Dare to Sleep

By Narelle Weston

On most days, in most years, nothing much happens in Dyman, a peaceful Australian community. But today is not most days. A hiker waves down traffic, panicked and breathless, to report a horrendous homicide. Two young but efficient investigatorsDetective Denise Porter and her partner, Constable Stanthorpeare assigned to the case. The increasingly disturbing and confusing labyrinth of evidence challenges them like no other case has, and what their investigation reveals is almost as disturbing as the crime itself.

This murder has all the signs of organized crime, and the tell-tale presence of The Boss is problematic, to say the least. Illusive as well as elusive, The Boss has made sure that every lead is a dead one, every suspicion is a false one, and every fact is anything but. Mayor Brody Mayfield, a well-respected member of the community, is swept into the investigation and quickly finds his reputation called into question.

The mayors assistant, Kate Diamond, has her own secrets to protect. A product of an abusive childhood, she grew up in poverty and was no stranger to death. As an adult, her quest for financial security has her locked into her own set of challenges. The deeper she digs, the more she uncovers her own scandal. Even worse, she begins to suspect that her boss may be closer to The Boss than anyone knows.

As one team races to reveal the truth, another works just as hard to protect its secrets.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press AU
• Release date: Aug 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781452510903

Narelle Weston

Narelle Weston was born in Sydney, Australia. She is a businesswoman with a degree and an advanced diploma. She enjoys writing and spending time with her family in rural New South Wales, Australia. She is also the author of Dare To Sleep, the fi rst in this series.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Hiker

The Mayfields were renowned in the district for being a strong formed family. They held a respectable name, due to Brody and Spencer, brothers, aged fifty and forty eight. Brody was town Mayor for his third term, and Spencer a Manager with the government’s Roads and Infrastructure Department. Their wives, Bronwyn and Sally each had four children and were both active community members.

What seemed to be a constructive year with few hurdles for Spencer changed on September 1, 2011. Missy, his astute personal assistant received word that an urgent phone call be passed through the system to Spencer, he being advised that a body had been found by a sixteen year old hitchhiker, while relieving himself in nearby bushes just off Schofield Way. The hiker, dizzy and clearly disturbed, gave all his determination to waving down the next available vehicle, the driver alerting the local town authorities.

Sergeant Moses and Constable Smithers closed off the road way and taped the area. The body was badly decomposed, the eyeballs both missing, seemingly removed by a sharp implement. Both hands were severed and were yet to be detected; the right leg was badly broken, with the femur penetrating the skin. There also seemed to be some sort of asphyxiation applied to the epiglottis, larynx and trachea region, which at the time required further analysis by a medical examiner. The stench was horrendous and was clearly what disturbed the hitchhiker when relieving himself. The estimated time of death; five days! Bloat of the body was well under way. The marbled appearance on the skin’s surface was palpable, and insect larvae had managed to infest natural orifices; the identity of the deceased unknown to those at the scene.

The hiker gave his name as Tom Banton; seemed to be on a bit of a mystery tour. Looks like a runaway Sergeant. The lad is pretty shaken up and is in a state of shock. This is not the time to get any more information out of him, Constable Smithers, better known as Smitty said.

Get Brad and his team to transport him to the hospital, and Smitty if you don’t mind following him in to keep an eye on his progress? We need to find out more about the lad. I’ll hang round for the medical examiner and meet you back at the hospital if all runs smoothly. The task force will be here soon, and the medical examiner would like to have a look at the severed body parts; they could be scattered near or far, Sarge Moses replied.

Spencer Mayfield arrived as quickly as possible to the scene. The Sergeant was hoping that he may be able to identify the man.

The stench is pretty bad, Spencer. You may need a rag to hold around your nose and mouth. Expect the worst, there are body parts missing; However, I was hoping you may know if he is from your roads division, the Sergeant insisted.

Spencer hesitantly made his way to the scene. He could see the twisted corpse and what appeared to be maggots penetrating his airways.

God damn it. I may need to purge, Sergeant. Christ, I think it’s Bobby Mason; a bit hard to tell, his eyes missing and all, Spencer coughed. If it is, there should be a tattoo of a woman’s name on his hand. I remember him telling me of how he had his love tattooed on his hand; ahh, where’s the hands Sarge? Spencer asked.

That will be all for now, Spencer; with many thanks to you. I will possibly ask you to clarify your identification again, that being after the medical examiner cleans him up. I may have the hands and some idea of eye colour by then. Thanks again, Spencer.

Spencer made his way back to his vehicle, the path which he traipsed became visually distorted, and Spencer found himself stumbling several yards. Finally his body gave way; he tried to take a quick few steps from the path and physically purged. The thought of the deceased was plaguing his mind; the empty eyeball cavities and insect infestations had taken their toll on his usually cast iron belly. He bent down to the dirt on his knees, dry reaching the last few exertions. Finally he lifted his head, his hands wiping tears from his eyes, flowing freely due to the pressure of the purging. He waited for the giddiness to subside, then found his feet and sat in his vehicle for ten minutes before hitting the road.

Chapter 2

Street Tragedy, September 2, 2011

The population of Dyman was to struggle with further unusual events following the gruesome finding off Scholfield Way.

As Carrie strolled with her friends’ two boys interrupted their path, seeking Carrie’s attention whilst jumping and swerving on their skate boards.

You’re beautiful, Carrie, one yelled out, the other laughing at his possible infatuating remark.

The group of friends had known one another for some time; they were all around age sixteen and had attended primary school together and held strong ties throughout high school. Carrie, being Spencer Mayfield’s second child, a strong, athletic type who had a quizzical countenance when holding a conversation; Carrie’s hair thick, ash blonde and her skin pale, like a porcelain figurine. Her eyes fluttered those long darkened lashes, exposing effervescent green eyes, as the skater boy yelled for her attention on passing with a swerve.

That’s Jake Stanton. He moved into our street three weeks back. I think he may be seventeen and is one of three boys, Carrie explained to the attentive group.

I think he is good looking. Who’s his friend; you know the skater boy wearing the baggy jeans? Alison asked.

Alison was Carrie’s best friend and found the encounter to her liking, expressing a giggle and nudge towards Carrie’s body.

I think that may be his younger brother, Josh. I’ll keep you updated. Gee, Alison, I’ve only encountered them on a few occasions; you know I wouldn’t leave you hanging in the dark! Carrie exclaimed.

The group reached the intersection where Denison Street met with Sussex. The walk signal turned green, and the group proceeded to walk across the intersection; the road was busy, as always on a Saturday. The local mall resided fifty metres south, and there was always a good bargain to be found. The group knew that all money on hand may be spent. Without any warning, a screech and bangs were heard, the group thrown into a panic. The sky seemed to go dark as people dressed in different apparel merged, as they tried to flee into a safe direction. The girls huddled together, shaking with fear, unable to comprehend what had just taken place.

Get inside. It was a drive by shooter and it may return, said a man in the street.

As Carrie tried to gather herself and proceed with her group, she noticed two people lying on the pavement. An array of crimson dampened an area with increasing rapidity. Four people were attending to the victims.

Oh God, are they going to die! Carrie exclaimed, as Alison held her arm.

Inside now, girls, you have seen enough, an unknown identity spoke, ushering them away from the scene.

The girls made their way inside, their inquisitive minds echoing reverberations of dismay and fear off the glass doorway. They were not alone; a number of the public were drawn to the confusion and feeling of panic. Ambulance sirens broke the foul possibilities of awaiting death. The police and ambulance workers did what they could to settle the panic and save the slain.

She’s not going to make it. She’s lost too much blood. Nope, gone, the ambulance officer said.

Shit. You know who she is, the policeman muttered. That’s May Bounds, Bobby Mason’s neighbour. The bloke they think was discovered by the hitchhiker yesterday off Scholfield Way.

Who’s the other victim? the ambulance officer asked.

That’s May’s husband, Ray.

Well, I think he may make it. Poor May, the ambulance officer stated as he closed the van’s rear access.

Sergeant Moses and Constable Smitty arrived at the scene. The first policeman at the scene provided them with the information. Sergeant Moses placed his left hand over his brow and down to his mouth as if to conceal the gape.

I just don’t have a good feeling about this one, Smitty. It may just be a coincidence, but the odds are not looking too favourable, the couple being Bobby Mason’s neighbour and all. Drive by shooting. What the hell has been going on? Sergeant Moses asked, his left hand muffling his chatter.

The Sergeant’s mobile phone vibrated, its sound waves breaking the chatter. Yes, I am on my way, he said. We need to keep moving, Smitty. The medical examiner is ready for a chat, and Spencer Mayfield said that he’s available for another identification determination. Smitty, you may need to have a look in at the hiker; the hospital said he should be right in health by tomorrow. We need to get in touch with his next of kin.

White walls, hustle and bustle, the stench of disinfectant concealing what one would presume to be ill health clouded Sergeant Moses and Constable Smitty upon entering Rangers Drive Hospital. The park across the road offered some sort of peace, even sanity, for those who would take up residence and visit the internal health unit. Smitty found the hiker on the third floor. Tom Banton appeared to be in reasonable health, taking into consideration he was thought to be a runaway and had experienced something unusual and deadly.

Hello, Tom; my name is Constable Smithers. We met yesterday by the roadside. Well, Tom, its fine by me to call me Smitty; everyone else does. What brings you to the road, Tom?

Who would do that to someone? Tom asked. I mean, the way the body was—who would do such a thing.

Well, Tom, at present I can’t say. We are working on trying to piece that together ourselves. Do you have a next of kin? You may remember that I questioned you yesterday; we are concerned for you. Please, fill me in on your situation. I mean, if there is no going back, well there is no going back. You don’t want to be the next roadside, dead candidate, do you? Sometimes, that is all it takes, to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Smitty stressed.

My mother died last year from a drug overdose. I never knew my father very well, I would just see him once a year, until that meeting came to an end. I suppose I am trying to deal with my life, or situation, Tom said.

Well, that is fine Tom. Do you have anywhere particular to go? Or is this just like you say; a soul finding trip? Smitty asked.

I have no real place to go. I believe I have a sister living north. I have lost contact with her. Tom mentioned sheepishly.

Tom, this town has some nice people residing in it. There are some good schools, and you may find some part time work. You mentioned you were sixteen; can you remind me of that birth date? Smitty asked.

Tom sobbed out his date of birth. Constable Smitty realising there may be more going on with Tom, he didn’t believe Tom had a sister residing north; Smitty did believe Tom was alone in the world.

Another half an hour went by and Constable Smitty ended his enquiry, telling Tom to hold up in the hospital another night. Smitty knew of a local YHA and a boarding hostel in town, and he decided to take a check on both, before sending Tom to his next possible destination. He thought Tom seemed to be a decent young lad who had lost his way. On exiting the hospital’s third floor, Smitty explained Tom’s situation to those on duty, and mentioned another night’s stay would be necessary.

I will be on floor two, if you need me, Smitty said to the hospital staff.

The thought of having to see the deceased again sent a shiver up Smitty’s spine. He felt salivation take to his mouth, and his anus cringed, as the deceased finding encroached his memory. The lift opened its doorway invitingly, as if knowing what was foreseeable.

Hi, Sarge, Smitty said, his face pale and peaky.

Glad you could make it. I am waiting on Spencer Mayfield. He shouldn’t be long, replied the Sergeant, feeling uneasy.

It turns out Tom Banton may have no direct next of kin. He will hold up here for another night, after which I hope to find Tom lodging in the YHA, or the local hostel. He seems to be a nice sort of young lad, who has lost his way, and on the road to seek another.

Good job Smitty. Are you ready? The pathologist waits! Sergeant Moses exclaimed.

As I’ll ever be Sarge; did he find the hands? Smitty asked, as his hands clasped with perspiration.

This way please, said the nurse invitingly.

Sergeant Moses and Constable Smithers proceeded towards a strong white doorway. The pathologist was eagerly waiting to inform them of his final report.

Hello, gents. The victim’s family will need to approve of my performing an autopsy; however I am glad to report that I have gathered some very interesting information. Doctor Price said.

Doctor Price was well adapted to working with the deceased. He had ten years’ work experience, which involved him flying throughout the country. His hair line appeared slightly balding, his facial features being very strong, his cheek bones high, and his nose broad, and his eyes dark blue, which seemed to stare right through you. The deceased lay covered on the table, by the far side of the room where the light system was strong.

Now, let’s reveal what’s hidden beneath the veil, shall we gents! You may find water near the wash up if required. The deceased appears to have taken part in a strong struggle; estimated time of death, approximately 9.00pm, August 27, 2011. My findings tell me there was more than one assailant involved in the homicide, due to the many abrasions found on the victim, and the number of tools utilised to dismember body parts. The quadriceps femoris regions have experienced large blows by a heavy instrument, possibly a mallet or hammer like tool; this explaining the protruding femur, noticeably exposed at the skin’s surface at the crime scene. The rectus abdominis has received very heavy blows, both by physical force, and force from a hammer like tool. At this stage the victim would be suffering severe pain, and struggling for breath. The victim was asphyxiated, by a chain being of half an inch in diameter, at which stage the victim would have no strength to combat his assailants. Once deceased, the assailants removed both eyeballs using a sharp implement; I’d say a pocket knife. The eyeballs were found scattered at the scene by myself, aided by the task force. The right eye is heavily shattered, determined by the intense bruising, due to heavy blows to the orbicularis oculi muscle; colour of the eyes, blue. Both hands were also collected at the crime scene; they were found several meters in opposite directions from where the victim laid. DNA results advise that they belong to the victim. There is a distinctive tattoo found on the right upper hand; I believe to read a woman’s name. I believe the hands to be severed by an axe after the asphyxiation took place; the clean chop performed once the victim lay on the ground. The scattering of body parts displays disrespect for the dead, or maybe a warning to those that knew of what was encountered prior to the attack.

Doctor Price, interrupted the nurse. There is a man named Spencer Mayfield waiting outside; said he was asked to identify the victim by the police.

I’ll take that, said Sergeant Moses his face peaky.

The Doctor noticed that Smitty may have liked to have taken up the opportunity to leave the room.

Please have some water Constable. It won’t hurt for you to take a walk to the other end of the room.

Ah yes thank you Doctor.

You become used to the work you know. Once you have performed one autopsy, any other pathology work becomes repetition. It may sound cold, however I have always found the work to be interesting, said Doctor Price, trying to keep the conversations going.

Constable Smithers colour was improving in his face, as Sergeant Moses and Spencer Mayfield entered the room.

Constable, Spencer motioned.

Doctor Price lifted the sheet, revealing the victim to Spencer’s eyes once again.

Spencer, do you recognise this man as Bobby Mason? You may notice the hands have been retrieved, one bearing a tattoo. Sergeant Moses said.

Yes Sergeant, I believe the deceased is Bobby Mason, him trying to grasp the situation at hand.

Thank you for coming down Spencer. That will be all. I will gather more information from you outside, motioned the Sergeant.

Thank you for your assistance Doctor Price. I will look forward to the hard copy of your reported findings, the Sergeant extending his hand to the Doctor.

Are you right to come to the station, Spencer? There has been another incident down by the mall today. You may have heard the news? Sergeant Moses said.

I heard there was a drive by shooting this morning. I was concerned for my daughter, Carrie; Carrie enjoys going that way on a Saturday with friends. Spencer mentioned. It seems to be all very strange. We have such a quiet, safe, town most of the time.

Chapter 3

How to beat the blues!

Carrie and Alison made their way to Carrie’s place. Carrie resided in a large residence found on Hedgelings Way. Carrie’s mum Sally met her at the front door with a hug.

Are you okay? I can’t believe there was a drive by shooting in town; I mean we haven’t had that problem before. Sally said.

The girls made their way to Sally’s bedroom. There seemed to be an eerie silence before Alison made a motion to talk about the new boys in Carrie’s street. Their conversations were shortened by knocking on Carrie’s door.

Carrie, your father just phoned me. He identified the man discovered on Scholfield Way today, and was advised that you’re group was near the drive by shooting. Carrie, are you and Alison really okay? I mean, do you need counselling or something? Maybe I should take you both to the hospital! Sally exclaimed.

I don’t know mum. I feel sort of empty. We just heard bangs, and the next thing we saw were two people laid out on the pavement, in a pool of blood. A man told us to go inside the main mall, and then the police and ambulance services arrived. We weren’t asked any questions, for there were plenty of nearby witnesses. I think I am okay. What about you Al? Carrie asked.

I am okay, Carrie. We will probably have a few night mares I suppose. I just feel a bit empty.

Sally decided to close the door to Carrie’s room and give the girls some space. They knew that she was home if they needed her.

Let’s play some music, Carrie? Alison said.

Okay, take your pick. I am going to wash up. Maybe we should have a swim? I have spare bathers you could use, said Carrie trying to cheer her friend.

The girls made their way to the pool, with Carrie’s Ipod in hand.

So, tell me more about Jake Stanton, and his brother? Alison asked.

Well, I only met them outside home the other week. I was shooting some netball hoops when they skated up the pathway. They introduced themselves, and Jake told me about his father winning a medical position in our area. Jake, is in his second last year of high school, and would like to study law. His brother’s name is Josh; you remember; the one with the baggy pants. Well, he is in year ten. They go to Great Brothers School for boys.

Alison made a dive into the pool and bobbed up saying. I think Josh is really cute. Don’t you? His brother seems to really like you. Maybe they may ask us out to the flicks.

Carrie laughed and made her way to the pool’s edge. ‘I’ll give you a game of volley ball. Do you want to sleep over tonight?

I’ll phone home later to see if it is okay; it should be though. We don’t have anything planned for tomorrow. Maybe after this we should go down to the corner store for a milkshake? Alison mentioned, trying to extend for the volleyball.

Okay. Let’s play to thirty first though. I always have trouble getting around your long arms. Carrie laughed.

Alison, being a tall, elegant looking young woman chose to wear her dark, brown hair with long layers extending down her back, her complexion being olive, her eyes blue, and her features rather strong and knowing.

Hi there girls, Carrie’s dad Spencer said; he had arrived back from the police station.

For Spencer the day had been weird, and long. He just felt like going inside, sitting back with a cold beer or two. Sally gave him a kiss on arrival inside.

So, how did it go, Spencer? A tough day I would expect? Sally asked.

Sally was a nice lady. The one you would picture in a home maker magazine. Sally’s hair being ash blonde, not that indifferent to Carries, her skin was slightly more tanned though, with two large spectacularly green eyes, which told stories for themselves. Spencer never got sick of looking into those eyes. Spencer, being a dark haired man, standing at six foot, bearing lovely warm, blue eyes, circled by terrifically long, lustrous, black lashes, which Sally always insisted he inherited from his mother’s Irish background. Spencer’s features were visibly strong, his cheek bones, nose and chin rather chiselled, and interesting. Straight for the fridge Spencer went, then made for the couch with his beer.

So, are you going to give me all the gory details, Spence? Sally inquired.

Where to start, Sall; I identified the Scholfield Way victim as Bobby Mason today; it turns out the drive by shooting involved Bobby’s neighbours, May and Ray Bounds. May, died at the scene and Rays in intensive care, at Rangers Drive Hospital. The police seem to think there may be a connection to all of this. Bloody glad that Carrie and her friends weren’t hurt. All I can vision is Bobby’s corpse. At least he looked better the second time round. I am going to have another beer.

Do you think that it may be linked to a hidden drug racket? I mean this town is large, but the town hasn’t experienced any real, huge killing sprees. Sally said.

I don’t know. Bobby was a nice bloke. He liked the pub scene. I wouldn’t say the pub he habited was the best in town. His work crew will be shaken up when the police start knocking and questioning about his mannerisms. I had to give Moses a list of names today.

The girls raced inside after the pool session.

Hi Dad, Carrie said with a welcoming kiss and hug.

Glad to see you both in one piece. Spencer said.

Where are you both going to now? Sally asked.

We are going to go down to the local milk bar for a shake. Mum, is it okay for Alison to sleep over? Carrie pleaded.

Well, I don’t mind, if it is okay with home, Alison. Sally replied.

Spencer liked the idea of the girls going down the road for a shake. He thought it would be a nice idea to just sit back and enjoy a few.

What about take out Chinese; we could just sit back and relax this evening? Spencer said.

That sounds great to me; the girls all love Chinese. Wendy is out with Ben tonight, and I am just heading off to pick up the twins. Sally replied.

Wendy was Spencer and Sally’s first daughter. She had not long turned eighteen, and had been in a relationship with Ben for a year; Ben practically lived with the Mayfields on the weekends. The twins, Janine and Helen, were at a thirteen year olds birthday party. The two were not identical; Janine, with ash blonde hair, and Helen, with dark hair like her fathers, and elder sister Wendy.

Carrie and Alison raced out the house for the local milk bar. They walked down the street both feeling a little edgy. The thought of that day’s earlier incident sprung to mind.

I really don’t think there would be a drive by in this neighbourhood, it being very quiet, and the street being a cul-de-sac and all. Carrie mentioned.

We will be fine; race you there, elbowed Alison, who was always