A Murderer's Heart Read Online Free PDF Page B

anything, I’m always ready to listen.”
    She leant over and touched her friend’s hand.
    “Okay,” Jenny spoke, as if coming to a decision. “But it’s probably nothing.” She took a deep breath. “About a year ago, I saw a figure at the bottom of our garden. You remember; it was the twins’ birthday party. At first I thought it was a new neighbour or someone coming to see about the noise. I thought I’d welcome them – you know what it’s like when you’re a newcomer?”
    Anne nodded waiting for her to continue.
    “While I was on my way to see who it was, one of the children started crying. I was distracted, and when I looked back, whoever it was had gone.”
    Jenny stopped for a moment.
    “Well, it must have been a newcomer or someone looking for directions.” Anne ventured. “Was it a man or woman?”
    “But that’s just it – when I asked around later, I found there was no-one new to the area. I couldn’t tell if it was a man or woman. The figure was shielded by all those trees and bushes both in our garden and the field beyond.”
    “Well, it must have been someone who was lost and didn’t want to disturb your party,” Anne reassured.
    “Yes, I thought that at first. I just shrugged it off at the time. But it’s happened again – many times in fact. I have this awful feeling someone’s watching me. It sounds very dramatic I know, but I can’t shake off the feeling. I’ve wondered if it’s because David is away so much – perhaps I’m becoming nervous with my own company?”
    Jenny was becoming agitated while she spoke and her hands shook as she drank.
    She looked at Anne, trying to gauge her reaction, worried her friend would think she was going mad.
    “How many times has this happened?” Anne asked, curious and worried at the same time.
    “You do believe me, then? I’m not going mad? I’ve even written it down – all the strange things that have happened. It would be great for a story if it weren’t so real...and frightening.”
    She reached into her bag to pull out a book, sliding it over to Anne.
    “Of course I believe you. I have known you too long to think anything else. But perhaps it’s all just a coincidence? Have you told David?” Anne asked, whilst picking up the notebook and flicking through it.
    Jenny was silent, giving her friend time to look at the details in the book.
    Anne was shocked at its contents.
    Listed were several incidents, together with the dates and times. Things ranged from the first sighting at the bottom of the garden, and a car following her, to seeing a familiar figure in the supermarket, and many such occurrences.
    “Do you think I’m paranoid?” inquired Jenny, an anxious frown on her face.
    “This all seems very strange. What does David think?”
    “Well, I tried to tell him. But he was so tired after his recent trip that I couldn’t. He’s so busy; it’s very difficult for us to have the time together to talk. He’d probably think I just need a holiday. He’s been talking about taking a break for ages, so he could give the girls and me some quality time. I thought I’d wait until we could talk properly.”
    “Firstly, please stop looking so worried – I don’t think you’re paranoid. All these events seem very odd. I think you should tell the police.”
    “Oh no, I don’t think...”
    “Oh yes. Look, if this is some crank; they need to be stopped. I’ll go with you. But you must tell David. After Barbara has gone, we’ll go and see them or do you want to tell David first?” Anne’s insistence gave for no argument.
    “Okay, if you think I should. I’m quite relieved to have told someone. I’d like to speak to David first though. Perhaps we could go to my place then go to the police? Look, here’s Barbara now, don’t say anything about all this – it may be nothing...I feel such a fool already,” Jenny whispered.
    “That’s fine, we’ll see David first. I won’t say anything to Barbara, don’t worry.”
    She