Chapter 4

"Hello, DCI Helen Stewart and this is DI Dominic McAllister. "We're here to see Mary Richards."

"Please make it very brief," the nurse instructed them as they entered the private room. "Such a tragedy, really," she commented. "With the poor woman at death's door and her husband at her side almost constantly, you'd think God would put her out of her misery."

"I'm sure she's not ready to go just yet," Helen replied. More than that she was not allowed to say.

The nurse inched closer to Helen and whispered. "He's a creepy sort, though, don't you think?" The nurse said, referring to Mary's husband Tim who was getting a drink from the Machine dispenser.

Dominic coughed politely. "Under the circumstances, I don't think it's wise for you to pass an opinion on the gentleman." He didn't care much for gossip. The sound of footsteps in the corridor made them turn.

"Well, the cat doesn't stray far from its prey," said Hejen under her breath. "Talk of evil," Helen said as she gave the nurse a wink, to imply nothing she had said would be repeated.

The nurse left the room and went to meet Tim Richards who was talking with some nurse. "Excuse me, sir, but the Detectives are in with your wife."

"The Detectives?" Tim stiffened. He felt anger boil over him. "You had no right letting them in to see her."

"I had no choice, sir. It's only for a moment and I was never far away."

"Out of my way woman." Tim rudely shoved her aside, then, he burst into the room, demanding that they leave immediately. "What kind of people are you?" He said angrily. "My wife is gravely ill and you come in here with no regard to my feelings. You can't just barge in here. I'll have you heads for this."

Helen Stewart tried to calm him down. "I'm sorry, sir, but we're not here to disturb your wife in any way, only to sit quietly and hope she may be able to tell us something."

"How the hell can she do that? This is nonsense." Tim said angrily. After several nights without sleep, his nerves were frayed, but he had to be careful. One slip and he might give himself away. "You've no idea how distressing this is for me," he said more calmly.

"We do understand how you feel, sir. But you have to understand our situation too. We're in the middle of a murder inquiry. The good Doctor informs us that your wife is not beyond regaining consciousness, if only for a moment or two. Anything, the smallest detail, might throw light on what happened." Helen said, knowing the anger and frustration that she was causing him. She didn't care. The git was guilty and she bloody well knew it.

"I already told you what happened. I was under the assumption that this case was closed." Tim bowed his head and ran his fingers through his hair. "Where's your compassion? Haven't we suffered enough already," he groaned. "I want you out of here. I'll file a lawsuit against you and your department if you don't leave us alone. I like to be alone with my wife in you don't mind."

Helen looked at Dominic and motioned with her eyes. She wondered why Tim was so adamant about them not being in the room. What was he afraid of? Better still, what was he hiding? "Of course, sir." Helen nudged Dominic's arm. "We'll be waiting outside."

Tim followed them to the door then turned to the nurse who looked disgusted with his behaviour. "I want to see the Doctor, now!" he told her roughly. "According to these Detectives he told them my wife might regain consciousness. Why wasn't I informed of that? I am deliberately being left in the dark. Now go and do your job and find that damn Doctor."

"I'll see what I can do," arrogant twit, she though. How dare he demand and order her about. Once outside the room, the nurse turned to Helen and Dominic and explained to them where she was going. "I won't be long. I'm sure he wouldn't mind though, if you peeped in now and then." It was just an instinct but it made the nurse feel more comfortable to know he was being watched. Like Helen, the nurse thought that her husband was a shady character.

Nikki's watched Karen Betts walk across the crowded restaurant towards her table. Karen, Director of Psychiatry and Nikki's Superior was on time, but then Nikki knew she would be. Like herself, Karen was a professional with a full schedule, so she knew the importance of being prompt.

Karen was attractive. She was tall, blond and a woman who was comfortable in her own skin, the same way it had the first time Nikki met her during University, a trait lacking to most that made Nikki, automatically befriend her. It was Karen who finally convinced Nikki to move to London and work with her at the Wellington Hospital. After Karen graduated, Nikki still a years left, and once Nikki graduated she was persuaded to join the Liverpool Women's Hospital. She wanted to be closer to Barbara, who was ill at that time, and although, Karen had initially asked Nikki to join her in London, Nikki declined, wishing to remain closer to home. When Barbara recovered and moved to Plymouth, to care for her ailing sister, Nikki felt that she wasn't needed any longer and when the offer came her way again, Nikki decided she needed change. Dr. Nikki Wade felt her eyes squint behind her sunglasses, as she tried to imagine how her godmother, Barbara, would describe the good Doctor and knowing Barbara, she would say something embarrassing. In spite of being fifty-six, Barbara loved to talk about sex. And when it came right down to it, Nikki did too.

Suddenly, Karen was standing in front of Nikki. "Nikki, it's good to see you again. It must be…"

"It's been a while," Nikki said, motioning for her to sit down opposite her.

"What a couple of days," Karen laughed. "Any cute Doctors catch you eye Nikki?" Nikki felt herself blushing.

"So, how did your week go, Karen?" Nikki asked. She always felt self-conscience around her. Karen didn't care about Nikki's sexuality and she was always trying to fix her up with some Doctor or nurse. Karen was seeing Detective Inspector named Jim Fenner, that Nikki met several times, but it was enough to form a nasty opinion of him. She never understood what Karen saw in the sodding git, but whatever it was, was something beyond her comprehension.

"It was a week from hell with boundless of paperwork from incompetent fools who seem to have no clue how to write a proper report. Why does the world have to be afloat with inept fools babbling about nothing?" Karen said, roughly. She didn't have patience for those who were simple minded. She knew she could be a little judgemental but she knew she at times needed to be tough with her staff.

"Maybe you need to be a little more patient," Nikki laughed as she snorted and winked at Karen.

"Sodding hell. I can't begin to tell you how much I've spent cursing all week long. I think I might have sprouted a new grey hair on my precious head." Karen shook her head as if she couldn't prolong time.

Nikki giggled. Karen was a real case. She always worried about her looks. "Maybe that's the problem."

"What," Karen questioned.

"You worry far too much about your appearance." Nikki said, shaking her head in disbelief.

Karen rolled her eyes at Nikki. "Well, I need to keep a certain image. Men are so fickle. One day they're telling you how beautiful you look, the next minute, they're complaining that a little too much body fat is hindering sex life."

"Why do you listen to a bastard like Jim Fenner? God, woman, you're beautiful and that fool knows it. He's just afraid that some other bloke will whisk you away, so he has to put you down. Don't understand why you keep that idiot around. He's a spineless whiner." Nikki said in disgust. She had her nerves on the edge just thinking about him. What the hell did Karen see in that man, she just couldn't understand.

"Nikki, he isn't always like that," Karen said defending Jim. She knew that Jim at times could be controlling and demanding, but she always seemed to be attracted to dangerous, high-rolling blokes.

"If you believe that. It's your decision who you keep in your bed, but frankly, he makes my skin crawl." Nikki said in disgust. Nothing would convince her that Jim Fenner was an honest, caring bloke.

"You only met him a couple of times. How can you be so bloody determined?" Karen couldn't understand why Nikki didn't approve Jim. If she only gave him a chance then maybe she could get along with him. But none of her friends approved of him and she couldn't understand why they felt that way.

"You only need to meet him once to form an opinion about that man, but hell, I didn't come here to talk about bloody Jim Fenner." Nikki said, wanting to forget that slimly bastard. The world didn't need reminders of a fool like him. She only hoped that one day Karen would come to her good senses and dump that cheating good-for-nothing lout.

"Yes, of course," Karen said. "By the way, congratulations on your new book, 'Fragile Dreams'. I heard you had excellent reviews. I wish I had as much talent as you do."

"Oh that thing," Nikki said downplaying her accomplishments. She hated being fussed over. She preferred to stay modest, even though her wealth could afford her to be condescending. But she didn't want others to judge her by her looks, or her bank account. She just wanted to be accepted.

"Why are you always so meagre about your accomplishments?" Karen questioned, shaking her head in disapproval. Nikki was brilliant, beautiful and had so much kindness to offer that she didn't understand why Nikki held her walls so high up. "You're bloody brilliant and could easily be my superior but you choose to be so meek and mild. With your brains I'd be sticking these needles up those sodding bastards arse who control the board."

"I just don't like to get over my head. I don't like peoples' fake overturns, pretending they know shite, when they don't. But thanks for your support," Nikki said modestly, reaching out and giving Karen a light squeeze. "I'm quite happy with what I do. I know you're going to say I should have been a brain surgeon."

"What do I know," Karen said. "But I am glad to have you here my young pup." Nikki just gave her a knowing look as she shook her head.

(Back at the hospital)

Tim Richards closed the door and turned to the bed where his dying wife lay. For a long moment he starred at her face, a deathly pallor, and he feared the awful secret that hid behind them. "Why won't you die Mary? It's really for the best," he muttered coldly. "You shouldn't have alienated me. Didn't I give you everything? You bitch!" He eyes grew wide with hatred. "You were meant to die with him, your lover," Tim whispered harshly into her ears. "You promised me you were done with him when we got married. You stupid, stupid bitch."

A look of hatred coloured his features, cold and hard. "You and him," he hissed. "You little sodding whore. I ought to finish you right here and now." Instead he bent and kissed her slightly brushing his lips against hers. He was half crazed. His eyes were glossed over. "I bet you wish it was him instead of me kissing you right now. It's quite a shame that he's dead, and so are you, honey. It's only a matter of time." Exhilarated by the power he had over his dying wife, he kissed her roughly. "Do you hate the touch of my mouth on yours, my darling? Longing for that dead fool." Tim ran his fingers over Mary's hair. He felt no remorse. "Oh, I'm sorry," he said sarcastically, "but you see it doesn't matter to me how you feel. If I want to kiss you then I shall. Better still, if I got on top of you and thrust myself into you, who's to stop me? Is that what you want? Me hard inside you, Mary." Soft laughter issued from his throat. "I can do whatever takes my fancy and there's isn't a single thing you can do about it dear."

Tim became maudlin. "You should never have done it, you know, cheated on me. You insulted me, and I can't allow that, can I?" He took a deep breath and the words came out in a quiet rush. "I wanted you dead then, and I want you dead now. Only I have to be careful. There's always somebody watching." Tim put his wife limp hand in his. "Day and night I've been here. Day and night, guarding you, afraid you might open your eyes and tell them what happened." He closed his eyes. "Oh, I'm so very tired, so very tired. Everything's being neglected." Suddenly he drew back with fright. The fear in his eyes dilated his pupils. Mary's hand had been loosely resting on his, but now her fingers gripped his with such startling strength that it put the fear of God in him.

Karen grinned. It was just like Nikki to pass judgment on others, but then again, Nikki was probably right. People could be so phoney on the surface. "So tell me, anything new?"

Nikki thought about telling Karen the encounter with Monica Potter, the old lady she met but wondered if she would show scepticism. "Actually, I met this kind old women, who roams the street with her worldly possessions. I took her out for breakfast and we had a grand ol' time."

"Oh Nikki, you're always trying to help the less fortunate." Karen smiled, as she took a zip from her glass.

Nikki gave her a knowing look. "There's something enigmatic about her. It got a bit intense."

"What do you mean, intense?" Karen probed looking at Nikki for an explanation.

"She mentioned things to me that were spot on and I felt so exposed around her. Like she could see deep into my soul." Nikki explained trying not to sound like she was in over her head.

Karen leaned across the table. "Clairvoyant? Are you putting me on? I've always been interested in the paranormal."

Nikki squirmed in her chair. "Well, it's not about the paranormal, at least not in that sense. She mentioned the future." Nikki said, convinced that what Monica had told her, would come true.

"I'd like to get a reading from this old woman. That is unless your significant other would object." Karen quipped, grinning a toothy grin.

"I'm serious Karen, and I would appreciate no sarcasm from you. Don't be a slag." Nikki said, a little irritated by her.

"Sorry, Nikki. I was out of order. You have to admit, it all sounds sort of strange."

"Believe me, that's what I thought at first, but then she mentioned things that threw me for a loop."

"What did she say?" Karen said, intrigued as she took another zip from her drink.

Nikki thought about it. She would only tell her part. She wasn't ready to talk about the deeper issues. "Well, for starters, she said I would meet someone who would open all my closed doors, and that person was a woman."

"Wow, she sure hit the mark on that one. So, there is a special someone is the horizon." Karen smacked her teeth. She wanted Nikki to be happy and she wanted her to start dating. Nikki was too picky and standoffish. She wished that Nikki could meet someone who could hold a candle against her. No one has managed to break through Nikki's hard shell.

"Don't get too excited. She didn't mention if it was a love interest. It could be a friend, a colleague, I don't know." Nikki said looking at Karen knowing what she was thinking.

"Hey, maybe that someone is me," laughed Karen. "Maybe I'll go butch."

"Sod, you Karen. I don't need a slag like you. You ain't my type anyway. Too prim and proper." Nikki laughed at Karen's expense.

"Don't be daft, Nikki. You know you love me." Karen slapped Nikki's arm. "I didn't mean to sound insensitive. Although, everything you said does sound intriguing."

Nikki smiled, "Yeah, and a lot to swallow."

"Do you think that maybe this person could be working in the Hospital?" Karen asked as if something interesting was going to happen. She hoped so. Nikki seemed lonely at times.

"Why would you think that?" Nikki looked up to see the hovering waiter. "We better order our food."

"I'll have the confit foie gras, smoked eel." Karen said. "And Dom Perignon, Rose."

"I'll have saffron risotto, and a bottle of Perrier water," Nikki said flatly then Karen waited until the waiter left before continuing their conversation.

"How about I come by tomorrow? My schedule is thin that day." Karen said. She needed a day in. "We could watch 'Gone with the Wind'."

"Tomorrow?" Nikki really hadn't thought about it. "Well tomorrow I'm fully booked, so I don't reckon I'll get home before seven - eight. If that's not too late, then it's okay with me. I love watching old black and white movies. Something romantic about them."

"Great, I'll pick up Japanese and a bottle of wine." Karen smiled happily. "Unless, of course your fridge is fully stock with the finest wine."

"Of course I have. Remember my wine collection?" Nikki quipped, shaking her head over at Karen. She knew Karen liked to drink. "Of course, I had to restock considering you drank half my collection."

"You know you love me." Karen winked at Nikki giving her a wide smile. "Oh, by the way before I forget, I need a favour from you, well a proposal actually." Karen said grinning.

Nikki smirked as she knew Karen was up to something. "What is it this time?"

"Detective Chief Inspector Helen Stewart and her department are looking for Clinical Psychologist to help them with some of their cold case files." Karen explained. "Besides, Helen's a good mate of mine."

"What does this have to do with me Karen?" Nikki said not amused. "I've never worked on homicide cases."

Karen looked at Nikki as she shook her head. "Before you say 'no' will you just listen to me? I thought it would be brilliant having a Clinical Psychologist help with some of the difficult cases. It would only be short-term." Karen said trying to sound upbeat. "Nikki, you're an ingenious Clinical Psychologist, she would be a fool not to be interested. She was keen on meeting up with you when I mentioned how brilliant you were." Karen nudge Nikki on the arm, "I really do think that you can be an asset to them and I know you're not one to shy from a challenge. Really Nikki, what could be the harm in meeting up with her?"

"Such modest words, Karen," Nikki grinned. "What makes you think that I might be able to help her? I have my own clients, remember?" Nikki said. "I will admit the proposal does sound interesting."

'You're light at the moment since you haven't been here long, so why not give it a go.' Karen quipped. "Think about it and we can discuss it further tomorrow over food and wine."

(Back at the hospital)

Just then the door opened and in came the Doctor, followed by the nurse. One look at Tim's horrified face and the Doctor said, "What is it Mr. Richards?" Bending down to examine Mary Richards, the Doctor was astonished to see her eyes flicker open. "Mrs. Richards, can you hear me?" he asked urgently. "Don't worry. You're safe in here."

"Tell her to let go, Doctor?" Panic-stricken, Tim was struggling to release himself from her iron grip. "Tell her, dammit," he cried out. He was trying to extricate her fingers off but she had the grip of death on him and wouldn't let go.

"Nurse," the Doctor beckoned, then, gave her an instruction. An injection was administered. Still, Mary would not let go of her husband's hand. "She's in spasm," the Doctor explained. "A moment longer, that's all."

When Tim looked up at the Doctor, he realised his wife was trying to say something to him. Bending his head to hers, the he listened intently. On the other side of the bed, Tim could not move, held there by his wife's unrelenting grip. Fear gripped him and he knew that his world was about to unravel right before him. "What's she saying, Doctor?" Tim demanded nervously.

Outside, Helen and Dominic patiently waited. They were talking about their other case when the nurse opened the door to usher them in. "She's awake," she informed them cheerfully. "Please, you must be very quiet."

Helen felt a sense of vindictiveness. She imagined a ghost look would be on Tim's face and she wasn't disappointed. Inside the room, the atmosphere was electrifying, with Tim, frozen with fear, and Mary, barely audible relating the tragic events to the Doctor in painful, broken whispers. In was all over in a matter of minutes. The last words that Mary Richards had were for her husband. "God forgive you," she said, and long after her eyes closed for the last time, she held onto him. It took both Doctor and nurse to release him from her clutch. Then DCI Helen Stewart read Tim Richards his rights. Quickly and quietly, he was escorted from the room, quivering like a child.

"I guess you were right all along," Dominic said, grinning over at Helen as he put his notes away.

"Yeah, but it doesn't make the fact that two people died needlessly." She sighed. She had wished that Mary could live to see her husband rot in jail, she was in a far better place. "Things don't get any easier, Dominic."

Dominic agreed. "That's why your tops, Helen."

"Cute, Dominic, but if you haven't forgotten, crime is relenting." Just then her mobile went off. "Helen Stewart." She listened to the voice on the other line. Her smile disappeared quickly. It was Chief Detective Superintendent Neil Grayling.

"What is it Helen?" Dominic said wondering why she looked like she saw a ghost.

"Looks like they found another body down by the river." This murder investigation was becoming complicated. Four bodies recovered so far, all with similarities but nothing concrete. Was this the work of a serial killer? If so, how many more bodies will wash ashore?

'Helen Stewart' Nikki thought. Nikki had worked with other Psychiatrist. She was on top of the bright young stars to emerge in her field but she had never worked on a homicide case. She hadn't heard much about Helen from Karen except that she was Scottish, and engaged to some bloke named Sean Parr who just happened to be a lawyer for one of her clients. One of Nikki's patients that she consider 'special' who was a psychopath and murderer. She had an uncanny rapport with this particular patient who was referred to her by Karen when she first arrived in London. It was an arduous relationship to explain at best.

"Don't worry, Nikki. I will transfer some of your clients to others for the time being. You'll like Helen Stewart. She's a real professional who's passionate about her job. And she's Scottish. Quite beautiful, but before you get any ideas, she's straight." Karen smiled, grinning over a Nikki.

"What makes you think I want to ride that horse? Is that all you think about?" Nikki shook her head in disbelief. "Remember, I don't get involved with straight women. Bloody trip they are. They want to try a new pair of shoes but don't want to buy it. I'm not someone's science experiment."

"Just looking for your best interest." Karen said. She knew Helen Stewart was Nikki's type. "You have been known to fall for straight women."

"Sorry if my gaydar is broken. I'll remember that when I'm lying in my coffin, poisoned by one of your bright ideas." Nikki winked, smiling over at her.

"Oi, that cuts deep," Karen pouted like a child, crossing her arms.

"I'm sure you'll survive the superficial wound," Nikki giggled. She always had fun when Karen was around.