Patricia Gibney - Silent Voices : A gripping crime thriller packed with mystery and suspense (Detective Lottie Parker Book 9)

Nine years earlier

The boy tried not to cry. Hed thought he knew the way home, but now he wasnt so sure. It was dark in the fields, far away from the lights of the house hed just left. Hed been told to go home. They didnt want him there. Had even laughed at him. Big boys were not supposed to cry, but he was crying now. He hoped his mum and dad would be at home, like hed just been told, even though they were supposed to be away for the night.

He walked across the field, up the lane, and gingerly stepped over the stile. He let his feet sink in the sandy ground. The dew was heavy underfoot and the distance ahead of him appeared shortened by the stubborn fog lying far too low. The trail should be familiar, bred deep in his mind from his treks with his daddy to check on the work at the quarry. Some days he never saw his dad. Long days and never-ending nights, the air punctured by the thud of drills and the hum of machinery. He loved that noise. His daddy had told him it was only a small operation but that one day the boy might make it great. He didnt like the way the green of the hedges had become grey with dust and stone after the summer and the nests had begun to empty. But his family didnt seem to worry about nature.

The silence wrapped itself around his shoulders and the fog dampened his hair as he trudged on. He wished hed worn his wellington boots, because his runners were wet and sluiced up and down as he walked. Maybe he could have a look at the quarry before he crested the hill. Thered be no one there at this time of night, but he knew a way in. Anyway, that was the shortest way home. He eased through the gap in the wire fence and kept going.

He only realised he was close to the lip of the quarry when he heard the stones hed kicked up as he walked hitting the water. The cavernous space opened up as all around him the fog rose mystically into the sky and the stone and grass split the earth before him. The boy felt he was alone with nature. Just then, he thought he heard a noise behind him. No, only silly people would come up here in the dark. Did that make him silly? There it was again. A rustle. Leaves shifting on the branches. The wind? No, the night was still with the fog hovering around him. Why did it have to be so dark? As he went to move away from the edge, the rustling came closer and stones crunched underfoot. He made to turn around, and felt a hand pressing between his shoulder blades.

No!

He thought hed said the word out loud, but maybe he hadnt. Instead the air was filled with a hysterical laugh. Not his laugh. Then a choked scream left his body as the hand on his back pushed, and he was flying through the air.

The water was thick and viscous. It rushed into his screaming mouth and travelled into his lungs as quickly as his head dipped below the water.

He was strangely calm.

It might only have been built in the last ten years but the little chapel house looked like it dated back to the time when the monks set up the first Christian churches in Ireland. At a push it held a hundred people, but today it was laid out for less than thirty.

Sprays of babys breath interspersed with fragrant freesias were tied in little bunches with white satin ribbons on the backs of the chairs that lined the short aisle. When the first guests began to arrive and the door was opened, a miasma of scent wafted towards them in a wave of freshness. Light filtered through the small arched windows, casting rainbows on the stone walls and bathing the interior in a mystical aura.

A coolness permeated the inside of the chapel, even though outdoors the midday air was warm. Three pillar candles stood on the flower-draped altar, one each for the bride and groom, while the third candle had the names of dead family members inscribed in gold filigree.

Chatter preceded the guests as they took their seats. Family in the first two rows with friends behind them, followed by colleagues. The friends section was mainly colleagues, but that didnt matter.

In the bedroom of the stone cottage adjacent to the chapel, Lottie stared at herself in the long mirror. She had to admit she didnt recognise the reflected image. Below a tight satin bodice, the chiffon cream dress floated out from her waist, and with the light streaming in through the window, she thought it looked magical. She hardly ever never wore dresses, and she would have got married in her jeans and T-shirt if shed thought she could get away with it. But her daughters had been adamant, so shed given in. A small victory for the girls, but she was surprisingly happy with her reflection. Her hair had been coloured a little lighter than normal a box job last night; Chloe had insisted though she wasnt sure if it was strawberry blonde or out-and-out blonde. She never fussed about such things. A few stray flowers placed strategically around her head hid the clips that held her hair in place. Katie had worked her magic with make-up and eyeshadow and a whole load of other shite Lottie had never used before, but she was pleased with the effect. At least it hid the bruises.

Its smashing, she said, hugging her elder daughter.

You look ten years younger, Katie said, a wide smile lighting up her eyes.

Go away! Im only forty-five, Lottie said playfully. Shed turned forty-six in June. Is Louis ready? Louis was Katies two-year-old son, Lotties grandson.

Hes ready, but I cant guarantee hell do what hes supposed to do.

It doesnt matter. As long as Boyd is there, along with you, Chloe and Sean and little Louis, Ill be happy.

I know you havent met Chloes boyfriend yet, Mam, but hes not what youd expect

Not today, Katie.

Just giving you a little warning.

Thanks, Lottie said. And I love your dress. Katie was dressed in a fuchsia-pink floaty number from Macys, while Chloe was wearing a similar style in blue (end-of-line sale). Lotties own dress was from a charity shop, but they all looked quite expensive. No point in wasting money I dont have, she thought. Is Sean ready?

Sean is never ready, Katie groaned. Ill go check on him.

Thanks. And Katie?

Yes?

Please dont let Granny Rose near me before the ceremony. Shell say something to upset me, and I cant be dealing with that today of all days.