Page 131 of Silent Scream

‘That would have required pinning,’ Bryant finished.

Stacey could hear the slotting of pieces into place.

‘That's how he disposed of ‘em before,’ Stacey said. ‘But he couldn't risk it again.’

She heard Bryant sigh heavily. ‘Jesus, Stace, how many are we ...’

‘Bryant, you gotta find the Guv. Her phone died when I spoke to her earlier and she didn't sound right.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Dunno, she was distracted, agitated. I don't think she was going home. I'm worried that ...’

‘Stace, get it circulated that she's missing. It's a bollocking I'm happy to take if she's safe and sound.’

‘I will, but Bryant ...’

‘Yeah?’

‘Just find her.’

The wordalivewent unspoken between them.

‘I will, Stace, I promise.’

Stacey replaced the receiver. She believed him. Bryant would find Kim.

She just hoped that he wasn't too late.

Seventy-One

He steppedinside the room and placed a shovel against the wall.

Kim watched as his feet moved closer towards her. She could not crane her neck to look up although she desperately wanted to. She wanted to look straight into the eyes of the evil bastard who had tried to saw a girl in half.

His voice was low and jovial, as though discussing where to dine out that evening. ‘So kind of your colleagues to dig a few holes for me. That last one was very easy to re-dig. I think you’ll be very happy there.’

Kim strained against her ties and tried to spit out the gag.

She felt the tie around her right wrist loosen slightly but not enough.

Victor Wilks laughed out loud. ‘This must be a novelty for you, Detective. You’re normally the one in control, but not anymore.’

Kim felt the frustration grow inside her. One on one she could take him. She’d beat the living shit out of him. His only method of controlling her was to truss her up like a damn turkey.

He knelt down beside her and finally she could see into his eyes. They were warm with triumph.

‘I’ve done a lot of reading about you, Detective. I understand your passion, I understand your drive. I even understand the affinity you might feel towards your young victims.’

His voice was melodic as though conducting a service for the recently deceased. ‘You were one of those girls, weren’t you, my dear ... but unlike them, you made yourself into a decent human being.’

Kim strained against the rope. She wanted so badly to wring Wilks’ neck and pummel the smug expression from his face.

He stepped back a pace and laughed. ‘Oh, Kim. I knew you’d be a fighter. I could sense your spirit the first time I saw you.’

Kim gurgled against the rag.

He tipped his head and read the rage in her eyes. ‘You think I won’t get away with this?’