he Grimes family had been next on Noah’s list to look into. As it turned out, Olivia had already started doing the legwork on that for him.
Of course she had to be persuaded to share what she had been up to, mostly because she was pissed off about his office being locked. That was a problem in itself, but one he would have to deal with later. He had been ignoring it for long enough. Another week wouldn’t hurt. Eventually she had yielded, telling him about the article she had found on Malcolm Grimes and his arrest for arson.
It certainly made Malcolm a viable suspect, but was it really that straightforward?
Olivia had been friends with Margaret, so it made absolutely no sense that Malcolm would be targeting her. But Fern and her friends were a different story and almost certainly involved in what had happened to Margaret. Fern might have denied it, but it had been written all over her face.
Following Howard’s murder, Noah intended to talk to her again, hoping she might now start taking things more seriously and agree to tell him what really happened the night of Margaret Grimes’ death. That would have to wait though. He didn’t want to leave Olivia alone and he couldn’t take her with him.
Instead he waited until they were back at her place and Olivia decided to have a bath. Once she was out of earshot, he placed a call to an old police pal, who he knew had a loose mouth, to find out what information he could on the Howard Peck murder.
There wasn’t much to go on. Howard’s burned remains had been found in woods near Fritton, where he had hired a log cabin. His killer had recorded his murder on Howard’s phone, sent it to Olivia, then dumped the phone before fleeing the crime scene.
At the moment the police were trying to track down Howard’s girlfriend, Daisy Angel, who was supposed to accompany him on the break. According to messages on Howard’s phone they had decided to travel to the cabin separately, as Daisy had been called in to work. Although she had arranged to meet him at the cabin, it seemed she had never showed up.
Noah added Daisy’s name to his list of people to speak to.
He then found out what he could about the Grimes family, firstly using trusty Google, skimming over the article Olivia had told him about. There was no point putting in a request for the police report on the arson attack. There just wasn’t time. Noah knew how the system worked and that it would take weeks, if not months, to get it. His best bet would be to speak with the officers and the solicitor who had worked the case.
Hearing the bath water draining, he fired off a quick message to Fern, telling her that they needed to talk again, before slipping the phone back in his pocket and heading upstairs.
‘You want to get takeout tonight?’
Olivia was in her bedroom, naked and one leg up on the bed as she used her towel to dry herself. She hadn’t heard Noah come up the stairs and jumped at his voice, immediately conscious that her burn scars were clearly visible, snaking a jagged path down the side of her body. Quickly she pulled up the towel to cover herself. ‘Sure. Okay.’
They had been sleeping together all week and the scars didn’t seem to bother him, but she was still self-conscious of being naked around him out of bed. Catching her from behind, he trailed kisses down her neck, tugging the towel away when she relaxed back into him.
‘Don’t do that,’ he said.
‘Don’t do what?’
‘Hide from me. I like seeing you naked.’
She tensed slightly at that, catching her breath when he ran his hands down her sides, his fingertips tracing a pattern over the roughness of the scars, before he slid his arms around her, pulling her tight against him, and nibbling at her earlobe, warm breath on her neck.
Her insides pooled as her body instantly reacted to his, betraying her as she attempted to hold on to her rational thoughts. This wasn’t good. She was falling hard for a man with secrets; a man she was beginning to wonder just how well she could trust.
‘So what do you fancy?’
‘I don’t mind. Surprise me.’ She managed to ease herself out of his arms, grabbed the towel, prudishly wrapping it around herself, her legs still a little wobbly, and angled him a look. ‘What have you been up to? I heard you on the phone.’
She could tell from his expression that he hadn’t realised she had heard him. ‘I was talking to an old friend.’
‘In the police?’
‘Yes.’
‘About Howard?’
He hesitated at that, seeming unsure what to tell her. ‘I didn’t find out much.’
‘Okay, so what did you find out?’
She listened as he told her about the log cabin and the phone, wondering if there was anything he was holding back. Although he had been talking quietly, the bathroom door had been ajar and she had been able to make out parts of his conversation, understood that he hadn’t wanted her to hear him. She asked a few more questions, trying to sound casual, hoping to trip him up, and was annoyed when he gave nothing else away.
Her unease stayed with her into the evening, as she thought back to how Noah had kept Daniella a secret from her. At the time, she had believed it was simply because he didn’t want her to know Daniella was a woman, but was it really as simple as that? Then there was the locked office door and the secretive phone calls, plus the fact she didn’t actually know that much about him – well, only what he had told her about himself.
She trusted him in so much that she didn’t think he would ever hurt her, certainly didn’t think he was behind the notes and knew he hadn’t made the phone calls, but the secrets were starting to bother her. What was he trying to hide from her?
To Olivia’s relief, Molly returned home on Saturday. She needed a little time out from Noah. Things were getting too intense and she couldn’t think straight around him. He had slept in her bed all week and, while she appreciated that he was staying with her to keep her safe, having him there was too much of a distraction. Now Molly was home there was no need for him to stay.
She used her lodger as an excuse to have a night apart, telling him she wanted some catch-up time with her friend. It wasn’t actually a lie. Molly worked for a tour operator, inspecting and contracting hotels. While her job involved a lot of travel, she was usually only away for a night or two at a time. This trip had been one of her longer ones and Olivia had missed her.
They spent the evening catching up over Mexican food and beer, Molly telling Olivia about the awful hotel she had stayed in, then Olivia updating her friend about everything that had happened in her absence, from the run-in with Fern to Howard’s murder.
As she expected, Molly was wide-eyed with shock and had plenty of questions.
‘So somehow this is all connected to your past and to these people. Jesus, what did you do, Livvy?’
‘Nothing.’ Olivia bristled a little, not appreciating the hint of accusation in Molly’s tone. ‘I have no idea why I’m being targeted.’
Molly scooped a dollop of salsa onto her nacho and popped it in her mouth. ‘You were all friends though, right?’
‘No, well, with Fern for a while, but we haven’t spoken in years. Not since Margaret…’ Olivia trailed off. She didn’t want to get into the past and the night of Margaret’s death again. She had never shown Molly her scars and her lodger didn’t know about the fire she had survived.
‘Who is Margaret?’
‘She was a friend.’
‘Was? Have you fallen out with her too?’
‘No, no. Margaret passed away.’
‘Sorry, I didn’t realise. What happened?’
‘It was just an accident. It happened years ago.’ Olivia waved her hand dismissively as if it wasn’t a big deal, kicking herself for mentioning Margaret’s name. She should have known it would lead to questions.
Luna was skulking around the coffee table, where they had set out the dishes of cheese, sauces and chicken for the fajitas, nose raised as she debated whether to chance her luck in jumping up. Searching for a subject change, Olivia grabbed hold of her, pulled her close for a cuddle. ‘This little shit scared the living crap out of me a couple of nights ago.’
‘She did?’
Relieved to move on from Margaret, Olivia recounted how she thought someone had been in the living room. At the time she had been scared then embarrassed, but now she could laugh at it, and it was a safer topic of conversation. At least she thought so until she mentioned Noah’s name, immediately kicking herself.
‘Noah’s been staying here?’
‘He just…’ Damn it. Why was she pussyfooting around Molly? This was her house. ‘I didn’t want to be alone,’ she said simply.
‘Probably a wise idea, especially with everything that’s been happening,’ Molly agreed, picking up her beer and taking a healthy swig.
Olivia stared at her friend. Had she had a personality transplant? Molly hadn’t even flinched or sneered at Noah’s name.
‘What?’
‘You hate Noah.’
Molly’s smile was easy, and she let out a laugh, seeming amused. ‘You asked me to give him a chance and I promised you I would. Besides, regardless of my reservations about him, I don’t think you should be alone. Two of your friends have been murdered.’
‘They weren’t my friends.’
‘Whatever. You know what I mean. You shouldn’t be alone and so yes, I do think it was good that Noah stayed. How are things with you two anyway?’
‘They’re good.’
‘You don’t sound so sure about that. Anything you want to talk about?’
With Molly? Is that really a good idea? She was finally being okay about Noah and Olivia didn’t want to ruin that, but damn it, she needed someone to talk to about him. She was probably being paranoid and overreacting, but her mind was so muddled right now with everything else going on, she needed a second clearer opinion. ‘I met Dan.’
‘Who’s Dan?’
‘Noah’s partner in his company, who he works with, remember?’
‘Oh yeah, I do, and what’s wrong with Dan? Is he an arsehole?’
‘No, not an arsehole. Not a “he” either.’
‘What?’ Molly’s eyes widened.
‘Yes, Dan is Daniella. She’s a woman.’
‘Okay. And why hadn’t Noah told you that?’
‘He was worried I might be jealous. Apparently, his last girlfriend didn’t like him having a female partner.’
‘But he introduced you, right?’
‘Not exactly. It was Tuesday morning, just before you left.’ When Molly narrowed her eyes, Olivia quickly added, ‘I didn’t say anything before you left, as I was still trying to process it. She showed up early. He wasn’t happy.’
‘That you met her? So what is she like?’
‘She seemed nice enough.’
‘Is she pretty?’
‘Yes.’
‘Do you think they’re sleeping together?’
‘Molly!’
Molly threw her hands up. ‘Hey, I’m just asking the question. He kept her a secret.’
‘No, they’re not sleeping together. I think she might be married.’
‘So why all the cloak-and-dagger shit then?’
‘I don’t know.’ Olivia hesitated, decided to take a leap of faith in Molly. She might as well know it all. ‘Noah seems to have a lot of secrets.’
‘He does? Such as?’
Another pause. Was she really going to tell Molly everything? After working so hard to get her to accept Noah, it felt like she was throwing him under a bus. She was now offering her friend all the ammunition she needed to hate him. Was she crazy?
But Noah’s secrets were getting to her. He was hiding something and she no longer felt she could trust him. She needed to talk to someone before she went completely crazy.
To Molly’s credit, she listened without passing judgement as Olivia told her about the locked office door and the phone calls she wasn’t supposed to overhear. Saying it out loud, she couldn’t help wondering if she was overreacting, and when she was finished, Molly surprised her by saying pretty much the same.
‘Keeping his office door locked is a bit over the top, but he does work in security.’
‘It’s more than that. I know it is. It sounds stupid, I know, but there’s something in that office he doesn’t want me to see. I just know there is.’
‘You have no proof of that. Just a hunch.’
‘Hunches are sometimes reliable.’
‘Okay, well, instead of getting worked up about this, have you considered just sitting down and talking to him about how you feel?’
‘He gets defensive. Besides, what about the phone calls. I know he waited until I was out of earshot before he made them. And he seems far too interested in Gary and Howard’s murders.’
‘Have you ever thought that it’s maybe because he’s worried about you. You’ve said yourself. He’s an ex-cop. He probably can’t help but investigate.’
That was true. Olivia wasn’t sure from Molly’s expression that she really believed that though. Still, she continued to fight Noah’s corner.
‘And you are his girlfriend. You witnessed one murder, received a video of another. For whatever reason, whoever murdered your friends is targeting you. Are you sure there is nothing you have done? There has to be a reason why whoever is doing this is focusing on you specifically.’
That was the second time Molly had referred to Gary and Howard as Olivia’s friends, which was starting to annoy her. ‘For God’s sake, I told you, they weren’t my bloody friends!’
She snapped out the words a little harsher than she’d intended, immediately regretted them when she saw Molly’s hurt expression.
That was the thing with Molly, she often spoke without thinking. Olivia should be used to her by now, but yet again she was overreacting.
Just as you did with Noah.
Had she overreacted? This whole situation was taking its toll on her. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap,’ she apologised. ‘I’m so on edge with everything and now the Noah stuff as well… It’s not your fault. I shouldn’t take it out on you. I know you’re only trying to help.’
‘It’s okay.’ Molly’s tone was sympathetic. ‘Look, you’re tired. I can see that. Why don’t you go have an early night and I will clear everything away?’
‘That’s not fair. You’re the one who’s been travelling. No, I’ll clear away.’
‘Livvy, you’re my friend. Please let me help you. You’ve been through a lot these last few days. Seriously, go get some rest.’
Olivia briefly closed her eyes, could feel the tiredness. And she had the start of a headache. Molly was right. She did need to rest. ‘Okay. Thank you, and I owe you.’
‘You don’t owe me anything. We’re friends, right?’ Molly got to her feet as Olivia did, pulled her into a hug. ‘This is what friends do for each other.’
‘Thank you.’ Olivia returned the hug, tried to ease back, was stopped from doing so when Molly tightened her grip.
‘It’s going to be okay, Livvy. We’ll figure this out, the two of us together.’ She turned her head slightly, so her face was pressed against Olivia’s hair, her breath warm against her ear, one hand starting to rub her back, while the other trailed down lower over her arse, cupping her bum cheek, her fingers kneading.
Olivia jerked back, forcibly removing herself from Molly’s hold. What the hell was that?
‘Are you okay?’ Molly was wide-eyed at her reaction, seeming shocked and not acting at all like what she had just done was wholly inappropriate. Should Olivia call her on it?
‘I… I’m fine. Tired. I’m gonna go to bed. I’ll see you tomorrow.’ Olivia left the room before anything else could be said, knowing she was a coward and that she should have said something. Though seriously, what the hell was she supposed to have said to what had just happened?
Her bedroom was cold and she quickly undressed, slipping under the duvet. On the bedside table her phone showed an unread message, and she glanced at it quickly, seeing it was from Noah, checking in with her. She quickly fired a reply, telling him she was okay, before settling back against the pillow.
Her body was so tired, but her mind wide awake as she replayed the scene with Molly.
Had she overreacted?
No, it hadn’t been just a friendly hug, it had definitely been more. Had Olivia given her the wrong signals? She thought back over the time she had known Molly. There had been no boyfriends (though no girlfriends either) and she had never really shown interest in anyone. And she knew Olivia was straight. When they had met, Olivia had been dating Toby, and now she was with Noah.
That was the other thing. Molly had always hated Noah. Olivia remembered Molly’s reaction when she first found out Olivia was involved with him. She had gone from cool indifference to downright hostility. Had it been because she had feelings for Olivia herself?
No, this was stupid. It was the situation that was making her overthink everything. Tiredness and worry was leading to paranoia and she was doubting everyone around her. Noah was just trying to keep her safe and Molly was being no more than a good friend.
She repeated that mantra as she closed her eyes, willing sleep to take her, but her last coherent thought before she finally drifted off was…
Trust no one.
