Stuart James
Apartment 6
This book is dedicated to my wife, Tara, who I love more than life. Thanks for being there for me every step of the way, in all aspects of my life. You’re my hero.
Also my children, Oli and Ava, who I couldn’t be more proud of. You are both incredible people who I adore so very much.
My mother and father, Jimmy and Kathleen. Love you guys.
1
Twenty years ago
‘999, what’s your emergency? Hello, 999, what’s your–?’
‘Hello.’
‘Hello. What’s your emergency?’
‘It’s my mummy.’
‘You sound very young, sweetheart, how old are you?’
‘I’m five, but I’m nearly six.’
‘Who’s with you? Are you still on the line? Hello?’
‘My daddy.’
‘Okay. Can you put your daddy on the phone?’
‘He won’t come. He’s in his bedroom. It’s upstairs, and it’s dark, and it’s scary. He isn’t here much, but when he is, he stays in his room on the phone talking.’
‘Okay. I’m going to stay on the phone with you. Can you get him for me? Will you do that? You don’t need to be frightened, okay?’
‘I can’t. I already told you he’s in his room, and I can’t get past Mummy.’
‘What do you mean, you can’t get past Mummy, my love?’
‘She’s lying at the bottom of the stairs, and she’s not moving.’
‘Listen to me; what’s your name?’
‘My name is Meagan. But Mummy calls me Meggy for short.’
‘Okay. My name is Michelle; you can call me Shelly. Meagan, I need you to be brave, the bravest you’ve ever been. Can you do that for me, Meagan? Can you be really brave?’
‘I think so. What shall I do?’
‘I’m going to stay on the line; I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to get some people over who are going to help you. Is that okay?’
‘My daddy did it, you know.’
‘Your daddy did what, Meagan? What did your daddy do exactly?’
‘They were shouting, Mummy and Daddy. Mummy was upset, she pushed my daddy and he was really, really angry, the most I’ve seen him shouting. I had to block my ears; then Daddy pushed something into Mummy. She’s on the ground, and she’s not moving, and I’m scared.’
‘Meagan. Listen to me; help is on its way. You need to leave the house, do you understand? Leave the house now; I’m here. I’m on the line, okay? Move towards the front door quickly and get out of the house. Meagan. Are you there?’
‘Yes. I told a lie. Daddy shouted louder one time when I scribbled on the table with my new crayon set. But this time was really loud too.’
‘What are you doing, Meagan? Are you doing what I said?’
‘I’m walking to the front door. Mummy’s still not moving. When will she wake up? Do you think she’ll still cook me pancakes for breakfast? She promised me, and Mummy never breaks promises.’
‘Meagan, keep calm, don’t look at Mummy and go out of the front door. Whose phone are you ringing from?’
‘Mummy had her phone in her hand; I got it from her while she was sleeping. I know the password, three five five three. She doesn’t like me playing on her phone, she says it eats the battery, but I only play games mostly. Oh, it’s locked. I think Daddy locked the door.’
‘Okay. Listen. Can you see a catch? Turn the lock and pull the handle as hard as you can.’
‘I am, but it won’t pull. I’ll go to Daddy. He’s strong.’
‘No. Do not go up the stairs, do you hear me? I need you to stay down. Can you do that for me, Meagan?’
‘Mummy’s still sleeping. Oh, I think Daddy is out of his room now.’
‘Meagan, you need to listen. What’s your favourite hiding place? Somewhere you are never found? Think hard.’
‘Well, let me see. Once I hid for a long time in a cupboard where the noisy monster is. Mummy says it eats clothes.’
‘Okay. Move to the cupboard as quickly as you can. I need you to go fast, Meagan. I’m on the phone; nothing’s going to happen to you. You believe me, right?’
‘I’m going now; Daddy’s coming. I can hear him at the top of the stairs.’
‘Move fast, Meagan; you need to hide. Go quickly. If he calls you, don’t answer, do you understand? It will be our little game.’
‘Okay. I’m here now. The monster is quiet. Sometimes when it’s eating the clothes, it hurts my ears.’
‘Okay. We don’t like monsters, but it won’t hurt you. Are you inside the cupboard?’
‘I’m inside. I’ve shut the door. It’s dark in here. I don’t like it. I want to come out. Daddy’s calling me. He sounds angry.’
‘Meagan, nothing’s going to happen. You understand that? As long as you keep as quiet as you can and don’t answer Daddy.’
‘He’s running around. I can hear him breathing.’
‘Okay. I’m here, and you’re safe, but do not answer Daddy, you got that?’
‘He’s saying bad words. He calls Mummy that word all the time. Bitch. Mummy says that word isn’t nice. What’s a bitch?’
‘Your mummy is not that word. Your mummy is brave, Meagan, and so are you.’
‘I think he’s in the room; he’s standing with the monster that eats the clothes. Now he’s pounding it with his fist. I don’t think he likes the monster.’
‘Meagan, don’t speak for a minute. Please, you have to keep quiet.’
‘He’s moving; I think he’ll find me. What should I do?’
‘Stay very still, keep crouched on the floor and keep as quiet as you can. Remember the game, my love.’
‘He’s standing at the cupboard door. Now he’s looking around.’
‘Stay still Meagan; you can do this.’
‘He’s gone now. I think someone’s at the front door. I can hear people’s voices. Someone rang our bell. Daddy’s running; I can hear his footsteps. It sounds like they’re trying to break our front door.’
‘Oh, thank God. You did amazing Meagan; you’re the bravest little soldier I’ve ever met. I’m so proud of you, okay.’
‘Okay. Can I come out now?’
‘In a minute. Wait until the officers come and get you. I’ll let them know you’re in the best hiding place ever.’
‘But what if they can’t find me?’
‘They will; they’re going to help you, Meagan.’
2
Present day
The alarm clock sounded. Meagan jumped, slapping her hand on the snooze bar. 8.30am. She held her breath in anticipation, waiting to see if her husband stirred. She froze, taking the room in. Everything was correctly placed. She lay still, fighting the knot in her stomach. The anxiety had already started. She waited, staring over at her husband. Once she was sure he was asleep, Meagan eased the blanket back slowly, twisted her body and stepped onto the wooden floor.
She knew where the floorboards creaked: over by the wardrobe, the second slat out from the bedroom wall. The upstairs hallway just outside the bathroom: that was a large area and a definite no-go. The third step from the top of the stairs.
She had left her fresh clothes on the stool in front of her dresser. It was unthinkable to open the wardrobe door at this time of the morning. The bedroom door was open; just as well she’d remembered to leave it that way last night.
Meagan grabbed her clothes, held them to her chest and left the room.