Title: I'll Be Seeing You
Author: Emily Lawrence
Summary: Barnaby's niece, Forensic Psychologist Eliza Lockier is asked to work a particularly puzzling case alongside her uncle. Returning to Midsomer for the first time in years, she is confronted with memories of her past and the meeting of one Sergeant Dan Scott.
Disclaimer: If you recognize it, I don't own it.
Rating: Not sure yet
Chapter One
X x X x X
I'll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through
The noise was deafening. She wondered how no one had heard it and come running yet. Stumbling through the pitch black, knocking into things and trying in vain to ignore the pain in her limbs, the river of blood she felt in her shoes. From somewhere there was the noise of screams and bangs, and above it all...
I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way
And then he grabbed her, throwing a hand over her mouth to stifle her screams. Too weak and in pain to even struggle, she could only go limp as he dragged her across the floor, all the while that dreadful din sounding.
"Now now, what did I tell you was the first rule in these situations?" The voice was so stern and cut through the noise as clear as day. She trembled as the hand was removed from her mouth and seizing her opportunity, she began to scream. This earned her a slap across the face and the voice moved so it was next to her ear "That is incorrect. The first rule is: don't panic. Can you remember that?"
She could only whimper a response, but this seemed to satisfy because soon enough she felt herself be dragged down a short flight of stairs and dumped unceremoniously on the cold, hard ground. She heard the door lock behind her and knew she was back in her cell. The noise only seemed to be getting louder. She curled up in a ball on the ground and clamped her hands over her ears.
I'll find you
In the morning sun
And when the night is new
All of a sudden, she heard several crashing noises that were too close for comfort. She felt the walls begin to cave in around her, trapping her underneath...
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you
X x X x X
"Are you sure you're alright, Lizzie?" Dana glanced nervously at her friend from the driver's seat "This is the third time in two months..."
Eliza smiled a little and then winced "I know," She grimaced through bloodstained teeth and a split lip "Do you think they'll let me double up on my counselling sessions? Or at least give me a clothing allowance for all my ruined stuff."
"You shouldn't be making jokes about it, Lizzie." Dana navigated carefully along the narrow streets "It's not healthy to avoid your feelings like this."
"Dana, I don't know why you're so worried. I'm fine." Eliza reassured her friend as they pulled up outside their Victorian terrace and got out of the car.
"I'm worried because I keep getting calls in the middle of the night from Accident and Emergency asking me to please come and pick up my housemate as she is unfit to drive due to injuries sustained in the workplace." Dana stomped up the front steps quickly, Eliza following rather more gingerly, supporting her bruised ribs with one arm and holding the other one out to balance herself.
"Not that I mind being called or anything," Dana opened the front door and helped Eliza inside "It's just that I wonder how many times your lip can be split open before you realize that your profession is a completely unsafe one."
Eliza smiled a little at her friend's breezy tones. They both knew this conversation was leading nowhere, that Eliza wasn't going to listen to Dana, and that Dana was going to continue getting frustrated until they both went to bed and the same thing happened again in a few weeks.
"Damn, so I spent all that money on university to go into a job where you aren't wrapped up in cotton wool. Thanks for telling me Dana. I wouldn't have realized otherwise."
Dana nudged her friend as punishment for her sarcasm "No, you spent all that money on university to go and become a human punch bag."
"Well, somebody has to do it."
X x X x X Two Weeks Later X x X x X
The phone was ringing.
Cracking one eye open, Eliza glanced at the bedside clock. Half past eight. Who the bloody hell had the nerve to call at this hour? On a Saturday too.
Eliza picked up the miniscule machine and flipped it open, fighting the urge not to swear at the person on the other end.
"Miss Lockier?"
"Hmm?"
"This is Chief Jonathon Smith from the Causton Police department. I hope you don't mind me calling so early, I got your number from the NCIP Admin. Apparently you're registered as a part-time Behavioural Investigative Advisor?"
"Causton? As in, the West Country?" Eliza propped herself up on her elbows and squinted in the early morning light that was creeping under the curtains. At the mention of Causton her heart had given a little leap. That was a place she hadn't heard of in years. All of a sudden a strange feeling settled in the pit of her stomach.
"Ahem...Yes. As I was saying," He sounded stressed "I have called more local Advisors, but they are otherwise engaged. I know you're based in Liverpool, but we are in somewhat of a bind..."
Eliza's heart went out to him. He'd clearly been up all night "Of course, of course. What exactly is the case you want me to look at?"
"There have been three homicides in the village of Midsomer Worthy over the past two weeks. All of the victims were taken and held for at least two nights before turning up dead. The Detective Chief Inspector will be able to give you more when you arrive. His name is DCI Tom Barnaby."
Eliza's breath caught in her throat. She could just say no and have done with it. Put the phone down, shut her eyes and reclaim her weekend. But something in the Chief's weary yet hopeful voice made her think twice.
"... How soon do you need me there?"
X x X x X
Eliza hung up the phone and sighed. Already mentally packing and reminding herself to call work and have her appointments covered, she rolled out of bed and wandered over to the wardrobe. Opening the door and reaching up to the highest shelf, Eliza felt around for the worn out address book that hadn't seen the light of day since she had moved into the house. That strange feeling was still broiling around in her stomach, and she did her best to ignore it. One had to go back sometime, she supposed.
Holding her prize like a dust-covered trophy, Eliza flicked through the pages quickly until she found what she was looking for. Dialling the number she held the phone to her ear and stifled a yawn while it rang, smiling a little in spite of herself when a familiar voice answered.
"Auntie Joyce?"
