The Grotto's Secret: A Historical Conspiracy Mystery Thriller Read Online Free PDF Page A

Zelda’s head popped back around the door. ‘Own up. Who did it?’
    ‘What?’ Jimmy started towards the door.
    Zelda whispered, ‘The pigs are here!’

12
    Kelby watched as Jimmy led the two policemen into her office. She indicated the soft seating in the corner. ‘Please take a seat.’
    Young Police Constable Pike resembled a string-bean, thin and gaunt like a marathon runner. PC Gardenia, turkey-necked and cagey, allowed his less-seasoned colleague to take charge and stood silently while PC Pike said, ‘Great show, it’s very popular. I believe you’re currently filming the next series.’ His eyes betrayed the tension inside him and Kelby wondered if he was being supervised by Turkey-neck.
    Sitting opposite them, Kelby explained how she had to maintain a social media presence, but some dimwit had started trolling her.
    PC Pike scribbled notes, flipping back and forth between pages to check what he’d written. Beside him, PC Gardenia stared over his shoulder in silence.
    She finished by handing PC Pike her phone. ‘You can see the messages in there.’
    The young officer took his time scrolling through the threats she had received earlier, nodding now and then.
    Biting back impatience, Kelby pushed her glasses on top of her head and blinked to focus on PC Pike. ‘What are you going to do about it?’
    ‘What do you expect us to do, Miss Wade?’ PC Gardenia appeared suddenly energised. ‘This sort of thing is to be expected when you’re in the spotlight.’
    Kelby bristled. ‘I’m sorry, but I don’t accept that. People don’t need to behave this way to anyone, even to someone in the spotlight. ’
    ‘Well, most people don’t bother the police with such everyday matters.’
    ‘Can’t you hunt him down and stop him before he gets it in his stupid head to act on any of those threats.’
    ‘They are only tweets at the moment —’
    PC Pike interrupted his colleague, ‘Twitter should sort this out for you by closing the offender’s account.’
    ‘But can’t you get someone to watch my house in case this idiot tries to break in?’
    The Turkey-neck’s excess skin flapped about his throat as he shook his head. ‘If he comes around, then call 999 and we’ll come straight round. But for now, we are very understaffed due to the budget cuts and very busy with real threats.’
    His monotone voice made it hard for Kelby to concentrate. There were too many things whistling through her head.
    Opposite her, PC Pike fidgeted uncomfortably and added, ‘Miss Wade, we can’t put surveillance on you just like that, but we —’
    PC Gardenia butted in, ‘Listen, many celebrities face this kind of thing, and they get private security firms to guard them.’
    The younger officer seemed bent on trying to help and said, ‘We’ll discuss it with our supervisory officer, but we have to manage your expectations.’
    She slumped back in her seat and narrowed her eyes. ‘You can’t
do anything ?’
    ‘As I said, we’ll speak to our super —’
    ‘Yes, yes, I know.’ Kelby jumped to her feet, ‘you have to manage my expectations.’ She marched to the door. ‘If that’s all, officers, I’ll take it from here.’
    As PC Pike reached the door, he turned to her, took her hand and wished her well.
    When they were gone Kelby spotted a cloud drifting past the window forming into a one-eyed gargoyle that scowled at her. Maybe Jimmy was right. Even if Twitter closed his account, he’d rise again with another account, a new obnoxious user name and the same abusive torch. How could she ever hope to win if she didn’t play their game?
    She spun around and marched to the door linking her and Jimmy’s office. ‘Jimmy, please get Jon Thompson on the line.’
    ‘Sure, anything I need to prep before you speak to him?’
    ‘No thanks. The cops won’t help. As executive producer, Jon should handle this.’ She sighed. He wasn’t the show’s only producer, but he was certainly the most difficult.
    ‘Will do.’