Too Many Times #3 in the JJ Jenson series will be off to the proofreader at the weekend, and I thought now would be a good time to share a sneak preview. Bernadette Wiseman is a well-respected barrister, a strong character and not easily spooked. What did that message say to cause that outcome? Published on 20th October 2024, Too Many Times is available to pre-order.
Chapter One
The noose was quite obvious, secured as it was to the upstairs banister and dangling over the centre of the stairs, but such was her hurry to feel safe, Bernadette Wiseman didn’t notice it as she stepped into her home. Because once in, she spun back to the door, closed her eyes and rested her forehead on the cool glass. The door clicked shut, and eyes still closed, she fumbled for the security chain and slotted it in place with her free hand. She was sure she was being followed, and she had an idea who it was, but if right, she knew there was little she could do about it.
Lifting her head, Bernie tapped out the code to set the exterior alarm, and throwing the handle of her bag over the newel post, the noose remained unnoticed because as she dropped her keys into the olive wood bowl, her attention was on the flashing light on her answer machine. Placing the shopping bag on the floor and tutting, she hit the play button.
“Hi Bernie, it’s me. I tried your mobile, your messages are full again.” There was a pause, and Bernadette could hear the finger tapping away, a sure sign that what was coming wouldn’t be palatable. “You won’t like this, but—”
Bernadette hit the pause button. She wasn’t interested in what had come in, who had called, or whatever other issue may have arisen at work. She had bigger problems, and she needed time to think. To work out whether she was being dramatic by giving it such credence or if indeed she should be worried. But there was no one to help her do that, not really. Why should anyone else worry and be looking over their shoulder? Work could wait until she had time to consider her options properly.
Kicking her shoes under the telephone table, she shrugged off her raincoat, hung it up, and went to collect her shopping. She looked at the answer machine and felt a twinge of guilt. It might have been important, and not what she thought. Relenting, she raised her hand to push the play button when a movement caught her eye. She froze as someone stepped forward. Her eyes widened as she recognised them, and she moved backwards towards the chained front door. Despite the pounding in her chest, from somewhere she found the resolve to pull her shoulders back, remembering that attack was said to be the best form of defence.
“You? What the hell do you think you’re doing in here? Get out! Is it you who’s been following me? There are cameras. You must have seen them. I am not prepared to discuss this again. Get out of my home.”
“Hush.” A gloved finger drew her attention to the very obvious noose.
“What the…Is that what you thought? Don’t be ridiculous.” Bernadette barked out a laugh with a confidence she didn’t feel and released the door chain. “Leave now and I won’t call the police.” Her heart pounding, a shaking hand took hold of the doorknob.
“You should have listened. It would be all over.”
The harsh whisper delivered through gritted teeth made her skin crawl, and Bernie shook her head. “Listened to what? Your imaginings again, I—”
“This.” Stepping forward, they tapped the answer machine and Bernadette listened to the rest of the message.
Bernie pursed her lips. It would appear it was indeed all over. Well, thank God for that. She gave a curt nod and considered her immediate options. She could put up a fight and then accept the consequences, or she could accept this offer. Neither appealed to her.
Climbing the stairs, she lifted the noose and fitted it around her neck. She hesitated for only a moment before jumping forward.
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