Dangerous Games: Win & Cleo, #3

By Molly Garcia

Cleo is faced with a past that she's tried to bury when her ex-best friend seeks her out to ask for her help in catching her daughter's killer. Teaming up with her old friend, Win, and DCI Tom Woods, they're drawn into a deadly game with a killer who is determined to win at any cost.

Dangerous Games is a journey into a dark past that can't be left behind. Is Cleo's gift enough of an advantage for them to win against someone whose identity is hidden by their choice of online persona?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Molly Garcia
• Release date: Apr 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224398324

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

Chapter One

Cleo unfolded the paper and read the front page while the coffee machine grumbled through the process of filling her mug. It might be noisy, but having a strong, bean-to-cup coffee every morning was worth it. Cleo noticed that the whole page was taken up by an eye-catching headline.

SERIAL KILLER?

DCI Woods refused to comment on if the most recent murder was linked to two others. Whilst the victim hasn’t yet been named officially, local sources have told us that it’s a 22-year-old local girl that a dog walker found in Burnside Park.

If the murders were linked then three young girls had been murdered in the space of the last 6 months, she thought with a shudder. In her small town, the biggest crimes locally were teenagers hanging around and annoying people. This was unprecedented and as a result particularly disturbing. Everyone knew these young women locally and the case had already been the main topic of conversation around town. Cleo, who didn't socialise much, was probably one of the few people who didn't know the victims.

Taking her coffee and the paper out to the garden she sat at the small wooden table and lit a cigarette. Cleo shivered in the morning chill and wished she'd thought to bring a blanket out to lay over her lap. September was still mild during the day, but the evenings and mornings were definitely getting cooler.

She’d given up smoking years ago, but the missing child case last year and a more recent brush with a dark empath had pushed her to restart. Sometimes she'd look at the packet of overpriced tobacco sticks and resolve not to buy another one, but mostly she just pushed any urge to stop again to one side. It would be easy to lay her relapse at the door of the cases she'd been involved with but she was sure Win would've added her relationship with Evan on the list too.

Cleo wasn't sure she'd agree. It wasn't as though Evan had been the love of her life. They'd had fun and she was very fond of him, but he wasn't a man to settle down with. They'd stayed friends, messaging each other regularly and liking each other's posts on social media platforms. Evan was a big character, he made her laugh and she loved his company which she'd realised was her greatest loss. Cleo tended to live an isolated life which meant that one less person in it had a big impact.

Chewing on the top of her pen as she contemplated a particularly challenging clue, Cleo focused on the crossword. She was concentrating so hard that she didn’t realise someone was coming in through the gate until she heard the squeal of the hinges as they closed. Hearing footsteps approaching, she looked up waiting to see who would appear round the corner. It wasn't unheard of that the postman would let himself in if he had a package for her to sign for so she was surprised to see an unknown woman appear.

At first, she didn’t recognise her, Cleo frowned at a sense of familiarity. She couldn't put her finger on who she was, but she was sure she knew the woman from somewhere. The woman seemed to be about her own age but had an unkempt look as though she’d been rough sleeping, or maybe not sleeping at all. Her dark blonde hair was a matted mess around a face that was dominated by a pair of dark smudged eyes. Stained and crumpled clothes suggested a lack of care about how she looked. She stood in front of Cleo, her fingers winding and unwinding through the tangled bird’s nest of her hair. Her eyes implored for something, but at the same time seemed filled with a grief that made Cleo shudder. The feeling of familiarity was now overwhelming, and as she flicked through her memory files the woman spoke.

Do you remember me?

Her voice was husky with the undertones of a local accent. Cleo started to shake her head and then the penny dropped, the realisation of who her visitor was made her eyes widen with shock. This was someone she'd never expected to see again.

Kate? Kate Lane?

The woman nodded, It’s Price now. I married Steven Price; do you remember him from school?

Year above us, right?

Cleo conjured up an image of him, a sturdy-looking blonde lad who was good at sports, one of the popular crowd.

Can I get you a cup of coffee?

Cleo wasn’t sure what else to do or say, it wasn’t as though they’d stayed in touch. In fact, by the time they’d left school, they’d barely been on speaking terms. Despite the good memories she should be able to dredge up the only one that seemed to matter was the way they'd ended their friendship. Kate had once been Cleo's best friend, they'd shared everything and that was the problem. She'd thought she could trust her and had let Kate into the biggest secret she had. The result hadn't been pretty and they hadn't spoken since.

Until today.

Kate shook her head and they fell into an awkward silence, which Cleo eventually broke.

Not to be rude but why are you here?

Kate took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before speaking, and Cleo could see how difficult this was for her. She felt a stab of guilt at how bluntly she'd spoken. That was her all over though, she was always the one to feel the most even when confronted by this ghost from the past.

I don’t have any right to ask this but I’m desperate. I need your help, Cleo.

Cleo could see the unshed tears Kate was holding back and her heart ached for the girl she’d once called her best friend. They were both adults now and Cleo had faced a lot worse over the intervening years. She couldn't help but think it would be childish to reject her old friend when she was so clearly in need of her support.

Cleo waved at the spare chair across from her, Pull up a seat and tell me what’s going on.

Kate pulled the chair out, but then just stood there holding the back of it as if unwilling to commit to sitting in it.

Have you seen those murders on the news?

Kate seemed unsure where to start so Cleo waited her out and nodded in reply as her glance dropped to the headline on the folded paper on the table.

The first girl they found was my daughter.

Kate’s voice broke. Cleo hadn't even known that her former best friend had married let alone had a child. Once upon a time, they'd told each other everything and it was sad to realise that Kate had lived a whole life without Cleo. She impulsively jumped up and went to embrace her, but Kate held her hands up as though defending herself from an attack.

No, please don’t. I’ll not be able to hold it together if you do. I don’t deserve your help and I definitely don’t deserve, or want your pity.

Cleo shook her head, despite how their friendship had ended seeing Kate so broken made her want to reassure her that she didn't hold a grudge.

It was over thirty years ago Kate, we’ve both grown up since then.

Kate looked deeply ashamed, her pale cheeks flushed adding spots of colour.

I was an evil little shit. I wouldn’t blame you if you hated me.

They looked at each other in silence for a moment, both replaying memories, until eventually, Kate sighed deeply again.

Can you still do that thing? You know that gift you told me about at school?

And the cause of our rift, thought Cleo as she reluctantly nodded. She had a feeling she knew what Kate wanted from her now.

Yes.

Kate reached out a shaky hand and clasped Cleo’s in it, her skin was icy cold, and Cleo resisted the urge to snatch her own hand away.

Part of her gift meant she read emotions from touch and what she was getting right now were the black swirls of despair. They made her feel as though she was being sucked into a quicksand of an emotional void. Taking her hand back as soon as she decently could she tried to focus on what Kate was saying.

The police have no leads; no suspects and more girls are getting killed. There's no easy way of putting this, can you help me talk to her?

Kate’s eyes were huge in her drawn, pale face and Cleo was almost hypnotised by the naked need in them as she implored Cleo to help her. Despite her reservations, Cleo couldn't refuse, but she did want to make sure that Kate understood there were no guarantees.

I might. I can’t promise Kate. They don’t come on demand, but I can try.

Cleo’s head was screaming at her to say no and end this now, but her heart was a traitor that formed the words agreeing to give it a go. After the last case, she'd sworn not to get involved in anything like this again and she cursed her soft heart. Kate looked as though she was about to collapse with relief, and Cleo eased her onto the wooden garden chair.

Her friend looked up at her from haunted eyes, Saying thank you doesn’t really seem enough.

Cleo repeated her warning that although she'd try she couldn't promise anything.

Don’t get your hopes up, it might not work.

Kate was nodding rapidly as though agreeing but her face said it was too late and she'd already decided Cleo was the answer to everything she needed and wanted.

I know, I know. What do you need from me? When can we try?

Cleo flapped a hand at her to slow down

If I have any hopes of contacting Megan, I must have something of hers. Something that was dear to her. I also need to go to where it happened.

Kate agreed readily, When? Now?

Cleo glanced down at her pyjamas.

I might need to get dressed first! Wait here and I’ll sling some clothes on.

Cleo left Kate in the garden and raced upstairs, and not bothering with a shower she flung on a pair of jeans and a short-sleeved shirt.

Her head was racing, and her heart was pounding as memories started spilling out of the boxes she’d long closed them up in.

Chapter Two

1989

15-year-old Cleo passed the cigarette to Kate who took two puffs before coughing up a lung and going an interesting shade of green.

Cleo took it back and shook her head sadly, I’d give up trying if I were you, Kate. There's nothing as unattractive as a girl that pukes every time she lights up.

The two girls were perched on the flat roof outside Cleo’s room sharing a cigarette and swigging from the bottle of cheap cider that Kate had bought with her. It was their favourite spot where they could try out the forbidden pleasures of adulthood without being caught. Cleo's mum was pretty cool, but even she'd have something to say about them smoking and drinking.

Feeling lightheaded with the alcohol Cleo swayed slightly as she handed the bottle to her friend. Kate laughed but nearly toppled sideways herself, and Cleo joined in the laughter. They roared until they were both red-faced and breathless.

Gasping to catch her breath Cleo found herself slurring as she said, Right, that’s it. Now I need to pee.

Cleo unsteadily got to her feet and wobbled over to the window, much to Kate’s continued amusement. Once inside she dashed up the hall and into the bathroom, pulling down her shorts she quickly plonked herself on the cold toilet seat.

Enjoying the relief of emptying a bladder filled with cider, she didn’t notice her visitor until she heard the sound of someone clearing their throat in her ear.

Jumping and nearly splashing piss all over the seat, she glared at the elderly man sitting on the corner of the bathtub. He at least had the manners to keep his face turned away, but Cleo was still annoyed about being seen in such a vulnerable position.

You can’t just show up when I’m in the loo. Would you have done that before?

The old man shook his head and looked ashamed of himself.

Probably not little miss, but then this isn’t a situation I thought I’d find myself in.

Cleo finished and put herself together as discretely as she could before speaking to him again.

It’s not really a good time for me. I’ve been drinking and my mate is sitting in my room waiting for me.

The old man shrugged, I can’t help that. I need to pass on a message and apparently, you’re the messenger I need.

Cleo sighed impatiently, Fine. I need your name, the message, and who I pass it on to.

I'm Harold Cleaver. Please tell my wife Mabel that the keys to the lock-up are hidden in the back of our wedding photo.

Cleo nodded, I’ll go tomorrow morning. Now can I have some privacy please?

Harold smiled; relief plastered all over his face.

Thank you, little miss. In the lock-up is something that she’ll need, and I can’t go until I know she has it.

Harold vanished as quickly as he’d arrived.

Cleo pulled open the bathroom door and almost crashed into Kate who was hopping up and down outside.

Kate pushed past her already unbuttoning her jeans as she dashed through the door towards the loo.

I’m busting!

Cleo laughed and was about to leave when Kate called out to her.

Who were you talking to earlier? Something about going somewhere tomorrow? You haven’t forgotten we’re double dating at the pictures, have you?

Cleo winced, shit, she was usually careful but sometimes she just spoke out loud and forgot how weird it would be if someone overheard her.

I haven’t forgotten at all. Ben and Daryl are meeting us there, aren’t they?

Kate had finished by now so they both headed back towards Cleo’s room. The conversation had turned to the boys and Kate seemed to have forgotten about what she'd heard earlier.

Cleo could’ve kicked herself; she should know by now to be more careful. If anyone at school found out her life wouldn't be worth living.

Chapter Three

Grownup Kate was exactly where she’d left her holding her head in her hands. She looked such a pitiful sight and Cleo could only imagine the torment of losing a child like she had. Cleo cleared her throat to get Kate's attention. Despite the urge to offer physical comfort the tide of emotions that she got from Kate was starting to disorientate her.

It’s okay love it’s only me. Let’s go then. You lead the way. We’ll need to go to yours first and get something of Megan’s.

Kate got up slowly and took