Chapters (58)
- Cover
- Dedication
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
- Six
- Seven
- Eight
- Nine
- Ten
- Eleven
- Twelve
- Thirteen
- Fourteen
- Fifteen
- Sixteen
- Seventeen
- Eighteen
- Nineteen
- Twenty
- Twenty-one
- Twenty-two
- Twenty-three
- Twenty-four
- Twenty-five
- Twenty-six
- Twenty-seven
- Twenty-eight
- Twenty-nine
- Thirty
- Thirty-one
- Thirty-two
- Thirty-three
- Thirty-four
- Thirty-five
- Thirty-six
- Thirty-seven
- Thirty-eight
- Thirty-nine
- Forty
- Forty-one
- Forty-two
- Forty-three
- Forty-four
- Forty-five
- Forty-six
- Forty-seven
- Forty-eight
- Forty-nine
- Fifty
- Fifty-one
- Acknowledgements
- An Eastbourne Murder Mystery
- Canelo Crime
- About the Author
- Also by Sheila Bugler
‘But he’s about the right age?’ Emer asked.
‘Yes, love.’ Leonard gave her a smile, so unexpectedly warm and sweet her eyes filled with tears. ‘He’s definitely about the right age. But before we go in there, I need to tell you. He’s not looking the best. I know that’s rich coming from me, but this geezer looks like he’s already lived several lives, and none of them have done him much good.’
‘That make sense,’ Emer said, unable to control the wobble in her voice. ‘My dad was a big drinker. If he’s drinking as much as he used to, it’s a miracle he’s still alive.’
‘You ready?’ Dee put a hand on Emer’s arm, steadying her.
Emer took a deep breath and nodded.
‘Ready.’
Inside, the building was all bad smells and angry sounds. People’s voices echoed off the concrete walls and metal doors. There was a lift, but when Leonard pressed the button to call it, nothing happened.
‘Bastard was working earlier,’ he said. ‘Flat’s on the sixth floor. No way I’ll manage that on the stairs. You both okay if I stay here?’
‘Actually,’ Emer said, ‘I’d rather go on my own.’
‘You sure about that?’ Dee asked.
Emer nodded. She really was sure. On the drive up to London, she’d thought she wouldn’t be able to go through with it. But now she was here, she felt strong. Whatever she faced when she climbed those six flights of stairs, she was ready for it.
She got the flat number from Leonard, told them she’d be back soon and promised Dee she’d phone if she needed her at any point. And then she was alone, pushing open the swinging glass doors that led to the stinking stairwell.
It was at the side of the building, encased in glass that was filthy from years of neglect. Despite the dirt, Emer was able to catch glimpses of the city, stretching out as far as the horizon, as she ascended the building.
Several times on the way up, she thought she heard someone following her. But each time she turned around, there was no one there. Even so, as she continued up the stairs she couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was being followed. At one point, the feeling was so strong she stopped and shouted at whoever was behind her.
‘Hello?’
Silence. She held her breath, listening for any sign they’d heard her, but there was nothing. After a few minutes, when the heat had become almost unbearable, she turned back and continued up the stairs.