Still The Love of His Life: Dark Obsessions, #2

By Molly Garcia

Death stalks the corridors at Maggie's hospital, and serial killer ex, Rob, begins to send her threatening letters from behind bars. As if that wasn't enough, someone is also killing her patients at the hospital where she works.
With Phil, a seemingly harmless admirer, following her every move, Maggie can't help but wonder if he's involved in the terrifying events that are unfolding around her.
As the killings continue and the threats against her escalate, Maggie and the police must race against time to uncover the link between Rob, the killer on the loose, and Phil before it's too late. Will they solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?
"Still the Love of His Life" is a gripping and heart-pounding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Molly Garcia
• Release date: Jun 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223721307

Molly Garcia

Molly Garcia lives in Spain with her partner of over 30 years, they have two grown-up children. Molly has worked in social care and the NHS since 1991 and uses her experiences to guide her writing and to create complex and realistic characters and backgrounds 

Book preview

1

Chapter One

Maggie

It had been a long, and often emotionally fraught year, since everything that had happened with Rob.

Her former partner had turned out to be a serial killer, he'd murdered her best friend and tried to kill her. Everything that had happened had made her question herself and the trust she put in those around her. Nell, her best friend, had always said she was too trusting, and she'd been right.

So much had happened, and sometimes it was too big for her to get her head around.

Having her sister and her family living nearby helped her recover, that, and throwing herself into her job.

Maggie was a nurse in a busy A&E unit, and not having much time to think, let alone wallow in things, definitely felt like a bonus.

Glancing around the waiting room before announcing the next patient, her shoulders sagged, and she gave a deep sigh of annoyance.

Phil was sitting at the back of the room.

The only fly in her ointment was his continued commitment to caring for her.

She’d discussed it with her psychologist, Dr. Bridges, who was helping her come to terms with everything that had happened last year.

People with Phil’s personality type have very rigid thoughts. Until he’s naturally diverted elsewhere, he’s likely to continue to believe that you and he are emotionally linked. I’m afraid you only have two choices, carry on as you are or report him for breaching the injunction.

Maggie had thought long and hard about what to do and in the end decided that she didn’t need the additional hassle and stress that reporting him would rain down on her. Occasionally she tried to talk to him about it, but this was such a frustrating experience she usually just ignored him.

Shrugging him off she looked down at her list and called out for her next patient. He was well known to the staff, a rough sleeper who often showed up on especially cold or wet nights hoping for some shelter, and if he was lucky a sandwich.

Derek White please.

Maggie had to repeat herself several times before finally, Derek shuffled over to her. The sole of one shoe was hanging off causing a rasping sound as he walked. The rest of him was covered in several layers of filthy clothing, and his deeply wrinkled face had a film of grime, but his blue eyes sparkled when he saw Maggie.

After a prolonged, phlegmy cough he greeted her warmly.

Hello there beautiful. I struck lucky tonight then.

Maggie rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

Here about that cough again I guess?

Derek nodded before spluttering, and then hacking into a grubby rag he’d pulled from one of his copious pockets.

Leading him through to cubicles she encouraged him to put on a hospital gown, knowing full well he probably wouldn’t.

I’ll be back in a mo Derek, get settled and I’ll see what I can do about something to eat and drink.

You’re an angel Maggie.

Laying himself back on the bed with a big grin of contentment Maggie shook her head, her boss would have her guts for garters if he saw him.

Word from upstairs was that they should be sending patients like Derek packing and making a social care referral, not taking up precious bed space.

In the staff room, Maggie rustled him up a mug of over-sweet tea and got him a sandwich, a packet of crisps, and a fruit pack from the vending machine. Next to her was a hospital bag filled with items from the lost property cupboard. Maybe she could even persuade him to have a hot shower before he changed into them, she mused.

I should’ve guessed.

Maggie jumped and spun around to find her boss, Nigel, standing behind her looking pointedly at the bag and the food she was holding.

You know how much trouble we’ll be in if upstairs gets to hear that you’ve donated a bed to Derek again. Get him fed and watered and into those clothes you’ve pinched out of lost property, and then shift him on.

Maggie glanced at the window; a move that didn’t get past her boss.

Yes, I’m well aware that it’s tipping it down out there, and I feel like a shitbag telling you to kick him out, but we know that the bollocking we’ll get isn’t worth it.

Sighing, Maggie nodded.

I know. I know. I’ll get him out. I might try the outreach team, and see if they have a spot in a shelter tonight.

Nigel nodded, he was a kind man who without the pressure from above wouldn't personally have an issue with what she was doing.

Okay, just so long as he isn’t in that bed for too long and I don’t see hide nor hair of him.

As Maggie turned to leave Babs walked in, not looking where she was going, she nearly plowed into Maggie who jumped back hastily and dropped the sandwich. Picking it up and inspecting it for damage, she heard Babs apologise before nodding at the food and the bag she was holding.

I wish you wouldn’t encourage him, Mags. It just makes it harder on the rest of us when we say no.

Maggie shrugged, Babs could be very opinionated and was also known as the ward gossip. The best thing to do was to respond as little as possible and then get on with what she wanted to do. Babs leaned on the doorframe which left very little room for Maggie to squeeze by without seeming to be pushing past.

Clearly not finished with her lecture she jerked her head out towards the waiting room.

I notice your resident weirdo was out there earlier too. Why don’t you just report him to the police Mags?

Maggie really didn’t want to get into it with her, but felt she had little option but to reply.

I’ve got it in hand thanks, Babs. Can you excuse me, please? I need to get back out there, it’s not time for my break yet and Nigel will be wondering where I am.

Babs stepped aside, but not before giving Maggie a sly smile.

I thought I saw him leaving here just now, didn’t you see him?

Maggie cussed to herself, trust all seeing Babs to have noticed, in fact, that was probably why she’d shown up. There was nothing Babs liked more than to stir the pot.

Not bothering to correct the obvious lie she'd told, she breezed out of the room, feeling Babs watching her back as she went.

Once back in his cubicle she handed over the stash to Derek, who gratefully took the sandwich and crisps but pulled a face at the fruit packet.

Your all-right miss, I’m not a big fan of that stuff.

Maggie put it down on the cabinet next to his bed with a wry smile.

I’ll just pop it here; you might change your mind.

Derek snorted, which turned into yet another hacking coughing fit. His face went puce, and he struggled for breath for a minute before he could speak again.

It’ll just go to waste miss, but sure, leave it there if it makes you feel better.

Waving the bag of clothes at him she nudged his arm playfully.

I’d also appreciate it if you showered before you put these on.

Derek chuckled and she could hear the phlegm rattling in his chest as he did.

Thanks, Miss. These shoes have seen better days, I’ll be glad to be shot of them.

He crossed his chest with a grubby finger.

Swear down I'll have a shower first since it's you asking.

Leaving him tucked up with his food and fresh clothes she slipped out to reception, and tipped the receptionist a wink, before picking up her phone. She was less likely to be overheard out here, and when Nigel said to keep it on the down low, he meant it.

After a little bantering and begging Maggie secured Derek a night at a local shelter. The outreach worker said they were happy to collect him and drive him over, but she couldn’t make it for another two hours.

Hanging up Maggie frowned and chewed her lip thoughtfully.

What am I going to do with him for two hours? she asked of nobody in particular.

The receptionist, a grim-faced woman in her late fifties whose stern face belied a heart of gold answered.

I’m guessing you mean our Derek?

Maggie nodded, and the receptionist, Mavis, sighed deeply as though most put out, before bleeping a porter.

Reg had worked at the hospital for as long as Maggie could remember, a small, wizened man of indeterminate age he was what would be called old school. This fortunately meant he was flexible on bending rules at times.

Reg, any chance Derek could sit in your restroom for a couple of hours? Maggie’s got him a bed in the shelter, but they can’t pick him up until then and Nigel wants him shifting out of cubicles.

A man of few words Reg nodded sharply, and Maggie thanked him profusely.

Running back, she spotted one of the top floor management coming down the corridor. A pencil-thin man with a little black mustache and a permanent scowl, he was not generally popular among the workforce.

Shit, fuck, and bollocks. Maggie cussed to herself.

Mr Trench was poking his nose around the curtains on his way to the nurse’s station and it wouldn’t be long before he came across the infamous Derek.

Mr Trench?

The dulcet tones of Mavis called out from behind her, and Peter Trench looked up in annoyance.

Can I borrow you for a moment please? I have an issue with the system files and I'd really appreciate your advice.

Peter barely hid his irritation at the interruption, pushing his glasses up his beaky nose he jerked his head in agreement and headed towards Mavis.

Get him to the staff door and Reg will pick him up from there, she hissed in Maggie’s ear.

Maggie grinned her thanks and rushed over to Derek’s cubicle.

Slipping around the curtains she could see he was fast asleep.

Sprawled across the bed, his mouth slightly agape he looked so peaceful she felt a bit shitty about waking him up. Thoughts of what would happen if miserable Peter found him spurred her on, and she shook his shoulder.

Derek’s head lolled to one side, and he didn’t stir.

Maggie felt a bolt of panic and placed her fingers on the side of his neck. Not finding a pulse she bent lower and placed her cheek next to his mouth.

No breath tickled her skin and his chest remained unmoving.

Tears welled in her eyes.

Poor Derek was dead.

***

Usually, a good-humoured and patient man, Nigel was glaring at her.

Peter Trench didn’t look much happier, but then his general demeanour was one of annoyance and irritation anyway.

What was this man doing taking up a bed?

Peter was looking at Nigel for a response, and Maggie cringed, she’d really dropped him in it. Fortunately Nigel was known for being quick on his feet with an answer.

He was having a significant issue with his breathing; it would’ve been potentially negligent of our staff to refuse him treatment only for him to die on the streets. Imagine the bad publicity we’d have had.

Nigel knew how to deter Trench, if there was anything Peter hated more than bed blockers it was bad press.

Humph. Yes, that wouldn’t have been helpful at all, and you’re sure he was unwell enough to require a bed?

Nigel looked pointedly at Derek’s body before throwing Peter a scornful look.

Considering he did die, then I’d say that was pretty much the case.

The look fell off Peter like water off a duck’s back, but he sighed deeply as though Derek's death had been intentionally planned just to make his day more difficult.

Okay. We’d better follow the unexpected death process, Nigel, I'll leave you to it.

Spinning on his heel Peter marched from the room, hopefully, off to bother another ward, thought Maggie.

Nigel shook his head at her with a look of irritation.

You’ll be the death of me one of these days Mags.

He noticed her staring at Derek and his tone softened, after everything she’d been through this can’t have been easy on her, and he knew she was fond of the old boy.

Turns out it was lucky you kept him in.

Busying herself, she pulled on fresh gloves and started to gather his belongings.

He’d dropped the sandwich; half eaten on the floor and not even opened his crisps. The bag of fruit still sat on the cabinet just as he’d said it would be, the sight of it bought tears to her eyes.

Make sure you keep everything Mags, just in case there’s an investigation.

Derek hadn’t touched the clothes yet she noticed sadly, as she started to get his body ready for transport to the morgue.

As she stretched out his arm something caught her eye and she frowned in puzzlement.

Nigel. Come and see this.

A small, bright red pinprick was in the fold of Derek’s grubby arm, it stood out against his grey flesh. With a professional's eye she took in the rest of his arm but couldn't see any other track marks that would indicate he was a regular user.

It looks fresh, doesn’t it? Maggie asked him, and Nigel frowned before picking up his chart.

I take it he didn’t have any treatment written up?

Maggie gave it a moment's thought but then shook her head.

Nothing. No oral meds and certainly nothing injectable.

Was he an IV drug user? Nigel asked in an almost hopeful voice.

Nope. No drugs at all. He was known to drink but he never showed up here too under the influence for us to manage, and look, there's no other track marks either.

Nigel pulled Derek’s tatty old rucksack out from the side of the bed and started to unbuckle the rusty straps.

I’ll double-check, see if he’s got some works in here, if he does, that might suggest that we didn’t know him as well as we’d thought. A lot of users inject where it's not as likely to be seen so who knows, maybe Derek was using and didn't disclose it to us.

Maggie squatted down and bent over the bag with him where she helped him remove the items which they then laid out on the floor.

Mostly it was a few items of personal paperwork, a spare jumper, three cans of strong cider, and a battered paperback. The book was dogeared but clearly much-loved, and Maggie could see small, spidery notes in the margins.

Inexplicably this sad, creased, and stained copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer made her choke back the sobs. She could imagine him sitting out in his little tent re-reading it for the hundredth time and noting his favourite parts carefully in the margins.

By this time, Nigel had reached the bottom of the bag.

Nothing drug-related in his stuff. If he injected himself then where’s the needle? If he was a regular users we'd expect to come across his works but there's nothing.

Maggie scanned the area, no discarded needles or syringes anywhere she could see. The only thing she could think of was when they moved the body maybe it would be underneath him for some reason.

Nigel must have been thinking much the same way, he moved in closer and ran an eye over the bed.

I know it isn’t great for Derek but in a way, I hope we find it and it turns out he injected himself.

Maggie nodded. The only alternative to that is that someone else did, and we know what that means.

Nigel eyed Derek, his face creased in worry lines at Maggie's words.

Let's just hope that isn't the case, Trench is unhappy about all of this as it is, add in someone injecting him while he was here, and he's going to hit the roof.

2

Chapter Two

Greg

Maggie was standing outside the cubicle when Greg and Alice showed up.

He could immediately see she was anxious by the way she was drumming her fingers on her leg. A look of relief fluttered across her face when she saw their familiar figures approaching.

Greg patted her shoulder; they’d become close since the case last year and he’d stayed in touch with her afterwards.

It was a good, two-way relationship, on his part he’d found it helpful to talk to Maggie about his husband, William, and for her he sensed that she felt comfortable and safe with him. Considering how her last relationship had turned out he wasn't surprised that she was still single, but it did make him sad. Maggie was a decent, kind person and she deserved someone in her life that would treat her the way she deserved.

Tonight, however, he was here in his official capacity as a police officer, along with his partner, Alice. So, despite sharing a friendly hello it was straight down to business.

Their first task was to secure the scene, and Greg knew this was an unpopular move in a busy hospital as effectively it took a bed out of action. Alice had just finished taping off the area when an officious-looking man marched over to them.

Surely that isn’t necessary?

He was gesturing at the tape, his face angry, and his tone sharp and