Mother Knows Best (Novella): A Psychological Thriller Novella by Netta Newbound Read Free Book Online

the fork and placed it onto the tray.
    That-a-girl,” he said before leaving.

 
    Chapter 12
    Cody and Kath slept until eleven. After another wild sex session, he made her breakfast in bed. Nothing Jamie Oliver would write home about—just poached eggs on toast, but you’d have thought he laid the eggs himself by the way Kath carried on.
    While he was in the kitchen Cody called Ruby’s mobile leaving a message asking her to call him—mentioning their amazing date. Then he sent two text messages saying pretty much the same. He wanted to appear keen to whoever read them but not come across as a stalker.
    He didn’t have to wait long for a response. His phone began ringing halfway through breakfast. He apologised to Kath and left the bedroom. Once in the bathroom, he braced himself before answering.
    “Ruby, thank God. I was beginning to think you were avoiding my calls.” He laughed.
    “Hello is this Cody?” the irate caller said.
    “Yes—who are you?” The laughter suddenly dropped from his voice.
    “I’m Ruby’s mother, Sharon. Do you know where she is?”
    “I’m sorry?”
    “She’s gone—Ruby—she’s gone.”
    “Gone? What do you mean gone?”
    “What do you think I mean? She’s not here. She’s vanished. What time did you drop her off at home?”
    “It was late. After midnight, maybe.”
    “Did you spend the night?”
    “No. I dropped her off at the door, thank you very much.”
    “Well, she’s not here now.”
    “Hang on—I’ll come over.”
    Cody raced back into the bedroom and grabbed his jacket and keys. “Sorry, babe, but I’ve got an emergency. Leave your phone number and I’ll call you later.” He kissed her upturned cheek.
    “I could wait?”
    “I might be a while, but suit yourself.”
    He descended the stairs in three leaps and ran out to his car. It wasn’t there. He slapped the heel of his hand against his forehead. He’d left it outside the bar last night. He set off at a sprint to collect his car.
    Ten minutes later, he parked his car outside Ruby’s house and was greeted at the door by a younger version of Ruby. She had the same long brown hair and peach coloured skin.
    “Hi, are you Cody?” the girl said, holding her hand out towards him.  “I’m Scarlett—Ruby’s sister.”
    “Has she turned up yet?” Cody asked.
    “No—it’s so strange. She never goes anywhere without her phone.”
    “Maybe she just forgot to pick it up. Have you checked around her friends?”
    “Mum’s calling them now. Come on in, she’ll want to talk to you. But be warned, she trusts nobody.” Scarlett raised her eyebrows comically.
    Taking a deep breath, Cody followed Scarlett into the house.
    A short, dark-haired woman had her back to them as they entered the lounge. She had a phone to her ear.
    “I’ll have to go, Melissa. Let me know if you hear from her … I will do, thanks, love.”
    The woman turned. “Ah, you must be Cody.”
    Cody nodded, his throat suddenly bone dry, and he couldn’t swallow. He could feel his Adam’s apple jumping in his throat.
    “I’m Sharon, we spoke on the phone. Come in, sit down.”
    He sat on the lounge chair and Sharon perched on the arm of the sofa. Scarlett still hovered in the doorway.
    “Scar—can you let Baxter in. I put him in the backyard to do his business,” Sharon said.
    Scarlett left. Sharon turned to him and in hushed tones said, “I’m worried, Cody. I’ve called the police and they said they’d send someone round. They didn’t seem too concerned, but I am. I know my daughter and this just isn’t like her.”
    “Could she be off visiting a friend?”
    “No. I’ve called all her friends, and anyway, she knew we were coming. We walk to the market on a Saturday together—we’ve done it for years.” She rubbed at her face and eyes. “Tell me, son. What happened last night?”
    Cody instinctively knew what she meant. Although he didn’t have black eyes as he’d expected, there was a small split on the