The Tenth House Murders (Stella Penhaligon Thrillers Book 2) by Jane Holland

Author:Jane Holland [Holland, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thimblerig Books
Published: 2020-05-22T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Stella was astonished, and not quite sure she had understood him.

‘Sorry?’

‘She was just telling me about it. Someone on campus tried to rape her. Mel didn’t want to report it to the university authorities or the police. Too embarrassed and upset, I think. But she couldn’t bring herself to stay either.’

‘Christ Almighty.’

‘So she’s feeling quite fragile at the moment. Definitely more in need of quality time with her family than hanging out with someone like me.’

‘Of course.’ Stella pushed her empty glass away, feeling gutted. ‘Poor girl. As far as I know, she hasn’t said a word to her mum about it.’

Kieran shrugged. ‘Sometimes it’s easier to confide in a stranger, I guess.’

‘Thank you for telling me.’

‘I thought I should. And she didn’t tell me not to.’ Kieran glanced up, and stilled. ‘She’s on her way back. Probably best not mention it while I’m here, yeah?’

‘Sure.’

Mel had stopped to talk to her mum and Claire at the bar.

‘Look,’ he said quickly, ‘I was hoping to be able to speak to you tonight.’

‘We’re speaking now,’ she pointed out, amused.

‘I meant a proper chat. It’s a bit crowded in here.’ Kieran finished his pint. ‘Can I take you for a drive, maybe? I often like to take a late-night stroll along the beach. Do you fancy joining me?’

‘After you’ve been drinking?’

‘Only one.’

She shook her head. ‘Sorry.’

‘I had no idea you were such a stickler for the rules.’ He shook his head, then laughed wryly. ‘Okay, how about a walk in the memorial park? It’s not as picturesque as the beach, and there might be a few teens hanging about, but I guess we can talk there without fear of interruptions.’

Stella couldn’t imagine what he wanted to talk to her about. But it was obviously something he couldn’t say in front of the other students. Which made her curious.

‘All right,’ she told him, not sure if she was doing the right thing. ‘A quick walk, that’s all. Then I’m going home.’

Mel came back to the table and sat down. She looked a little flushed, and Stella guessed she’d exchanged some heated words with her mother at the bar, who looked like she was getting ready to leave.

‘What’s up?’ Stella asked her.

‘Mum and Claire are heading home with Nick. I said I was staying, and asked her to sub me for another drink, but Mum refused. She said I was too expensive.’ She sounded furious. ‘I’ve only had one diet cola!’

Mel must have been very unhappy after being attacked at university, and yet had said nothing to anyone at home, let alone her mum. It made Stella wonder if there was more to the story than the girl had admitted to Kieran. She believed it, no question about that. It totally explained Mel’s air of fragility and her hair-trigger temper since coming home. But it was likely to be rather more than a random attack. She really ought to be persuaded to confide in someone, or perhaps see a counsellor. And it might be worth talking to the police about what had happened too.

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