Never Trust a Stranger

By David Brown

Caroline Holland is young and glamorous with her whole life ahead of her. She stands to inherit the successful family jewellers in Bond Street that her parents have successfully built up. After a first class education, Caroline and her new best friend Karen Lewis set up their own fashion business in the heart of London.

Falling in love soon after meeting a handsome stranger, her life is turned upside down and she finds herself all alone except for a few close friends, but who she can trust? With her life threatened, she leaves London and the bad memories behind her as she starts a new life in New York.

Happy with her new life, Caroline is unaware of the aftermath she leaves behind of trusting a stranger. Events back in London lead to a double murder investigation. The pieces of the puzzle don't quite fit for two bright, young detectives at Scotland Yard who are leading the case. They are baffled and are unable to unravel the truth. Finally they stumble across the missing link to solve the case with a surprising arrest that nobody had suspected.

Is it too late to save Caroline as she finds her life is once again in danger? Has she said too much and laid her trust in those she never really knew?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Nov 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496995612

David Brown

David William Brown, FRSE, FBA is an Anglican priest and British scholar of philosophy, theology, religion, and the arts. He has taught at the universities of Oxford, Durham, and St. Andrews.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

S ILHOUETTES OF DARK AND light danced across the walls as she lay there trying to forget the past and wondering how it all went wrong. She never closed the curtains ever since she could remember, she was frightened of the dark. The only light came in from the moon peering in from the sky, at times blanketed by the occasional cloud. Glancing at the clock which read 5:30 am, she already needed to plan her next move. Having no idea where to begin, she decided to take each day as it came. She had come so far and no way was he ever going to find her.

Caroline Holland flung back the covers, with some effort she pulled herself out of bed and staggered into the bathroom still feeling half asleep. Standing there in a long midnight blue satin nightgown, she switched on the light and looked in the mirror, she was looking into the eyes of a stranger. She hardly recognised herself. A woman ten years older was staring back at her. At twenty seven, the past few months had done her no favours both physically and emotionally. She turned on the hot tap and splashed warm water on her face. She knew she would not get back to sleep so decided to take a shower. Turning off the tap, she turned on the shower and let her nightgown slip onto the cold marbled floor. The warm water eased the pain of the nightmares she kept having. She would fear of being trapped, other dreams the flames were everywhere, could she ever escape?

She stood under the shower for thirty minutes almost in a trance, just leaning against the glass screen then she began to soap her body and shampoo her long chestnut hair. When she was done she grabbed a towel and wrapped her hair and another around her body.

Back in the bedroom she put on the light and sat on the edge of the bed combing her hair until straight. Feeling queasy she sat for a few moments to compose herself. She thought the morning sickness had stopped but obviously not. Being four months pregnant she knew she had to start and take things easy but knew that was out of the question. This was the last thing she needed, twins, but there was no way she would change the situation. She had nobody left to care about her except a handful of friends, but where are they now?

After blow drying her hair she decided to make more of an effort with her appearance. She had always been a beautiful, elegant young woman and would be once again. After making herself up in tones of copper and warm earthy colours to suit her dark hazel eyes, she could not decide what to wear. November was colder than usual this year and the streets of Manhattan were almost at a stand still with the recent heavy snowfalls. She chose dark brown slacks, a cream thick roll-neck sweater and ankle boots. Studying herself in the mirror for a final time, she was pleased with the effort she had made. She even managed to smile at herself. It is no good wallowing in self pity she thought.

It was still only 7.00 am but she was eager to start with her plans. She knew she would need some support in New York and a job too as her emergency funds would not last forever and she wanted to get back into a routine to take her mind off all the worries she carried on her young shoulders. Her money was tied up, living on her allowance, The Pennsylvania Hotel on Seventh Avenue was a comfortable hotel in a good location with a range of services including an all night coffee shop. Caroline decided to go down for a coffee and a scone to start her day.

There was no other customers around, the only other people were two members of staff who were very attentive. She had already picked up a handful of leaflets from reception just to give her some idea of what was happening in the city, also a detailed map so she would not get lost. Staring at her cup of coffee, she got lost in her thoughts, trying to remember the events of her life and how it had come to this.

BOOK 1

London

CHAPTER 1

C HARLES AND ELIZABETH HOLLAND had only been blessed with one child throughout their marriage, a beautiful baby girl. She was everything they wanted and she was also a token to show their love to one another. They had a wonderful marriage and had fallen in love the very first day they had met. It had been love at first sight and married after three months. The wedding was small with Elizabeth’s parents and a few close friends. Neither had brothers or sisters and Charles’s parents had died in a car crash when he was twenty.

Elizabeth was a sales assistant at Fortnum and Masons, Charles worked as a jewellery designer at some of the top jewellers in London. Together they had saving and a steady income. After the death of his parents, Charles was the only beneficiary in their will and inherited any savings they had, together with the modest family home and the shop they owned on Bond Street. The family business was run by his parents operating in women’s clothing. The location and quality of the garments was perfect for the women of London who wanted to think they were somebody. As a result the business was extremely profitable, however, Charles had a passion for his own trade and decided after his apprenticeship that the shop had no place for him.

It was not until after the death of his parents did he decide to change the shop to selling jewellery. The main difference to many others jewellers across London was that the jewellery would be made on the premises focusing on bespoke pieces at the request of the client. Bespoke pieces held greater value and very much in demand whilst envied by others for similar designs.

During his time renovating the shop, he met Elizabeth. She left her job after they were married and joined her husband to become front of house whilst Charles designed and made each piece with an old friend he met during his years as an apprentice.

Six months it took to reopen the shop. It had been hard work and most of the labour had been done by themselves. At first they had very little jewellery on sale in order to generate revenue. The high class appearance and the fact it was on Bond Street did start to attract customers who were prepared to put down a substantial deposit.

Charles and Henry were highly skilled jewellers and worked well as a team. Their knowledge of stones included everything from cutting the stones, polishing and setting them. Elizabeth was a natural at selling them and always wore many of the pieces with the appropriate style and colour of clothing to enhance the effect.

Diamonds were imported from South Africa, Emeralds from Venezuela, Sapphires and Rubies from Peru and Pearls from Borneo. In his younger days, Charles had been lucky enough to have visited many of the countries the gems were sourced from. His parents had encouraged him to travel and with his apprenticeship, his employers were more than pleased with skills and knowledge he acquired. He had made good contacts and and excellent working relations with these people over the years. Ordering the stones to his clients requested to fulfil their orders was made easier as his reputation was highly regarded within the industry.

Both men knew how to identify flaws in the stones, however, this was rare as the supplies were carefully checked before they arrived. Within a year profits were increasing and they started to include other stones such as opals, amethysts and amber. Gems were set in silver, yellow and white gold and occasionally bronze. Cutting the stones was an extremely intricate skill using a circular diamond saw and carbide cutting wheels. This produced the rough outline of the stone with further use of a vertical diamond-grinding wheel to enhance the facets. Polishing would then take place to perfect the facets and remove any scratches.

Cushion, trillion, pear, radiant and marquise, the most popular cuts for rings or the centre stone for earrings and necklaces. The baguette cut provides a solid link for bracelets that allows a fluid movement between each link. The speed at which each is produced is laborious, Charles and Henry would often find themselves working late into the evening to finish the job.

Once the business was established, Elizabeth transformed the shop into a showcase to display their work, allowing clients to make a purchase from the stock on display. The double fronted property had bow windows in traditional Victorian style. The main room had display cabinets down both sides with a round glass cabinet in the middle with the larger and most expensive pieces on display.

To the rear of the property was an office where they kept a safe that was linked to the security system required as a condition of the insurance policy, CCTV and re-enforced glass and doors to the property. A small kitchen and toilet lead from the office. The basement was spilt into a store room and two small workshops. Above the shop were two more floors, both of which were self contained flats, that had their own access from the rear of the property. Henry occupied the top floor flat and lived there alone since the break up of his marriage. He had no visitors and other than work rarely left except for essentials of food and laundry. The flat on the first floor was rented out to a variety of tenants on a short-term lease, usually never more than six months.

The shop itself was opulent with two large cream sofas, a desk and set of drawers as part of Elizabeth’s domain. She was front of house and kept the ordering, sales and invoices in check. Many of the clients were by appointment only, therefore Elizabeth was able provide her full attention with very few customers just walking in.

Clients would describe the style of the piece they wanted making, the stones they wanted and the price. Elizabeth would take down the particulars and make a few drawings. At times she would call for either Charles or Henry to discuss finer details regarding unusual settings or cut of the stones.

Henry Fisher lived a simple life in his top floor flat, he was content. He did not have to endure the strains of a troubled marriage. It had been two years since he had left his wife after finding out of her affair. She was younger and constantly looked elsewhere for the attention Henry failed to provide her. The only funds he had to live on was his monthly salary from the Holland’s. This covered the small amount of rent they charged him, utility bills, food and a little spare if he fancied a drink at the local pubs off Oxford Street, usually on a Friday evening after work. Henry was a quiet loner with no family that he kept in touch with. A hard worker who took pride in his work and loyal to his kind employers.

After eighteen months of marriage Elizabeth announced she was pregnant. Charles was delighted. He insisted that as the business was doing so well that they should move home and make family nest for their new arrival. The next six months was busy for them all. Henry worked longer hours and was happy to put in the hours for the extra money.

Charles and Elizabeth purchased a four storey town house in Eaton Place. The town house consisted of two large reception rooms, a dining room, kitchen leading into a small orangery out into the huge garden. On the first floor was three bedrooms, family bathroom and a study. The second floor two further bedroom a second bathroom and a playroom. The cellar was split into a laundry room, wine cellar and maids quarters. The impressive facade of the building had stone steps leading to a huge front door with pillars at each side. The original sash windows throughout the house remained and annex windows in the attic for extra light and storage.

Work began straight away to repair slight damage to several window frames, the stone exterior was blasted back to the original colour. All the room were decorated in period colours of greens, cream, white and subtle blues. Furniture was traditional with no trace of anything modern. Even the nursery was kept in keeping with the style of the property. Charles and Elizabeth lived in the house whilst the work was being carried out, it was easier so they were able to manage with the project on site in addition to juggling the shop too. Henry was given as many hours as he could physically do and Marilyn Templeton was taken on part-time to assist Elizabeth in the shop.

Marilyn was in her early thirties with short blonde hair. A tall lady with a figures that that gave her even more height, she was very slim and smart. She was an instant hit with her employers and with the customers. She had experience of working in larger stores in London, with a break a few years earlier to raise her family. Marilyn lived in Camberwell with her husband and two sons and commuted by tube each day. She also looked after her parents who were in ill health in between her shifts. Her commitment to work was commendable.

Throughout the pregnancy everything was going smoothly. Business was a boom, Henry and Marilyn both an asset working hard and coming up with new ideas. Charles continued to travel, sourcing new gemstones that were in demand. Elizabeth took it easy, resting when she could and making sure the house was finished in time for the new arrival.

CHAPTER 2

A T 11:27 AM ON 24th July Elizabeth gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She was perfect with no complications during the birth. Charles was at her side throughout. Elizabeth stayed in the hospital for three days before taking her baby home. At four days old, the