Delicious (A Rumour Mill Novel) (33 page)

           
“No,
Alana isn’t dead, but you’ve threatened to kill her if she told us the truth.”
DI Frey stated as a matter of fact.

           
“Threatening
to kill someone and murdering a person are two different matters, DI Frey.”
William’s solicitor spoke.

           
“Yes,
but where’s your gun Mr. Smythe?” DI Frey asked.

           
“My
gun, what gun?” William denied.

           
“Your
gun. The illegal Glock you’ve acquired. I’m not going to pussy foot around the
subject, the Glock you gave to Trevor Hare.” DI Frey said as a matter of fact.

           
William
looked at his solicitors and shrugged.
I
have no clue what this copper is talking about and where is my gun?

           
DI
Frey saw the look on William’s face.
He
has no clue.

           
“Trevor
Hare used your gun tonight at a murder scene. You’re aware owning a firearm is
illegal and you’re responsible for the death of your daughter, Tamzin Dowling.”
DI Frey said coldly.

           
 
William felt his heat pound wildly. His chin
hurt and his arm.
What is he talking
about? Tamzin is dead?

           
“Tamzin
isn’t dead. She went to Regents Park to visit with a friend, Gemma.” William
said with fire in his voice.

           
“Mr.
Smythe, this evening Tamzin Dowling was killed by your gun. The shot fired was
by Trevor Hare. Did you supply him the gun?”

           
William
reached over the table, grabbing DI Frey’s throat. The poor detective was in
William’s grip, struggling as he applied pressure. He wanted to snap DI Frey’s
neck. William’s solicitors jumped to defuse the explosive situation between William
and detective. William’s eyes bulged from their socket; his face went red, and sweat
on his brow.
 
Suddenly he began to gasp
for air. A sharp pain shot across his chest. He released DI Frey from his grip
and dropped him down onto the chair.
 
William
foamed at the mouth before shouting ‘Tamzin!’ and collapsed on the table.

           
“Someone
call a medic!” shouted DI Frey.

♥

I
can’t believe it! I’m in Guy’s flat
, thought
Alistair placing a kettle on the hob to make tea for Corrie. Philippe retrieved
some Marks and Spencer’s cream biscuits. He placed them on a plate. Alistair
looked around.
Not only am I in Guy’s
flat, but I’m here because Trevor’s kidnapped Grace! I hope she’s found soon.

At the time the
news broke, Alistair and Philippe were placing stamps on wedding invites. Alistair
was shocked when he saw
Rumour Mill
correspondent
on the telly describing the crime and Grace’s kidnapping. It was Alistair’s
intention to rush home but Corrie caught him in the nick of time. She told him
to meet her at Guy’s flat. Corrie told him everything that the media didn’t
disclose.

Corrie wasn’t
comfortable in Guy’s flat. She’s grateful that Alistair came to her aide.
Philippe joined them as well. Wendy emerged from the guest bedroom. Wendy
turned down the bed for Corrie as it was clear that she was emotionally
exhausted and frail.
 
Corrie’s focus was
fixated on the telly screen hoping for any sort of news regarding Grace. Alistair
and Philippe entered the lounge with cups of tea and biscuits on a tray.
Alistair gave Corrie a sleeping pill and a glass of water.

“Drink it. It will
help you sleep.” Alistair said.

“Thank you
Alistair.” Corrie replied taking the glass and pill in her hand.

“You’ve got to
calm down. You need your rest. Grace will be fine.” Philippe said as he stirred
milk into Corrie’s tea cup.

It brought a fresh
round a sobs from Corrie. Alistair shot him a fiery glance. Wendy noticed.

“Ms. Fielding, why
don’t we take this cuppa and biscuits in the bedroom? There you can rest easy
and watch telly.” Wendy said.

Corrie nodded.
Wendy, Alistair and Philippe helped Corrie up from the sofa. Alistair followed
Wendy to the guest bedroom. He watched as Wendy helped Corrie into bed before
exploring the rest of the flat.
 

Alistair came to
Guy’s bedroom, looking over the designer furniture from Dwell and other high
end shops. Alistair walked to a mahogany dresser. On Guy’s dresser, Alistair
noticed a Tiffany silver picture frame. Alistair picked up the frame in his
hand. He saw it was a picture of Grace and Guy on the yacht.
They’re clearly smitten with each other. He
loves her.
Alistair judged by the photo.

“What are you
doing in here?” asked Philippe coming to Alistair side.

“Nothing. I’m curious.
Everywhere in this flat I have found pictures of Grace. Guy’s in love with
Grace. I hope Guy finds her quickly.”Alistair replied shakily. Philippe saw
through Alistair’s strong facade. It crumbled a little with each passing minute.

♥

Cat paced back and forth in her lounge. She
wrung her hands in prayer. Religion isn’t in Cat’s vocabulary, but Grace’s
kidnapping was worthy of praying to God.
Please
God let Grace be alright! As soon as she’s home with me, I’ll sort everything
out! Guy is a curse to us! If only Grace hadn’t bake that wedding cake! If only
she stayed away from him! And Trevor didn’t do what the police are accusing him
of, he’s a good man!

           
Disbelief
and shock rattled Cat. All she wanted was for her niece to be returned to her
safely. The phone rang. It was Corrie.

           
“Any
news?” Cat asked.

           
“No.
Guy said he thinks she was taken to Ivy. He’ll be there shortly.” Corrie
replied.

           
“Fine.”
Cat replied.

           
They
continued their conversation a few minutes before ending the call. Cat decided
she wasn’t going to wait around for Guy to find her.
I have to do something now!

♥

fraid that Trevor would hear the bed squeak
and creak, Grace carefully rolled herself onto her back. She slid off the bed
onto the floor, hoping the nightstand edge will cut through tape. Grace scooted
to the nightstand, but accidently butted the table with her head. The lamp
moved making a noise.

           
Trevor
looked up.
Good! Grace is conscious.
He finished placing down the last of the plastic sheets.
I’m going to make her bleed and feel pain like she’s never felt before.
Grace deserves it for all the pain she’s put me through.
He stalked off to
the bedroom, opened the bedroom door to find Grace lying on the floor. Grace’s
eyes went wide in fear and terror. Grace struggled in her binds.

           
“You’re
up. I’ve been patiently waiting for you. Now I can prepare you to do all the
things I want to do to you.” Trevor said. He marched over to Grace.

           
Grace
closed her eyes. The vision of Trevor before Grace repulsed her. Trevor
half-naked hulked over her. He wore tight black leather pants. His chest was
visible to her. Trevor had two nipple piercings and a belly button piercing
which made Grace quiver in fright.
He’s
puffy, pasty, and creepy.
Trevor brought his face close to Grace.

           
“I’m
going to remove the binds, Grace. If you scream or try to run, I’ll make life
very difficult for you. If you obey, you will be treated
fairly
.” Trevor chuckled on the word fairly.

           
Trevor
lifted Grace up, tossing her on the bed.

           
“I’m
going to remove the tape from your mouth. If you scream I’ll stuff it with a
rag.” he said.

           
Grace
decided it best to comply, if she’s going to escape from his clutches. Trevor
ripped off the tape. Grace didn’t scream instead she scowled in disgust.

           
“Good.
When I command you to do things Grace, you are to reply yes chef. Is that
clear?” Trevor said.

           
“Yes
Chef.” Grace answered. The words tasted like spoilt milk. She hated him deeply.
Trevor noticed her disdain.
I’m going to
make you grovel!

♥

Guy arrived at the gates of Worthington
Hall. As he drove under the arches and up the gravel driveway, Guy felt fury
channel his body. The hall wasn’t the same as when Guy first arrived for Darren’s
wedding. It was subdued, quiet, and sleepy.

When he brought
the car around to the valet, the valet asked if he was staying. Guy shook his
head no and entered the reception area. The hotel wasn’t a hive of activity as
during the wedding or were there guests running to and fro, it was a proper
hotel. A few guests lurked about in a soft lull. At one point Guy swore he
heard Tamzin’s heels clicking behind him. It was an elderly woman walking with
a cane. Guy went to the desk.

“How may I be of
assistance?” asked the receptionist.

“I need to speak
to your manager.” Guy said.

The receptionist
nodded and went off to fetch a manager.

♥

 
Trevor
cut off the tape on Grace’s wrists first with a sharp knife. She sat still as
he did it.
I should smash the lamp over
his bloody head!
Grace decided against it. She needed Trevor to cut the
tape off her feet. Trevor began to pull her shirt.

           
“Lift
your arms.” he ordered.

           
“Yes
Chef.” Grace replied.

Grace lifted her
arms above her head. She winced as they ached from being bound behind her
back.
 
Trevor pulled Grace’s long jersey
knit shirt over her head.

           
Trevor
looked at Grace. He inspected Grace with his eyes.
Her breasts look plump and swollen as if the bra she’s wearing is too small.
Her period! Grace must be getting her
period!
Trevor grinned wickedly at the thought.
Even better!

           
Trevor
ran a sharp knife down the centre of Grace’s body. Grace swallowed hard. She
felt sick. Grace felt desperation. She wanted Trevor to cut the tape off of her
legs. Trevor peered into Grace’s eyes. She remained emotionless.

           
“You
can’t stay like this forever.” Trevor said.

           
“Yes
Chef.” Grace mumbled, growing impatient.

           
Trevor
dragged his knife down to her ankles. He cut the silver duct tape off. As soon
as the tape severed, Grace swung her feet upwards to kick Trevor in the gut.
The blow sent him reeling backwards. Grace clambered over the bed to escape.

           
“
You bitch!
” Trevor screamed.

           
Filled
with fear and fright, Grace ran into lounge unaware of the plastic sheets spread
out on the floor. She skidded across a sheet. Quickly, Trevor recovered. He gained
on her. Grace made it to the door. As soon as Grace’s hand landed on the door
knob to twist it, Trevor threw his body on the door to prevent Grace from escaping.
He grabbed Grace by the hair, throwing her across the room and forcing her to
topple over herself. Grace fell on plastic sheets.

           
“You’re
not getting away so easily Grace.” Trevor hissed. “I’ve patiently waited and
now the waits over! No one’s going to help you Grace.
No one!
”

           
Trevor’s
eyes said it all, filled with diabolical rage. Grace felt the icy hand of death
grip her.
He’s not going to shoot me.
He’s going to torture me!
Please let
the police or Guy find me, anyone find me. Please! This isn’t the way I thought
I’d go. This is the way Trevor planned for me to go.

           
Trevor
pinned Grace down with the weight of his body. In his hand Trevor held the
electrical tape. Grace clawed at him. She ripped off one of his piercings. It
made him bleed and howl in pain, but it didn’t stop Trevor’s attempt. The wound
made him intensely virile and strong. Trevor managed to get Grace out of her
jeans as she tried to crawl away screaming for help.

           
Grace
sobbed as Trevor bound her hands and feet again. Her whimpering made Trevor’s
arousal rocket through his body. He was beyond turned on. With a kiss Trevor
tried to pry Grace’s lips open. Grace refused to comply. Instead she bit his
tongue, making Trevor wince then smile as he smacked her hard against the face.

           
“You
like to fight don’t you?” It was a rhetorical question. One that needed no
answer. Grace was fighting for her survival, not for the pleasure of a fight,
if there was such a thing.

           
Trevor
ran his hands down between them. Trevor pushed his hands into her knickers and
stuck a finger inside her. It made Grace cry out in pain.

           
“
Please don’t do this! I’m pregnant!
”
Grace cried, hoping her confession stopped Trevor in his tracks.

           
The
words didn’t fall on deaf ears. The news enraged him. Trevor’s body turned red
in rage. He hulked over her.
Guy’s done
his worse! He’s impregnated her! And she allowed it to happen! Grace is going
to pay dearly for it!

♥

Cat sat in Ivy-upon-Wye’s police station.
It was small, no bigger than the size of the Savoury Plum dining area. The
reception desk was behind a glass partition wall.

           
“They’re
going to be awhile.” receptionist said in Welsh whilst flipping the pages of
her
Rumour Mill
magazine.

           
“Fine
by me. I can wait.” Cat replied in Welsh.

           
Cat
was desperate to talk to the police to see if they knew anything about Grace’s
whereabouts. She had to wait patiently as the police were called to a nearby
farm, whose sheep escaped from their pen. The sheep were taking a late night
stroll on dark country roads. The police and farmer needed to round them and
returned the sheep to their proper pens.

♥

Guy arrived at the cottage Trevor once
rented. The lights were on. He had convinced the manager to allow him to come
to the cottage without alerting security. Guy wanted to confront Trevor on his
own terms.

           
“I
didn’t rent this cottage.” The manager said, shaking his head.

           
“It’s
possible Trevor’s in there with Grace. He’s armed and dangerous. Go back and
call the police.” Guy ordered.

           
“What
about you?” The manager asked, handing over the key to the cottage. Guy
insisted to the manager that if the police didn’t arrive in time, he needed to
go in and save her.

           
“I’ll
wait here.” Guy lied with no intention on waiting for the police.
I’m going in and saving Grace.
The
manager nodded before running back to the hall.

           
Guy
crept around the cottage. Guy looked in the bedroom window. It was vacant.
Instinct told him that Trevor was in the lounge with Grace. Guy checked the
window to see if it was open. It was locked. Suddenly there was a shrilling
scream. Guy knew it was Grace.
I can’t
let this go on!
I’m going in!
Guy
lifted a fallen tree branch and smashed the window. He opened it.

           
Trevor
heard a noise. He looked up, loosening his grip on Grace’s throat. It was glass
shattering.
Someone’s trying to get in!
Trevor
left Grace crying on the floor as he went to inspect the bedroom. Trevor opened
the bedroom door slowly. He checked behind the door in case the intruder hid
there. He walked to the window and saw pieces of glass on the floor. There was
no one in the bedroom. Trevor stormed to the loo. He pulled back the shower
curtain in the bath.
No one!

           
Trevor
ran back to the lounge, only to discover that Grace was gone! The front door
left wide open.

           
“
GRACE! GRACE!
” Trevor screamed.

           
Grace
heard Trevor’s screams. She ran barefoot through the woods. Branches, leaves,
and rocks snapped, crunched, and imbedded on her body and feet.
I can’t let this bother me! I’ve got to get
help.
Guy told her to run to the hall but stay off the path in case Trevor
made a run for her.

           
“
GRACE!
” Trevor screamed running from the
cottage.

           
Unexpectedly
Trevor fell down by a swift hard punch. Guy hid on the side of the cottage. As
soon as he saw Trevor running, Guy made a dash for him. Guy brought his fist
down on Trevor’s face. Trevor quickly got back on his feet. He threw a punch to
Guy who dodge it, but didn’t miss the second blow. Guy lunged for Trevor.

           
Grace
made it to the lawn. Her face was scratched, bloody and bruised and her legs
ached. Grace clawed at grass breaking a few nails as she tried to make it up a
small hill. The manager and security guards saw her. They ran to her.

           
“Are
you okay, miss?” asked the manager throwing his jacket over Grace. She fell in
his arms with exhaustion and fear. “The police are on their way.” he assured her.
The guards ran to the cottage to help Guy.

           
“
Why did you kidnap Grace?! Why did you shoot
Darren?!
” Guy shouted during each blow. He didn’t expect an answer from
Trevor. Trevor let out a deep guttural laugh.

           
“You
think you can swan here and save Grace. She doesn’t love you. She doesn’t need
you. I’ll always be in her life. We have something you’ll never have with her.”
Trevor said smugly as he wiped blood off his lip.

           
“Mr.
Rowling! Mr. Rowling!” Trevor and Guy heard men shouting. Trevor looked at Guy before
he ran off into the woods.

Guy ran after him.
Guy was grateful for his strenuous workout, running and playing on the pitch.
It made him an incredibly fast runner. He was able to dodge branches and leap
over fallen trees after Trevor. Guy weaved in and out of the brush with only
the full moonlight to guide him. He was closing in on Trevor.

Unaware of his
surroundings, Trevor made it to a steep cliff jutting out over a ravine. He
heard Guy coming through the thick overgrown brush and saw glimpses of torches
shining through the trees.
There’s
nowhere to run! I’m trapped! It’s over!

“Come away from
there Trevor.” Guy said strongly. “Come away from the edge. Answer to your
crimes like a man! You’ve done enough damage.”

Trevor held his
hands up. He stepped backwards. The glare of the torches made him blink rapidly.
My life’s over.
It was Trevor’s final
thought before he took one more step back, falling over the cliff, down the
ravine onto a bed of jagged rocks. Guy ran to the edge. He looked over, stunned
by what he saw. Trevor, dead.