Blackmail, p.1
Blackmail, page 1
Also by Heather Burnside
THE MANCHESTER THRILLERS:
Guilt
Blackmail
THE WORKING GIRLS SERIES:
The Mark
Ruby
Crystal
Amber
Sapphire
THE RIVERHILL TRILOGY:
Slur
A Gangster’s Grip
Danger by Association
THE MANCHESTER TRILOGY:
Born Bad
Blood Ties
Vendetta
BLACKMAIL
Heather Burnside
An Aries book
www.headofzeus.com
First published in the UK in 2023 by Head of Zeus Ltd, part of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Copyright © Heather Burnside, 2023
The moral right of Heather Burnside to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
9 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN (PBO): 9781801107945
ISBN (E): 9781801107921
Cover design: Matt Bray
Head of Zeus Ltd
First Floor East
5–8 Hardwick Street
London EC1R 4RG
WWW.HEADOFZEUS.COM
Contents
Welcome Page
Copyright
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Epilogue
About the Author
Acknowledgements
An Invitation from the Publisher
For Pascoe and Kerry
Prologue
Beth didn’t want to go walking in the woods that day. It was cold, and the rain that had fallen throughout the previous week had turned the ground to a sludgy mess. But Rex, her one-year-old Maltese, pawed at the front door until she finally gave in. Her fearless side reasoned that a bit of muck would do them no harm.
One look at the muddy path and she hesitated, almost turning back, but she could feel Rex straining at the leash. It was his favourite walk, and it didn’t seem fair to deprive him when they had come this far. This area was normally popular among families and courting couples, but today it was quiet. Maybe the weather had kept most of them at home.
‘You’ll be having your feet washed when we get back,’ said Beth, frowning as Rex splashed his way through puddles and the white fur of his legs became filthy.
As they passed an elderly lady walking an overenthusiastic Collie, Rex cowered behind Beth, whimpering. She tugged at his lead to try to get him to carry on walking. ‘Don’t be silly, Rex,’ she coaxed.
‘It’s OK, he won’t harm him,’ said the lady ‘It’s just his way of being friendly.’
‘I know,’ said Beth. ‘Rex is just a little softy.’ She smiled. ‘I think he’s too used to getting his own way.’
The lady and her dog passed by, and Beth was finally able to get Rex to come out of his hiding place behind her legs and continue walking. ‘Come on, you daft thing,’ she said.
After a while, Rex settled down and seemed to be enjoying his walk. They’d reached a more desolate area of the woods and hadn’t spotted anybody for some time. This was the part of the walk Rex enjoyed the most when it was just the two of them. Beth knew it was because he didn’t feel threatened by other dogs or over ebullient children.
He began yanking at his lead just as they reached a sloping area of the muddy path. ‘Steady!’ said Beth, feeling her feet slip beneath her. ‘You almost pulled me over.’
She released him and watched in amusement as he bounded playfully through the trees on the left. The path was narrower here, the shrubbery denser, and the branches of the mature trees spread widely, almost meeting on either side of the path and blocking out most of the light.
She heard Rex growl. That wasn’t like him. Something must have upset him, maybe another dog, or a wild rabbit perhaps? She carried on walking, calling his name. But Rex didn’t come to her. Instead, he began barking frantically and Beth grew concerned. What if he had hurt himself?
She increased her pace, calling his name and listening. His barking had changed to a distressed wailing, which was becoming closer. Beth felt an eerie sensation as her ears tried to pinpoint his exact whereabouts. But it was difficult with the sound of the howling wind, which caused the trees to sway so dramatically that their tentacled branches seemed to be reaching out for her.
Telling herself not to be silly, she ploughed on in search of Rex. But she couldn’t help noticing how the woods now seemed abandoned and somehow threatening. She suddenly developed a strong sense of unease. If it hadn’t been for her dog, she would have doubled back and gone home. But she couldn’t leave her treasured Rex. He was still a puppy and he needed her.
As she squelched along the path in her haste to get to Rex, his wailing became louder. She was getting near to him. Then she sensed movement to her left and his wailing switched back to a bark. What if he was stuck in some sort of trap?
Beth left the path and fought her way through the undergrowth, feeling the sting of nettles through her jeans. The trunk of a large tree stood just to the right, surrounded by bushes. As she drew close to it, Rex’s barking grew more insistent, and she knew he was aware of her presence.
She tried to reassure him. ‘It’s alright, Rex.’ ‘I’m coming.’
His barking suddenly stopped, and Beth stiffened. She could still hear movement, but it was slight. What on earth could have happened to him? Frantic now, Beth carried on battling her way towards Rex till she had almost reached the end of the clump of bushes.
‘I’m nearly there, R—’
But the words got stuck in her throat when a man leapt out from behind the bushes. Then he was hauling her towards the tree. She screamed until he clamped his hand around her mouth. His other hand was clasped around her middle, but it felt weighty, as though he was holding something, which was prodding her stomach.
He dragged her out of view of the path. Then Beth looked down, shocked to discover that he was clutching a blood-drenched knife, which was rubbing against her clothing and staining her coat.
Beth struggled to escape but the man was too strong. He tugged at her until she was behind the densest area of shrubbery, right next to the large tree trunk. And then she saw Rex. Lying in a pool of blood. His lovely white fur stained a hideous pink.
The shock diminished her defences, and the man pushed her to the ground. Beth felt the hard earth beneath her back, and the weeds and twigs snagged at her clothes. Immediately, the threatening bulk of the man was on top of her, his evil eyes staring back at her and his ragged face full of menace. His stale breath was hot on her cheeks as he tried to overpower her, and his eager hands clawed at her jeans.
A strange sensation enveloped Beth. All her emotions were flooding her at once. Fear. Sorrow. Horror. It was hard to believe this was happening. Her poor dog lay lifeless. And now this man was trying to rape her. She couldn’t let him take her. She wouldn’t! But what could she do to defend herself?
Beth looked around her desperately in search of a way out. Then she spotted something. And that was the moment when everything changed.
1
Three Years Later
‘Ooh, this is nice,’ said Beth, as they walked inside the upmarket cocktail bar called The Amber Room. She gazed around at the modern furniture, eye-catching lighting and well-stocked bar area. The décor was all in cre ams, golds and subtle shades of yellow, fitting with the name of the place and very tastefully done. Emeli Sandé played in the background, creating an atmosphere that was both contemporary and serene.
‘I told you it was, didn’t I?’ replied Brady, her husband of only a few weeks. ‘I take you to all the best places. They sell food as well. We could come here to eat one night, if you want? It’s Mediterranean style – sharing platters and little dishes of olives and almonds, that sort of thing.’ As Beth smiled at his enthusiasm, he nodded at a table for two with plush chairs covered in a fawn-coloured fabric. ‘Tell you what, you grab that table there and I’ll get the drinks. What would you like?’
Beth grinned impishly. ‘I’ll have a Sex on the Beach, please. Oh, but I’m only having the one. We’ve got work tomorrow, don’t forget.’
Brady soon returned from the bar, and she felt a warm glow as she watched him walk over. He was tall, slim and good looking with jet-black hair, and she thought for the umpteenth time how lucky she was to be married to him.
‘How many times have you been here before?’ asked Beth, staring into Brady’s dark eyes.
‘Oh, once or twice. It’s not been open long. Me and the lads used to come into Marple a lot.’
‘I know, you told me. It’s a good job you were slumming it in Romiley on the night I met you then, isn’t it?’ she teased.
‘Eh, Romiley’s not so bad.’
‘I know,’ said Beth.
They had both been living in Romiley when they met two years ago, Beth in her own flat and Brady in a three-bed semi he owned. As their relationship progressed, they decided to pool their resources and upgrade to a three-bedroom detached home in the more affluent area of Marple. Marriage followed shortly after, and Beth felt she had never been happier.
The new home suited Brady, who was aspirational and liked the fact that he was now residing in Marple. Beth loved him to bits. He had impeccable taste, and they were fortunate enough to like most of the same things. Brady was also very attentive to her, but the one fault she found in him was his overambition. To Brady, money and status were everything.
Still, she supposed there were worse flaws to have. Brady was a senior sales executive for a beauty products company called Repertoire and was determined to go all the way to the top. He was also the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with and have kids with eventually. She knew that his drive would ensure their family would be well provided for.
They chatted for a while about their plans for the house, their jobs and other mutual topics till their drinks ran out and Beth decided to go to the bar. It was a long bar with rounded corners and a small side area at either end housing just a couple of stools. She took her place next to one of the rounded corners and a barman rushed to serve her.
‘A gin and tonic please, and a pint of lager,’ she said.
The barman went to tend to her order, and as Beth waited she became aware that she was being watched. That wasn’t unusual. With her long blonde hair, flawless complexion and trim figure, she often attracted male attention. But she was curious about the person whose eyes had never left her since she walked across the room. She turned her head to the side to get a better look and noticed a distinguished, good-looking man of about forty sitting on a stool at the end of the bar.
He smiled disarmingly, and Beth noticed it made him look even more handsome with his perfect white teeth. ‘Is your boyfriend leaving you to buy the drinks?’
‘He’s my husband. And it’s my turn. I always pay my way. That’s what women do these days.’
She knew it was a skit at his age, but she couldn’t help herself. Something about the way he was staring made her feel on edge. But if he was offended, he didn’t show it.
‘Sorry,’ he said. ‘I didn’t think you looked old enough to be married.’
Beth didn’t know whether it was intended as a compliment or an insult, and she snapped back. ‘I’m twenty-nine, actually.’
He chuckled in amusement. ‘Have you tried our selection of flavoured gins? They’re very good, particularly the rhubarb and ginger one.’
Suddenly it dawned on Beth that he must be the manager, and she became embarrassed by her abrasiveness. ‘Erm, no, I’m alright, thanks.’
‘You sure? It’s definitely worth a try. Tell you what, I’ll let you have this one on the house.’
Beth could feel herself blush. Something about his intense stare was unsettling. His eyes were a beautiful pale blue, and she couldn’t help but be drawn to them. ‘Erm, no, it’s OK, thank you.’ Her attention shot back to the barman as she fished for her purse.
‘Go on, I insist,’ said the manager. He then addressed the barman who was putting her drinks on the bar, ‘Dylan, can you add a rhubarb and ginger gin to the order but put it on the house.’
Dylan did as ordered, and Beth found her eyes wandering away from Dylan and back to the charismatic man at the end of the bar. ‘Thank you.’
He smiled that lovely smile again. ‘That’s alright. I always like to keep the customer happy.’
Dylan then gave Beth her change and she noticed there was too much. She took out a pound coin and said, ‘You’ve given me too much.’
‘Oh, thanks,’ said Dylan, holding out his hand.
Out of the corner of her eye, Beth noticed the manager watching her, but before he had a chance to comment, she rushed away from the bar, feeling flustered.
‘What the hell was all that about?’ asked Brady, ‘And why have you got three drinks?’
‘One of them’s on the house,’ she said. ‘I think the manager’s trying out his new gins on his customers. It’s probably to get them hooked so they’ll buy the more expensive ones.’
Brady seemed to pick up on her ill feeling. ‘Well, you’re not complaining, are you? Make the most of it if it’s a freebie. Oh, and he’s not the manager, by the way. He’s the owner. He’s got a few bars and nightclubs all over south Manchester and the city centre.’ Then he lowered his voice, ‘Rumour has it that he’s a bit dodgy and he’s running other businesses on the side.’
‘What kind of businesses?’ asked Beth.
‘Shush.’ Then he whispered, ‘Illicit ones.’
‘Really, what’s his name?’
‘Martin something, I don’t know his surname.’
‘Oh,’ said Beth, then she quickly changed the subject. That was all the more reason to give Martin a wide berth as far as she was concerned.
*
When they arrived home, Brady decided to fix them a drink. He strolled over to the hostess trolley, which stood against one wall. The piece of furniture had been carefully selected by both of them to give the place a cool retro vibe. It blended well with the rest of the room, which was modern in style.
The walls were painted in a relaxing dove grey aside from a feature wall, which was papered in a deep-blue and grey pattern with touches of silver. The sofa was also grey but darker and covered with scatter cushions in various shades of greys, blues and a mustard colour. That same colour scheme was picked up in the expensive rug, which adorned the polished wooden flooring, and in the heavy navy-blue textured curtains.
Beth’s mind was still on Martin. But she couldn’t understand why. He was so much older than her, not her usual type at all. His hair was going grey, and he was muscle-bound and rugged looking, whereas she preferred her men more sophisticated and slimmer like her husband.
She peered at Brady who was busy fixing them a nightcap. Yes, he was just her type: tall, slim and good-looking with a head of thick jet-black hair. When they’d first met, she had been bowled over by the fact that he was so charming and couldn’t seem to do enough for her. And he was fun to be with; they often shared banter and had a good laugh together. If she was honest with herself, she’d also initially been attracted by the fact that he was so ambitious. And at twenty-eight, he was more her age too. She couldn’t believe she was even making the comparison with Martin. What had got into her?
‘What’s the matter?’ asked Brady when he caught her looking.
‘Oh, nothing.’ She walked over to him and took the drinks out of his hands. ‘I was just admiring my handsome husband.’
Then she put the drinks down on the coffee table and leant over to kiss him. He returned her kiss with ardour, and she could feel him hard against her as his hands roamed down her body and clenched her firm buttocks. She gently pulled away.
