STORM LOG-0505: A Gripping, Supernatural Crime Thriller (The First Detective Deans Novel) by James D Mortain Read Free Book Online Page B

expressed openly their love for each other.
    Unfortunately, the bubble of young love burst for Scotty when Amy received her placement at university. Even before the first academic year was over, Scotty said that he could not continue the relationship while she was away from him. Amy was devastated, but he maintained it was the only way to manage his emptiness.
    As a result, Amy deliberately limited her home visits during that first year, which hurt her more than she was willing to express. She wanted to see more of Mum and Dad. She wanted to see more of Scotty but had to accept and understand his pain, but she was bitter. After all, the relationship was not just about him.
    Over the recent summer break, Amy had forged reconciliation with Scotty, and they had spent good time together. Amy still loved him, and their regenerated harmony provided her with inner warmth that had been missing for too long.
    Three weeks before her return to university, Amy invited Scotty to the house. It was time he knew about Carl.
    Mum and Dad were downstairs when Scotty arrived. Amy had been in her room, enacting the scene, preparing her lines.
    ‘Amy. Scotty’s here,’ Mum shouted up the stairs.
    ‘Okay.’ Amy swept her hair back and tied it with a band. ‘Oh God,’ she mumbled as his footsteps clunked louder on the wooden steps. She smoothed down her clothing and waited for the door to open.
    ‘Ames?’ Scotty said from behind the door.
    Amy drew breath as the door opened inwards and the moment she saw Scotty she thrust herself into his arms, almost knocking a frothing beer bottle from his hand.
    ‘What’s up with you tonight?’ he asked.
    Amy squeezed a little tighter.
    ‘I only saw you yesterday,’ he said chuckling.
    Amy released her grasp, sat on the edge of the bed, and hugged a large pillow, as she used to do when they were teenagers.
    ‘Come on Ames, what’s up?’
    ‘Um, there’s something I need to talk to you about,’ she muttered into the material.
    ‘Ames?’
    ‘Don’t rush me, Scotty. I need… I need to tell you something.’
    Scotty stopped smiling.
    Despite her preparation, this was proving tougher than she had anticipated.
    ‘I’m truly sorry, Scotty…’ She paused and tears welled in her eyes.
    Scotty snatched at his breath.
    Amy met his fixed stare and her stomach heaved as her voice surrendered to the truth.
    ‘I… I’ve been seeing someone at uni.’ She turned away; could not bear to see his reaction.
    Stillness beset the room.
    Amy found the courage to open her eyes and gradually lifted her head.
    Scotty’s expression said everything; maybe more than any words he could have spoken. She had just broken his heart and the wave of guilt was overpowering.
    She did not know how long they both remained in that acrid silence before he placed his beer on the bedside cabinet and walked out of the door without saying another word.
    Saturday night was to be their first meeting since that evening. Amy needed to finish her conversation, end her torment and tell Scotty in person that her relationship with Carl was not serious, and she was going to end it, for him.

Chapter 10
    Deans was a conscientious and sensitive man. This job bothered him. The phone call to Mrs Poole had bothered him. Groves bothered him and the fact that ninety-six hours had passed without progress seriously bothered him.
    Maria was barely speaking to him at breakfast. He appreciated that working all those hours was affecting their relationship and at times recently, it felt they were bound by a pressure cooker. Lack of sleep was a major issue. When he got the chance to – he couldn’t, and when he wanted to – he was working.
    He watched her spoon in her cornflakes without looking back at him. She looked worn out, her hair dishevelled. At times like these, he almost resented being a detective.
    He ran a hand through his long, dark hair and his fingertips lingered on the ridge of the partially hidden, scythe-shaped scar behind his left