Prime Suspect

By Syd Sullivan

The year is 1995, where a thrilling story takes place in the beautiful city of Boston, as the life of Nick Williams is revealed. He was a criminal mastermind, flying under the radar of the Boston Police Department for decades. Prime Suspect tells the backstory of how the murder on Elm Street remained unsolved until now. Nick carefully keeps a close eye on Ariel Smith as she navigates through life's challenges.

As the years ride on by, Nick waits for the right moment to strike again.

Prime Suspect is the sequel to Unsolved Case which solves all the answers to the mystery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Jul 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9781480879188

Syd Sullivan

Syd Sullivan writes edge-of-your-seat thrillers from a small town in New Hampshire. Prime Suspect is the exciting sequel to Unsolved Case.

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Copyright © 2019 Syd Sullivan.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing

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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.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-4808-7919-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-7918-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019907591

Archway Publishing rev. date: 6/24/2019

CONTENTS

1 Prom-to-Be

2 Forgotten

3 Rewired

4 Unusual

5 On the Outside

6 Full Moon

7 Second Thoughts

8 The Key

9 The Fountain

10 Unlocking

11 Platform

12 Ash

13 Voices

14 Path

15 Graduation

16 Close Eye

17 Flashlight

18 Yellow Door

19 Stay with Me

20 Waiting Room

21 Little Sister

22 The Truth

23 Full Circle

About the Author

1

PROM-TO-BE

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On May 22, 1995, Nick, a high-school senior, was excitedly getting ready for his senior prom. The whole year had been amazing with his girlfriend, Amy; he wouldn’t want to go to prom with anyone else. She was perfect in his eyes, and he loved her more than anything in the entire world.

Although Nick did not know it, Amy was not feeling entirely the same way about him. The truth was that she was in love with another classmate. She wanted to tell Nick, but she couldn’t bear to confess to him. Amy couldn’t force herself to make a clean break with Nick because of all the history they had together. So she ended up keeping her relationship with Sean a secret.

Nick was a typical boyfriend. He did everything Amy expected on dates. He showered her with small gifts throughout the day on the first of every month.

But when Sean had moved to the city, Amy had found him to be irresistible. He was a striking, fit guy who had just moved from New York to Boston, and he had a big reputation to uphold. Sean’s father was a very successful businessman, and his mother was a well-put-together housewife who was a talented gourmet cook. They moved into a first-class gated neighborhood just outside of Boston, and Sean arrived at school every day driving a silver 1995 Porsche. He always had the windows cranked down and the music blasting as he drove by jealous classmates. The whole parking lot could hear his radio as he pulled into a spot.

It appeared that the new kid had his life all put together. Nick had also heard through the school that Sean had already been accepted to Harvard University. He would be leaving for early orientation right after graduation.

Sean’s flashy car and clothes seemed to impress everyone at school but Nick. He could see that Sean had a chip on his shoulder the size of a boulder, along with a cocky attitude. Nick wasn’t going to get drawn in by his fake personality. For a New Yorker he represented well, but now Nick had decided he would never want to visit the state.

Nick was in his bedroom, putting on his tux for prom. His room was plastered with Gwen Stefani and Shakira posters. You could barely see any of the paint on the walls. His record player was playing Billie Jean by Michael Jackson. To the right of his record player, he had albums by every artist imaginable, from the Beatles to Michael Jackson, Queen, and Elvis Presley. Under that section of albums were dozens of Nick’s favorite novels; everything was stacked alphabetically, and there was not a speck of dust on the wooden bookcase. Nick loved music, and whatever mood he was in, one of his favorite songs could make his day.

In his suit and tie, with his dark hair slicked back, Nick was all cleaned up for the night. As he was about to leave his room, he remembered the corsage for Amy that was sitting on his desk. He raced to grab it and then looked in the mirror again on his way out of his bedroom. He made sure his tie was perfectly straight and grabbed a bottle of cologne from his dresser. He put a small dab on each side of his neck. He was ready to go. He rushed down the stairs, his shoes shining like mirrors.

His mom, Veronica, was waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs, pleased to see her son dressed very dashingly. She smiled at how handsome he looked as he reached the bottom of the stairs. Nick’s dad had left his mom high and dry when he found out she was pregnant with Nick. She’d raised Nick all on her own and was so proud of the man he had become over the years. He was a strong individual, he was smart, and he had a very bright future ahead of him.

Sweetheart, you look very striking in that suit. She brushed slightly at some lint on his jacket.

Thanks, Ma. Do you think Amy will like this one? He showed his mom the corsage. It had a pink rose in the middle surrounded by white lace and smaller blue flowers weaving around the rose and throughout the lace. It sat in a small, clear box that Nick struggled to hold as his hands became jittery.

She’s gonna love it, baby.

Nick smiled nervously as he went to grab his camera in the living room. He looked around at the yellow walls, brown couch, coffee table, rocking chair, and TV by the fireplace. Nick and his mother were considered to be lower-middle class, and Nick was jealous of Sean’s lifestyle. Sean had done absolutely nothing to get the luxuries in his life—his parents had made sacrifices for everything that he had. That was the only reason Sean enjoyed living his extravagant lifestyle; he hadn’t worked a day in his life.

Honey, don’t be nervous. Just go and have fun.

Nick turned back to his mom while putting his camera in his pocket. Yeah, I’m trying not to be nervous. I just want everything to go right. You know?

With a kind smile, Nick’s mother pulled her long, dark hair behind her ears. Some strands of hair were just starting to come in gray. She came close to her son and gave him a hug. Veronica was much shorter than her son, so her head rested right at his chest. He returned the hug by resting his chin on her head while his arms wrapped around her. Then he heard her say, You’ve never looked more handsome, Nicholas. She was happy that Nick was able to afford the rental tux in the first place. Nick had had to take on another job to save up enough money for prom. With him being their only source of income, he’d had no choice but to get a steady job to help with all the expenses.

Since his mom had been diagnosed with cancer three years ago, she hadn’t been able to go back to her job. Her energy levels were not the same, and she was unable to perform at her job as she had before she got sick. Nick had to carry all the weight on his shoulders; he was the one who took care of everything. He had seen his mother fight through surgery and treatment, and he looked at her now as a strong woman who had beat cancer. She had been cancer free for some time now, but Nick feared for her every year she went for a checkup.

Okay, go have fun!

Nick raced out the door to the porch. He said goodbye through the screen door and then hurried to his car. The sun was just starting to go down, and he was very eager to get to Amy. He couldn’t wait to see how beautiful she looked in her dress.

He started the car and pulled out of the driveway. His mom watched from the window as he drove away. She then remembered his very first day of kindergarten, when he’d had a tantrum about not wanting to leave her side. It seemed like yesterday to her.

Meanwhile, Amy was also getting ready for prom, along with her best friend, Allison. Allison lived right down the street from Amy, and they had been best friends for a long time.

I can’t believe tonight’s the night, Allison said as she sat in front of a mirror, putting on mascara.

I know—I’m so excited, Amy replied as she finished curling her blonde hair.

Amy had an adorable personality. People described her as sweet and kind, and she always made others laugh. The only problem was, she wasn’t as excited as she should be on prom night.

Tonight she was going to do something cruel and hurtful, and she was afraid of what Nick would think of her afterward. She was anxious about how the night would end, but she knew she would never be happy with the man she loved if she didn’t break up with Nick once and for all.

So, have you told Nick about your dress? Allison playfully jumped on her bed and then rested her chin atop her crossed arms while lying on her stomach.

Amy looked at the black garment bag that held her dress. She skimmed the zipper on the side with her hand. I’m not going to prom with Nick. Amy closed her eyes, praying that Allison would be understanding. Then she turned around to face her.

Allison sat up, a look of disbelief on her face. What are you talking about? What do you mean you’re not going to prom with Nick? Allison said in confusion.

You know that new boy at school? Sean?

Allison’s eyes widened. Hold on a minute. Have you been seeing Sean behind Nick’s back? So the rumors of you fooling around with Sean are true? How could you?

Look, Allison, Nick and I—we don’t have the same spark as we used to. I hate that I’ve been stringing him along, but I couldn’t bear to let him go! A part of me still loves Nick, but Sean is the right person for me. No words could describe how terrible Amy was feeling at that moment. Her heart was being tugged in two different directions, but she knew she belonged with Sean.

Sean isn’t going to pick me up until later. We have this connection that I’ve never felt before, and I can’t keep lying to Nick anymore. I just can’t! A single tear swam down the side of her face, and she quickly wiped it away, thinking that she would ruin her makeup. She started to tremble as she lay down on the bed next to Allison.

Calm down, Amy. Do you know how Nick is going to react? He’s going to have his heart broken. This is going to end up being bad—I can feel it.

Amy sat up on the bed and looked down at her feet and then back up again. But I don’t know when else I can do it. I have to end things with Nick. He can still go to prom without me and have a good time. All his friends will be there.

Allison was enraged. Seriously, Amy? You think that Nick will still want to go to prom after you break up with him! He’s gonna be crushed! You should’ve broken things off with Nick before you started seeing Sean!

I can’t go to prom with Sean unless I do this now! I’m not a monster! I just want to be happy. All of a sudden, they heard the doorbell ring from downstairs. Oh my God, that must be Nick!

Allison had no more to say on the matter. She stayed in the room while Amy went downstairs to go talk to Nick. Allison was disgusted that Amy had led Nick on for so long. Her heart ached for Nick, as she knew what was about to come.

Allison’s mother and Amy’s mother were having a quiet conversation and a glass of red wine in the kitchen when she came down the stairs. Is that Sean, honey? her mother asked.

Ugh. He’s not coming until later, Mom; it’s probably no one.

Amy’s mother was a woman who lived an affluent lifestyle. She wore diamonds for earrings and a delicate string of pearls around her neck. She always thought she was better than everyone else she met, thumbing her nose down at people who were less fortunate. She was telling Allison’s mom how she was so glad she’d dumped that nobody of a boyfriend months ago. She was talking about Nick and how he was a poor individual who would never amount to anything in life. He would never be able to support her daughter if they ever got married. She worried all the time about them growing more fond of each other. When Amy had said she’d met a new boy from school, she’d been happy. Amy had lied to her mom about breaking it off with Nick, because she couldn’t stand her constant taunting about Nick not being good enough to date a gem like her daughter. But now she was going to break it off with Nick for real.

Amy still hadn’t put on her dress yet, so she was just wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt. She had a full face of makeup, and her hair still slightly hot from the curling iron. She had to go and face Nick. She took a deep breath before opening the door.

Nick’s brown eyes grew wide as Amy opened the door. He held the corsage in hand and smiled at her gorgeousness. He took into account that she was not yet dressed yet. She was wearing comfortable clothes, for that matter, but she still looked beautiful.

Hi, babe. This is for you. He took the corsage out of the box and knelt down on one knee.

Just as he was about to slip it on her wrist, she said, Nick we need to talk. She then crossed her arms, not letting him into her personal space.

He sensed that something was wrong when she didn’t even reach out to him and give him a hug or kiss as she normally would. He put the corsage back in the box for a moment to hear what she had to say.

She stepped out of the house completely, onto the porch, ready to tell Nick the truth. She couldn’t bear to look into his eyes, because Nick would try to meet her gaze. Leaning up against the house, she continued to look down at the porch, trying to not get emotional. She hadn’t even said a word yet. This was going to be a heavy conversation for Nick to understand. She closed her eyes before speaking, trying to come up with the words to say to Nick.

Amy, what’s wrong? You’re scaring me.

Amy sniffed as she tried to hold in the tears. She knew the main reason why she had to go through with this. Her mother had never approved of Nick, and she would never let her only daughter marry someone who was not a part of her circle—her circle meaning the higher-up community, those that lived in her ritzy neighborhood. Sean lived about five miles down the road in his gated community.

Amy’s heart was breaking, but on the outside she was trying to stay calm. She was so nervous about how he would react. He had no clue what was coming, and Amy hated herself for stringing him along when she knew she could’ve ended it earlier.

Can you please tell me what’s going on with you? Amy had not looked at him since she had opened the door. Nick tried to grab her hand, but she put her hands behind her back. Now he was worried. Not even a minute ago he’d thought everything was going to go as planned, but now it was as if she were afraid of Nick as she flinched away at his open hand.

Nick, I don’t know how to tell you this, but … She paused, still trying not to look up at him. If she did, then she couldn’t stay on track with what she had to say.

Nick was concerned that it was something important, like she had to move, or something about her family, or she was sick and couldn’t go to prom. But her hair and makeup were perfectly done. It never crossed his mind that she would want to break up with him. He thought that they were tight and they were going to be together at college.

In a stuttering tone she said, There’s someone else. When Nick heard the words come out of her mouth, he took a few steps back, almost thinking he’d misheard what she had just said. He couldn’t believe it—but there was one person who ran through his mind. There was only one person at school who was more powerful.

It’s Sean, isn’t it? His eyes were piercing as he waited to hear her answer, and she nodded in agreement as she finally looked at him.

Sean, really?

Her mouth opened, but no words fell out. She couldn’t move from that spot on the porch. It was almost as if she were frozen.

I wanted to tell you, but—

Nick cut her off before she could finish. Tell me what, Amy! Tell me that you want to be with Sean now? No, you just don’t do that to people!

I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you!

Nick threw his hands up in the air. So you’ve been seeing Sean behind my back, and then you lie to me about him?

No, it’s not like that! We became friends, and he didn’t really know anybody around here when he just moved here, and we started to realize that there was a spark.

Wait a minute! Since he moved here! So you’ve been lying to me for months! Nick bit his lip, and he started to sweat. There was a time that we had a spark, but it only became less and less. So, you’re just throwing us away, then!

Amy trembled and didn’t want to answer that question, even though it was quite clear. She was just hoping that her mother didn’t hear Nick yelling. If she came out onto the porch, she would only make the situation worse. Also, Amy would get into trouble for pretending that she had already broken up with Nick months ago, while in reality she’d been seeing two men at the same time.

Is it because he’s filthy rich?

Absolutely not, Nick! That’s not the reason!

Nick felt as if he’d just put the whole betrayal together. No wonder she’s breaking up with me, because I can’t support her like Sean can, he thought. Ya know, I always felt strange about coming here to your house. When your mom would eye me up and down like I didn’t belong here. I was never good enough for your mother, and of course I was never good enough for her standards—and now I’m not good enough for you anymore!

Nick, don’t see it that way. This has nothing to do with her! This is my choice, and I’m following my heart.

He rolled his eyes and said, Yes, it does. I wasn’t good enough for her spoiled little brat!

She gasped at what Nick had just called her. No way in the world was she going to let that slide.

Nick regretted it the minute he’d said it. Amy, I didn’t mean to say that.

Ya know what, Nick? You can just go now.

There was about five feet in between them, and Nick didn’t want to leave Amy. She was his world, his everything.

Leave! Amy screamed loudly enough for Allison to hear her from upstairs. Allison decided to run downstairs to listen in on the rest of the conversation.

Fine! Nick threw the corsage down on the grass. Then he walked angrily over to his car, turned back around, and said, So, all the time we spent together, you just went along for the ride. When you said you loved me, did you even mean it?

Amy couldn’t answer him. It had been true before she’d met Sean.

Nick stared at Amy, not believing she had kept this from him all this time. "I just want you to know that I meant every word I said, because I’m a man of my word." He felt that he said everything he needed to say before slamming his car door.

As he peeled out of the driveway, Amy went back inside to be comforted by Allison, who was right at the doorway, to give her a hug.

On the edge of tears, Nick drove away in a rage. His knuckles were white from gripping the steering wheel. She’s just been stringing me along this whole time, he thought. No wonder she has been so distant the last couple days. I should’ve seen this coming when she didn’t return my call last night. She couldn’t just tell me—no, she had to do it on prom night!

Racing over the speed limit, he could barely see; his vision was becoming cloudy with tears. He didn’t know where he was going; he was just driving. His first thought was to get as far away from the city as possible and go somewhere quiet, somewhere he could just think. His future had just changed in a matter of minutes.

He had everything planned with Amy for the next four years. They were going to go to the same university, and after they got settled in, he was going to give her a promise ring as a symbol of their love. But now he had to change his plans.

Nick didn’t want to go home, because his mother would see that he’d wasted money on the tux. But there was no way he could’ve known, and now he wasn’t going to the prom at all. So he just drove on. Amy clearly didn’t want to affiliate herself with someone who didn’t have gobs of money. Nick’s opinion of Amy changed that night; she wasn’t the girl he’d thought she was anymore.

Suddenly, he came to an intersection with streets lights, and his light had just turned red. No other cars were in front of him in this suburban area. He was traveling well over the speed limit, and he didn’t want to stop at the intersection, so he was careless about looking to see if anyone was coming from the other directions.

As he reached the middle of the intersection, a recreational vehicle rammed into the passenger’s side of Nick’s car. At the speed he was going and with the power of the RV hitting him, Nick’s car tumbled repeatedly, after the initial impact at the intersection.

Several other cars dodged him, honking