A Remnant of Evil

By Brian Holliday

After a month of relishing every small detail of the killings, the abuse, the abductions, and the part she had played herself, Martha would do her very best to recapture any remnant of the sordid legacy left behind.

All women are born evil. Some just realize their potential later in life than others. (Chad A. Gamble)

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Feb 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491895832

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© 2014 Brian Holliday. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/19/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4918-9582-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-9581-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-9583-2 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

The Custodian

A New Life

The Valuation

Al Stones Agency

Mine Hosts

The Guest Room

Phone Privilege

Potential Buyers

Location Location

Comisaria De Policia De Guardia

The Garden And Back

Unexpected Bonuses

Fragments

Tied And Tested

Remains To Be Seen

Family Outing

Interviews

On Home Ground

Doped And Groped

Unexpected Guests

R.o.t.l

Spider And The Fly

A Meeting Of Minds

Dance Of Death

The Warrant

A Journey To Remember

Missing Persons

By The Skin Of The Teeth

Signs

Grand Plans

Bribery And Seduction

Sanctification

A New Dawn

The Garden Party

Enter Stone

Above, Below And Beyond

Game Plans

Donald O’toole

Paper Trail

Mix And Match

A Night To Remember

The Cornish Riviera

Breaking In

The New Order

Profiles

Priorities

Reflections

Home Sweet Home

Simple Simon

On Home Ground

Research

Swabs

Public Records

Baking Day

Sweet Dreams

Setting The Scene

The Bring And Die Sale

Inside

Demolition

Three’s

Carron’s Bible

Chance Encounter?

The Match

The Mark

Justin Spears; Exclusive

Detective Halloway

The Significance Of Three

Epilogue

THE CUSTODIAN

"H i; nice to see you again, let me archive this file and I’ll be right with you. That’s good to hear; I’m glad you enjoyed your last visit.

Yes, we can continue right now if you like but it’s still classified so I’ll need to continue as we did before; ok?

Right; that’s done, now where was I? Oh yes; as I remember you were intrigued as to how Martha and Rob Grimshaw coped with their lives after ‘The Bone Exchange’ file was closed. Well; the truth is, they never did.

Martha actually forced Rob Grimshaw to tell her everything they had encountered including the part she had played herself. Yes; I was surprised too, she insisted on needing to know every last detail. I agree; you wouldn’t think so, but it seems she wanted to relive the dream that everyone else considered their worst nightmare. How long?

Good question; it started only a month later after several sleepless nights followed by a routine day in the pub; exhausted Rob Grimshaw decided to have an early night… .

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Alone and sweating with fear in his dark attic bedroom above the pub, Rob Grimshaw’s troubled cries echoed throughout the empty top floor as he battled with the demons in his mind.

A black mist blocked his return enticing him with short glimpses of figures in the darkness; some indistinguishable, some almost familiar and others the grotesque butchered mannequins of what they once were.

One small isolated figure emerged slowly through the misty veil; it was hardly recognisable. He reached out to touch as it approached; it moved away instantly fusing in with the swirling backdrop, then from the depths of the mist it spoke softly.

It’s coming Rob. Grimshaw repeated it in his sleep to the empty rooms around him; the figure spoke its warning once again.

It’s coming Rob. Straining his eyes he peered through the murk toward the figure trying to reply. What’s coming? The figure remained silent drifting in and out of the oscillating veil around it; then as it became enveloped in the mist it spoke its message once more.

It’s coming Rob. Grimshaw called back repeating his reply. What’s coming?

The sound of his own voice woke him from the shallow sleep; sweating, he sat up in bed, rubbed his eyes, looked around the dimly lit room then checked the glowing alarm clock on the bedside cabinet.

Thank God; it’s morning. He wiped the sweat from his face with the palm of his hand; it was sticky. What the hell. Reaching up to the light cord he clicked it down to illuminate the bedroom.

As he peered around the room allowing his eyes to adjust to the light they finally focused on the bloody fingerprints across the alarm facia and the top sheet saturated in the same crimson mess.

Horrified then jumping out of bed to cross the room he peered into the wall mirror hardly recognising his own reflection; his face had become a mess of bloody fingerprints and smears. Oh my God, look at me. The source of the blood was easy to find; it was still pouring from the open wound on the palm of his hand. How can that be; it healed up a month ago?

The throbbing from the wound crept up his forearm; grabbing the top sheet he attempted to staunch the bleeding; Tap, tap, tap. Preoccupied with stemming the flow he hardly noticed; Tap, tap, tap. What the…

Spinning around in the direction of the noise almost losing his balance Grimshaw gasped in disbelief. On the opposite side of the window in the half light a tiny robin sat on the outer sill pecking relentlessly against the glass. Grimshaw backed away; he knew the sign and it wasn’t a good one.

With his head swimming and heart beating heavy in his chest he watched intently as the tiny bird continued to peck against the glass. Grimshaw glanced down at his bloody, damaged hand recalling his nightmare and the distant figure that had warned him; but surely not?

Shaking off the memory he grabbed a handful of toast crumbs from the discarded plate on the dresser then made his way toward the window opening it gingerly so as not to scare away the tiny bird.

Slowly and barely breathing so as not frighten it he dropped the crumbs onto the outer sill then withdrew his hand back inside the window frame.

The robin chirruped happily outside eating the crumbs and pluming its feathers readying for flight; Rob placed himself nearer to the window as it fluttered then flew off into the dull morning sky.

Keeping both eyes locked on the robin as it gradually disappeared to a tiny speck in the distance he glanced down at the outer ledge; something outside was sparkling and glinting in the light coming from the bedroom.

What the hell.

Being careful not to dislodge it he reached down to the ledge then gently using two fingers managed to retrieve it to place it on the dresser. As he reached for his glasses to take a closer look; it came into focus.

Oh sweet Jesus no; it can’t be.

Covered in his own blood surrounded by bloody bed sheets with a raging pain in his hand Grimshaw stared down blankly at the gold tooth the robin had brought him.

It was the warning in his nightmare; a memory stirred; he questioned the memory then questioned his own sanity barely able to whisper the name. Jeremiah; it was a message from Jeremiah.

A NEW LIFE

L ife in the villa since the boys had gone to University had become a tedious ritual for Martha, especially now Steve Randall was on remand for murder.

She needed to change her life; go back to England; maybe even visit Rob Grimshaw for a holiday. She had thought about Randall’s last comment to get to know Grimshaw but he just wasn’t her type; she considered him too decent by half and her tastes were changing rapidly.

Grabbing the phone Martha made her decision; she dialled; it connected in two rings. Oh hi; is that Stones estate agent? Al Stone had been Martha’s estate agent for years and his new agency in Barcelona was thriving thanks to purchases made by ex-pats recommended to him by Martha and Steve Randall. Hi Martha, I’d recognise your voice anywhere; how are you doing since, err?

Martha cut in abruptly not wanting to talk about their night out. You can say it Al; with Steve in prison. It’s ok, really; anyway that’s not what I want to talk to you about, I’m going back to England so I need to sell as soon as. Stone flicked through his appointment book.

I can send an agent in an hour; is that ok?

I’m impressed; who is he, do I know him? Stone grinned on the other end of the phone. He’s not exactly a spring chicken or anything Martha but he is very thorough. His name is Joshua Roland. Martha began to feel a tightening sensation in her stomach; she liked thorough.

Ok Al thanks for the help; talk later. Abruptly hanging up the phone she smiled sensually; only forty five minutes to prepare for his visit.

Well Joshua, you’re in for a surprise and no mistake.

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Ok Al I’ve got it; same commission as usual? Al Stone hadn’t considered any different; it had always been the same.

Of course Josh; why do you ask? Joshua Roland had been in the game for twenty five years and had never made a fortune working on a commission only basis.

I can’t live on a measly percentage Al it barely covers my costs. Stone tapped his fingers on the desk, there was no way he would up the commission for a lazy, overweight, middle aged womanizer that only worked when he felt like it.

No way Josh, you can overvalue it and take your chances on a sale or I’ll simply call someone else. Roland decided to back off; this was all he had at the moment; pulling his braces up over his shoulders he reached for his jacket. I’m on my way; see ya. He hung up the phone.

Al Stone put down the receiver at the opposite end promising that after this job Joshua Roland was sacked; he had had enough of him. As soon as this valuation came in he would send him a termination of contract.

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Roland made himself comfortable in the Camry, clipped in his seatbelt then switched on the sat-nav.

Right; now where the fuck am I going? He chose the destination, glanced over his shoulder then pulled out of his driveway heading for ‘Puesta Del Sol’.

Just two miles; not bad I guess.

Throwing up dust from the tyres he soon pulled up next to the long, sweeping tarmac road lined with acacias that ran up through the private villa development complex which according to the sat-nav had been named; ‘Avenida Del Sol Al Sur’.

The Camry cruised quietly up through the winding estate passing villas of various designs and colours all of which Roland could sell but never afford to own and it pissed him off that just about all the ex-pats he had ever met were doing far better than him financially.

Rounding the next bend he spotted the beautiful lilac villa which was ‘Puesta Del Sol’; he loved it. This was going to make him a lot of euros; he stopped outside, grabbed his briefcase then made his way to the front gate and pushed it open.

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Inside Martha plumped up the sofa cushions then put on a pot of coffee to give the place that homely feel.

As she opened the blinds to let in the light Roland appeared on the path outside wearing a black business suit mopping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief; she made for the patio doors to call him. Hi, I’m Martha Randall and I’m guessing you’re Mr Roland? Roland walked toward the shade of the porch with beads of sweat dripping from his nose; he held out his hand. Please Mrs Randall, call me Josh everyone else does.

He eyed Martha up and down instantly noticing her short patterned summer dress which showed just enough cleavage to divert his gaze down to it. Enjoying the attention Martha noticed where his eyes were wandering then undid an extra button to keep him interested.

Judging by his appearance and the limp handshake she had already decided that Joshua Roland was a degenerate; one of the few qualities she admired in a man.

Please Josh, take a seat you look very hot; can I get you anything? Roland’s first thought of ‘Yes, you can get me horny’ was never spoken. May I have a lemonade please, it’s this black suit, I really should have gone for a cream one; it absorbs the heat you know? Nodding in agreement Martha bent down to find the lemonade in the base unit cupboard encouraging Roland to watch as her dress rode up to her thighs; it felt good being fit and in her thirty’s and she was loving the attention.

Oh; I think; it’s up here. She removed the lemonade from the top cupboard leaving Roland wishing that everything was kept on ground level. Martha handed him the cold lemonade; he sipped it slowly then began his pitch. Right Mrs Randall; where shall we start? Martha giggled. How about we start in the bedroom then do it everywhere else? Immediately Roland was out of his depth; this had to be a set up.

Mrs Randall, may I talk openly?

Please do. Roland breathed in deeply; this was going to be shit or bust and if he was wrong his career was finished.

You’re a very attractive woman Mrs Randall but please be honest. Have you been asked to try and seduce me by Al Stone so he can get rid of me on a gross misconduct issue? Martha laughed out loud. No, of course not Josh, I’m just kidding around that’s all, but don’t worry, you do what you need to do then I’ll offer you a deal. She reconsidered. But only if this place fetches a high price; and fast.

Intrigued by Martha’s reply Roland began his detailed valuation survey of ‘Puesta Del Sol’; he was always up for a deal, especially if it involved a pretty woman.

I’ll start upstairs then Mrs Randall. Martha called through to the hall as he reached the top of the staircase. If you need me; I’ll be on the phone in the lounge. Settling down on the sofa she dialled Rob Grimshaw in England and after several electronic clicks at the exchange she finally got through. Hi Rob, how are you?

Grimshaw transferred the receiver from his bandaged hand to the other. Who’s calling? A little daunted Martha chided him. It’s only been three weeks since you visited Rob; it’s me; Martha. She could hear Josh’s footsteps padding around the bedrooms above; she parted her legs a little.

Sorry Martha, it’s good to hear your voice; how are you?

Shifting slightly in her seat Martha pulled up her skirt still holding the receiver then with the opposite hand pulled her panties down one side at a time stopping when they were across her thighs.

I’m fine thanks Rob I was wondering if you would like a guest for the foreseeable future. Her hand felt the warmth of her sex as she rubbed softly then parted her legs to pleasure herself.

Yep that’s fine; do you have a date yet? He could hear her breathing becoming laboured. Hello Martha; are you still there?

Yes I’m still here Rob; how about sometime next week? She inserted one finger then two probing with gentle circular motions. That’s fine Martha; will you need transport from the airport? Short rapid breaths transmitted down the phone line as Martha added a third finger. Only one way Rob, I’m selling the villa.

This isn’t a great line Martha, I’ll see you then. Oh; when are you coming? Martha raised her hand to find a nipple; she pinched gently. It should be soon I hope Rob; make it Thursday, the flight lands in Heathrow at 10.00am; got to go. Replacing the receiver Martha concentrated on using both hands to masturbate as she drifted quietly away into her own private world of pleasure.

For fuck sake Mrs Randal; shall I leave? Martha continued to masturbate while Josh looked on from the doorway.

I hope you like what you see Josh; sit over there and watch me finish what I’m doing, then I’ll be with you.

Obediently sitting opposite Martha not wanting to lose his commission and still sweating profusely Roland sat opposite her with his briefcase on his lap looking professional whilst trying desperately to conceal the bulge in his trousers.

Martha looked him straight in the eye licking her lips as she continued to masturbate slowly. Licker de split? Embarrassed, he neither moved nor replied; she tried again. You won’t get a deal at all if you can’t do as you’re told; now lick me like a whore.

Mrs Randall; we hardly know each other. Frustrated Martha continued to breathe heavily. What do you want Josh; an introduction? Blushing awkwardly Roland placed his briefcase on the sofa then stood over her motionless; Martha prompted him once more. "Ok; pussy-Joshua; Joshua-pussy; now get on with it and don’t call me Mrs Randall; that’s my mother, call me ‘Carron’."

THE VALUATION

R oland sat in the Camry still sweating badly but all things considered it had been worth it. He had no idea what Martha was playing at by using the name Carron; probably some kind of fetish? Nevertheless, he liked it and wanted to be a part of whatever it was that was going on.

His valuation had matched Martha’s expectations and the deal she had offered was non-negotiable but offered him an income, somewhere to live and pretty much any kind of sex with any woman he wanted; yes, it was a deal alright.

Hitting Al Stones name in the directory on his mobile he waited for it to connect. Hi Josh, how did it go? He wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Absolutely great Al, Martha was very accommodating.

What’s the valuation based on the current market? Roland pulled the draft valuation from his top jacket pocket.

I reckon £250,000 euros and it’s a snip at that price Al. Al Stone almost fell off his chair.

Are you mad Josh? She wants to get rid of it quickly. Roland had an ace card that only he and Martha knew about. Two things Al; one; she wants to sell quickly and will drop to £200,000; and two; if your agency buys it you could make a cool £50,000 without even breaking a sweat. Stone thought the comment was ironic coming from a man that ran with sweat picking up fountain pen; realistically he could see the logic of what he was saying but it was still a gamble and no mistake.

I’ll ring you back Josh I need to do some math. Roland smirked in triumph; the fish was hooked. He rang Martha. Hi err; may I call you Martha? Martha stood naked in the bathroom drying her hair. Yes Josh, I think first name terms are appropriate now don’t you?

I’ve got him interested but if he goes for it I’ll need to disappear in a hurry. You won’t let me down will you? He continued. I told him £200,000 for a quick sale. Martha laughed out loud; it was working.

Not bad for a villa worth £175,000. I’ll tell you what; fly to England Wednesday and get booked into lodgings. I’ll be at ‘The Exchange’ pub on Thursday. As soon as this goes through I want you to use all your contacts to buy the empty rectory cottage; can you do that? He replied. Ok Martha, I’ll see you over there. As he cut the call his mobile rang. Hi Al; worked it all out? Stone wasn’t a greedy man but this was too good to miss.

Tell Martha it’s a deal; bring the deeds and Martha to the office tomorrow at ten. As soon as she signs I will draft the money into her British bank account; don’t be late Josh. He hung up. Full of excitement Josh redialled Martha; she picked up. Martha; change of plan, the deal goes through tomorrow at ten; I just have to take you over to his office to sign the deeds. Martha couldn’t believe the pace everything was moving at; this Josh bloke was going to be her lucky charm. Well done Josh that deserves something special like tied up, spanked and abused. Josh replied feebly. What, me do you mean?

No of course not; I mean me you idiot or anyone else you can find so look forward to it; see you tomorrow. Roland hung up the phone; his day could not possibly get any better.

AL STONES AGENCY

M artha and Roland arrived at Al Stones at precisely 10.00am both immediately relishing the cool air provided by the air conditioning. Josh leant across the large oak desk to talk to the secretary. Hi Sharon; can you let Al know we’re here please? Sharon turned away slightly to avoid the pungent smell of Josh’s body odour.

Right away Josh, take a seat; Mrs Randall, nice to see you again, please take a seat. I’ll tell him you’re here. She made toward the rear of the premises locating Al Stone in the back office.

They’re here Mr Stone. He made his way straight to the reception area.

Martha, Josh, good to see you both. Josh stood and shook hands with Stone while Martha remained sitting comfortably watching Sharon crossing her long legs under the desk.

Hi Al, I have the deeds in my sole name; Steve was taken off them for obvious reasons. She handed them to Stone allowing him time to scan through them. Is everything in order? Stone folded up the deeds then asked Sharon to place them in the safe.

I have to ask Martha; why in such a hurry?

It’s personal really Al; I’d rather not say. Sharon overheard, quickly cutting into the conversation.

Quite frankly Mrs Randall I don’t blame you. A woman alone needs to be careful since that young woman disappeared up there. Sharon’s piercing blue eyes locked with Martha’s; she hung her head allowing Sharon to continue.

Don’t you remember Mr Stone? It was the same night I drove you and Mrs Randall to the theatre together. I booked the tickets. Stone immediately changed the subject offering refreshments to his client. Sharon, would you make two iced teas for Josh and Mrs Randall please?

Roland felt awkward; Martha had never mentioned any personal relationship with Al Stone. Stone cleared his throat to continue. I’ll do the bank transfer into your account now Martha. You can view the balance; sign over the deeds and that completes the business in hand.

Martha was preoccupied by the gentle sway of Sharon’s breasts under her blouse and the effect the air-con was having on her nipples as she brought the iced tea back to them.

I’m sorry Al; could you repeat that please? Stone followed her gaze; he recognized that look. Never mind Martha, we can complete immediately. He produced the documents for ownership of the villa then placed them in front of Martha. If you read section seven then the addendum to paragraph six I think you’ll find it all in order.

Martha picked up the pen; she needed to book a hotel for tonight before leaving. Where do I sign? Stone leant across to show her.

Here, here and here. The smell of his aftershave took her thoughts back to the night of the theatre.

There; all signed, sealed and delivered Al; is the transfer complete? Stone added one more formality. Just the forwarding address please Martha. Martha jotted down ‘The Exchange’ lodgings.

Are we done now? Stone nodded.

"Then its goodbye people and thanks for your help in pushing it through. Come on Josh, I need to find a hotel near