs Adams said some nasty words to him. She blamed the whole thing on him. He didn't say a word on the way back." Fletcher told her.

"He doesn't usually like having to notify the family. But this is a mess I made; I don't know what I can do. I want to rewind time."

Addison jumped out of her chair as DCS Brian Dowell came slamming into the department and headed straight to Robert's office. Fletcher and Addison both glanced at each other as he went inside.

"This doesn't look good," Fletcher said.

"He didn't look happy at all."

"Robert will probably call us into his office in a moment. He doesn't like taking the brunt of the boss on his own. He's such a wuss," Fletcher chuckled. Addison glanced up at Fletcher and on cue, Robert called them into his office.

They both headed into the office and Robert closed the door behind them. DCS Dowell was standing by the window and Robert took a seat back in his chair.

"What the hell happened?" Dowell raised his voice. Fletcher, Addison and Robert all glanced at each other. Addison stepped forward.

"It's my fault sir, I went to visit Rebecca in hospital. I got distracted by a phone call and I left her unattended. I came back inside to the doctors trying to save her life, but they couldn't. The killer got to her and it was my fault. I shouldn't have left that room." Addison confessed. She glanced at Robert who was now glaring at her.

"It was a rookie mistake sir," Fletcher added.

"A rookie mistake? Don't stick up for her, she made a BIG mistake and she is going to pay for it. The blood is on her hands and now she will live with it for the rest of her life." Dowell yelled. Addison's chin fell to her chest, staring at the ground. Her hands were behind her back and she fought back her tears that were threatening to drop. "Do you have any suspects?" Dowell turned his attention to Robert.

"We've got someone who we are looking into, Harry Kobak, he is the head teacher at the school Rebecca and Anna go to. We haven't got an alibi for his whereabouts on both nights." Robert told him.

"Good, I want an arrest and I want it now!" Dowell slammed the door as he left the office.

"Well that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be." Fletcher chuckled. Addison and Robert glared at him as he stood there with his hands in his pockets. He shrugged his shoulders.

"I think it's time to interview Harry Kobak. Fletcher, you can go and inform Anna Willis of Rebecca's death. She's going to need to feel as safe as possible. Stay with her until I say so. With Anna still alive, I don't want to take any unnecessary risks." Robert demanded. Fletcher nodded and left the office.

Robert grabbed his jacket and put it on. "When we go and talk to Harry, I want you to stay quiet. Just let me do the talking." Robert told her.

"I'll try my best,"

"No, you will. I don't want anymore mistakes."

"Don't trust me now?"

"You are a liability, stay in the background." He said and walked out of his office. Addison followed behind as they headed outside into the car park. They got into the car and drove out of the station. Addison kept glancing at Robert as he drove to the school. She noticed he was deep in thought.

"When we speak to Harry, I want you to go and look around the school. Talk to any of the teachers you see and if you can, find Sophie Harris. See if she might know anything about Rebecca and Anna." Robert told her.

"Yes Sir,"

They pulled up into the school car park. Robert parked the car outside of the main entrance of the school. They got out of the car and headed up the few steps into reception. Robert stopped and turned to Addison.

"Go to the staff room and see who you can find. I want to speak to Harry alone. Once you're done, come back and meet me here." Robert ordered. Addison nodded and watched him walk over to speak to the receptionist. She knew he wasn't happy with her at all. He's lost his trust in her and she hated that. He's been annoyed with her since the brief with DCS Brian Dowell.

Addison finally found the staff room. She entered the room and saw someone standing over by the tea and coffee. He glanced up as Addison stepped inside.

"Oh hi, are you new here? Want a drink?" The man asked.

"I'm Detective Sergeant Addison Scott, I'm here to talk to you about Rebecca Charles and Anna Willis." She said.

"Oh yes, Harry mentioned you were going to talk to us all. I'm Ian Evans, the science teacher. What can I help you with?" He introduced himself. Addison gave him a small smiled as she came over to sit on the small sofa. He started making her a drink, even though she didn't answer him.

"I just wanted to know if you knew the girls well. Are they in your classes?" Addison asked as she took the hot cup of tea from him.

"Of course, they were both in my classes. They are good girls. I've never had to tell them off or send them out of class. They always pair up with each other when we do projects and things." He explained. He walked around the sofa and perched next to her.

"Did you ever talk to their parents about any problems they were having at all?" Addison asked.

"We usually pass on the problems to Harry; he's always demanding we let him know if we are having trouble with any pupils. He's always moving around the system; I don't always agree with him, but he is the head after all." Ian told her.

"What's Harry's relationships like with parents?"

"I know he dated Joan Charles for a while. It wasn't a secret; they did split up not long ago though."

"Why did they split?"

"Because she wasn't the only one he was dating. He was dating other women. I saw him kissing another woman once and it wasn't Joan Charles."

"Ergh, what a dick." Addison said. Ian laughed.

"That's one way of putting it."

"I don't suppose you have CCTV here?" She asked.

"Only Harry has access to that. You can get it from him. I do believe there is only cameras at the entrance of the school."

"Thank you, Mr Evans, if there is anything else you can think of that will help out with our investigation, don't hesitate to give me a call." Addison offered him her information card. She got up from the sofa and left the staff room. She made her way back to the reception area and asked to join her partner in Harry Kobak's office. Addison knocked gently and entered. Robert glanced up at her and arched his eyebrow. She gave him a nod and he shrugged.

"Hello DS Scott," Harry said.

"Mr Kobak, I would like copies of your CCTV footage from the entrance of the school. Anything from the 7th April." She said.

"Of course, give me a moment to get the tapes for you." Harry said. He nodded and left the room.

"I spoke to Ian Evans the science teacher and he confirmed that Harry had a relationship with Joan Charles. It sounds like it didn't end well as it was known he was dating other women at the time they were together." Addison told Robert. "I think it's possible it could be other parents from this school." Addison mentioned.

"Good call on the CCTV, we need to know everything about Harry Kobak. We need to place him at the times of these murders." Robert whispered. The thought of Harry listening on the other side of the door was possible.

"When we get the CCTV, I want to stay behind and watch it all tonight." Addison suggested.

"Not on your own,"

"Why not?"

"I meant that I would stay behind with you and watch them." He explained.

"Oh sure, the more eyes, the better." Addison smiled.

Robert straightened himself as Harry came back into his office with the CCTV tapes. He handed them to Addison.

"Is there anything else I could help you with?" He asked.

"That's all for now." Robert said as he shook Harry's hand and left the school with Addison behind him.

## Chapter Twenty-Nine

2016

Pauline Harris kissed her young daughter's goodnight before heading back downstairs. Sophie was in the kitchen cleaning up the dinner table when her mother walked in.

"It's such a shame what happened to Anna and Rebecca's parents. And poor Rebecca, how are you feeling?" Her mother asked her. Anna and Rebecca were both Sophie's best friends from school. Pauline found it hard to talk to her daughter since they heard the news about Rebecca's death. Sophie had broken into tears and she didn't stop crying for hours. How could there be someone so cruel in the world to murder a child. Rebecca Charles still had a life ahead of her and now it's been ripped away from her.

"Are the girls asleep now?" Sophie sighed.

"Rachel is asleep, but I think Lily is pretending as usual." Pauline laughed.

"She will fall asleep eventually." Sophie smiled. Pauline grabbed a cloth from in the sink and started to wipe down the table. She picked up the placemats and cleaned them too.

"Want me to put them in the drawer?" Sophie asked. Pauline handed Sophie the placemats and she put them neatly in the drawer by the sink.

"Have you spoke to Anna recently?" Pauline asked.

"I haven't recently, but I have heard that she is due to come back to school next week." Sophie told her. "The last time I heard from her was when she called me about Rebecca. The police were asking about me and I believe they want to talk to me. Probably because I'm close to Anna and Rebecca." Sophie mentioned.

"You don't have to go to school tomorrow. You can take some time off, they will understand. You've lost a close friend." Pauline said. Sophie glanced up and Pauline saw tears in her daughter's eyes. She put the cloth down on the table and wrapped her arms around Sophie. Her tears were falling again for the third time today. Pauline didn't say anything and just let her daughter cry.

Pauline grabbed a clean tea towel and started to dab Sophie's eyes. Sophie giggled.

"Alright mum, you can stop now."

They both paused for a moment when they heard a noise coming from the living room.

"Lily has probably come down. I will go and put her back to bed." Pauline said as she headed off into the living room.

Sophie turned back to the last of the dishes and when she finally finished, she started to wipe down the counter tops. She folded the cloth and put it next to the sink. She turned around to find a man in a mask standing there. He put his finger to his lips, but Sophie was frozen to the spot. Her heart was thumping in her chest and her eyes were wide. She knew he was the man who killed Anna and Rebecca's parents and Rebecca. Sophie screamed as loud as she could, but the man launched forward, putting his hand over her mouth. He pushed her against the counter as she tried hard to fight him back. He put his free hand around her neck and started to squeeze.

Pauline came rushing down the stairs after hearing Sophie screaming. She ran into the kitchen and saw the masked man choking her daughter. She grabbed the glass chopping board and smashed it over his head. He let go of Sophie instantly and she ran to her mothers side. Pauline pulled her daughter behind her as the masked man turned to face them. He reached over to the knife block and grabbed the biggest one there. He pushed forward towards Pauline as she protected Sophie.

He jabbed the knife and missed Pauline as she dodged it. She dragged Sophie around the kitchen counter, heading for the phone. The man stopped her and pushed her back, jabbing once again. Pauline crashed into the back of the counter and he stabbed her right in the chest. She looked down at the knife in horror as she heard Sophie screech behind her. She turned to Sophie and fell into her arms. They both dropped to the floor as she struggled to hold her mother's weight.

"Mum," Sophie shouted. Sophie glanced up to see the masked man had disappeared. The tears were falling down her cheeks as her mother struggled to breathe. Sophie could hear faint sirens coming towards them. "Hang on mum, hang on." She whispered. Sophie glanced up to see a figure standing in the kitchen doorway. Lily was standing there with a phone in her hand.

"Sophie," Lily trembled. She saw her mother laying in her older sister's arms.

"Lily, the police are coming. Go and wait by the front door and lead them straight in here." Sophie told her. Lily nodded and ran out of the door.

Sophie could hear her mothers breathing becoming wheezy, getting quicker and quicker until it came to a stop.

"Mum," Sophie trembled. She shook her gently, hoping it would wake her up. "Mum," she whimpered as the tears started to fall down her cheeks and dripping onto her mothers face. She shook her again but fiercer. "Don't you dare go, not now. Mum," Sophie yelled. The blood spread around them. Sophie glanced up to see Lily running back inside with two paramedics. She already knew it was too late. The police officers guided Lily out.

A female police officer put her hand on Sophie's shoulder. She glanced up to see the officer, but she didn't want to leave her mum. The officer convinced Sophie to come with her and when she stood up, she was covered in her mother's blood. She followed the officer outside and a paramedic wrapped her in a blanket. She was guided to the back of an ambulance as they checked her over.

"Rachel, she's upstairs." Sophie said. The police officer nodded and headed back into the house.

## Chapter Thirty

1996

Jade and Madison Reed were both sat in the car watching a house across the road. Madison didn't know why they were there, her mother just dragged her out into the car and drove here without saying a word. At first, she thought she might have been in trouble, but now she knows it's something deeper.

"Why are we here?" Madison asked her mum. Jade shushed her with her finger as she watched the house intently. Madison sat back in her seat and crossed her arms over her chest. She let out a long sigh and her mum finally turned to her.

"I think your dad has been having an affair. I wanted to catch him." Jade finally told her. Madison wasn't surprised, she had heard the stories that her father used to tell, about his father who had an affair with a woman, and it caused his mother's death.

"He's a hypocrite. He never said he would be like his own father and now he's doing it to you. He hasn't learnt from his father's mistakes at all." Madison said. Jade released her seat belt and climbed out of the car.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to catch him in the act." Jade marched up the pathway. She ducked down below one of the front windows and peeked inside. It was a few moments before Madison saw her running back to the car. She got inside and turned on the car engine. Madison watched, waiting for her mother to say something. But she didn't. There was fear in her eyes. She pulled out of the road quickly that Madison had to grab onto her seat. They headed home.

"Mum, what's happening? Was he having an affair?" Madison asked. Jade didn't answer. They arrived home and Jade got out of the car. She slammed the door and ran up the front steps to the house. Madison rushed in behind her and watched as Jade closed the door and bolted it. Madison followed her mother up the stairs and wondered if she really did catch him having an affair.

"Mum, what's going on. Are you chucking him out?" Madison asked.

"He's not having an affair. It's worse than that." Jade told her.

"How can it be worse? He's not into bondage, is he?" Madison chuckled. Her mother didn't like her joke.

"I saw him."

"You saw him what mum?"

"He's the killer. The one on the news." Jade trembled. She grabbed Madison and pulled her into her arms.

"You mean the silent killer? The one who has been murdering all those people?" Madison's eyes were wide. Jade didn't answer. She grabbed a suitcase from the bottom of the wardrobe and started throwing in clothes. Her clothes and Madison's.

"We've got to pack our stuff; we have to go now. We can't be here when he returns home." Jade said. She carried on throwing the clothes into the suitcase and zipped it up.

"We have to call the police." Madison warned.

"No, we can't. Not now, we need to get out first. He will kill us. He saw me at the window." Jade confessed. "He murdered that teenager and her mother," Jade started to weep.

"He murdered them?"

"Yes, we need to leave now and then phone the police. They will protect us. But first, we must go before he comes back." Jade dragged the suitcase off the bed. She headed into Madison's room and grabbed some more things. They both stood in silence when they heard the door slam. Jade looked up at Madison in horror. He was home.

Jade and Madison both pushed the chest of drawers in front of the door so he couldn't get in. Jade ran over to the window and opened it, shouting for help.

Madison could hear footsteps coming up the stairs. Then there was a knock on the door. Jade grabbed Madison and moved over to the window, they both stood in silence, waiting for something to happen. He knew they were in there.

Alan opened the door but got stuck from the chest of drawers in front of it. Alan managed to get it open enough to pop his head in to have a look inside the room. He put his arm through the gap and tried to push the chest out of the way. Jade grabbed Madison's hair dryer and smacked his arm with him. He pulled his arm out and grunted from the hit.

Jade had a look out of the window, wondering if they could jump. It was possibly to high, but she is willing to try. They both looked back to the door and his arm came through again, but this time he had a knife. He started slashing around.

"Mum," Madison yelled. Jade grabbed Madison and moved her behind her. They stayed as close to the window as possible.

"Why, why are you doing this?" Jade sobbed.

"Why, you want to know why?" Alan shouted. "How about I'll tell you when? When this all started?" Alan hissed. Jade held onto Madison tight, backing into the corner. "Do you remember Katie Herman? Yes, she was the woman my dad had an affair with."

"You killed her." Jade gasped.

"Yes, she was my first kill and then her daughter came in, but I took care of that too." Alan bragged. Madison started to cry, and Jade put her hands over her ears. "The best bit, I loved every bit of killing them. Her last breath turned me on." Alan laughed.

"You disgust me." Jade hissed. Jade started calling for help again out of the window. Madison stood there with her hands over her ears, crying loudly. Alan finally managed to push the drawers out of the way and got inside the room. He grinned at the girls as he moved towards them. Jade protecting Madison with her body.

"Stay away from us." Jade begged. Alan laughed. Madison sneakily grabbed her curling tongs from the dressing table which was next to the window. She hid them behind her back as Alan was focused on her mother. She stepped back against the wall and plugged them in slowly. The light flicked on and she waited for them to heat up. As Alan lunged at Jade, Madison pushed her out of the way and pressed the curling tongs to his face. He screeched from the burning sensation on his face.

Jade grabbed Madison's hand and they both ran out of the room and down the stairs. Madison grabbed the house phone as she was dragged into the kitchen. Alan chased them and he launched for the girls. He grabbed Jade and threw her to the floor. Madison was quickly dialling the police as she turned round to see him stabbing her mother in the chest. Blood sprayed up the walls and on Madison's face. Madison dropped the phone as an operator answered, she lunged forward pushing her dad. It was too late. Jade was dead.

Alan dropped the knife to the floor and looked at Madison. He stepped forward but she moved back. He held out his bloody hand and grabbed her. He pulled her into his arms and stroked her hair.

"You are safe now." He whispered.

There were faint sirens in the background that Alan heard. He glanced to the floor to see the phone that Madison had taken. He pushed her back and glared at her. Alan grabbed her arm and dragged her over to the counter. He pulled out a new knife from the block as Madison screamed and cried.

"Don't do this, please don't do this." She howled.

Alan ignored her cries and continued. He placed her wrist on the counter and held it tight as she tried to pull away from him. There was banging on the door and the colours of blue flashing lights lit up the house. Madison was shouting for them and they started to break down the door. Alan sliced Madison's wrist that started to bleed heavily and then he sliced his own.

Police officers started rushing into the home and three of them grabbed hold of Alan. He started shouting at Madison as they dragged him away. "We are bound by blood. I will see you again. I promise." He laughed as she watched him disappeared through the door. A female officer put a blanket around Madison as they guided her outside. Madison saw Alan's grin on his face as he was carted away in a police car.

## Chapter Thirty-One

2016

Addison returned to the police department and perched in her seat at her desk. She placed her bag down the side of her chair. She had brought in some clean clothes as she was planning to stay all night to check the CCTV footage. She shrugged her coat off and glanced at her computer. There was a note from Robert, telling her to come into his office once she arrived.

She glanced over to his office, but it was dark. She got out of her seat and went over. She peeked through, but she couldn't see anything. She gave a soft knock with her knuckles but there was no answer. She knocked once more, but firmer. Still no answer.

Addison opened the door and popped her head inside. She could see the top of Robert's head in his chair. She walked inside and around the desk. Robert had his chin to his chest with his arms folded. He was sleeping. Addison didn't know whether to let him know she was here or not. She leaned in closer to him as she could hear a slight snore. His hair was scruffy, his tie was loose around his neck and his white shirt sleeves were folded up to his elbows.

"Do I need to arrest you?" Robert said. His eyes were still closed but he could hear her breathing in front of him.

"Sorry sir, you looked do peaceful." Addison laughed. "Did you get started on the CCTV?" She asked.

"I've managed to get through some, there is some bits I want you to see." Robert said as he finally opened his eyes. He sat up in his chair and moved over to his laptop. He opened it up and popped up the video player he was watching the CCTV from. Robert went to say something else until his phone started ringing.

"Ashworth." He answered. Robert listened and his face changed, his jaw tightened, and his eyebrows furrowed into one. Addison knew it wasn't good news. He put the phone down and then closed his laptop. "We've got another one." Robert grabbed his jacket and guided Addison out of his office. They both headed to the car together.

"Pauline Harris is our victim. She was murdered in front of her daughter Sophie while her other two younger daughters were in bed." Robert told her.

"Sophie Harris? The girl who is best friends with Anna and Rebecca."

"Sophie is fine. The killer didn't touch her or the other girls. But it sounds like they put up a fight." Robert explained.

"How old are the other two girls?"

"I'm not sure, this is all I know until we get there. Ring Fletcher and get him over to the Willis house. We need to take precautions." Robert requested. Addison nodded and pulled her phone out. She dialled Fletcher's number and it took a couple of rings to answer.

"Sorry to call so late, there was another murder and Robert wants you over to the Willis' house. It's Sophie Harris, she is fine, but we are on our way to the scene now." Addison told him.

"On it." Fletcher replied and hung up.

"Dowell is already at the scene and Nora is doing a walk through as soon as we get there. I want you to talk to the girls." Robert told her. He stepped on the accelerator and they arrived within a few minutes. They both headed over to the taped area and went inside. Addison saw three girls sitting on the step of the ambulance. She gave Robert a nod and headed to the girls.

Sophie stepped away from her younger sisters and saw Addison coming towards her.

"I'm Detective Sergeant Addison Scott," she introduced herself.

"I know who you are. Anna has told me about you, can I call you Addie?" She asked. Addison's heart fluttered at the thought she could trust her almost immediately.

"You are more than welcome to call me Addie." She told the young girl. Sophie threw her arms around Addison and sobbed hard. Addison wrapped her arms around her until she was ready.

Sophie finally moved away from Addison and wrapped herself in the blanket she still had. Addison glanced at the two young girls. "What are your sister's names?" Addison asked.

"The taller one is Lily and Rachel is the smaller one. Lily is nine years old and Lily is three. This is going to traumatise them forever."

"They have you."

"Did you know, Lily is the one who called the police. She's been so brave." Sophie glanced back and gave her sisters a small smile. Addison pulled out her notebook, starting to take notes.

"Are you ready to tell me what happened?"

"Of course, this man just killed my mother and my friend's mothers and my best friend. This bastard needs to be caught." Sophie promised.

"You've got some guts. I like that, so tell me from the beginning."

"Me and mum were cleaning the table after dinner. She had just put the girls to bed, and we had a chat about everything was happening. We heard a noise in the living room and mum thought it was Lily. She never sleeps straight away, so I assumed she put her back to bed. I carried on with the dishes and as I turned, there he was." Sophie explained.

"He?"

"I would assume it was a man, he was very tall. Six feet at most."

"Was there anything else you could remember about him?"

"He had a ski mask on, but I saw his eyes. He had very dark eyes." Sophie told her.

"Would you recognise them again if you saw them?"

"I'm not sure,"

"That's fine, can I ask you some questions about your mum? You don't need to answer everything or anything at all." Addison asked. Sophie glanced back to her sisters and turned her attention back to Addison. She gave her a nod.

"Do you know if she was dating anyone?"

"I don't think she was. She fancied one of my teachers as she would always put make up on if we had to have a meeting with him." Sophie told her.

"Which teacher?"

"Mr Kobak, our head teacher. A lot of the mums fancy him, I don't see it, more like a pervert to me." Sophie complained. She glanced up at Addison in shock as she realised what she said. "I'm not saying he is a pervert, its because he's so old. He fancied my mum, but I think he fancied everyone's mum. He was a bit of a sleaze. Even Rebecca's mum, she dated him for a bit. Rebecca would moan about it all the time; how weird it was for her head teacher to date her mum. I won't get into trouble for saying that will I?" Sophie explained.

"Of course not, everything you tell us will help in our investigation. The more detail the better."

"Where did they take my mum?" Sophie asked. Addison glanced up from her notebook and saw her twiddling her fingers. "My mum always used to watch those crime programmes; I sometimes saw them. I have an idea what happens. They will do an autopsy won't they?" Sophie hinted.

Addison noticed that the girl was still shaking and in shock. She put her notebook and pen away and guided Sophie back to her younger sisters. "Do you see your father at all?" She asked.

"We see him every weekend." Lily jumped in.

"I will give him a call and get him to come to the hospital. They will take you in to be checked over and someone will always be with you. If you remember anything else about tonight, don't hesitate to call me. I will help you." Addison gave Sophie her contact details. Sophie gave Addison another hug before she was taken in the ambulance. She gave her a small smile and waved.

"Stay safe," Addison said. She watched the paramedics close the doors and drive away.

Addison headed over to the house. She noticed Robert down the side of the house, outside the tape. He was having a quick cigarette. She walked over to him and he stumped out the end of his cigarette. He picked it up and put it in a tissue to throw away.

"Sophie said the killer was over six feet tall and that her mum fancied Harry Kobak." Addison told him.

"Harry is barely six feet tall. He's barely the same height as you." He laughed.

"But, if you think about it, to Sophie, I could have been about six feet tall as she had to crane her neck to look up at me. She's going with what she believes from her own height." Addison suggested.

"Good point. Nora ran me through the scene. This is a very clumsy kill." Robert said.

"I think we are on the right track. He's getting frustrated because we are on to him. I think the school is our link." Addison suggested.

"I agree. We need to find out everything about each teacher that works at that school. Their background, what they did before they worked here, everything." Robert demanded.

## Chapter Thirty-Two

2016

Addison typed in Harry Kobak into her internet search at her computer. The first thing that came up was the school official website. She clicked on it and browsed the content. She saw a picture of Harry Kobak come up at the top of the website when she clicked Teachers. Harry Kobak was the first who was listed. Addison got her notebook out and started to write down all the teachers who were listed on the website.

"Addison," Fletcher yelped in her ear. Addison jumped back in her seat and her head snapped round to Fletcher. He was laughing.

"I don't know what will happen to you if you do that again." Addison threatened. Fletcher carried on laughing but put his hands up in defence. She turned back to the computer and Fletcher pulled up a chair beside her.

"Where's Robert?"

"He's gone to the morgue."

"Why haven't you gone with him?"

"He asked me to get a list of all the teachers who work at the school. I'm investigating them all one by one." Addison said as she carried on writing the names down in her notebook.

"Find anything yet then?"

"Not yet. I will put them all through our system, see if anyone has any records. As soon as something comes up, you will know. Harry Kobak is the top of my list. I don't like him, and he gives me the chills each time we speak to him. We still have some CCTV to go through if you're not doing anything?" Addison asked.

"The CCTV from the school?"

"Yeah, the entrance."

"I will go and set up the TV." Fletcher got up and headed out of the department. As he left, she could hear screaming and shouting from outside. She got up from her seat to go and see what was going on.

"You." The woman shouted at Addison the moment she came through the door. She recognised the little woman straight away. Susie Adams, Rebecca's grandmother. "You were there." She jabbed her finger in Addison's face. "How could you leave here? She's just a kid. This is all on you." She yelled. Susie got in Addison's face and started jabbing her in the shoulder. Addison didn't move or say anything. She was right. She left Rebecca unattended and now she was dead. Fletcher finally came back and saw the commotion.

"Mrs Adams, please come with me." Fletcher put his hand on the top of her back and guided her down the stairs and into an interview room. Addison followed. Susie sat in a chair that Fletcher gestured to. She sat down and glanced up at him.

"Would you like me to get you anything?" He asked.

"I'd like my granddaughter back." She sneered as she looked over at Addison.

"We are so sorry for your loss. We are doing everything in our power to catch the person who did this." Fletcher said, grabbing her attention back to him. Addison could feel her phone buzzing in her pocket, so she left the room to answer it.

"Madison."

"I don't know who that is. Stop calling me." Addison said. She went to hang up, but he stopped her.

"I know who is killing your victims." Alan offered.

"What do you want?"

"Come and see me, I have a photo of him." Alan said and hung up. She stood staring at her phone just as Fletcher came out of the room.

"Who was that?"

"Robert, he will be back soon." She lied. "What did Mrs Adams say?" Addison changed the subject.

"She's angry, but that's expected. She is grieving. I've left her in there to calm down a bit. She did mention that she saw Joan with a man once." He told her.

"Show her this picture of Harry Kobak." Addison scrolled through her phone and went onto the website. She got the picture of Harry Kobak and handed it to Fletcher. He went back inside the room and Addison followed. She stood in the corner even thought Mrs Adams was aware of her there.

"Is this the man you saw your daughter with?" Fletcher showed her the photo. Mrs Adams took the phone and had a look at the photo of Harry Kobak. She handed it back.

"Yes, that's him." Susie said. Fletcher looked up at Addison and they both nodded to each other.

"Thank you, Mrs Adams. You have helped us very much." Fletcher said as he got up from his seat. Mrs Adams got up too.

"Is that him? Is he the killer?"

"We can't talk about the investigation, but he is someone of interest. Please wait for us to let you know once we have caught the person who did this." Fletcher explained. Mrs Adams nodded and sat back down in her seat. Addison and Fletcher left the room together.

"You better call Robert, get him back here. He is now our main suspect." Fletcher told her. She dialled Robert's number and he answered on first ring.

"Scott, this better be good."

"Sir, we've just had Susie Adams in the station, and she told us that she saw Joan with a man once and she identified him as Harry Kobak from photo we had of him." Addison told him.

"Good work. I am on my way back now; I will pick you up and we can go and make an arrest." Robert hung up. Addison turned to Fletcher.

"He's coming to get me, and we are going to arrest him."

"I will carry on watching through the CCTV footage. I know where I'm not wanted." Fletcher joked. Addison smiled and they both headed off. Addison grabbed her things from her desk and went to wait outside of the station. She glanced down at her phone to see an incoming call. Her finger hovered over the answer button. She finally answered it.

"Madison." Alan spoke. Addison rolled her eyes as he kept calling her by the name she hated.

"We've got our main suspect, leave me alone now." Addison said and hung up. She glanced up to see Robert pulling up to the curb. She hopped into the passenger side and they drove off.

"Well done," Robert complimented her.

"What for?"

"Getting Mrs Adams to identify Harry as Joan's partner. We have a reason to suspect him. It was all rumours before, but we have a solid ID." Robert explained.

Addison sat back in the seat with a smile on her face. Robert just complimented her, and it made her proud. The thought of Alan kept popping into her mind. Did he really know who the killer was? Was this photo real? Addison hoped for Harry Kobak to be the right guy. She wanted him to be the right guy. But the only thing she could think of, how does he connect to her?

## Chapter Thirty-Three

2016

Robert and Addison stood outside Harry Kobak office. He was currently in a meeting and the receptionist refused to let them inside.

"How long is Mr Kobak going to bed? This is really important." Robert asked her. The receptionist pouted and got up from her seat. She went into Harry's office.

"Why can't we just barge in there." Addison whispered.

"Because I would like him to come down the station willingly."

"But we have enough to suspect him,"

"We do, but we need more evidence if we want to keep him in for questioning. If he comes willingly, it'll be easier for us." Robert said. The receptionist emerged from Harry's office.

"He is just finishing up and he will be with you in a few minutes." She told them.

A man and a woman came out from his office and slowly left the school premises. Harry popped his head out from his office door and called in the detectives. He shut the door behind them once they entered. Robert sat in the chair opposite Harry's desk while Addison stood in the corner with her arms folded over her chest.

"What can I do for you detectives?" Harry asked. He perched on the end of his desk.

"We have reason to believe you were dating Joan Charles." Robert started.

"Where did that come from? I wasn't dating her." Harry chuckled. Addison eyebrows knitted together as she glared at him. Harry shifted on the table slightly as he kept his focus on Robert.

"Have you ever been to her house?" Robert asked.

"No, I haven't, look what is this about?" Harry stood up and finally looked at Addison. He moved behind his desk.

"We would like you to accompany us down the station. We have questions to ask you about Wendy, Joan and Pauline and your relationships with them." Robert told him. Harry stood wide eyed; he shook his head.

"Are you arresting me?"

"No sir, we just need your help in our investigation." Robert said. There was a silence in the room and then the sound of buzzing coming from Addison's pocket. She fished her phone out and quickly stepped outside the office to answer it.

"Fletcher, you have something?" Addison asked, sounding almost to desperate.

"Well, actually, on one of those CCTV tapes, Harry Kobak is seen arguing with Wendy Willis outside of the school entrance. It looks very heated." Fletcher told her.

"Time and date?"

"7th April at 4.15pm."

"That's the night Wendy was murdered. Brilliant, thank you Fletcher." Addison hung up and slipped back inside the room. She stood behind Robert's chair and gave him a tap on the shoulder. He nodded.

"Harry, where were you on the night of 7th April?" Addison asked. Robert crossed his legs as he watched Harry look from her to him.

"I was in the office all night. I was sorting out new term schedules for after the half term." Harry said.

"Did you have anyone else here with you or leave your office at any time?"

"I went out for lunch for half an hour and I was alone all day that day." Harry said. Addison leant down and whispered in Robert's ear.

"He just lied. He was seen arguing with Wendy Willis outside of the school that evening. That is also the night of her murder." Addison told Robert.

Robert stood up from his chair and stepped around towards Harry. Harry's eyes widened as he knew what was about to come next.

"Harry Kobak, I am arresting you on the suspicion of the murder of Wendy Willis. You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence, if you do not mention when questioned, something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence." Robert read Harry his rights.

"I didn't murder anyone. What is going on." Harry stepped away from them. Addison got out her cuffs and she went around the desk towards him. "I didn't do anything." Harry said. Addison got closed but he grabbed her before she could get the cuffs on. He pushed her forward face down on the desk.

"Harry, this is going to look good on you if you leave with us dragging you out." Addison said. Harry released her as she was right. She stood back up and put the cuffs on his hands.

"I swear, I didn't do anything." Harry pleaded. Addison and Robert guided him out of the school and into the car. There were people standing by watching, and from class windows, some pupils were seen. "It wasn't me; I swear." He pleaded one last time before they shut the car door on him. They took him back to the station.

"We will put him in a cell and let him cool overnight. We will interview him first thing in the morning. You can have the rest of the evening off." Robert said.

"Thanks sir," Addison smiled. Robert opened the car door and pulled Harry Kobak out. They guided him into the station. They signed him in, removed everything from his pockets and placed him in an empty cell.

"I'll see you in the morning." Robert nodded.

Addison waved and went back up to the department to grab her things and head home. She saw Fletcher sitting at her desk as she entered.

"We have a suspect." Addison told him. They both high fived.

"We do, nice work, let's hope the evidence sticks. He's linked to all of the women, so we need to put him in their places of time of murders." Fletcher said. Addison grabbed her bag and flung it over her shoulder.

"I'm off now, Roberts given me the rest of the evening off. I'll see you in the morning." Addison waved. She headed to the doors while Fletcher gave her a quick wave back. She finally left to go home.

She parked in her normal spot outside her place and searched for her door keys in her bag. Once she found them, she made her way to her front door. She went to put the keys in, but she heard a noise coming from inside. She listened again and she was sure. She got her phone out and called Robert, but he didn't answer. So, she left a voicemail on his phone.

She opened the door slowly and noticed everything was smashed apart. There was broken glass all over the floor, her sofa was upside down. She moved in further and saw all her draws were ripped open and everything in her cupboards were pulled out. She held her phone in her hand, ready to call Fletcher or Robert. She glanced at the fridge and noticed a note on the door.

"Wrong Man. Your time will come." She read. Robert started calling her phone and she answered it. Before she could say anything, she was smashed around the head. She fell to the ground almost unconscious. She could hear Robert's voice on her phone that she dropped.

"Help," she muttered before she couldn't keep her eyes open any longer.

## Chapter Thirty-Four

2016

Fletcher had been banging on Addison's door but there was no answer. Robert had gone round the back to see if he could get inside. He peeked through the kitchen window and saw Addison on the floor. He glanced around on the floor for a rock to smash open her window.

"Fletcher," he called. He grabbed the closest thing he could find and threw it through the window. He used the sleeve of his jacket and removed any remaining glass. Fletcher came round the back and saw Addison on the floor in her kitchen.

"Jesus Christ,"

Robert climbed through the window with Fletcher behind him. He jumped over the kitchen counter and rushed to Addison's side. Fletcher called for an ambulance.

"Addison." Robert stroked her cheek. He noticed she had a cut on the back of her head that was bleeding. Luckily, it wasn't deep. Addison started to come round. Her eyes fluttered open and saw Robert. She smiled.

"You came," she whispered.

"It's okay now. Fletcher has called an ambulance." Robert comforted her. She sat up slightly and glanced around her home.

"We have the wrong guy." Addison confirmed. "The killer was here." She told them. Robert furrowed his brow and glanced around. He noticed the note that was stuck on her fridge.

"Why didn't he kill you?" Robert questioned. Addison shrugged her shoulders.

"He wants me to see what he can do." She answered. She got up from the floor and Robert held onto her arm as he guided her to the sofa. He sat beside her. "This killer is linked to Alan Reed. He knows me personally and I think he wants revenge." Addison said.

Fletcher left the room as he heard the paramedics turn up and he returned with them behind him. They both went over to Addison to check her over.

"The killer is using my father's motive to use against me." Addison confessed. The paramedic started to shine a light in her eyes and followed their instructions. She had a mild concussion. The paramedics insisted that she came to the hospital, but she refused.

"You will need to find somewhere else to stay for now. Your place is a crime scene now." Robert told her.

"She can stay with me." Fletcher piped in. Robert glanced up at him, for a moment Fletcher thought he was glaring at him. He quickly nodded in agreement.

"She has a name." Addison scoffed.

"It will be safer for you for now. Especially now that the killer is threatening your life. I want to dig into as much of your background as possible. I know you hate it, but I want to catch this fucker." Robert said.

"I'll grab some bits while I'm here and I will meet you at yours. What's your address?" Addison asked Fletcher. He pulled out his notebook and scribbled down on it. He tore the page and passed it to Addison. The forensics team turned up and now ready to start. Addison went into her bedroom and grabbed a couple of things she will need. Robert was gone by the time she was done so she left with Fletcher.

"I will meet you there shortly." Addison smiled. She put her bag into the back of her car and watched Fletcher head off too. She got into her car and headed off. She had one stop to make. Addison knew Robert was right, looking into her background as much as possible is the only step they need to take. She finally arrived at the prison and requested a visit with Alan Reed. He certainly had her attention now. They put her into a waiting room while the went to get Alan Reed for her.

They put him into an interview room and cuffed him to the table. Addison entered the room and noticed he had a big smirk on his face. She stood behind the chair opposite him with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Madison, you came to see me, finally." He laughed.

"Stop playing games with me. Who is he? What do you know?" Addison hissed.

"Sit down," he replied. Addison stood there glaring at him, she didn't move at all. He furrowed his brow. "Sit down." He bellowed. Addison jumped. Her eyes widened. She pulled the chair out and sat down. Alan looked to the guard who stood in the corner of the room and shook his hands. But the guard didn't remove them.

"Remove his cuffs," Addison demanded. The guard did as he was told and removed the cuffs from Alan. He could now move freely. He stretched out his arms above his head and reached as far as he could. He then leaned over and started to remove something from his sock. He placed it on the table in front of Addison and pushed it forward. She picked up the envelope and pulled out a photo. She didn't recognise anyone but Alan.

"That's Ian Reed." Alan pointed.

Addison looked confused. When she searched up Ian Reed, he had passed away a few years ago. She glanced at the photo again, but she didn't recognise Ian at all.

"You're lying." She snarled.

"Nope,"

"I knew I shouldn't have come." Addison said as she walked out. Alan started shouting for her, but she ignored him. She put the picture back into the envelope and stuffed it into her pocket. She glanced over at the guest sign-in book. She walked up to the desk where a man stood guard.

"Would you mind if I took this for evidence? I want to know who has been visiting Alan Reed for this month?" She asked.

"We have copies, give me a moment and I will get them for you." He smiled and left for a moment. He came back with photocopies of the guest book and gave them to her. She thanked him and headed back to her car. She sat in the driver's seat and started to go through each page in the guest book. She found Ian Reed's name. She was convinced he was dead, but then, he could have faked his own death. Addison wondered if they planned this for a long time. She doesn't remember Ian Reed at all.

Addison finally drove to Fletcher's house and knocked on the door once she arrived. A woman with shoulder length brown hair answered the door. Addison wondered if she had the right address.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I was looking for Andrew Fletcher?" Addison asked. The woman laughed as she stepped to the side and invited her in.

"You must be Addison. Andrew told me you would be coming." The woman said. Addison entered the house and she followed the woman into the living room. "I'm Alicia, Andrew's girlfriend." She smiled sweetly and put her hand out for Addison to shake. She took it gently and returned her smile.

"I'm sorry for barging in on you like this." Addison started.

"Don't worry, Andrew told me that you needed somewhere to stay for now. He told me your place is currently a crime scene. We have a spare room, so please stay as long as you need." Alicia offered.

"Thank you, is Fletcher here?" Addison asked. Alicia laughed.

"Fletcher, is that what everyone calls him? He went back with Robert." Alicia explained. She went into the kitchen and Addison followed. "Would you like a drink?" Alicia offered.

"Yes, please a cup of tea would be great. How long have you known Fletcher and Robert?" Addison asked. Alicia flicked the button on the kettle, and it started to boil. She reached into her cupboard and got out two mugs.

"I've been with Fletcher for about a year now. I met them both at the same time. Robert is quite a sullen character." Alicia laughed. Addison found herself liking Alicia straight away.

"I didn't get on with Robert at first." Addison told her.

"I know, Fletcher tells me everything. He is taken a liking to you now I hear. He's quite a hard person to get on with sometimes. And when it comes to dating, he's terrible at it. We've set him up a few times and not once has any of the girls got on with him." Alicia giggled.

"Please, tell me more, this is good gossip." Addison said wide eyed. Alicia laughed and handed her a cup of tea.

Addison spent the last hour or so listening to Alicia and her stories of the guys. She hadn't laughed so much in her life before.

"Do you mind if I go to bed? I'm so tired from a long day." Addison said.

"Of course not, is there anything you need?"

"I'm fine thank you," Addison smiled. She got up and headed to the guest room. She shut the door behind her and grabbed her bag that she had left by the bed. She started to unpack her bits and put her bag back onto the floor beside the bed. She sat down and emptied her pockets. She placed the envelope on the bed and pulled out her phone. She had no messages or missed calls. She pulled the photo back out of the envelope and noticed another photo fell out. She picked it up and recognised the person instantly.

She grabbed her phone and went onto the school website. She scrolled through and tapped on the teacher's page. She scrolled down and found him. She found the killer. She tapped on the photo and placed her phone next to the picture she had from the envelope. It was him. Ian Evans the science teacher.

"Shit, I found him." She whispered to herself. She started to dial Robert's number and it rang it a few times before he answered.

"It's the science teacher. He is the killer. Ian Evans." Addison yelled down the phone. Robert told her to slow down. Suddenly, she felt a prick into the side of her neck. Her eyes started to blur, and she glanced up to see a figure towering her.

"Robert, he's here." She said before darkness succumbed her.

## Chapter Thirty-Five

2016

Addison's eyes opened slowly. She blinked a few times as they started to adjust to the sunlight. She glanced around and recognised the room. She tried to move her hands and feet, but they were bound together with cable ties. She rolled onto her front and saw that she was laying on a bed. Her mother's bed. She remembered the house she grew up in, all those years ago. Her lips were taped with duct tape and she tried to wriggle around on the bed.

"You know where we are, don't you?" Addison heard. She glanced up to see Ian Evan's sitting in the armchair by the window. Or rather, Ian Reed. He got up from the chair and walked over to Addison. She tried to shuffle backwards but he perched next to her on the bed. "So many memories in this house. Your mother would have been so proud of you Madison." He said.

She looked away but he grabbed her face and pulled her to look at him. "Did you ever wonder how Alan picked his victims?" He sneered. "It was me. I chose them for him." Ian smirked. He finally let go of her face and got up from the bed. He walked over to where Addison sat, and he lifted her in his arms. He placed her in the seat where he sat before. He pulled the chair closer to him as he perched back on the bed. He watched her.

"You look like your mother. I remember when Alan first started dating her. Dad wasn't impressed though, hated everything Alan did." Ian told her. "They hated each other; did you know that? The hatred between them led to mother's death." He glanced out of the window deep in thought. He turned his attention back to Addison. His eyes lit up. "Do you want to know what happened to her?" He said waiting for Addison to respond. "Nod." He shouted. She jumped and nodded her head.

"Great," He clasped his together in excitement. "Alan caught dad cheating on mum. He was doing it for so long and Alan hated it. One day, Alan came home earlier than expected and caught them in bed together again. Alan called her from work to come home. She did." Ian paused. He watched Addison for a reaction. She sat helplessly in the chair. "I've got a better idea." Ian got up and grabbed Addison by the top of her arm. He yanked her from the chair, and she screeched in her throat. He kept his hand clamped around her arm and dragged her out of the bedroom. She tried to fight against him as he they headed for the front door.

"Madison, stop it." Ian told her. She didn't listen. She carried on trying to fight him. He leaned down and rapped his arms around her thighs and lifted her into a fireman carry. They exited the house and He threw Addison in the back seat of his car. She shuffled to lay on her back and glance out of the window. He turned on the engine and they started to move.

Addison knew he was taking her back to his childhood home. The house where Ian and Alan both grew up in. The house where their mother committed suicide. She sat up to see that they were in the middle of no-where. She didn't recognise anywhere.

They finally arrived at the house. He pulled up into the curved drive and Addison glanced up to the huge white house. Ian opened the car door and Addison pulled her legs up to her chest. He grabbed her feet a yanked her out of the car and she fell to the floor. She tried to scream but no sound came out. She noticed there wasn't any other houses nearby and that worried her.

"The house belongs to me now. Dad left for America and took me with him when I was younger. I came back though. I couldn't leave Alan. Ian put the key into the door and opened it. He glanced around and the house was exactly how it was left. He dragged her over to the sofa and pushed her down.

"Alan was so pleased when I came back. He told me this deep dark secret; do you want to know what is was?" Ian laughed. Addison nodded and that made Ian happy. He watched her for a moment, and she wondered what he was doing. He leaned forward and touched the tape on her mouth. Her eyes lit up and he decided to remove the tape.

"Katie Herman." Addison gasped.

"What?"

"Katie Herman was his deep dark secret."

"How did you know that?"

"He told me the same secret. I've also read the case files on his case." Addison explained.

"Have you ever wondered how he chose his victims?" Ian grinned.

"I didn't before, but I do now."

"This place was our childhood home. That was until dad ruined everything." Ian glanced around the house, smiling at the good times he had with his mum. He glanced at Addison. "Alan called mum to come home when he caught dad bringing his affair home. She did. She came home. Alan had come to pick me up from school, so we were too late." Ian sat on the couch next to her and she shuffled away. "The house was a mess when we got home. The bathroom door was closed. Alan told me to stay where I was, and he went into the bathroom. He found mum in the bathtub." Ian got up from the sofa and grabbed Addison again by the arm. She yelped as he yanked her up and he dragged her up the stairs. He took her into the bathroom.

"The bathtub was full of water. Red water. I went in to have a look and there she was in the red water. Her wrists wouldn't stop bleeding." He turned Addison's wrist and saw her scar. He smiled. "It's a memory to us now." He said.

"More like a nightmare." She muttered.

Ian grabbed her by the hair and lifted her to her knees. He pushed her head forward, so she was hovering over the bathtub. "This is where she died. She was your grandmother. Don't you care?" He pushed her hard until she screeched in pain. He released her and she sat back against the wall. She glanced around and saw a pair of silver nail scissors by the sink.

"She betrayed us. She got the easy way out. We had to suffer with what she left behind." Ian turned his hands into fists.

"So, you took it out on innocent people." Addison said.

"They were hardly innocent. Each woman I chose was having an affair. They were ruining the family they had. They deserve everything they got. They destroyed families and walked away." Ian hissed.

"What about my mum? She never had an affair; she was still murdered."

"She got in the way. I warned Alan to keep an eye on her, but she still caught him. And in the act. I wasn't expecting that to happen. But she never turned Alan in." He stared at Addison.

She swallowed hard as she knew it was her that turned him in. It was her that called the police that night and she still couldn't save her mum.

"You called the police and you mum paid the price." Ian grinned. "Do you want to know something else?"

Addison didn't say anything. She looked away. He grabbed her by the chin and forced her to look at him. She looked him in the eye. "What,"

"When you stood in court and said all those things about Alan. We had a plan. A plan to eventually get revenge on you. We didn't expect you to become a police officer but that made it so much easier for us." Ian laughed. He turned his back for a moment, and she took this moment to slide herself up into a standing position against the wall.

"You faked your own death."

"Bingo." Ian turned back round and laughed hard.

"Do you even remember any of the victims you killed?" Addison shuffled over towards the sink and quickly grabbed the scissors without his knowledge. She started cutting the ties around her wrists.

"Of course, I remember. I don't know is Alan did though, probably the only ones he remembers are the ones that meant something. Like your mother."

Addison finally cut her hands free but kept them behind her back. She slid back down to start on the cable ties around her ankles when she had the chance.

"Alan gave you up, did you know that? He told me it was you." Addison said. Ian glared at her and she held his stare. He turned around and slipped his hand through his dark thick hair. Addison moved fast to cut the cable ties from around her feet.

"I don't care about him anymore. I looked up to him when I was younger, he was everything I ever wanted to be. Since he was arrested, he was just a pawn in my game."

"He's not the disappointing one. He was precise in his kill, unlike you, you were messy." She hissed. Ian glared at her. He stepped forward and lunged at her. She jumped up and stabbed him with the scissors in the chest. He groaned as he watched her run out of the room. He pulled the scissors out and chased after her.

Addison ran down the stairs and tried to open the front door, but it was locked. She quickly rushed through the living room and into the kitchen to the backdoor. It was also locked. She glanced around the kitchen, hoping to find a key somewhere. She opened drawers until she found a small silver key. She ran for the door, but Ian was behind her. He grabbed her hair and pushed her forward and her face bashed into the glass window of the door. He dragged her away from the door and to the living room. She grabbed a pan as they passed the cooker, turned and whacked him over the head with it. He grunted and let go of her hair. She punched him with all her strength, and he fell backward to the ground. She dropped the pan to the ground next to him. He grabbed her foot as she tried for the back door again, but she fell forward onto her front. He crawled on top of her and pinned her arms to the ground.

"You are going to regret that." Ian said before picking up the pan and hitting her hard on the head. He lifted it up for a second hit and this time she fell unconscious under his weight, feeling the warmth of her blood trickling down her face.

## Chapter Thirty-Six

2016

Alicia was in hysterics when Fletcher and Robert finally arrived. She fell into Fletchers arms for comfort while Robert ran straight through to the bedroom. He saw Addison's phone on the floor.

"You're not supposed to touch them. It's a crime scene." Fletcher reminded Robert. But he didn't care. He picked up her phone and the photo that was still on the bed. They both looked at the photo but didn't recognise him. He scrolled through Addison's phone and found the photo she had found on the website. Robert put the two pictures together.

"That's our killer. He was working at the school. Addison spoke to him when I interviewed Harry at the time. He knew who she was." Robert said. Fletcher looked over Robert's shoulder.

"Look at everything into his background, he goes by the name of Ian Evan's, it could be a fake name. Find as connection between him and Addison." Robert told Fletcher. Fletcher nodded and left the room to make some phone calls. Alicia sat in the kitchen with a hot cup of tea as she watched the boys work. They were running back and forth trying to figure out where this person had taken Addison.

"Phone the prison, we are going to be paying a visit to Alan." Robert said as Fletcher came back into the room. He nodded and they both headed to the car as Fletcher made the call.

The prison didn't have time to prepare for their arrival, so they had to empty a room for them to use. They arrived at the prison and the guard asked them to sign in on the guest book.

"Could I have a flick through the book to see who has been visiting Alan Reed?" Robert asked. The guard nodded and Robert started flicking through the pages until he stopped on one page. Fletcher looked over his shoulder.

"Ian Reed,"

"That's Alan's brother. Addison checked the system for him, but he died a few years ago. He obviously faked his death." Robert told Fletcher.

The guard came back out and guided them to the room they had ready for them. They sat inside and waited for them to bring Alan Reed into the room. Fletcher kept looking at the time on his watch, wondering how much time they had to find Addison. He stopped pacing once he saw the guard bringing in Alan Reed. His hands were chained together. When Alan looked at Robert and Fletcher, a small smirk appeared on his lips. Robert charged at him and pinned him against the wall by the scruff of his blue jumpsuit.

"Where is she?" Robert yelled in his face.

The guard and Fletcher both tried to pull Robert away from Alan, there was a bit of a struggle, but Robert eventually released Alan. Fletcher held Robert to the side as Alan let out a loud laugh. The guard grabbed Alan by the shoulder and pushed him into the seat at the table. Fletcher sat opposite but Robert carried on pacing up and down behind him.

"Ian Reed," Fletcher started. Robert interrupted but slamming the photo of Ian on the table in front of Alan.

"We know about your brother. Now, tell us where he has taken Addison." Robert demanded.

"You mean Madison?"

"Where is she?" He yelled louder.

"He was under her nose the whole time and she never figured it out. She doesn't even remember her uncle. He's met her so many times and even in court, while she stood as a witness." Alan hissed.

"Where has he taken her." Robert said calmly. Alan sat back in his chair and glanced over to the guard. He leaned across the table, looking Fletcher in the eye.

"He has probably taken her to where this all started." Alan hinted. He didn't say anything else and Fletcher looked up at Robert. Alan nodded over to the guard and he took him back out of the room, back to his cell.

"I think I might know. Me and Addison went through the files for her father's case. Their mother committed suicide. Alan and Ian both found her like that, and I believe Ian may have taken Addison back to where she killed herself." Fletcher suggested.

"Get the address."

Fletcher nodded and started to make some phone calls. Robert glanced at the time on his watch. He listened as Fletcher asked for the address that once belonged to Shirley and Anthony Reed. Fletcher jotted the address down on the back of his hand and hung up.

"The house was left to Ian before his father left to move to America. I've got the address." Fletcher said.

"Let's go," Robert and Fletcher both jumped back into the car and headed to the address that was given to them, hoping they will make it on time to save Addison.

## Chapter Thirty-Seven

2016

Addison eventually woke up. Her feet and wrists her bound behind her back again. She glanced around to find that Ian wasn't anywhere to be found. She winced in pain as she moved slightly from the bash to her head. She sat up slowly and used the counter to get herself to her feet. She opened kitchen drawers, looking for something sharp to cut the cable ties off.

After using as much of her strength, she finally got her hands free. She was unsure where Ian was, so she tried to untie her feet as quick as possible. She listened out for Ian but there was nothing. No sounds. She rushed over by the front door and saw a telephone. It was old fashioned with a small rotary dial on the front. She used it to call Robert which he answered on first ring.

"Robert," she puffed down the phone. She sighed with relief.

"Addison, where are you, we are heading towards their old house as we believe that was where he was holding you." Robert told her.

"Yes, yes that is where I am. Please hurry." She whispered.

"We are nearby, hang in there." Robert hung up.

Addison listened out for Ian again. She looked out of the window to see his car is still outside. She moved to the bottom of the stairs to listen. She heard running water. She started to take each step at a time and stopped outside the master bedroom. Her hands were trembling as she headed into the bedroom. She stood outside of the bathroom and pushed the door open slowly. Addison could see the end of the bathtub which was full of red water. She stepped inside and saw Ian laying in the tub. His wrists were slit, and his blood poured into the water.

Addison reached over to check his pulse. He was still alive. She stood back up and glanced herself in the mirror. She didn't know what to do. There was one thing on her mind. She put her hand on the top of Ian's head and pushed him under the water. He didn't put up a fight because he was unconscious and weak, but she had to finish the job. She held him under for a few minutes and then let go. His headed bobbed to the top and she leaned in putting her fingers to his neck, feeling for a pulse. There wasn't one.

"That's for Rebecca." She whispered.

She went back downstairs and hid under the dining table when she heard a car pulling into the drive. She curled up into a ball as she listened, hoping it was Robert and Fletcher. She waited. The car doors slammed and there were footsteps on the pebbles outside the front. They headed towards the back and she jumped at the sound of a window smashing. Robert was the first one to come into the house. He noticed Addison hiding under the table and rushed to her side.

"Addison, it's me." Robert put his hand out for her. She climbed out with him and he guided her to the sofa. Fletcher came in a few moments after.

"Go and check the house." He told Fletcher.

Fletcher made his way up the stairs slowly and looked in all the bedrooms. He got to the master bedroom and noticed the bathroom door open. He looked inside and saw Ian's head bobbing below the water. The water was red.

"Robert," he called. Robert came up the stairs and stood behind Fletcher, he glanced over to see Ian's body.

"Have you checked for a pulse?" Robert asked.

Fletcher leaned over and used his two fingers to find a pulse from his neck. He glanced up at  
Robert and shook his head. Ian Reed was dead.

"Let's go Nora and Charlie down here. We need a team as this is now a crime scene." Robert left. He went back downstairs to Addison. She was still sitting on the sofa, trembling. He sat beside her and put his arm around her. She rested her head on his shoulder.

"You are safe now." He whispered to her. She closed her eyes and thought about Ian's dead body in the water.

An ambulance finally turned up that Robert called for Addison. The paramedics came in to check her over. They looked at her head and told her that she may need some stitches. The forensics team showed up shortly after and Nora Williams came into the room. She glanced at Robert as he had his arm around Addison.

"What happened?" Nora asked. She glanced around the house and noticed there was a small struggle in the kitchen. She nodded to her team and started to set up.

"Ian Evan's also known as Alan Reed's brother, Ian Reed." Robert told Nora.

"He's your killer?"

"He's the one."

"They were working together back when Alan was killing." Addison spoke. Her voice was slightly croaky which surprised her.

"Bastard." Nora hissed. She left the two of them and started shouting order to her team.

"We will need to take a statement from you." Robert said.

"I know."

"Ian Reed was found dead upstairs. It seems he killed himself just like his mother did. I assume that he did it where his mother did it too." Robert assumed. Addison didn't say anything and just nodded her head. "DCS Dowell will be the one to take your interview about Ian kidnapping you." Robert explained. Addison nodded again.

The paramedics guided her to the back of the ambulance to take her in. Robert jumped in with her and went to the hospital together. They arrived and Addison was taken to a small room. A doctor came in and out of the room, checking her wound on her head. Robert stood by her the whole time. His phone started ringing and he left the room for a moment. The doctor started to do the stitches.

Robert came back into the room. He glanced at Addison and she wondered if they figured out that she killed Ian.

"DCS Dowell is coming over now. He is going to interview you. Also, Nora has found a pair of fingerprints on the knife and they belong to you." Robert started.

"I didn't kill him. We had a scuffle as we fought, and I grabbed the knife from him." Addison explained.

"It's okay. Wait until the DCS gets here and we will go through it together. It will be alright." Robert tried to convince her.

"What will happen to me?"

"You may be suspended for a short time while they investigate. It will only take a couple of days. Everything will be fine." Robert put his hand on her leg. She smiled.

DCS Dowell finally arrived at the hospital and entered Addison's room. She went to get up, but he put his hand out for her to stop.

"No need,"

"Thank you, sir." Addison greeted him with a nod.

"How are you feeling?" Dowell asked her.

"Just a bump to the head. I'll be fine." Addison smiled. Dowell grabbed a chair and moved closer to her. Robert stood in the corner of the room as he just listened.

"I wanted to take your statement straight away, while it's still fresh on your mind. The sooner the better. You may know that you will be suspended for a couple of days as the forensics team investigate. You will be able to return once the case is closed." He told her. She nodded in agreement and showed that she understood.

She began to tell him everything right from the beginning when she was 15 years old up until now. She told him everything in every bit of detail she could remember and the case files that she had taken. Everything poured from her mouth, apart from one thing.

She killed Ian Reed.

# About The Author

Sara Dalton was born in London, Leytonstone. She moved to Essex at a young age and grew up there. At school, Sara had a big interest in Performing Arts and she loved to perform on stage. She took Performing Arts as a GCSE and then carried on studying the subject at College, which she achieved a National Diploma Award. Her first ever show, she played Sandy in Grease. She moved to Portsmouth shortly after, to carry the study on at Portsmouth University.

Sara started a family and decided to take a break from any studying to bring up her daughter. As a hobby, Sara was writing books, but she never decided to publish any. It was only a hobby. Once her daughter started school, Sara decided to go back to university to finish her Performing Arts course at Anglia Ruskin, Cambridge. Again, certain health issues held her back from finishing the course. But she received a certificate of higher education for the hard work she had put into the course. She returned to writing as a hobby, with plans to publish in the future which she achieved. Her debut novel was Evan Wood followed by her recent novel SILENCE which is part of the DS Addison Scott series. Her next working title is HANGMAN.

Sara grew up reading books, her favourite as a child was The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton. She now loves a crime thriller, which has inspired her to write crime books. Her favourite crime authors are Lynda La Plante, Karin Slaughter, and Linda Fairstein. There are many more for that list, but those are the top three. They inspired Sara to write crime, which she is enjoying. HANGMAN is her second novel in the DS Addison Scott Series, which is due out in 2021.

