Sign of Evil Read online

  Sign of Evil

  DI Sara Ramsey 11

  M A Comley

  Jeamel Publishing Limited

  New York Times and USA Today bestselling author M A Comley

  Published by Jeamel Publishing limited

  Copyright © 2021 M A Comley

  Digital Edition, License Notes

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Acknowledgments

  Also by M A Comley

  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

  Epilogue

  Keep in touch with M A Comley

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you as always to my rock, Jean, I’d be lost without you in my life.

  Special thanks as always go to @studioenp for their superb cover design expertise.

  My heartfelt thanks go to my wonderful editor Abby, my proofreaders Joseph, Barbara and Jacqueline for spotting all the lingering nits.

  Thank you also to my amazing ARC group who help to keep me sane during this process.

  To Mary, gone, but never forgotten. I hope you found the peace you were searching for my dear friend.

  Also by M A Comley

  Blind Justice (Novella)

  Cruel Justice (Book #1)

  Mortal Justice (Novella)

  Impeding Justice (Book #2)

  Final Justice (Book #3)

  Foul Justice (Book #4)

  Guaranteed Justice (Book #5)

  Ultimate Justice (Book #6)

  Virtual Justice (Book #7)

  Hostile Justice (Book #8)

  Tortured Justice (Book #9)

  Rough Justice (Book #10)

  Dubious Justice (Book #11)

  Calculated Justice (Book #12)

  Twisted Justice (Book #13)

  Justice at Christmas (Short Story)

  Justice at Christmas 2 (novella)

  Justice at Christmas 3 (novella)

  Prime Justice (Book #14)

  Heroic Justice (Book #15)

  Shameful Justice (Book #16)

  Immoral Justice (Book #17)

  Toxic Justice (Book #18)

  Overdue Justice (Book #19)

  Unfair Justice (a 10,000 word short story)

  Irrational Justice (a 10,000 word short story)

  Seeking Justice (a 15,000 word novella)

  Caring For Justice (a 24,000 word novella)

  Savage Justice (a 17,000 word novella Featuring THE UNICORN)

  Gone In Seconds (Justice Again series #1)

  Ultimate Dilemma (Justice Again series #2)

  Shot of Silence (Justice Again #3)

  Taste of Fury (Justice Again #4) Coming March 2021

  Clever Deception (co-written by Linda S Prather)

  Tragic Deception (co-written by Linda S Prather)

  Sinful Deception (co-written by Linda S Prather)

  Forever Watching You (DI Miranda Carr thriller)

  Wrong Place (DI Sally Parker thriller #1)

  No Hiding Place (DI Sally Parker thriller #2)

  Cold Case (DI Sally Parker thriller#3)

  Deadly Encounter (DI Sally Parker thriller #4)

  Lost Innocence (DI Sally Parker thriller #5)

  Goodbye, My Precious Child (DI Sally Parker #6)

  Web of Deceit (DI Sally Parker Novella with Tara Lyons)

  The Missing Children (DI Kayli Bright #1)

  Killer On The Run (DI Kayli Bright #2)

  Hidden Agenda (DI Kayli Bright #3)

  Murderous Betrayal (Kayli Bright #4)

  Dying Breath (Kayli Bright #5)

  Taken (Kayli Bright #6 coming March 2020)

  The Hostage Takers (DI Kayli Bright Novella)

  No Right to Kill (DI Sara Ramsey #1)

  Killer Blow (DI Sara Ramsey #2)

  The Dead Can’t Speak (DI Sara Ramsey #3)

  Deluded (DI Sara Ramsey #4)

  The Murder Pact (DI Sara Ramsey #5)

  Twisted Revenge (DI Sara Ramsey #6)

  The Lies She Told (DI Sara Ramsey #7)

  For The Love Of… (DI Sara Ramsey #8)

  Run For Your Life (DI Sara Ramsey #9)

  Cold Mercy (DI Sara Ramsey #10)

  Sign of Evil (DI Sara Ramsey #11)

  I Know The Truth (A psychological thriller)

  The Caller (co-written with Tara Lyons)

  Evil In Disguise – a novel based on True events

  Deadly Act (Hero series novella)

  Torn Apart (Hero series #1)

  End Result (Hero series #2)

  In Plain Sight (Hero Series #3)

  Double Jeopardy (Hero Series #4)

  Criminal Actions (Hero Series #5)

  Regrets Mean Nothing (Hero #6)

  Sole Intention (Intention series #1)

  Grave Intention (Intention series #2)

  Devious Intention (Intention #3)

  Merry Widow (A Lorne Simpkins short story)

  It’s A Dog’s Life (A Lorne Simpkins short story)

  Cozy Mystery Series

  Murder at the Wedding

  Murder at the Hotel

  Murder by the Sea

  A Time To Heal (A Sweet Romance)

  A Time For Change (A Sweet Romance)

  High Spirits

  The Temptation series (Romantic Suspense/New Adult Novellas)

  Past Temptation

  Lost Temptation

  Tempting Christa (A billionaire romantic suspense co-authored by Tracie Delaney #1)

  Avenging Christa (A billionaire romantic suspense co-authored by Tracie Delaney #2)

  Prologue

  Amber put the finishing touches to her makeup and admired the image she’d spent the last twenty minutes creating.

  Is it over the top for the interview?

  She admitted to being heavy-handed with the blusher, but one glance at her watch told her she really didn’t have the time to fix it now.

  She hitched on the snug jacket which matched her grey skirt and pulled up her tights after spotting a wrinkle in her left ankle. I knew I should have bought the smaller size. Too late to worry about it now.

  Downstairs, she slipped into her high heels, and again, studied herself in the full-length mirror in the hallway. Then, she peered out of the window to see what the weather was like. It was January, the chances of it being warm were non-existent, but she knew wearing a coat would spoil the effect she was going for. Decisions, decisions, but then, I’ll be on a bus until the pick-up point, I should be okay, I hope!

  Nope, she was determined nothing was going to spoil her day. She needed this job, it would mean an end to all her debts within a few months. At nineteen, she pondered how she’d managed to get into so much debt in the first place. Ten grand, and for the life of her, she couldn’t remember what she’d spent that money on. Except for a stylish collection of clothes and dozens of shoes filling her wardrobe.

  Her friends were envious of her for her
exquisite taste in fashion, but if only they knew the extent of her debt, she’d plummet in their estimation.

  After another glance at her watch, she took deep breaths to calm the bout of nerves jarring her insides. “Here I go. Go get ‘em, girl. I’ve got this. I’ll have the interviewer eating out of my hands in no time at all,” she chanted until her confidence trounced her anxiety.

  Picking up her leather shoulder bag and the matching briefcase she’d recently splashed out on, she left the house with her shoulders back and walked to the end of the road to catch the bus into town. Her next stop would be to seek out a designated area near the precinct where a car would be waiting for her. The man she’d spoken to on the phone had told her the driver couldn’t personally pick her up from the house because he was new to the area. She accepted the excuse, even felt guilty about it, Lord knows why.

  She kicked herself for not having the courage to take driving lessons yet. All her friends drove, everyone except her. Maybe if she got the job, it would be a sign that she was growing in confidence—she hoped so.

  As soon as she started working at Boots, her parents had informed her that she was on her own financially. As long as she put money in the housekeeping pot at the end of the month, she was welcome to live at home, but Amber was eager to break free. If she hadn’t been as foolish with her money, maybe, just maybe, she would have been set up in her own flat by now. Still, she had her whole life ahead of her. She was aiming high with the job she’d set her heart on. The pay was fantastic and the temptation to travel to exotic countries with the owner of the business as his personal assistant proved to be too good an opportunity to turn down.

  The bus showed up a few minutes after she arrived at the stop. She stamped her feet as she waited. The blast of cold air whipping around the corner made her shiver and cuss for not throwing her heavy coat on. Damn idiot. Fashion over practicality will be the death of me one of these days. She heaved out a relieved sigh when the bus came into view.

  She smiled at the driver, handed him the correct change then tore through the bus to sit at the back. She rang her friend a few minutes later. “Hi, Sasha, I’m sitting on the bus. I’m so nervous, but also excited.”

  “Aww… you’ll be great. You promised me you wouldn’t get yourself worked up.”

  “I’m trying. What if I screw it up? Mess up all that stuff I have worked out in my head. What if it remains in there and refuses to come out?”

  Her friend sniggered. “Don’t be such an idiot. How many more times do I have to tell you to have confidence in yourself and your ability? If you have doubts, don’t go.”

  Amber exhaled the breath she’d been holding in. “I can’t not go. It’s just a superb opportunity to do something good with my life. I’m young, but my philosophy is the younger you get on the right path, the more you’re going to get out of life, right?”

  “Of course. We’ve been over this a dozen times already. Stop stressing. Have you rehearsed what we said?”

  “God, only like a trillion times. Here’s hoping it comes out as intended. Shit! I must be insane going to this interview in the first place.”

  “Stop with the self-doubt, you hear me? You want me to come down there and give you a good slap? Because I will.”

  “Yeah, don’t I know it? Okay, I’m gonna have to fly, my stop is coming up. Thanks again for all your support, Sasha, you’re the bestest friend a girl could ever wish to have.”

  “Get outta here, you’d do the same for me. Good luck. Remember, stay calm and positive. They’d be absolute idiots not to offer you the job. Take care, stay safe.”

  I can always rely on Sasha to say the right thing, to throw cold water on my anxieties. “I love your confidence, wish I had an ounce of that instead of the fear that’s running through my veins at the moment. Love you.”

  “Yep, love you, too. Ring me the moment you leave. I’ll return your call as soon as the boss allows me to, okay?”

  “That’s a deal. Bye.”

  Amber ended the call and rang the bell, letting the driver know that she wanted to get off at the next stop. She waited until the bus came to a juddering halt rather than wobbling on her heels and looking like a fool. She headed through the swarm of shoppers in the precinct towards the prearranged pick-up point.

  Her eyes almost dropped out of her head when she spotted the black limo standing there. She glanced around her. No, this couldn’t be right. I must be dreaming. This can’t be for me! She approached the car and the front door sprung open. A young man wearing a black suit and a chauffeur’s cap jumped out of the car and half-bowed.

  “Miss Rowse, I presume?”

  “Umm, yes, that’s right. Are you here to meet me?” It was a foolish question, given the fact he’d mentioned her by name. Her head was swimming.

  He smiled and opened the rear door. “I’m Mick. Please, make yourself comfortable.”

  She climbed in the back, the soft leather beneath her resembling total luxury. He closed the door behind her and slipped into the driver’s seat. “Help yourself to a drink.”

  Amber frowned and gasped as a flap dropped down in front of her to reveal an array of alcoholic and soft drinks. “That’s very kind, I think I’m okay.”

  The door of the drinks cabinet rose again.

  “Very well, Miss. Just relax and enjoy the ride.”

  She did just that.

  The journey was the most comfortable ride she’d ever made, not surprising given her plush surroundings. Sadly, the trip was far too short. The driver pulled into an airfield and opened the door for her. She wriggled across the back seat and exited the car. “I don’t understand, where am I?”

  The chauffeur smiled and gestured towards the small plane adjacent to them, sitting on the tarmac. “Mr Barrows is awaiting your presence on board the plane. Enjoy your day.”

  “What? He said nothing about holding the interview on a plane. But…”

  “I’m sure he’ll explain all, once you’re inside.”

  He got back in the car, leaving her with a dilemma. What the heck! How can you hold an interview on a plane? What if he goes out of the country? I don’t have my passport with me. Damn, did he mention in his emails that the interview would be held on a plane? I don’t think so.

  Her stomach tied itself into knots. She hesitated for a moment longer until a young, handsome, slightly tanned and well-dressed man appeared at the top of the steps that led up into the plane. He gestured for her to join him. “Miss Rowse. It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you. You’re even more beautiful than in your photo.”

  His compliment distracted her long enough to ascend the steps. He shook her hand, and a jolt of excitement danced the length of her arm. “I… er… okay.” Then, her stomach flipped again. She’d never flown before, not that she could remember. Her parents had taken her on holiday when she’d been two, but she had trouble recalling the experience.

  If she was nervous about the interview before, it was nothing compared to what she was feeling now. Her legs trembled. Amber gripped the rail to help hold herself upright. Shaking legs and high heels were never a great combination.

  He touched her elbow and guided her through the small cabin to a table with executive office chairs on either side.

  “Come, take a seat. Can I get you a drink?”

  “Would it be an imposition to ask for a coffee?” she asked meekly, minding her manners.

  “Not at all. I have some brewing in the back. Milk or cream, and do you take sugar? I’m guessing not, not with a stunning figure like that to maintain.”

  Her cheeks warmed under his gaze. “One sugar and milk, please,” she replied, doing her best to push his unexpected compliment aside.

  No one had ever paid her this much attention, not even her regular boyfriend; she could get used to this. What am I saying? This is purely business. But he’s so handsome, it could lead to something else. Hush now, don’t even go there.

  He returned, carrying two cups and saucers, and placed one in
front of her. “Now, tell me all about yourself.”

  Personally or professionally?

  “At present, I work in the make-up section at Boots.”

  “Yes, yes, I read as much on your application form.” He took a sip from his cup, his piercing blue eyes never straying from her face. “If we’re going to be working closely together, Amber, is it all right if I call you Amber?”

  She nodded and took a sip of coffee.

  “Okay, as I was saying, if we’re going to be working closely together at all hours of the day, I need to know what drives you. What are your ambitions?”

  “Oh my, I’ve never really thought what my aspirations entail, not long term. Short term, my aim is to better myself, you know, financially.”

  “Did you leave college with a mountain of debt?”

  Her gaze dropped to her cup. “Not really. It’s only since I started working, I fell into the trap. I’ve developed ‘expensive tastes’ my mum would say.”

  “Ah, that old chestnut, lavish existence on a poor man’s pittance of a salary, right?”

  She nodded. “Hence me trying my best to change my situation. I know I’m punching above my weight, applying for a job where I have very little experience, but I’m sure, if you give me a chance, I’ll show you what my skills are worth before very long.” She cringed at the way the words had tumbled out.

  Judging by his amused expression, he’d possibly thought she’d thrown in a double entendre on purpose. His index finger tapped his thigh in a slow, deliberate beat. “I have no doubt about that. The moment I laid eyes on you, I could tell you’re a woman with a vast amount of ambition. My question is, what are you willing to do to obtain such desires?”