Eye For An Eye for Another Eye: Lanhallow Series, #1

Prologue

Emily lay still on the ground, her raven hair all around her like a halo. Her ice blue eyes looking towards the stars. He leaned over her, his beer feted breath on her face.

They had spent a great night together. She’d been so attentive, and he felt like he owed her. He was going to show her just how good they would be together.

Emily stop mucking around. He slurred. You know how I feel. I love you. He added. He leaned in and kissed her full lips, she didn’t respond. He lifted his head and looked at her closely. He rested his hand on her chest. There was no movement. It was only then he realised she was not breathing. He quickly unbuttoned her sweater opening it up to a stunning lace bra. His eyes were transfixed for a moment as he looked at her beautiful pale skin. He ran his hand slowly down, and then remembered she wasn’t breathing. He’d had a lot to drink. His head was fuzzy and Emily slightly blurred. He placed his hands over her heart and tried to remember how to do CPR. He pushed down a couple times, her body jerking on the uneven surface. He felt something crack and quickly stopped. He was sure he’d just broken something. He looked at her face. It was so beautiful and peaceful. As if in a trance, he unclipped her bra releasing her breasts. He’d always wanted to see what was underneath her clothing. Of course, his imagination could never have imagined something so perfect. He ran his hand over her soft belly then up towards her breasts.

We would be good together Emily. He slurred as he began to remove the rest of her clothing. The fact that she was no longer breathing had completely gone out of his intoxicated mind. Her small petit figure was like a ragdoll and she soon lay there on the hard ground completely naked as he stared at her perfection.

Come on Emily, wake up. He slurred then took another gulp of his beer. She continued to lay there unmoving. He leaned in to kiss her again. A sharp pain in his head made him gasp, he had no idea what was going on as his vision blurred even more and he fell sideways, everything going black.

Chapter One

The sun shone brightly through the trees as the mourners made their way to the church. The sun really had no right to be so bright on such a devastating day. The death of Emily Star had shocked the small town of Lanhallow. To have such a gruesome murderer in their midst was terrifying. Speculation was flying as to who could have done something so ghastly, to such a lovely and beautiful young girl. The raven haired beauty had been found down a ravine, naked with bruises around her throat. She’d been missing two days when her body was uncovered in the foliage. They’d let the sniffer dogs loose in the end, they always found their target.

It had taken a while for the police to believe she was even missing. Her girlfriends had talked about some secret boyfriend she was planning on running off with. Except for one of the girls, Karina had come to the station later that night after the girls had given their statement about Emily running off.

Detective Lauren Ricketson had noticed through the interview, this particular girl did not speak a word. During the one on one interview with her, she claimed to have witnessed, along with her girlfriends, Emily being attacked. When the other girls had been re called to answer questions, they had stuck together and told an elaborate story about how Karina had mental issues and probably just dreamt what she said. Because there was no proof, and no body to corroborate Karina’s story, the girls were able to leave. But Lauren had noticed the lead girl, Hayley, whisper something into Karina’s ear. Karina had bristled and begun to shake before running out of the station.

A black and gold hearse sat out front of the Lanhallow Baptist church, with a board depicting an enlarged portrait of Emily on an A-frame outside the entry. Detective Lauren Ricketson watched from across the street as the whole town entered the church. One of these people killed sweet Emily and she had an idea who. She now knew Karina’s statement had been true. She just couldn’t work out why her girlfriends were lying and who they were covering for. She made her way across the street to join into the funeral ceremony. It was important for the town to see her being vigilant. She also wanted to keep an eye on Hayley, Kylie and Tabitha. She hoped her being there made them nervous.

The church was rather full by the time she entered, so she stood at the back of the room to get a better look at who had attended and what their reactions were. There was one particular person she was looking for. As she scanned the room, she noticed that Karina was sitting with the other three girls, her auburn waves amongst a sea of blonde. She never could understand what Emily and Karina ever saw in the three blonde girls, whose reputations were well known. Hayley looked like the girl next door, sweet and angelic with her perfect long hair, pouting lips and soft brown eyes. But everyone knew Hayley could be nasty if she wanted. Tabitha looked like the surfy beach chick with her short blonde hair, natural tan and little makeup. She was tall with long tanned legs and was on the swimming team. Kylie, on the other hand was petit with long blonde hair, pale green eyes and a peaches and cream complexion. She highlighted her features with kohl rimmed eyes and long dark lashes and she always wore the darkest red lipstick to accentuate her plump pouty lips. She was stunning, the better looking one out of the blondes. Of course, no one ever saw her without her makeup on. Lauren wondered when the girls had become friends again even though Karina did not look comfortable. The priest stood out front and began to talk. Everyone became quiet.

We have a series of photos we are going to show through the ceremony of our town beauty, Emily. I’ve known Emily since she was born. She was baptised in this church by me and she was even part of our choir with her melodic voice. She will be dearly missed and... All of a sudden a mobile phone began to ring. The song Raise your glass by pink was playing loudly through the church. Everyone was looking around. Then someone said quietly, but loud enough to echo through the church.

That’s Emily’s phone. There were gasps all around as the priest backed up towards the casket and leaned in towards it. He jumped back as Emily’s sweet voice echoed through the church from inside the coffin.

Hi you’ve called Em. I can’t get to the phone, but if it’s urgent, you might find me at the animal shelter. Tootles. Emily’s parents cried out as did a few other people.

Kurt, you need to call me. Where are you anyway? I need to talk to you, I know what you did. The recording cut out as everyone looked over at Hayley. Hayley’s eyes were wide and she shook her head.

It wasn’t me. I didn’t do that. She cried as Lauren made her way over to her.

When this is finished, I want all of you at the station.

Emily’s phone had never been found and to think it was now in her casket with her to be buried was a cruel joke. Lauren continued down the aisle, to the priest who was beckoning her towards him.

The phone’s in there, with her Detective. He said shocked. Lauren motioned the pallbearers to her.

Wheel her out the back for now. I need that phone. Lauren turned towards the stunned friends and family.

I’m sorry for the interruption folks. This will be fixed immediately. She stepped down towards Emily’s parents and leaned in towards them.

I will bring her back out Annie and Frank. We have been searching for her phone for a while and this is a very cruel joke to play, especially today of all days. Emily’s parents nodded at Lauren as she followed the casket out the back.

The priest stood rooted to the spot, looking lost for words. Emily’s boyfriend Jason stood and walked to his uncle’s side wrapping his arm around his uncle’s shoulder.

Hello everyone, most of you know me. I’m Jason Tavin, Em was my girlfriend. His voice choked up and his uncle, the priest rested his hand on his shoulder and nodded for him to continue.

Em was sweet and beautiful. Everyone loved her. She was always involved in anything to do with animals. She wanted to be a vet so she could help them. Jason’s lip began to quiver and he looked back at his uncle who had gained back his composure. He nodded to Jason to have a seat.

Everyone here knew Emily and as Jason just said, we all loved her very much.

Lauren opened the casket. Even in death, Emily was beautiful. Her angelic features and stunning raven hair, were what lured people to her. Lauren tried not to look at her pale beautiful face. She didn’t want to remember sweet Emily like this. It was bad enough when they’d found her. She found the source of the noise and put her gloves on to retrieve it and popped it into an evidence bag.

I’ll find who did this to you Em, I promise. She told her, and then put the lid back down.

Lauren headed back to the station with her new evidence. Someone had left it there to be found and she doubted there would be any fingerprints on them other than Emily’s. But the fact was, the killer was still in town and it was most likely someone they all knew, like Kurt Little, who had mysteriously disappeared. She had an officer stay at the funeral to escort the girls to the station as soon as the service was over.

I want these girls separated this time. She told everyone. I’m getting to the bottom of this today. She stormed out of the room. She needed a cup of coffee. Actually, what she really felt like was a whiskey on the rocks and could not wait for her shift to be over. This little surprise at the funeral had just made her day a hell of a lot longer and this was her case. She was not leaving until she was done.

Chapter Two

The four girls were escorted into the station by the two officers, where they were then separated and placed in separate rooms. Lauren walked around, watching the girls through the two sided glass. Three of the girls seemed nervous, Karina did not. Lauren decided to start with Karina, she wanted the other girls to sweat while they waited. Lauren entered and sat down opposite Karina.

How are you Karina? I know you and Emily were best friends. Tears sprang to Karina’s eyes as she nodded.

I miss her so much. Lauren nodded her head.

Ok, tell me everything about that night.

I already did. Karina told her.

I know, but I want to know everything you can remember. What you were talking about beforehand, where you were standing, anything out of the ordinary you noticed or have remembered. Karina nodded her head and looked down at her hands. Recounting the night was easy, it had been plaguing her dreams since it happened and she just knew it was Emily’s way of asking for help.

Hayley, Karina, Kylie and Tabitha had been sitting around Tabitha’s place trying on clothes and shoes.

Where is Em? Hayley asked looking at Karina.

Studying I think. She said she was busy tonight.

Yeah right, she’d probably studying biology with Jason. Kylie laughed.

That’s crude Kylie. Hayley scolded.  Well I’m bored. Let’s go out for a drive and see if anything interesting is happening around town. The other three girls looked at Hayley and rolled their eyes.

Like anything interesting ever happens around here. Tabitha mumbled.

They all got into Hayley’s new car and drove into town. Hayley parked and they all got out and began to walk. Hayley seemed to be leading, but no one really took any notice of where they were actually going. When Hayley stopped outside the local motel, everyone looked around.

What are we doing here? Kylie asked.

This is where all the seedy stuff happens. You know, the affairs, the one night stands. Hayley had made her voice sound spooky and the other girls began to laugh. Just then a door opened.

Behind here. Let’s see what’s behind door number one. Old Mr Ferrule exited his room and walked over to the ice chest to fill up his bucket.

Oh yeah, now that’s seedy. Mr Feral. Eww, unless he has a hooker in there, boring. Kylie sang. Mr Ferrule lit a cigarette and stood outside for the next couple minutes puffing on the cancer stick. Then he re-entered his room.

I feel like a milkshake. Karina said. Let’s go, this is boring. They all stood just as another door opened. Emily exited the room and they all gasped stepping behind the tree. Kurt followed her and they walked towards the back of the hotel where the carpark was situated.

Well, it would seem someone is cheating on her boyfriend. The look in Hayley’s eyes was gleeful. She had been after Jason Tavin for a long time, and now she seemed to have her ammunition to break them up.

There has to be an explanation. Karina told them.

Yeah, she’s cheating on Jason. Why else do you go into a seedy hotel room in secret and lie about where you are going. Hayley was acting way too pleased and Karina felt she needed to get to Emily and tell her what they had all just witnessed. Emily drove passed them on her way home and a few minutes, Kurt did the same.

Let’s go. They all jumped back into Hayley’s car. She began driving in the opposite direction to where she lived.

Where are you going? Karina asked her.

I want to see if she is now going to Jason’s. It wasn’t long before they had Emily’s car in sight. She was almost home when she turned around and headed back in the opposite direction.

Where is she going? Hayley said as she turned and followed Emily. Emily drove passed the motel and headed towards to woods. She parked her car and got out. She walked quickly over to someone standing near the lake. The car lights were on and the girls couldn’t see who it was. It looked like they were having a heated discussion and as Emily turned to walk away, a hand grabbed hold of her and pulled her back towards them. The figure had a hooded jacket on, but looked male and tall.

She’s in trouble. We should go help her. Karina said as she leaned to open the door. Hayley clicked the locks shut on all the doors. What are you doing? We need to help her. Hayley was riveted to what was happening and she wasn’t listening to Karina. Karina then watched as she saw hands wrap around Emily’s neck. Then Emily dropped to the ground.

Oh god. Open the doors Hayley. We have to get to her.

It’s too late. Look, she’s dead. He broke her neck. There was nothing we could have done. Karina looked at Hayley horrified.

We have to go to the police now. Karina told her. She turned to look at Tabitha and Kylie. They were both looking at Hayley. Hayley, police now. She yelled at her. There was still no response. Karina looked out the window as the car pulled away with Emily inside. At least follow that car so we can see who did this to her. Hayley started the car and reversed back onto the road. Where are you going, they went that way? She pointed in the opposite direction. Hayley ignored her.

Fuck this. Karina pulled out her mobile phone and began dialling the police.

Get her phone. Hayley told the other girls. They grabbed hold of Karina and yanked the phone from her hands.

What are you doing? What is wrong with you girls? She looked from Hayley to Kylie to Tabitha. They were all ignoring her.

No one goes to the police. We will say she had a secret lover and she ran off with him. Hayley told them all.

Have you gone mad? I’m going to the police about this. Hayley slammed on the brakes and Karina hit her head on the dash. In all the shock, she’d forgotten to put her seatbelt on.

Ouch, are you alright? Looks like you might have a bit of a head injury. You might even be seeing things. Karina’s hand was rubbing her forehead as she looked at Hayley in shock.  Better put your seatbelt on. Karina reached over her shoulder and pulled the seatbelt on. She said nothing else the whole drive back.

Lauren sat shocked with her mouth wide open looking at Karina. Tears rolled down her face the whole time she told her story. Lauren handed Karina another tissue.

Could you see who she was meeting out there? She asked quietly still in shock after hearing about Emily’s last minutes. Karina shook her head.

Jason Tavin told us she had called him to say she was meeting Kurt at the spot you just spoke of. Karina looked up at the detective.

She was meeting Kurt? Her head fell into her hands and she began to cry.

Karina, do you think Hayley knew it was her brother and that is why she did not let you out of the car? Karina swallowed.

I have no idea. We really couldn’t see anything but silhouettes, but I’m sure Hayley knows her twin brother better than anyone.

Karina you can go. And thank you for telling us the truth again. I’m sorry I believed the other girls before and not you. But believe me, they are now in a shit load of trouble. Karina nodded and Lauren opened the door for her to leave. Lauren shook the tears that threatened to escape and took a couple deep breaths. She had decided to leave Hayley for last.

She entered the next room and sat in front of Tabitha.

Tell me everything you know about the night Emily was murdered. She was pissed off and cold towards Tabitha and she noticed her shrink back. She ran her right hand through her short hair.

I want the truth from you. If you lie, you will be committing perjury and could be charged with being an accessory to murder. Now speak.

It didn’t take long for Tabitha to buckle. She told an identical version of what Karina had just told her.

Why didn’t you go to the police and why didn’t you back up Karina when she told the truth last time? She was furious.

I was scared. Hayley was acting strange. I didn’t know what to do.  Lauren stood up and walked to the door. As she reached it she turned and looked at Tabitha who was once again running her hand through her hair, Lauren noticed this as a nervousness.

Did you know that Emily turned around to go get a book off Kurt? She called Jason on the way and told him Kurt was by the lake. The look on Tabitha’s face was astonishing. She obviously had no idea. Lauren opened the door and spoke to the officer outside.

She doesn’t leave till I say so. She entered the room Kylie was in and leaned against the wall. She really hated these stuck up little rich kids. The only one with any integrity was the one who had nothing.

I’ve spoken with two of your friends and they have both told me the same story about what happened to Emily. Start talking. Kylie looked up at Lauren and crossed her arms. Lauren looked back at her defiant, yet beautiful face. Fire in her eyes. She leaned into her and whispered.

I can have you charged with withholding information. Now speak. Kylie looked up at her with a stubborn look on her face. Lauren looked right back at her. Fine, the holding cell for a few hours might change your mind.

I want a lawyer. She said suddenly.

I’ll get right on that. Lauren knocked on the door and a custody officer entered.

Cuff her and put her into the holding cell till her lawyer arrives, or she decides to talk. She left the room and took a deep breath. She entered the room Hayley was in and sat down opposite her.

Want to tell me about that message?

It was personal. Hayley said.

Not anymore. It’s now part of a criminal investigation. Any idea how Emily’s missing phone managed to get inside her casket?  Hayley shook her head.