The Ghost House by Helen Phifer Read Free Book Online Page B

to one side. ‘Sorry, pet, she’s nil by mouth until the consultant decides if he needs to operate on her hand.’
    Both men looked at each other and Jake whispered, ‘I’m glad it’s not me you punched.’
    A trio of doctors walked in and Kav stood up. ‘You know where I am if you need me or want anything.’ He stooped down and kissed the one spot on her forehead that wasn’t coated with dried blood. He turned to Jake. ‘Come on, let’s go and assist in the hunt for Barrow’s most wanted. He needs a lesson in extreme etiquette.’
    Jake clapped like a big kid. ‘Now you’re talking, Sarge.’ He blew Annie a kiss. ‘I love you loads but I am not kissing you with all that dried blood and brain juice splattered all over.’
    Kav’s hand shot through the curtain and dragged Jake out by the shoulder. Annie shut her eyes as the doctor picked up her hand to begin to examine it again.
    An outbreak of obscenities shattered her daydream and she walked straight into Jake, who was rubbing his hand vigorously.
    He looked at her. ‘These sodding nettles are everywhere. Oh look at you, Miss Nosey Parker, could you not take the suspense or are you just missing me already? I can’t believe it doesn’t freak you out living up here on your own. I’m scared and it’s daytime.’
    ‘Just remind me why you wanted to be a copper? Stop rubbing your hand and look for a dock leaf; it will take away the sting.’
    ‘I told you why: I wanted a pair of handcuffs and I can’t resist a man in a uniform. Look, I’m really sorry for embarrassing you before. I never meant to. It was such a shock seeing how bad the back of your head was. I had no idea.’ He hugged her and she squeezed him back. ‘Oh and I noticed the way you looked at Will. You were weighing him up, weren’t you? How many marks out of ten would you give him? I’d give him a seven, possibly an eight? The only person I’ve ever given more than an eight to was that special constable with the bleached blonde hair that joined last year. I was gutted he only lasted a month. Not that I’d ever cheat on Alex but it’s nice to have something other than a bunch of hairy, sweaty coppers to look at.’
    ‘You’re awful, Jake. I wasn’t weighing him up. Well, maybe a little. Anyway, I know he only fancies supermodel type girls and this, I’m afraid, is no supermodel.’
    ‘You’re wrong, Annie. Why do you have to be so down on yourself? If I wasn’t into muscular rich men I’d shag you, even though you do look really scary with half of your hair shaved off and that massive scar. I suppose it would be a bit like shagging the bride of Frankenstein.’
    She choked. ‘Why thanks, Jake, that’s good to know. It makes me feel so much better.’
    Will walked up behind them and Annie pulled away from Jake. Glaring at him then punched him in the arm.
    ‘Anything?’
    ‘There is nothing here apart from these nettles. No sign of anyone being around here, Will.’
    Annie began walking away. ‘I’ll see you later. If you want a coffee or somewhere to take a breather you are more than welcome to come back to the house. I promise I’ll actually let you in this time.’
    ‘Thanks. I might have to take you up on that offer. I’m getting the shakes through a distinct lack of caffeine.’
    Jake rolled his eyes at her and mouthed, ‘flirt’. Annie stuck her tongue out then turned and left them to it.

Chapter 5
    He couldn’t stop thinking about the girl. He kept replaying it over and over in his head. Had he really taken her to the big house and slit her throat? It felt as if it was all a dream and he was finding it hard to distinguish between his fantasy life and his real one. How had he turned into a stone cold killer?
    He rooted around in the bottom of his wardrobe until he found his backpack. Placing it on top of the bed he unzipped it, his hands slick with sweat he fumbled to get it open. There, in the bottom of the bag, was the scarf his mother had given him last