The Hybrid Series: Split Decision Book 1

By Andrew Harding

Andrew Harding delivers a seductive and compelling tale in his novel The Hybrid Series: Split Decision. After what appears to be an innocent meeting with Harvey Burgess, Alison Grey (Alli) is awoken to her own existence and the reality that awaits her. While aiding Harvey in his own detective work, her own psychic skills are brought to the fore, as they hunt for a deranged serial killer. The brutality of the murders display a merciless mind of the man at large, and one who will stop at nothing to relinquish the memories of a disturbed childhood that has ensured his quest for depravity.

This book contains descriptions of scenes of an explicit sexual nature which are suitable for adults only. The contents are not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen years of age.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew Harding
• Release date: Aug 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310518720

Andrew Harding

Andrew Harding worked in manufacturing all his life and eighteen years ago was diagnosed with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Although it was tough, he worked on for thirteen years and finally had to stop because he developed arthritis in his left hand. All through his life he wanted to write a book, and with time on his hands that first book grew into three, The Spirit Trilogy: Spirit, Force and Parity. Next, The Hybrid Series: Split Decision, Critical Moments, Devil's Dyke and Wet Daddy. Medium Rare has just been released. Although each book has a unique crime and can be read as stand-alone, the back-story in the series rolls from one book to the other where you'll see how the outrageous family of hybrids grows. Harding's life-long fascination with Crime, the Paranormal and the Supernatural has given him a huge amalgam to dip into, and more importantly a new lease on life.

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The Hybrid Series

SPLIT DECISION

ANDREW HARDING

Smashwords edition. Copyright © 2012 Andrew Harding

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living, dead, or undead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from Andrew Harding.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it to the vendor and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book contains descriptions of scenes of an explicit sexual nature which are suitable for adults only. The contents are not suitable for readers under eighteen years of age.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Also by Andrew Harding

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Excerpt from Spirit

Acknowledgements

Dedicated to my sister, Gerry, who has patiently listened to all my thoughts and read some of the hairy bits. I had her toes curling most of the time. Your enthusiasm pushed me to cross boundaries and you’ve always been there for me, Gerry – you’ve been my rock.

Also for the original drawing, for the book cover.

http://www.honeysucklerose.co.uk

Finally to you John, for listening to my rampage about my book and being so supportive and enthusiastic. The knowledge you imparted was invaluable. Thank you.

About the Author

Travelling the world and hunting out antiques has given Andrew Harding a broad insight into the unravelling of the human mind. His fascination with the paranormal, supernatural and also crime have inspired him to cross boundaries and write this series of books.

The people who have crossed his path have covered such a broad spectrum that he’s realised that anything is possible, and that there are no barriers to the depravity that could be hidden beneath the surface.

Also by Andrew Harding

Warning ~ adult content!

Critical Moments ~ book Two in the Hybrid series

Harvey and Alli continue with their investigations, as another serial killer remains at large. With additional hybrids to aid them in their quest, they endeavour to seek out a deranged killer who lures his male victims, before surgically removing their genitals. As a unit of hybrids, their suspicions of the man at large leads them to an unnerving theory…and one that will require all their ingenuity if they are to end the ominous spree of mutilations.

Andrew Harding continues the Hybrid series with his second novel: Critical Moments. His compelling tale will take the reader to another world of eroticism and the murderous exploits of a disturbed mind, as the sequel to Hybrid Series: Critical Moments takes on another unsettling turn of events.

Devil’s Dyke ~ book Three in the Hybrid series

The revelations in their last case had greatly disturbed the hybrids and their commissioner. Their next case is so close to home the whole station is unnerved by a crime so despicable they can hardly believe it is true and they have to use all of their resourcefulness to find yet another serial killer.

Wet Daddy ~ book Four in the Hybrid series

Having just solved one despicable murder and enjoyed a few hours of relaxation, Harvey, Alli and the rest of the Hybrids are thrust once again into a murder scene that beggars belief. Their boss from MI5 goes with them to see how they execute a job, to gain the staggering clear-up rate, they accomplish on every case. What awaits them is a serial murder that only belongs in nightmares and shocks them all, Hybrid and human alike.

Medium Rare ~ book Five in the Hybrid series

Everything stopped for call-outs. They became a priority, whatever the team of hybrids were doing and this day was no different from any other. From thinking that they would be finishing interviews, for their last big case, their day took on a more sinister feel, called out to a job that posed more questions than answers for everyone.

Spirit ~ book One in the Spirit trilogy

An offer to go to a Spiritualist church on a Friday night opened up a world Leah Crosby could only have dreamed of and head-first into a family that should have been dead long ago.

The un-dead, her cousins, are funeral directors and Leah is fascinated and drawn into their world and the Spiritualist Movement where her own powers are opened up and developed, unknowingly to them all, to help with the horror that faced them. A horror they actually wished for.

This book contains descriptions of scenes of an explicit nature which are suitable for adults only. The contents are not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen years of age.

Force ~ book Two in the Spirit trilogy

Leah begins to help the police, by using her psychic powers to solve cases that have baffled them. On her first day, she discovers that the inspector is doing his utmost to ensure that Maggie pays for Becky’s death – Leah’s greatest wish. With their maker entombed, the extended family begin to settle down to a trouble-free life – but strange things start to happen and the feelings of dread engulf them again.

Parity ~ book Three in the Spirit trilogy

Confident that the family have rid themselves of all their demons a last, they settle down to a normal life, if there is ever such a thing for vampires, and grateful they would never have to deal with vampire attacks again, in their job as funeral directors. But their confidence is soon shattered by a series of devastating events.

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Chapter 1

Can I sit here, please? a deep but smooth voice asked.

I looked up from my notepad into the face of a very good-looking guy and felt embarrassed straight away. Why on earth does he want to sit here?

I looked around and couldn’t see any other empty seats, so I said, Yes, I watched him slide along the bench seat, until his body was against the wall.

What’s he going to think of me? I look a fuckin’ mess.

He glanced at the pad under my hand.

Have I interrupted your train of thought? Sorry.

It’s all right. I’m stuck on something anyway.

I’m Harvey, Harvey Burgess. He waited for me to introduce myself.

Alison Grey, I said quite timidly.

He smiled and his face lit up. God, he’s confident.

What are you writing? He looked at the pad again, covered in my terrible scrawl. I moved my arm to cover it up to stop him looking.

I glanced at him quickly and said, Nothing really, I’m just doodling. I picked up my cup and finished the dregs in the bottom and then I hastily gathered my things together. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

His hand covered mine, which surprised me.

He blurted out, I’m sorry, I’ve disturbed you. I’ll stop talking, don’t go. He pulled his hand off mine like he’d been scalded, looking totally embarrassed.

That’ll teach you.I have to go, I said bluntly. I’ve finished the tea I came in for. I continued to stack my few things into a pile, easily carried, tucked under one arm.

Can I get you another drink?

Why are you interested in me? I’m nobody. I’d had enough and started to get up.

Can I get you another drink, please, Alison?

I slumped down into the seat, resigned to have another drink. I can’t afford one, so I’ll make the most of this; he’ll get fed up before I do, daft bugger.

I’ll have a tea, please.

His smile was there again and it seemed genuine. He flagged the waitress and ordered two teas. While we waited for them to arrive, he looked at my face until I looked down. I could feel my neck getting hot and didn’t want to blush in front of him. I would have died.

The teas came, delivered by a miserable-looking teenager, who would’ve preferred to be somewhere else. It was that obvious as she banged the mugs down on the table between us. The seating was so cramped; I was only separated by about eighteen inches of table, from him and I made sure I kept my feet under my seat.

Thank you, he said to her.

I think he said that to make a point for her to be civilised. Wasting your time there.

I pulled my mug towards me, added the sugar and while I stirred it, I said, Thank you for this.

It’s a pleasure. I’ve seen you in here before; you always have a pad with you. Are you a writer?

Just starting out as a writer, really. I’ve written one of those Mills and Boon stories and they published it, but I’d like to write something with a bit more meat in it. The constraints put on you, for one of their books, seemed to stop me from writing the way I wanted.

He perked up, on hearing that and looked interested. What sort of book are you writing now?

I thought a horror would be something I could get my teeth into; not literally. I giggled at the thought; he smiled at my little joke.

Sounds interesting. Are you writing it in longhand? That’s going to take an absolute age.

He actually looks concerned. I wonder why.

No, I have my dad’s old computer to type it out on, at home. These are just thoughts about the story.

Do you live around here?

Why does he want to know that? Quite close, I told him and drank some tea. I kept the mug in my hands with my elbows on the table, more of a barrier to him than anything else.

Hi. I looked up at Adey, my long term boyfriend. God, I call him that in the loosest possible term. He was stood next to me, staring at the guy sitting opposite.

Hi, I didn’t think you were coming today. He moved and stood at the end of the bench opposite, looking daggers at me, he was so pissed off.

That’s obvious. His voice was as sarcastic as I expected. I ignored it.

Adey, this is Harvey. Harvey, Adey. He’s bought me a tea. Do you have a problem with that? I stared at him. He knows I’m livid when I snap at him like that and he backs down immediately; today would be no exception.

Sorry, Alison. He nodded to Harvey. I need to speak to you in private.

You’ll have to wait, Adey; Harvey’s only just got me this. Sit down, you’re making the place look untidy.

Harvey smiled; it was so subtle, I hardly noticed it.

I’ll come back later. I have a few errands to run for Mum. He knew that would go down like a lead brick; I could see he wished he hadn’t told me.

Go on then, do your mummy’s shopping! I blasted him. He left the café with his shoulders hunched, slamming the door.

You probably think I’m a first class bitch. I kept my eyes on Harvey, as he answered.

It all depends why you said it, surely.

God; you’re understanding.

His mum’s a lush and sends him to get her booze. I’ve had enough of those in my life, already. I thought about it. Sorry, I’ve said too much; you don’t want to hear all that.

I’m a good listener. Don’t worry about it, really. It hasn’t put me off you.

Why would he say that? Is he trying to pick me up? He can bloody think again.

Adey is my boyfriend, Harvey. I’m not on the market. Do you understand?

He smiled at me again and said nothing else on the subject. He drank his tea with a smile on his face.

Why he’s smiling, I’ve no bloody idea.

I finished my tea, thanked him for his company and left him sitting at the table. I stepped out of the café and in through the door of the boarding house I lived in, next door.

Adey rang my bell about an hour later. I reluctantly went down to answer it and before I looked at him, I said, What kept you? It was Harvey’s face I stared at when I raised my head. What are you doing here? I told you, I’m not interested.

I’ve not come about that. Alison, I’m a police officer and Adey has been in an accident.

My hand shot up to cover my mouth.

Harvey could see he’d upset me and carried on gently, I went back to work and I was called out to an incident in town. I recognised Adey straight away. Could I come in?

I nodded, turning from the door and led him up to my bedsit; a tiny room at the top of the house. You couldn’t stand up straight in most of the room. The ceiling followed the shape of the roof above; slanting almost everywhere, in different directions.

Sit down, Alison, please. He waited for me to sit.

I looked for clues in his face but he was so serious. What’s happened? Is he in hospital, Harvey? Sorry, I shouldn’t call you that if you’re a policeman.

Harvey is fine; it’s okay. Alison, I’m afraid Adey died at the scene.

What scene? He only went to the off licence? Tears welled up and I couldn’t help crying. I may not have loved him but we’d known each other for quite a while.

Harvey sat on his haunches in front of me. Do you know his mother’s address, Alison? We have to inform her and he didn’t have any ID on him. I’m sorry to ask you this, Alison; I really am.

I wiped the tears away with the back of my hand.She lives in Mason Terrace, number seventeen, I think. How did he die?

He said gently, I’m not supposed to tell you before we inform his mother. I’m sorry. He didn’t want to upset me again and my chin was already quivering.

It’s okay. I’ve waited forever for most things; one more won’t make any bloody difference.

I’ll come back after I’ve informed her. Is that all right with you?

Yes, that’s fine with me. Thank you.

I’ll see myself out, Alison. I’ll be about an hour. He left me to think about everything I knew for certain. Adey was dead.

True to his word, he rang the doorbell an hour later. I opened the door with swollen red eyes and he followed me up to my room. I offered him my only chair and I sat on the edge of my bed.

I’ve spoken to his mother and she’s shocked; you can imagine. I told her I was coming to inform you, as you were his girlfriend and had given me her address. She doesn’t like you very much – she made certain I knew that.

It’s because I kept telling him to leave home. It came out in one of their arguments and she’s never spoken to me since.

Alison, Adey was hit by a four-wheel-drive car. It was backing up, after a raid on the off licence he was going to. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’m so sorry for your loss, Alison.

Thank you, Harvey. We’d knocked about together for the last two years, nothing heavy. We were both just part of the furniture and it seemed we’d go on like that forever, muddling along. Neither of us looked for anything else, it was easier to let it just carry on.

I can understand that; you get comfortable with each other. Are you going to be all right, Alison? He waited for me to answer him.

I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me. I’ve had to get over worse things than this. Now I’ve said too much.

Really – what sort of things?

What the hell, I’m just going to tell him. I’ve had to live with a couple of drunks most of my life. My dad finally left but my mother continued with the abuse. I left home as soon as it was legal. I wanted to go to college or university but that wasn’t going to happen, so I started writing. I keep looking for a normal job, but you need a degree to get a job as a toilet attendant, these days.

He smiled.

You’ve had it rough, Alli.

I smiled at him.

What did I say?

No one’s called me that for years. Adey insisted on calling me Alison, from the word go. I prefer Alli.

Alli it is, from now on.

What does he mean by that? I’m going to actually see him again?

How long have you been in the police? I asked him, being nosy.

Three years. I was fast-tracked up to inspector, after a year.

Blimey; you must have a brain on you.

He just smiled. You might as well have said ‘yes’.

Come on, tell me about your new book. What subject is it on?

He forgets nothing, bloody hell.

You’ll think it’s stupid.

Try me; I’m interested. I’ve never met anyone who writes. He waited.

Mr Persistent.

I’m going to write about a woman who’s a vampire. He didn’t say anything.

Now he thinks I’m thick. I stood up and headed for the sink to get some water. Do you want some? I asked as I held a glass up. He smiled at me and shook his head and when I sat down he still had that same smile. Find that funny, do you? I’m annoyed now; you being such a clever dick.

Sorry, I was thinking about what you said in the café: something to get your teeth into.

I sniggered, remembering it again. You don’t forget much – suppose that’s why you’re an inspector? I relaxed a bit.

I have a photographic memory, Alli; that’s how I learned the job so fast.

I wish I did, I have a memory like a colander: full of holes.

You can’t be that bad if you hold a story in your head to the end of a book.

Book things, I remember; it’s the day-to-day things I forget. I definitely have something missing up there. I tapped my head. I’ve been like it all my life.

I could see he didn’t believe me and didn’t elaborate.

I have to go, Alli. I’m still on duty and have to report back before I finish. Maybe I’ll see you in the café again?

Maybe. Thanks for telling me about Adey. If you hear when his funeral is, can you let me know, please? I added, His mother won’t.

Of course I will. We usually hear, the investigation isn’t finished, Alli. Will you be okay?

I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me.

I’ll see myself out. He smiled at me and left my room.

I sat thinking about the last few hours. How your life could change, completely out of your control.

The Vampire’s Revenge

Chapter 1

Standing about twenty yards away were three tarty-looking women wearing hardly any clothes: short skirts, almost covering nothing. Tops so low, leaving nothing to the imagination at all and hair, mainly bleached. A type that films re-created without much thought.

They kept eying me up, looking pissed off. This must be where they’d normally stand; on this spot. Just let them say something, God help them, if they do. In fact, I look forward to it. That miserable fat cow on the right won’t stop staring.

Blimey, my mouth feels dry. I got up to get some water and drank the whole glass. I don’t usually like it that much, strange.

I scraped the corners of my mouth with my fingernail and dragged the crap from it. I didn’t look to see what it was. I washed my hands under the cold tap. I don’t know why I made that distinction – both taps were cold. Hot water here would be a luxury. No – a bloody miracle.

I’ve had to go swimming twice a week to get a proper shower. The one here has never had a curtain and the water goes everywhere. I’m sick and fed up of the woman, two floors down, having a go at me for trying to stay clean. It was easier to go swimming.

I looked at my face in the minute mirror I’d stuck on the wall over the sink; staring at my eyes. The dark circles are worse today. This is crazy.

I looked for my bottle of concealer in my bag; opening it and hoping like hell I still had a scrap, to try and disguise my hollow eyes. Chance would be a fine thing, I muttered to myself when I couldn’t see anything on my finger.

I threw the empty bottle in the bin, promising to buy some the next time I passed a chemist. My jacket and a mountain of clothes were on the floor. How did they get there? They were in the drawer yesterday. My memory’s getting worse.

I picked up my jacket and put it on. The rest of the clothes I scooped up and threw on the bed, to be put away later.

I wish I had a kettle, I need a hot drink. My bag was in a mess. It would have to stay like that. I picked it up; made sure I had my key and left my room to go to the café.

Harvey’s head shot up when the door opened. He looked me right in the eye, making sure I couldn’t even pretend I hadn’t seen him, so I went to sit at his table.

Well, why not.

Hello, Alli. He looked more concerned the nearer I got.

Hi, I didn’t sleep well, before you ask.

At all, would probably be nearer the truth. Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.

No, you shouldn’t. I know I look rough; I’ve run out of concealer.

Let me buy you a tea, please? He didn’t wait for an answer and got up to nab the waitress, before she scuttled back to the kitchen.

When he came back he smiled at me across the table. I’ve been worried about you; you haven’t been in here for a few days.

I shot him a look of ‘don’t talk rubbish’ but that didn’t work. Maybe he’s right.

I told you, I have a head like a sieve. The tea came via the delightful waitress we had the last time. I would’ve known, even if I hadn’t looked. I think it was the way the mugs hit the table, slopping out tea, that was the clue.

Harvey gave her a dirty look but he needn’t have bothered: she was oblivious.

Thank you, Harvey. I picked up the mug, put two sugars in and stirred. Cradling it in my hands, I blew gently over the tea, to cool it. Harvey watched me, but I couldn’t read what was going on behind his eyes. I sipped the tea and asked, Are you still on duty?

No, I was in early today; I started at four this morning.

You don’t even look tired. Blimey, I was dead to the world at that time. I smiled at him.

Your eyes don’t tell that story, Alli. You look like you haven’t slept for a month.

I snapped at him, Do you want me to drink this, or go? I’m easy either way.

Don’t go, Alli, I’m sorry. He leaned back against the seat and watched me drink my tea.

I kept quiet for a bit and then I asked, Have you found out when the funeral is?

His mother hasn’t claimed his body yet; in fact, she has to identify him and she won’t make the effort to even do that.

His voice hasn’t changed but he’s angry with her, I can feel it. Could I identify him, if she won’t? The poor sod, lying there.

You wouldn’t want to do that, Alli, if you didn’t have to, he said gently.

I’ll do it, Harvey, and then I’d like to see her. She has to organise his funeral. She can’t leave him in a fridge, forever.

Harvey put his hand over mine. Alli, it wouldn’t be very pleasant. Have you ever done it before?

No, it’s the least I can do for him.

He withdrew his hand and pulled out a phone. I’ll arrange it and come with you; you shouldn’t be on your own.

I nodded and he dialled.

The appointment was for three thirty, today. I got up to leave. I’m going to get changed, I look a mess.

You look fine to me, Alli. We’re only going to the hospital morgue, not the Ritz.

I sat down again.

Come on, he said with a smile. We’ll have a walk to pick up my car. It’s parked behind the station.

The railway station is miles away. That tickled him.

Police station.

I giggled and we left the café.

I walked beside him, through the streets, to the back of the police station. He pulled keys from his pocket and pressed a button. Lights flashed on a black car at the end of a line of cars and I followed him over to it.

He opened the passenger door for me. I sank down onto the leather seat and waited for him. Before he could get in on his side, I heard someone calling, Sir. I watched him walk away from the car, across the yard a little way and stand with his back to me, facing a guy about the same height as him. They didn’t talk for long. As soon as it was over he hurried back to join me in his car and he climbed in quickly.

Sorry about that, work things. He started the engine and drove out of the car park. I didn’t recognise anywhere he took me. God, I’ve never been to the hospital before, I suppose I’m lucky.

When he turned into the main gates, he drove to the back of the hospital and parked near a building, without windows, that seemed to be stuck onto the main building. It protruded at an awkward angle but the sign over the only door stopped me daydreaming. I stared at it and heard my door being opened. Harvey stood there, waiting for me to get out.

You can change your mind, Alli; it’s okay.

Hearing his remark, I climbed out. I’m changing nothing, Harvey.

After locking the car, he turned from me and headed for the sign. Morgue. We walked under it, through the door. Harvey spoke to a woman behind a desk. I saw her point to some chairs behind us, so I sat on one. Harvey joined me.

They won’t take long. They always wait until people arrive before they get them out. Just in case people change their minds. – must happen often. I didn’t answer him; he took that to mean that I was scared and asked, Are you sure, Alli?

I lowered my voice. Give it a rest, Harvey? If I was scared, I wouldn’t be here at all. You’d never have got me in your bloody car. I heard him trying to suppress his laughter and elbowed him. Remember where you are. He straightened himself out.

I heard a phone ring. The woman behind the desk looked up and said, They’re ready. I’m sure you know the way? Then she smiled.

He stood up, turning back to me, saying, Let’s go.

I followed him through some double doors and he knocked on the first door on his right. He didn’t wait for an answer and opened it. I followed him into a room with a very narrow bed in the middle. It was draped to the floor with a white cloth with the shape of a body very obvious beneath it. A man in a long white coat was stood beside the bed, on one side. Harvey guided me to stand next to him, opposite.

Are you ready, Alli?

I nodded.

The man in white stretched his arms across the top of the bed. Taking hold of the white cloth in both of his hands, he pulled it back slowly to reveal Adey lying there, looking very pale and very still.

It’s Adey. Am I allowed to touch him?

The man in white nodded.

I glanced at Harvey.

I’ll give you a minute, he said and moved to the other side of the room with the man in white and waited.

I studied Adey’s face for a few minutes. His eyes look like mine, dark rings.

Adey, you’re a bit of an idiot. I always said she’d be the death of you and look where you’ve landed. You’ve got a long wait for me. You’d better wait or I’ll hunt you down, remember it. I kissed his lips and his forehead. Come and see me some time; it won’t freak me out, you know that. I’m going to see your drunken mother and get her to bury you. Perhaps you could haunt her for a bit, get your own back. I’ve got to go, come and see me soon. I kissed his lips again and turned towards the two men.

Thank you, I said to the man in white.

He nodded with a smile hovering on his lips.

Harvey didn’t say a word and led me out of the building.

On the way to Adey’s mum’s house, I caught him glancing at me a couple of times. You might as well say what you’re thinking, and don’t lie.

I was thinking; they’ll be talking about that for years to come. I bet they’ve never had anyone talk to someone dead like that, ever.

I burst out laughing and he joined in.

Once I’d calmed down a bit, I said to him, I suppose it must have looked odd to both of you. I see dead people everywhere – never bothered me.

The brakes suddenly slowed us down and Harvey pulled up at a curb, slamming his hand onto a button on the dashboard. I heard the clicking noise of the flashers, just before he stopped the engine. When I looked at him, he’d already turned towards me. He said, You’ll have to explain that to me properly, Alli, and I don’t want to be driving while you do it. He waited.

I’ve seen the dead, since I can remember. That’s why I had all those beatings; they never believed me. My parents used to stand outside my bedroom door, listening to me talking to the dead. They’d come in and beat me, until I promised not to do it again. The dead used to talk to me; I was hardly going to ignore them. Now, you’ll steer clear of me? Shouldn’t have opened my bloody mouth.

Harvey smiled, which I didn’t expect. You couldn’t be further from the truth, Alli. I think it’s fascinating and obvious to me that you don’t realise what you have, do you?

I looked at him, puzzled. I expect you’re going to tell me.

Alli, you have a special gift. I know a lot of people who would give their right arm for it.

I smirked at him.

I’m deadly serious. It’s my day off tomorrow; would you let me take you to see someone?

Who? I’ve seen too many crackpot psychiatrists, thanks – you can think again.

They really did a number on you, didn’t they? God, he actually believes me.

I got down from my high-horse and said less bluntly, Where are we going and what time are you picking me up?

He laughed and said, I’m so pleased you’re going to trust me. We’re going to see an old lady who runs a church near your digs. I go every week, unless work gets in the way. I’ll pick you up at eleven, if that’s okay?

It’s fine. Could we possibly leave Adey’s mother, until tomorrow? She’ll be rat-arsed now and won’t hear a word I say.

He tried to hide the smile on his face and agreed.

Fuck off; this is our patch. The girl with the short skirt snapped at me. I looked at her as if she wasn’t there, listening to her thoughts.

She must be mad, taking no notice of me. I’ll show her.

I warned her, I wouldn’t, if I were you.

What wouldn’t I do? she answered back with more confidence.

I wouldn’t try anything, if you know what’s good for you.

The girl laughed in my face. I grabbed hold of her arm and turned on the pressure, until she yelled for me to stop.

She looked at her friends for help. They wouldn’t do anything for her, they’d had their eyes riveted on me since the talking had begun.

We don’t want any trouble, the fat cow whimpered.

Nor do I - now fuck off. Don’t let me catch your snivelling faces near me again. Is that clear?

Crystal. Can I have my arm back?

I let her arm go and they moved away in a huddle, talking about me. I couldn’t give a toss what they said; I didn’t want them near me, that’s all.

Harvey knocked on my door at exactly eleven o’clock. I hurried down with my jacket, bag and keys, opened the door to a lovely day and Harvey’s smile.

Hi, I said as I slammed my door.

He had the passenger door open for me; parked on double yellow lines. Your carriage awaits, ma’am.

I giggled as I got in. He had a happy face on today.

When he was settled in his seat, he handed me a tiny red paper carrier bag.

What’s this, bribery? I could see that amused him.

Take a look, it won’t bite you. He watched as I looked inside. I put my hand in and pulled out a bottle of concealer. When I looked at the label for the colour, I was amazed. Christ, it’s the same colour I use.

Thank you, Harvey. I keep forgetting to get any – and how did you know what colour to get? I couldn’t wait to hear his answer as most blokes wouldn’t have a clue.

He just said, I’m good at that sort of thing.

I pulled down the visor and looked in the mirror. God, I look ill. I turned to him and asked, Do you mind waiting until I’ve put some on? My eyes look as bad as Adey’s did, yesterday.

He gestured with his hand. I giggled. Then I broke the seal on the tiny bottle to unscrew the lid. Touching the contents with my index finger, I began to work on the dark circles, below my eyes. It took a few minutes but he waited patiently, watching me.

That looks better. I glanced at him and said, There. I look almost human again?

He laughed at my words, but didn’t comment and started the engine. We didn’t go far; we could have walked it in a couple of minutes. Why have a dog and bark yourself, I suppose.

He pulled the car to a halt in front of a large house beside a tiny cottage. Harvey got out to open my door and he took me up the path to the front door of the dainty little house. Before he could get his hand to the bell, the door opened wide.

The elderly lady who’d opened it was all smiles, and then she said, Come in, Harvey. Who have you got with you? Hello, dear, I’m pleased he’s brought a friend to see me. Come in, I’ve just made some tea.

Harvey walked in, past the lady and straight down the hall. He opened a door and disappeared from my view. He knows his way around.

He certainly does, dear.

I looked at her, shocked. Someone else can do the same as me.

Come and have some tea with me, dear; we have a lot to talk about.

I followed her to her kitchen. Harvey was already parked on one of the chairs at the small table. He looked up at me, before I pulled a chair to sit on. He pushed a cup of tea towards me, then the sugar bowl.

Thanks, Harvey.

Alli, this is Jenny.

I smiled at her and said, Hello, Jenny.

She smiled back, saying, I’m very pleased Harvey brought you to see me, Alli.

Harvey said to her, Jenny, I’ve only known Alli a short time, but it’s evident she has special gifts. She doesn’t realise how special they are.

Jenny looked at me over her cup.

I’ve already seen one of them, Harvey, and I know she has more.

I baulked at her answer.

Please tell me what you can do, Alli; I sense it’s quite a list?

I looked at Harvey – his face was serious.

I see dead people; I can’t remember when I couldn’t. They come to me to talk mostly; some come and ask me to do things for them. It varies. I read minds and know when someone’s lying. I lose track of time a lot, days go missing. When I sleep, which isn’t often, I wake in the strangest places.

I could see a smile growing on Harvey’s face and Jenny matched him.

I had to ask, Why am I here? I quickly glanced at Harvey and then looked at Jenny, waiting for an answer.

She finally said, It seems to me, Alli, you’ve had to deal with this, on your own, most of your life. Am I correct? Jenny waited for my reply.

I’ve never known anything different. I was aware when I got to school I was the only one there who could do it. It didn’t gain me any friends.

It never does, dear, most people are scared of it, Jenny said gently.

Can I ask you a question, Jenny?

She smiled. Go ahead, child.

"What is ‘it’? I picked up my cup and waited for her to reply. She was working out whether to tell me everything, or not.

I want to know it all, Jenny. I turned to Harvey. Are you the same as me?

Do you want business? How dumb is that? Of course you do; you wouldn’t have pulled up if you didn’t. The punter behind the wheel started weighing his options.

She looks all right, maybe she’ll do.

Come on, I haven’t got all day. You’re costing me money.

God, she’s pushy.

All right, get in, he blurted out.

I sat in the passenger seat and slammed the door. The engine was already running. He rammed the car into gear and started to pull away from the kerb. I put my hand over his, on the steering wheel.

As I yelled, Stop, my hand crushed his hand, until he screamed. The car glided to a stop and jolted as the front tyre hit the curb.

What do you want exactly; we’re going nowhere until I know. Now he’s worried.

Chapter 2

Jenny looked at me. Something must have happened to you when you were very young, Alli. Did your mother tell you anything at all about your past?

No, she treated me really bad. I think she was scared of me when I got bigger. When dad left, she was vile and made up for both of them. I got out of there, as soon as I could.

Jenny was thinking about something.

Ask, Jenny; I’ll tell you the truth.

Have you any scars? Any you’re not sure about or how you came by them?

I couldn’t think what she meant for a moment; then a memory came back to me. I have something on the side of my neck that looks like a birthmark to me. I haven’t had a good look; it’s in an awkward place. I’ve tried with two mirrors but I can’t see it properly.

Harvey asked, Could I look, Alli, please?

Yes, go ahead.

He stood next to me and moved my hair from the right side of my neck. Nothing there? He switched sides.

There are two small round bumps just under your ear lobe, Alli.

Jenny got up to look and gently ran her finger over the place Harvey had mentioned. Harvey dropped my hair and sat down.

Well, what is it? Someone tell me for Christ’s sake?

Harvey was the one to tell me. Alli, at some point when you were young, you were bitten by a vampire.

What the bloody hell are you talking about? I was shaking.

I know. Look at my neck, Alli.

I looked at him as if he’d gone mad.

Look, Alli, please?

I still hesitated.

Jenny butted in, Look, child, and then look at mine.

Bloody hell, what have I walked into?

She pushed me again. Look, child, and you’ll see.

My hands were shaking even more now. I stood up and parted Harvey’s hair, behind his ear. I stared at his neck. Shit, they’re telling the truth.

There were two raised bumps. I ran my finger over them. It was like a film in my head. I saw the vampire coming towards me; heard a child cry and then I felt the pain he’d felt. I pulled my hand back and slumped in my chair.

I must have looked strange because I saw the worry on Harvey’s face, before he asked, Alli, are you okay? I heard the concern in his voice.

My voice was shaky when I answered, I saw you when you were bitten and felt the pain you felt. I also heard you crying.

Harvey put his hand on my shoulder. Sorry, Alli, we had no idea you’d get all that.

This wasn’t right. I asked, loudly, I thought vampires killed people?

Not always, child, Jenny said. "Once they’ve bitten you, you have to feed off them, to turn you into a full vampire. For some reason, the three of us were bitten and the vampire never came back. You have all the powers he had, but you don’t kill