Prince Charming (Behind the Screen, #1) Read online

  ‘Can I come in?’ asked a gentleman.

  ‘Sure,’ said Derek.

  ‘The laptops you gave me,’ he said.

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Well they were both chatting to a man called – ’

  ‘Prince Charming,’ Yasmina blurted. ‘I figured.’

  ‘Yes. Even though they met him on different sites, he used the same profile name.’

  ‘Any more from the dating companies? Records?’

  ‘He used an untraceable proxy.’

  ‘Of course he would.’ Derek fumed.

  ‘But with time, we can find it. We will find how and where it came from.’

  ‘He could also have used an internet café, signed in with a different name each time,’ said Yasmina.

  ‘True, but with time, I’m sure we’ll be able to nail him down.’

  ‘Okay, thanks for that. At least we know it’s the same man,’ said Derek.

  ‘Yes, now we just need to know why. The only thing these women had in common was that they were looking for love.’

  ‘Yes, they were vulnerable.’ He turned to the I.T guy. ‘Let us know if you find anything else.’

  ‘Will do.’ He left them.

  ‘I bet this guy is a stunner,’ said Yasmina.

  ‘And a charmer. You have to be to lure your victims.’

  ‘Dam it! I just hate it when things like these happen. Women can’t always be over cautious, otherwise they’ll never find love.’

  ‘That’s true.’ He thought about Harmony and how willing she’d been to let him pick her up after the first date. He just hoped she’d done that with him because he was a cop.

  ‘So where to from here?’ asked Yasmina.

  ‘We keep searching. We have to find these women!’

  ****

  He looked at himself in the mirror. Marcus Rees wore a tux, hair sleeked back. He was a handsome man, no woman could deny that. It was the night of the showing. Clients would visit from all over the place to spend ridiculous amounts of money at this function. He was ready, almost.

  ‘I’ll be out all evening. Behave yourself.’ He’d told each woman.

  Both Rose and Zara were relieved. The moment the door shut, was the moment all fear dropped away. The relief however, wouldn’t last.

  Cheese and wine was offered at the door. Misty was dressed for the occasion, and did her best, as always, to appease the clients. Light music played in the background. Marcus walked around, answered questions, pointed out the best pictures, and told stories of the backgrounds. There were some artists at the show, but not every artist stood besides their painting.

  As always, clients bought the best pictures. It angered Marcus that his masterpiece wasn’t finished yet. He knew who exactly would like it. The man walked up to him as he thought it.

  ‘Marcus.’

  ‘Charles, good to see you again.’ He gave a firm handshake.

  ‘I do love your shows, however I was expecting more from you. I love how you push boundaries.’ The man rubbed his round belly and breathed heavily.

  ‘Yes well, I’m working on it. It should be ready soon.’ He thought about Harmony. She was the reason he hadn’t finished his painting.

  ‘Don’t take to long.’ He warned. ‘I could start spending my time at different art galleries.’

  ‘It won’t be long now. You’ll be the first to know.’

  ‘Good.’ The man turned away with nothing further to say.

  Marcus entertained other guests. There were a few more sales and finally the long evening came to an end.

  ‘That was a long evening,’ he said to Misty.

  ‘Yes it was. You seem agitated.’ She studied him.

  ‘Yes well, I have a lot on my mind.’

  ‘Something you’d like to talk about?’ She walked towards him.

  ‘No, but thanks anyway.’ He laughed lightly. Had she no idea she wasn’t his type.

  ‘Okay. But if you change your mind I’m here.’

  He nodded then went upstairs to his office.

  Chapter Six

  The Monsters Within

  He checked on Rose first. She was half asleep when he stood at the side of the bed.

  ‘I’m going out and hopefully this will be the last time I have to keep up this persona.’

  She gazed up at him without a clue what he was talking about.

  ‘I’m bringing my final piece home, soon. If I have to use force, so be it.’ Marcus had decided that if Harmony would not come willingly, he’d use force. All he had to do was wait until it was very late and do the deed.

  ‘Why are you doing this?’ she asked drowsily.

  ‘Because it gives me great pleasure!’ He smiled. ‘I shall see you soon.’ He acted as though what he was doing was totally normal.

  ‘Please, let me go,’ she tried.

  ‘That will never happen, and you know this.’

  The tears stung behind her lids. Death was knocking at her door and it would come soon. He left her, popped into Zara’s room and did the same. Zara was quiet. She asked no questions and just slept until the next thing happened.

  ‘I shall see you later, my beautiful Zara.’ He leaned forward to touch her cheek. She turned away. He gritted his teeth, but kept his calm. He hoped Harmony would be a lot easier to deal with. He stood back, nodded and then left her. A few minutes later, the door slammed behind him.

  ****

  She checked the beef casserole. Everything ran smoothly. She rushed back upstairs and got dressed. A pair of black slacks and a royal blue chiffon top did perfectly. A high ponytail kept her hair out of the way, and minimal makeup was all that was needed.

  The doorbell rang.

  She darted downstairs and flung it open.

  ‘Harmony!’ He held out a bouquet.

  ‘Oh thank you!’ She took them. ‘That’s kind of you.

  ‘And a bottle of Merlot.’

  ‘Perfect. I have some too, but we can start with yours. Come on in.’

  He followed behind her.

  ‘Have a seat in there, I’ll be with you in a minute.’ She pointed to the living-room.

  He took his time. Sat on the couch and studied the house. It was a cute little place. There were a few items that looked a little too dear for a receptionists pocket, but he brushed that aside. He felt a little hot. Tonight had to be the night. There was no more time to wait. He’d prolong the night for as long as he could and then capture her and take her away. His plan seemed full proof.

  ‘There you go.’ Harmony handed him a glass of merlot.

  ‘Thank you. Cheers.’ He lifted the glass.

  ‘Cheers.’ The glass clanged against his.

  ‘It smells nice,’ he said. ‘What is it?’

  ‘Beef casserole. I hope you like it.’

  ‘I’ll like anything you cook.’ He looked up and admired every inch of her body.

  Harmony sat down on the couch opposite him.

  ‘Why don’t you come and sit here?’ he asked.

  ‘I will, just let me finish the meal.’ She laughed.

  ‘Okay. How’s work?’

  ‘Boring, but it’s a job.’

  ‘True.’

  ‘You, how’s the gallery going?’

  ‘Really well. Had a showing recently. It was a great turn out.’

  ‘That’s great.’ She gazed at her watch and then back at him.

  ‘In a hurry somewhere?’ he teased.

  ‘Oh no, I’m just checking the time to make sure I take out the casserole on time.’

  ‘Ah.’ He took a sip of the wine.

  There was an awkward silence between them. Harmony watched him intensely.

  ‘What?’ he asked.

  ‘You’re so handsome,’ she said. ‘So very handsome.’

  ‘Thank you. You’re gorgeous yourself.’

  ‘I don’t understand why you’re still single.’ She watched.

  ‘Well, hopefully after today, that won’t be the case.’

  She laughed.
Again she looked at her watch.

  ‘We’ll see. If we have a good night, who knows.’

  ‘Yes...erm...who knows.’

  ‘Are you all right?’ she asked.

  ‘I...I...’ His head fell forward, the glass fell from his grip and the remains of the red wine stained the carpet.

  ‘You should’ve at least finished the dam drink!’ She stood up, walked towards him and checked his pulse. ‘Perfect.’ She smiled, picked up the glass, headed for the kitchen, and then came back with a cloth to soak up the wine.

  Harmony returned to the kitchen, switched off the stove and then moved to the centre Island. With all her might she pushed one of the cabinets aside and lifted the small square on the floor. She stepped into it and descended the stairs. The room flooded with light. Everything was perfect. She rubbed her hands together and then returned to the living-room.

  She stripped Marcus until he was left in his vest and boxers. She put her arms underneath his arms and dragged him.

  ‘Dam it, you’re heavy.’

  He slid off the couch, through the passage, towards the kitchen and finally down into the cellar. His limp body thrown into a chair! He fell forward, she pushed him back, cuffed his hands to the arms of the chair and taped his mouth. She knelt down and cuffed his ankles to the legs of the chair. For the meantime, he would be fine that way.

  Harmony stood back proud of what she’d just achieved. With folded arms she watched him. After a while she checked his pulse. Everything was working swimmingly. That was all for now, tomorrow would be the day it all begins.

  Upstairs the food was cleared away and put in the refrigerator for tomorrow. She stood under the shower for a good twenty minutes and finally settled into bed with her mobile phone.

  ‘You awake?’ She asked as soon as Gareth answered.

  ‘Course I’m awake, it’s only after eight. And since when do you call me unless something is wrong.’

  ‘Oh, nothings wrong, everything is right. The world has been put right.’

  ‘What are you talking about? Are you drinking?’

  ‘Nope, just happy.’

  ‘Why’s that? Aren’t you supposed to be on a hot date?’

  ‘He didn’t show up.’

  ‘What a loser.’

  ‘I quite agree. But I’m not bothered because the man I like is here tomorrow.’

  ‘Yeah? Is this the cop?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘You really like him don’t you?’

  She giggled like a teenager. ‘I do, I hope it works out for us.’

  ‘I’m sure it will.’

  ‘I seem to have this thing where the men I like disappear on me.’

  ‘Well, try not to worry. He’ll be all right, just give him a chance.’

  ‘I will. I think he’s all right too. Tell James I said hi, I know he’s right there telling you to get off the phone!’

  ‘Yes! It’s our time!’ James shouted.

  She giggled. ‘Oh James, don’t be such a drama queen!’

  Gareth relayed the message.

  ‘Please, who’s the real drama queen,’ said James.

  ‘I heard that!’

  ‘Good!’ He shouted.

  ‘I best not keep you from your lover much longer.’

  ‘Oh ignore him. He’s pissed off with his sexy boss.’ He looked over at James.

  ‘Why?’

  ‘He got engaged.’ He laughed.

  Harmony laughed. ‘Oh boy poor James.’

  ‘So he’s stuck with me for good.’

  ‘Yes, unfortunately!’

  They laughed. It was their circle, their way. They loved to poke the fun out of each other.

  ‘I better leave you in peace. Bye darling.’

  ‘Bye love, call me tomorrow after your date, I want all the details.’

  ‘That depends.’

  ‘Oh you dirty girl! I love it. Anyway, speak to you later.’

  ‘Yes bye.’

  Harmony felt happy. She looked around her, pulled the newspaper from the side table and focused on the crossword. Tomorrow felt like a long way away, but the fun was just about to begin!

  ****

  He opened his eyes. Everything was a blur. A surgical smell drifted across his nose. Where the hell was he? The last thing he remembered was the date he had with Harmony. The last thought was the wine. He’d been drinking wine and then nothing! Marcus blinked a few times until all became clear. Was he in hospital? Did something happen to him? But why did the place look like a theatre and...he pulled on his arms. He was trapped! Why was he chained to a chair?

  What the fuck! He tugged, but the chains held him tight. Marcus wasn’t going anywhere.

  Harmony stepped out of the shower feeling victorious. She pulled on a pair of jeans and slipped on a white t-shirt and blue fleece. A quick coffee with a fruity tea-cake followed.

  A bright light shone a few inches above him. Harmony descended with a tray of cornflakes, a cup of coffee and a glass filled with ice.

  ‘Good morning.’ She smiled.

  ‘Hmmmm!’

  She set the tray down on a small table beside him.

  ‘Sorry, didn’t get that.’ She ripped the tape from his mouth.

  ‘What the fuck is this!’ He struggled.

  She laughed.

  ‘What the fuck!’

  ‘Tone it down,’ she said.

  ‘Let me out of this!’ He tugged against the chains.

  ‘And then what?’

  ‘You’re crazy!’

  She laughed.

  ‘You’re mad!’

  ‘Ha!’ She picked up the bowl of cornflakes. ‘Here you go, eat up.’ She held the spoon to his mouth, but Marcus didn’t open.

  ‘Let me out you crazy bitch!’

  ‘Such language, Marcus!’ She pulled away. ‘You either eat this or starve, the choice is yours.’

  ‘I want you to let me go!’

  ‘That will not happen.’ She leaned forward with the spoon in her hand again.

  ‘You won’t get away with this.’

  ‘You want to bet?’

  ‘I don’t understand. Why are you doing this?’

  Harmony put the bowl back on the tray and gazed down at him like a dirty rag.

  ‘Does the name Oliver ring a bell?’

  ‘What!?’

  ‘Oliver. Does that ring a bell?’

  ‘I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about!’

  ‘You don’t do you?’ She stepped back, picked up a pair of pliers. ‘Maybe this will jog your memory.’ The metal cut off his little finger.

  ‘FUCK! SHIT!’ He spat.

  ‘Don’t worry, you can have this back soon.’ She placed the finger into the glass of ice.

  ‘You’re fucking crazy!’ He was almost in tears.

  ‘You have no idea. I will cut little pieces off you and sew them right back on again.’

  ‘Why...why would you do that? What is wrong with you?’

  She knelt down and looked up at the man who had beads of sweat on his forehead. The pain was beyond words and it was evident in his eyes.

  ‘Oliver,’ she said.

  ‘I don’t...’

  ‘You really want to play that game with me?’

  ‘Fuck you!’ He spat.

  She laughed.

  ‘You won’t get away with this! The police will find you.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Here’s the thing.’ An evil smile. ‘People will look for me. I don’t show up for work, my assistant will ask questions. She’s a nosey little bitch, but I love her curiosity. She’ll do anything for me.’

  ‘Is that right?’ She grinned.

  ‘Yes, and they’ll find you.’

  ‘Ha. Do you know?’ She stood up. ‘I’m not a dumb receptionist. In fact, I’m a well known surgeon. A professional with a clear police record. I’ve been CBR checked, trust me, no one will come looking for me.’

  ‘I should’ve dealt with you when I still had the chance.’
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br />   ‘There it is. The Marcus I know.’

  ‘You don’t know me.’

  ‘Ha.’ She watched him.

  ‘The thing is, the police will find a trail, and it’s heading in your direction.’

  ‘Is that right?’ she laughed.

  ‘Yes. You’ve got to let me go. Otherwise.’

  ‘Otherwise what?’

  ‘You’ll be in trouble too.’

  ‘That’s not going to happen!’

  She pulled on a pair of surgical gloves, picked up what she needed and retrieved the finger.

  ‘What the fuck!’

  ‘Relax, I’m a surgeon. I’m just stitching you back together. Soon you’ll be as good as new.’ She proceeded.

  The man cried like an infant. Unable to stand the cries, Harmony taped his mouth to muffle the sounds. Pain medication could’ve been given, but where was the joy in that? The pain in his eyes was all the satisfaction she needed.

  ‘All done!’

  She stood up, pulled off the gloves and binned everything she’d used.

  ‘We’ll have some good times, you and I.’ She pulled the tape from his mouth. ‘In the meantime, think about the name Oliver.’

  ‘Fuck you!’ He spat.

  ‘Yes, indeed. Be aware no one can hear you down here. Its sound proofed.’

  He spat again. She smiled, picked up the tray and left him. The counter was pushed over the opening to the basement. The kitchen was back to normal, no one would suspect. Harmony cleaned the kitchen and the rest of the house as if it were a normal day. She picked up Marcus’s clothes, searched through them, and pulled out his mobile.

  ‘You won’t need this.’ She switched it of, pulled out the sim card. It would be disposed off soon. The day turned out fine, at lunch time Harmony offered Marcus a sandwich, which he declined. His memory of Oliver still hadn’t returned, but he’d been tortured enough for the day. Harmony had more important things to do that day, one of which was to get ready for her date.

  ****

  The casserole was heated, couscous made and ready. All that was missing was Derek. Harmony gave herself a final look in the mirror. Red dress, check, black high heels, check, lipstick check! Perfection was the name of the game!

  The doorbell rang. She rushed downstairs like a child expecting a new toy, and flung it open.

  ‘Wow, look at you!’ He grinned. He’d never seen someone so beautiful.

  ‘Hey.’