Chrissy Ferguson Crime Thriller 2.5-The Devil's Elbow by Janet C L

Author:Janet, C L [Janet, C L]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Suspense, Scottish Suspense, Police Procedural, Paranormal Police Procedural, Crime Thriller, Murder Investigation, Scotland, Novella, Forensic Psychologist
Publisher: CLJ Publishing
Published: 2023-08-19T04:00:00+00:00

Jenna McDowell was already in the café when Chrissy entered. She was staring at an empty mug, her chipped red nails circling the rim, her eyes tracking the movement. When Chrissy approached, she jumped, banging her knees on the underside of the table making everything on it rattle.

‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,’ Chrissy said, pulling out the wooden chair opposite and slipping her arms out of her coat as she sat down.

Ethan was behind the counter serving a line of customers who all seemed in a hurry. He smiled and gave her a quick wave in acknowledgement.

‘Thank you for agreeing to meet me, Dr Ferguson.’

Jenna shifted in her seat, her eyes scanning the café as she spoke.

‘Chrissy. Please call me Chrissy.’

Jenna smiled weakly, looking at Chrissy for the first time. She tucked her hands under the table for a moment, then placed them back on top and began picking at her nail varnish, leaving flecks of red on the tabletop.

‘Was there something you wanted to talk to me about Jenna?’ Chrissy asked, settling back and wearing her best listening face.

Jenna’s fidgeting suddenly stilled and taking Chrissy’s cue, she relaxed back against the chair.

‘You look a lot like her.’

Chrissy’s brows drew in.

‘Like who?’

‘Like your mother.’

‘My mother? You know my mother?’

Chrissy’s throat constricted, the words sounding choked.

‘Yes. We met in Cornton Vale.’

Jenna lowered her eyes.

‘You were in prison?’ Chrissy asked leaning forward, Jenna’s revelation suppressing the unwelcome swell of emotion thoughts of her mother always stirred.

‘I got out four months ago.’

Chrissy felt unsettled. This wasn’t what she had expected.

‘I recognised you as soon as you came to the house yesterday,’ Jenna continued. ‘Your mother showed me photographs. She’s very proud of you.’

The familiar uneasiness rose in Chrissy, the muscles in her face tensing as conflicting emotions started to do battle. Her eyes began to sting.

‘Did you come here just to speak about Neve, because if you did, I’m leaving,’ Chrissy said curtly.

Jenna leaned forwards and covered Chrissy’s hands with her own. They felt warm, motherly. Chrissy swallowed hard, determined not to weaken.

The moment was interrupted by the arrival of Ethan. The two women drew back as he placed a mug of black coffee in front of Chrissy. She murmured her thanks, keeping her eyes fixed on the table.

‘Can I get you a refill?’ he asked pointing at Jenna’s empty cup.

She shook her head.

Neither spoke again until Ethan was occupied at the counter, then Jenna broke the silence.

‘I read about the trial. Seven years minimum term, wasn’t it?’

Chrissy nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

‘You must be relieved it’s over and at least when she gets out, there’ll be time for the two of you to get to know each other again.’

‘That won’t happen,’ Chrissy said sharply. ‘I have no desire to get to know my mother again.’

Jenna folded her thin lips inwards, contemplating Chrissy. Her blue eyes were full of pity and for a moment, Chrissy hated her for it.

‘Why were you in prison?’ she asked abruptly, changing the subject.

With a sigh, Jenna let her gaze roam around the café again before settling back on Chrissy.

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