The Silent Quarry Read online

  It took nearly an hour to drive to the hospital and in that time Meadows had run through all scenarios in his mind. He was eager to find out what had happened. He parked the car and headed for reception where a nurse informed him where to locate Gwen’s room. He stepped out of the lift and as he approached the room he saw the doctor leaving.

  ‘Can I have a word?’ The doctor turned and Meadows showed his identification.

  ‘Sure, I’m Dr Rowland.’ He held out his hand. ‘I expect you want to know about Gwen’s injuries.’

  ‘Yes, I hope to have a chat with her in a moment if you think she is up to answering some questions.’

  ‘I don’t see why not. All I can tell you at the moment is that she has taken a nasty bump to the back of the head, she needed stitches. As is usual for head injuries she lost a lot of blood. What’s interesting is that she seems to have had some sort of regression.’

  ‘I don’t understand.’

  ‘She was very confused when she came in. From what she tells me she lost consciousness when she hit her head. When she came around she thought she was fifteen years old.’

  ‘And now?’

  ‘Apart from being shaken and tired, she’s fine. I don’t see any signs of concussion. She’s aware of how old she is, the day, and date. Gwen told me that she has retrograde amnesia from a previous head trauma. I would like to take a look at her medical records and run some more tests. It could be that this latest knock to the head has somehow, how I shall put it?’ Dr Rowland wrinkled his brow. ‘Jolted her memory. Meanwhile, I don’t think a few questions will do any harm. Just try to keep it short.’

  Meadows quickly absorbed the doctor’s words and felt a twinge of excitement at the thought of new information on the attack that took place all those years ago.

  ‘Is it possible that she’ll regain all of her previous memories?’

  ‘I can’t really comment on that until I assess her further. The chances are that she will begin to experience flashbacks, snippets of information. It won’t be instantaneous, I shouldn’t think.’

  ‘Well, thank you for your time, Doctor. Perhaps I can talk to you again, when you’ve completed your tests?’

  ‘Yes, of course. To be honest, I’m a little intrigued myself.’ He smiled before turning away.

  Meadows entered the room and saw Gwen propped up in bed with her head resting against the pillow. Her skin was pallid and she looked delicate and vulnerable beneath the white sheets. Matt sat on one side of the bed with the children standing next to him. On the opposite side stood Sue, looking as pale as her daughter, a tissue pressed against her eyes. David Collier stood in the corner of the room rubbing his hand over his unshaven face. His eyes were fixed upon Gwen.

  Meadows walked further in and approached the bed. ‘Hello, Gwen, I’m DI Meadows. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?’

  Gwen stared at Meadows and her face creased in concentration. Cornflower blue eyes searched his face, then she smiled warmly.

  ‘Winter Meadows?’

  ‘Yes that’s right.’ She remembers me. An ember from the past glowed in his stomach. He returned her smile. ‘How are you feeling?’

  ‘A little foolish, if I’m honest. I’m sorry to have caused so much trouble.’

  ‘We are just glad that you are safe.’ Meadows felt a stir in his emotions. She’s just as I remember her. Eyes that turn violet in the light set against porcelain skin. A warm smile. He became aware of Matt’s glare and quickly took out his notebook. He thought the family might give him some space but they appeared reluctant to move and he didn’t have the heart to ask them to leave.

  ‘Do you feel up to telling me what happened yesterday?’

  ‘I took Blue, my dog, out for a walk. I thought he could do with a swim and I didn’t feel like walking up the mountain. I only intended to stay near the entrance of the quarry and let Blue play in the stream.’ Gwen paused and sighed. ‘Then I just walked a little further up. I haven’t been up the quarry since the attack and I wanted to prove to myself that there was nothing to be afraid of.’

  ‘Oh, Gwenny!’ Sue cried. ‘Why would you want to go up there, and on your own?’

  ‘I know, it was stupid, but I had Blue with me. When I got to the old shack I guess I was surprised it was still there. I thought it might have been pulled down. I walked inside. It was OK at first, but then I could see Beth’s body. Blood pouring out of her head.’ Gwen’s voice broke and she pulled the sheet up to her neck with trembling hands.

  ‘I think that’s enough.’ Matt stood and faced Meadows. ‘We’re grateful for all your help but I don’t see the point in questioning her further.’

  ‘Please, Matt, it’s fine.’ Gwen looked at Meadows. ‘I don’t mind.’ She took a sip of water and continued. ‘I don’t know if it was some sort of flashback or my imagination but suddenly I felt afraid. I stepped backwards and I guess I must have slipped and hit my head. When I woke up I thought I was back in the past. I thought I was a fifteen-year-old schoolgirl.’ She bit her lip as colour rose in her face.

  Meadows again felt a flutter of excitement. ‘What were your first thoughts?’

  ‘I was confused, the clothes I was wearing were alien to me and I didn’t even recognise Blue. It was getting dark and I was terrified. I thought Mum would be mad because I was out so late.’

  ‘Why did you go up the mountain?’

  Gwen looked around at her family then down at her hands. ‘I don’t know.’

  Meadows had the feeling that she knew more that she was telling. Is she afraid of someone in the room?

  ‘Is there anything else you can tell me?’

  ‘No, I just felt afraid, like someone was after me but I don’t know who.’ Tears welled in her eyes.

  ‘I really do think that is enough,’ Matt cut in.

  Meadows put his notebook back into his pocket. He could see that Gwen was tiring and would much prefer to talk to her alone. ‘OK, we’ll leave it there for now. Perhaps I could come and see you in a few days, when you’ve had a chance to rest?’

  Gwen nodded and gave him a weak smile.

  As Meadows left the hospital, a troubling thought entered his mind. If Gwen recovers her memory, she could be in danger from a ruthless killer.

  He just hoped that it wasn’t someone close to her.

  Chapter Eight

  When Meadows arrived at the police station he felt drained. Now that Gwen had been found the adrenalin had worn off, and after only two hours’ sleep he felt his eyes stinging in protest. Lester approached him as soon as he walked into the office.

  I bet he’s pissed off with me after all the overtime I used up last night. Then there’s the cost of the search team to deduct from the already stretched budget. Meadows glanced around the office. Word had obviously spread and DS Blackwell smirked from behind Lester’s back. Blackwell, built like a bulldog with triangular body sat on top of thick stubby legs, made no attempt to hide his dislike for Meadows. He made it obvious from the time Meadows took up the position of Detective Inspector that the job should have been his.

  ‘A word in my office,’ Lester addressed Meadows, then turned and strode towards his office.

  Meadows followed, deliberately avoiding Blackwell’s gaze and once inside the office closed the door firmly.

  Lester took a seat behind the oak desk and waited for Meadows to take a seat. ‘I hear that you were at the hospital this morning interviewing Gwen Thomas. I take it you’re satisfied that there was no one else involved in the incident. An accident, I hear.’

  ‘Yes. sir.’ Meadows sat forward in his chair. ‘She has however recalled some of the previous attack.’ That’s got his attention.

  ‘Go on.’

  ‘I spoke to her doctor and he thinks it probable that she will fully recover her memory.’

  Lester leaned back in his chair, his brows furrowed. ‘Well, I can certainly see how that would be a major development in an old case. I assume that once she’s had time to recover from this latest
injury she will be able to shed some light on what happened back then.’

  ‘I’m afraid it’s not as simple as that. Her memory may only come back in flashbacks. Snippets of information. I’m not entirely sure how it works; the doctor wanted to do a few more tests. I’ll give it a few days and talk to him again. Meanwhile, I would like to re-open the case and look at all the original evidence and statements.’

  ‘I’m not sure that’s a good idea at this time. As it stands we don’t have anything new that would justify opening the case. Perhaps we should wait and see what transpires with her memory.’

  ‘I really think we should act now, sir. If it is known that Gwen Thomas has recovered some of her memory it could force the killer to act, especially if it’s someone close to her. Wouldn’t it be better to start looking now and be prepared, make it known that the police are taking an interest in Gwen’s safety?’

  ‘I don’t think we can justify the expense.’ Lester folded his hands and placed them on the desk.

  ‘I didn’t mean for her to have a police guard. If I could interview her again, maybe use some of the information from the original investigation to jog her memory. Help things move along.’ Meadows let his last sentence hang in the air and watched Lester consider the request. I bet he’s thinking how good it would look on the department to solve a twenty-eight-year-old case. Go on take the bait. ‘I’m not working any cases at the moment. There are a few minor frauds up for grabs but I think Blackwell is more than capable of handling them.’

  ‘OK, but for now I would like you to keep it low key. I can let you have DC Edris to assist’

  ‘The new trainee?

  ‘He’s been here six months.’ Lester leaned back in his chair and surveyed Meadows. ‘I know you’re used to working in a large team which did give you some anonymity. Granted, we are a small operation here, but it does have its advantages. The team works well together. Yes, they know the ins and outs of each other’s personal lives but that means they support one another. I get the feeling that you’re not gelling with the group, you don’t give much of yourself away.’

  Meadows groaned inwardly. ‘I guess I’m not much of a team player.’

  ‘No, but give it a chance; they’re a good lot, even Blackwell. He’s just pissed that he didn’t get his promotion. He’ll come around. Meanwhile I think it will do you good to take Edris under your wing.’

  ‘I thought he was assigned to Blackwell.’

  ‘He is, but to be honest, from what I hear he isn’t very happy. He scored highly on his exams and sailed through training. Blackwell isn’t the most patient of men and it would be a shame to lose Edris because of a clash of personalities. I think it will do him good to work with you on this.’

  Meadows sighed. He would prefer to work alone but while he had Lester on his side it was best to agree. He mustered a smile. ‘Fine by me.’

  ‘Good. Keep me updated, and I think it would be prudent to spend no more than a couple of weeks on the case, unless of course there is a major breakthrough.’ Lester stood to indicate the meeting was over.

  Meadows returned to his desk as Lester called in Blackwell and Edris. A few moments later Edris came out smiling, followed by Blackwell who shot Meadows a thunderous look before plonking himself down at his desk, his biceps straining at his shirt.

  ‘So we’re working on a murder case.’ Edris smiled at Meadows, his eyes alight with enthusiasm.

  Meadows surveyed the young man that stood at his desk. Dark blond hair, worn long, framed an oval face. His eyes were a strange mix of hazel and blue-green. Straight white teeth were revealed in his warm smile. Nice-looking kid.

  Meadows returned the smile. ‘Pull up a chair. It’s Tristan, isn’t it?’

  ‘Yes, sir.’ Tristan sat down, careful not to put his chair too close to Meadows.

  ‘You don’t have to call me sir when it’s just the two of us.’

  ‘Oh … DS Blackwell insists on it.’

  He would. ‘Well, you will find my ways a little different. I don’t hold much with titles and superiority. Don’t get me wrong, I give respect where it’s due, but I don’t think myself better than anyone else in this office because I outrank them. Nor do I think that anyone has the right to think they are better than me.’

  Edris looked confused. ‘Um … what shall I call you then?’

  ‘You can call me Meadows, I prefer it to Winter.’ Meadows grinned.

  ‘That’s an unusual name.’

  ‘Yes, long story. What would you like me to call you?’

  ‘Edris will do.’

  ‘Good. Well, now that’s sorted let’s get down to business. We are re-opening a case from 1987.’

  ‘You’re kidding! I wasn’t even born then,’ Edris chuckled.

  Great, so I’m expected to be a babysitter. ‘How old are you?’

  ‘Twenty-six.’

  ‘I was seventeen then. I can only tell you what I remember from that time and the rumours that followed. Bethan Hopkins and Gwen Collier were friends. They grew up together and attended the same school. By all accounts they were very close. The girls were fifteen years old. In Bryn Melyn, where both girls lived, there is a disused quarry. A public footpath runs past the quarry and upon to the mountain. It’s mainly used by hikers and dog walkers. There’s an old shack about halfway up, the girls used it as a hang out. Presumably to drink and smoke or whatever teenage girls got up to in those days. The shack was owned by a farmer, he kept some tools and animal feed up there. He was aware that kids sometimes used it but as they left it intact he turned a blind eye, or was too old to care.’ Meadows paused and ran his hand through his hair. He glanced at Edris who was listening intently.

  ‘The girls went missing on Saturday the twentieth of June. A search party was set up by the locals. There was no reason to believe the girls had run away. Bethan Hopkins’ body was found on Sunday afternoon in the shack. Gwen Collier was found some hours later at the bottom of the ravine, she had sustained horrific injuries and as a result lost her memory.’

  ‘Did you know the girls?’

  ‘Yes, although not very well.’ Except Gwen, but that was after the attack. Meadows shifted in his chair.

  ‘Were there any suspects at the time?’

  ‘There was talk. Bethan had a boyfriend, Samuel Morris. He was taken in for questioning but was never charged. Gwen Collier had an accident yesterday. She took a fall and hit her head. It seems that this fall has triggered something in her memory. She experienced a flashback and may continue to do so.’

  ‘What do you want me to do?’

  ‘We need to get all the old case files out of storage. Look at the original statements and evidence. I’ll give Gwen a few days to recover, then interview her again.’

  ‘I’ll get right on to it.’ Edris stood up and hurried to his desk.

  Maybe it won’t be so bad working with him. Meadows watched Edris tap away at his computer. As his eyes moved away he caught a glimpse of Blackwell watching from across the room, a disgruntled look on his face. I should have known it wouldn’t be easy coming back. Once an outsider, always an outsider. People don’t like what’s different.

  Meadows blew out a slow breath and turned his attention to the computer, where he typed up his notes from the previous night and his subsequent visit to the hospital.

  Maybe solving this case will make a difference. I owe it to Gwen.

  Chapter Nine

  June 20th 1987

  Gwen stepped out of the front door and into the hazy morning sunshine. A low mist had hung over the village that morning, dispersing to leave humid air in its wake. She slung her bag over her shoulder and called goodbye to her mother before closing the door.

  A sheen of perspiration gathered on her brow as she walked briskly up the road. She better be ready or we’ll miss the bus. Gwen arrived at Bethan’s house and knocked the door. A shuffle of footsteps could be heard then the lock being turned. The door opened and Bethan’s mother, Doreen Hopkins, smiled at Gwen.
r />   ‘Hi, Mrs Hopkins, is Beth ready?’

  ‘I’m sorry, love, Beth isn’t feeling well this morning.’

  ‘Oh, we were supposed to go shopping to Bryn Mawr this morning.’

  ‘I’ll let her know you called.’ Doreen started to close the door.

  ‘Can I see her?’ Gwen stepped forward.

  ‘She’s asleep, maybe you should come back tomorrow and see if she is feeling better.’

  ‘OK.’ Gwen turned away. She was OK yesterday and she went out with Sam last night. She stepped back and looked up at Beth’s bedroom window. A silhouette briefly appeared then moved before Gwen could be sure of what she had seen. She’s not asleep, if she didn’t want to come shopping she should have said. Bitch!

  Her body tensed with annoyance as she stomped away. Maybe Catrin will come shopping. She made her way down Turnpike Road just as the bus was passing. I suppose we’ll have to catch the next one now. She reached Catrin’s and knocked the door, she waited a few moments and knocked again. Harder this time. She put her ear against the door, but no sound came from within. She fought the urge to stamp her feet in frustration as she walked back home. She called out as she entered the house but no answer came.

  ‘What is it with everyone today?’ She seethed as she stomped upstairs and into her bedroom. Through the window she could see her mother pegging out the washing. She dumped her bag on the floor and plonked down on the bed. The front door opened and someone entered the house …

  A sharp rapping on the door bought Gwen back to the present. Startled, she looked down at the iron she held in her hand. It was pressed firmly against one of Matt’s shirts, the fabric smouldered from the heat.

  ‘Shit!’ Gwen cursed. She pulled the iron up and saw the brown imprint scorched into the white cotton. Another rapping on the door and Blue started to bark.

  ‘I’m coming,’ she hollered. Flustered, she switched off the iron and placed it on the cooling rack before rushing to the door, Blue close at her heels. She grabbed hold of Blue’s collar and opened the door.