Her feelings towards Alex were no less complicated. She hated the doctor for her ruthlessness in playing with people’s lives and emotions and yet was fascinated by the woman’s ability to do it. She hated the doctor for exposing all of her darkest fears, yet admired the woman’s skill in almost destroying her.
Kim took a deep breath and folded herself slowly beside the cold stone. Her right hand traced the name of her dead twin. Emotion gathered in her throat as she sent him a silent message.
‘Sweetheart, I’m sorry but I’m not ready for you yet. I miss you every single day and when I’m strong enough I promise I’ll remember every minute we had together.
A movement to her left caught her eye. A familiar figure walked up the hill towards her.
Her voice was no more than a whisper. ‘But for now, I’d like to introduce you to my friend.’
Bryant reached her and held out a takeaway coffee.
Kim nodded towards the headstone. ‘This is my twin brother. He died.’
Bryant turned his head to the grave.
One of Bryant’s best assets was knowing when to ask questions and when to keep quiet.
She stepped away from the grave and sat on the bench.
Bryant sat beside her. ‘Kim …’
‘Tell me where we are,’ she said, taking a sip of her drink.
‘Okay, Whiley has confessed to being in the basement with Dunn. He claimed it was his only time and the recordings supported his words. With his testimony on top of the rest of the evidence Dunn is not going to walk, despite the smack in the face.’
‘Did you go and see Ruth?’
Bryant nodded. ‘By the time I’d told her everything she practically begged for the opportunity to testify against the doctor. A plea is being worked out in Ruth’s favour. She’ll serve time but will still have a whole chunk of life left to live.’
About Ruth, Alex had been correct. She would never have committed the crime without intervention.
Kim already knew that Jessica had been re-diagnosed with puerperal psychosis and had been removed from her family and placed into residential care. As a favour to Kim, Ted had agreed to treat her and Kim felt confident she would get the best possible help.
She’d called Sarah Lewis herself. The ‘For Sale’ sign had been removed from the front of the house. The small family could finally put down roots.
‘Barry Grant is off life support but still in intensive care. The prognosis is mixed. His memory was impaired and the irony that he’ll never walk again is not lost on anyone.’
She’d spoken to David, who had visited Shane in prison. Shane had been uncommunicative and had revealed nothing of the events that had sent him back to prison. He had instructed David not to visit him again.
During her conversations with David he had dropped not so subtle hints about his wish to see her restoration project. Although Kim hadn’t invited him around yet, the possibility hadn’t been completely discounted.
So, most of Alex’s victims were doing well, but with regard to herself, Kim wasn’t quite so sure. Externally, her façade was back. She was ready to work cases; she was sleeping badly and drinking more caffeine than was good for her.
‘Okay, thanks for the update, now get lost and go back to your family.’
‘You do know this isn’t your property and you can’t really tell me when to leave.’
‘Yeah, but what if I say please?’
‘I’d put you into the recovery position and call for a paramedic.’
‘Almost funny,’ she groaned.
He stood. ‘But seeing as you asked like a normal person. I’ll leave you in peace.’
He took two steps and turned. ‘Kim, thank you.’
‘Yeah, whatever, now piss off.’
He laughed as he turned and walked away.
She stood and surveyed the view over the heart of the Black Country. It was not a beautiful vista. It was a basin that had more than its fair share of poverty and crime.
A smile tugged at her lips as she remembered that somewhere down there was a baby boy whose heart still beat strongly within his dinosaur pyjamas. Like Kim herself, baby Jamie had fought back from the brink and won.
LETTER FROM ANGELA
First of all, I want to say a huge thank you for choosing to read Evil Games. I hope you enjoyed the second instalment of Kim's journey and hope you feel the same way I do. Whilst not always perfect she is someone you would want fighting your corner.
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If you did enjoy it, I would be forever grateful if you’d write a review. I’d love to hear what you think, and it can also help other readers discover one of my books for the first time. Or maybe you can recommend it to your friends and family…
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A story begins as a seed of an idea that grows from watching and listening to everyone around you. Each individual is unique and we all have a story. I want to capture as many of those tales as I can and I hope you will join both Kim Stone and myself on our travels; wherever they may lead.
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You can sign up to receive an email whenever I have a new book out at here:
Angela Marsons new releases email
I'd also love to hear from you - get in touch on my Facebook or Goodreads page, Twitter or through my website.
* * *
Angela
@Writeangie
angelamarsonsauthor
www.angelamarsons-books.com
SILENT SCREAM
Even the darkest secrets can’t stay buried forever…
Five figures gather round a shallow grave. They had all taken turns to dig. An adult-sized hole would have taken longer. An innocent life had been taken but the pact had been made. Their secrets would be buried, bound in blood …
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Years later, a headmistress is found brutally strangled, the first in a spate of gruesome murders which shock the Black Country.
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But when human remains are discovered at a former children’s home, disturbing secrets are also unearthed. D.I. Kim Stone fast realises she’s on the hunt for a twisted individual whose killing spree spans decades.
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As the body count rises, Kim needs to stop the murderer before they strike again. But to catch the killer, can Kim confront the demons of her own past before it’s too late?
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Fans of Rachel Abbott, Val McDermid and Mark Billingham will be gripped by this exceptional new voice in British crime fiction.
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SILENT SCREAM IS OUT NOW
What people are saying about Silent Scream
‘A superb debut by an assured new writer. Blending sharp wit with emotion, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride alongside DI Kim Stone and look forward to the next outing.’ Mel Sherratt
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'I absolutely loved it! ... This one is one of the best crime thrillers I've read in a long time, and that includes mainstream authors such as James Patterson! I would seriously put this book in the same league.' Fiona’s Book Reviews
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‘I have not been so impressed by a debut novel in a long time, and I'm actually now itching for more from D.I. Kim Stone and the rest of her squad… D.I. Kim Stone is like the British Jane Rizzoli… I can't wait for the second book, because this one was a top-notch crime thriller.’ Leah Loves
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‘I don't think I've been so hooked by a new author since the discovery of Mark Edwards or Mark Billingham… Silent Scream gets 5 stars from me - if you finish a crime thriller feeling like you just need to have a lie-down and a cup of tea to get your breath back, then the writer has done their job. Angela Marsons, I still don't have my breath back.’ Reading Room with a View
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‘Normally when I see everybody rating a book five stars I think 'Is it really that good?' Silent Scream is that good, and then some… The only problem Angela now faces is keeping up this sta
ndard as the series progresses, but if she does than she's going to be an author to watch and a huge star within the genre.’ Book Addict Shaun
ALSO BY ANGELA MARSONS
Detective Kim Stone series
1. SILENT SCREAM
2. EVIL GAMES
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I began the process of writing Evil Games with the intention of representing the nature of a true sociopath. There were times throughout the book that I almost gave Alexandra Thorne an Achilles’ Heel or a minor weakness to offer hope of her eventual salvation. Ultimately I remained true to the facts; that however unpalatable and disturbing it may be, there are people amongst us that have no capacity for remorse. But, luckily for us there are also individuals like Kim Stone who will stand in their way.
Two books in particular became invaluable whilst researching Evil Games.
The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout
Without Conscience by Robert D Hare PhD.
As ever, I would like to thank the team at Bookouture for their continued passion for Kim Stone and her stories. Their encouragement, enthusiasm and belief has turned my long-held dreams into a wonderful reality. Keshini, Oliver, Claire and Kim; Thank You will never say it all.
Together with the amazing Bookouture authors, I am privileged to be a part of this talented and supportive family.
My sincere thanks to my mum who drives her buggy with a copy of my book attached to the front and to my dad who walks with her. Their enthusiasm and support is amazing.
My gratitude goes to all the wonderful bloggers and reviewers who have not only read and reviewed my books but also have taken Kim Stone to their hearts and championed her journey. Their love of books and passionate support is inspirational.
A shout out goes to the lovely members of my local book club: Pauline Hollis, Merl Roberts, Dee Weston, Jo Thomson, Sylvia Cadby and Lynette Wells.
Finally, there are no words to describe my thanks to my partner, Julie. Every book is a testament to her unfailing belief. She was my light on the dark days and she would never let me stop. She is truly my world.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Chapter 71
Chapter 72
Chapter 73
Chapter 74
Chapter 75
Letter from Angela
Silent Scream
Also by Angela Marsons
Acknowledgments