AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The bereaved mother turned to face the minister with imploring eyes.
“You can’t... bring him back… can you?”
Jacqueline felt hollow inside. What was she supposed to say, “Yes, just give me a few minutes and I’ll have a word with Him upstairs?” She may not have children of her own, but she was sensitive enough to appreciate the heartbreak Lesley endured through the loss of a child.
“I’m sorry. I wish I could.”
Time seemed to stand still before Lesley responded. She answered quite simply, “Well, I’m sorry too. There isn’t anything you can do.”
The minister nodded and gave the lamenting mother a hug.
Lesley raised her head and stared at Stewart Gardener. Jacqueline noticed the sudden change in her expression as her eyes darkened.
“But there’s someone who can!”
Lesley made her way around her son’s grave and approached the detective before Jacqueline could react.
Gardener stood and gazed at his wife’s headstone, oblivious to Lesley.
“Mr Gardener?”
He raised his head to her, startled. “Lesley. I’m sorry, I didn’t want to intrude.”
“Mr Gardener, I’m begging you. Please catch this monster...” She broke off, unable to continue as sobs took control of her once more.
Jacqueline walked over to the grieving mother, taking her hand. “Come on, Lesley, this won’t help you.”
“It will. Please. I don’t want to interfere. I know why he’s here,” she said to Jacqueline, before turning back to face the officer. “I understand what you’re going through, but I’m asking you, as a parent, please catch the animal who did this and put him behind bars. Please make sure he doesn’t do it again.”
Stewart Gardener gazed directly at Jacqueline. She sensed his torment, his inability to reply.
“It might be your son next time,” said Lesley.
The comment cut deep. The colour in the detective’s face drained.
Jacqueline noticed an immediate change of expression in his eyes. They were no longer warm, friendly. His eyes became impenetrable. He made no reply.
Lesley fell to her knees, grabbing Gardener’s hand. Through her tears she pleaded, becoming hysterical. “For God’s sake, Mr Gardener, catch him. Please! He’s taken my son, please don’t let him have any more! Oh, God, please Mr Gardener, please!”
Suddenly, Jim stood at his wife’s side.
The press photographer saw an opportunity for a front page exclusive and took photos.
“Lesley, don’t do this, lass!” He turned away from his wife, glancing at the officer. “I’m sorry, Mr Gardener, she didn’t mean to say what she said about your lad.”
He gazed down at his wife, still sobbing on her knees. “Come on, girl, let’s get you home.”
Gardener reached down to her as well. “Let me help you, Jim.”
“No, it’s all right. She’ll be right enough when I get her home.”
Jacqueline heard the break in Jim’s voice. He continued pleading with Lesley to leave Gardener, and let him take her home.
They were both now sobbing.
The rest of the family joined the mourning couple as Jim helped Lesley up. Together, they walked in silence to their cars.
Chapter Eleven
