The Descent (Detective Louise Blackwell) Read online

  ALSO BY MATT BROLLY

  Detective Louise Blackwell series:

  The Crossing

  Lynch and Rose series:

  The Controller

  DCI Lambert series:

  Dead Eyed

  Dead Lucky

  Dead Embers

  Dead Time

  Dead Water

  Zero

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Text copyright © 2020 by Matt Brolly

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  Published by Thomas & Mercer, Seattle

  www.apub.com

  Amazon, the Amazon logo, and Thomas & Mercer are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

  ISBN-13: 9781542017008

  ISBN-10: 1542017009

  Cover design by Tom Sanderson

  For Claire Louise Webber

  CONTENTS

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Chapter Fifty

  Chapter Fifty-One

  Chapter Fifty-Two

  Chapter Fifty-Three

  Chapter Fifty-Four

  Chapter Fifty-Five

  Chapter Fifty-Six

  Chapter Fifty-Seven

  Chapter Fifty-Eight

  Chapter Fifty-Nine

  Chapter Sixty

  Chapter Sixty-One

  Chapter Sixty-Two

  Chapter Sixty-Three

  Chapter Sixty-Four

  Epilogue

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Prologue

  The elevation of Saint Nicholas’ Church in Uphill gave the group an unparalleled view of Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding coastline. In the distance stood the promontory of Brean Down, and closer still the outline of Uphill Church and the mouth of the River Axe. Directly below, beneath the sheer drop of the cliff top, was the marina centre or, as some locals called it, the dead boat yard.

  Amy Carlisle pulled the light fabric of her coat tightly around her. The day’s residual heat had dissipated in the last hour and their small bonfire was doing little to warm her. She’d received the message at midnight after spending several nights in her bedsit waiting for news from Jay.

  From her spot on the dry grass of the churchyard, Amy glanced at Jay, trying not to make it look obvious. He was older than everyone else in the group and certainly more relaxed. There was an easiness to his long-limbed body; a sense of grace that belonged to a dancer. He sat on the other side of the fire, his arms wrapped around Claire. This in itself didn’t mean Claire would be chosen tonight, but if last month’s events were anything to go by then she would be the one. The thought brought with it a mixture of jealousy and relief. Amy’s time would come, but sitting here overlooking the town with its glittering lights, the sea for once at full tide, she began to doubt herself. Such hesitation lasted only seconds. She only had to think back to the bedsit – somehow always cold despite the intense heat of the last few days – and her reasons for being here, for her resolve to return.

  As Amy gazed towards Jay, she caught a look from Megan. Megan was the newest member of the group, and in the glow of the fire she looked impossibly young. Amy offered her a smile and Megan came and sat down next to her. ‘I’m glad you’re here,’ said Megan.

  Jay had found Megan six weeks ago. At the last meeting he’d asked Amy to look after her – as he did with all the new women – and since then they’d made regular contact in the private online group. Megan was in her late twenties and had been sleeping rough in Bristol. She’d told Amy that Jay had found her a place but as they weren’t allowed to meet outside of the group gatherings, she hadn’t told her where. ‘I’m glad you’re here too,’ said Amy, as Megan moved in close, her skin ripe with sweat and body spray.

  ‘I hope he chooses me,’ said Megan.

  ‘You may have to be patient.’

  Megan laid her head on Amy’s shoulder. In her past life, Amy would have resented the personal intrusion but she welcomed it now, the feel of Megan’s body as light as air as Jay stood and began circulating among the group, offering its members cups of the tea he’d been boiling over the campfire.

  The tea was called Ayahuasca. Jay had first given her the tea that first night in Kewstoke, where she’d been sleeping on the beach. She’d been reckless then, figuring she had nothing to lose. The dose had been small but with Jay’s guidance she’d experienced something she hadn’t believed possible. When she’d come round she thought she’d been away for hours, but only minutes had passed.

  ‘Do you see?’ Jay had said, and at that moment everything had become that little bit clearer.

  Jay hunkered between Amy and Megan. ‘I’m glad to see you are both getting on so well,’ he said, smiling as he handed them the tea.

  Amy had so much she wanted to say but remained silent as she took the drink, her only response her embarrassed smile.

  Under Jay’s instruction, they all drank the cooling tea. Ayahuasca contained the mind-altering drug DMT and although the dose Jay gave them was small, it wasn’t long before Amy felt its effect. Warmth spread through her as her body began to vibrate. She closed her eyes, present but far away, as her mind whirled with images of shapes and geometries. It wasn’t the same as taking the full dose of DMT. It was a glimpse, and when she came to minutes later she wanted to experience more. She saw the same desire in the other members of the group, Megan gazing up at her, her hazel eyes open wide in wonder as she returned.

  A hush grew over the group as Jay stood. Amy loved and hated these moments, as one by one the group explained their reasons for being there. It was painful hearing everyone’s stories but the tea made it easier. When it came to her turn, she told her story without embarrassme
nt, grateful that Megan was sitting next to her.

  ‘Aiden was a beautiful baby. You know sometimes they’re ugly? That sounds horrible I know,’ said Amy, to a murmur of laughter from the group. ‘But it’s true. Some babies just aren’t very good-looking. They’re wrinkly and scrunched up as if they haven’t formed properly. But Aiden wasn’t like that. He was complete from that moment I first held him. He had a shock of red hair, this perfect little tuft. And when I held him, he looked straight at me and I could tell at that very second he knew who I was. I can’t really explain it, though I do have a better idea now thanks to Jay, but it was as if at that moment he could see me completely. Does that make sense?’

  The group responded, positive and encouraging, and Amy felt Megan’s hand stretch towards her.

  ‘Well, that was what it felt like to me. He could see me completely and I welcomed that analysis. It bonded us in a way that could never be taken away. And although I knew he would never remember that moment, it would always be part of him and that gave me some comfort.

  ‘They took him later that day. That was part of the deal. I was too young. I had no money, no family, no home to offer him. They were a lovely couple and I don’t blame them for what happened. They couldn’t have children of their own and had so much love to offer. I didn’t tell them I’d called him Aiden and they didn’t ask.

  ‘Did I cry when they took him away? Of course I did. But I knew we had that connection. He’d seen me and I’d seen him. I was part of him now and no one would ever be able to take that away from me.’

  Jay put his arm around her and she eased into him. He knew what was coming and she was grateful for the comfort. The first time she’d spoken in front of the group, he’d told her that she didn’t need to continue, but she’d battled through and would do the same now.

  ‘I never saw him again. I knew where he lived but it would have destroyed me to see him. And it wouldn’t have been fair on him or his new parents.’ Amy paused, her mouth dry. Taking a deep breath, she continued.

  ‘I only found out about it by chance. Can you believe that?’ she said, tears stinging her cold skin. ‘I read about it in The Mercury, in the memorial section. If I hadn’t decided to go to the library that day, I may never have found out. I may have thought he was still alive even now.’

  Megan trembled next to her as she continued. ‘It’s okay, Megan,’ said Amy. ‘Little Aiden passed away just before his fourth birthday. He had a heart defect I never knew about. His parents did their very best for him. I know that.’

  Amy grabbed Megan’s hand as Jay held her tighter. ‘Of course I was completely destroyed. It didn’t matter that I hadn’t seen him since the day he was born. He was my little boy and always would be.

  ‘I made the mistake of trying to speak to his parents. The mother in particular wouldn’t understand. She was consumed by grief, I understand that now, but when she told me that Finley – the name they’d given little Aiden – wasn’t my son, it was like she’d stabbed me in the heart.

  ‘In truth I wasn’t in a great place when I found out. I was already drinking and using. My life was shit and stayed that way until I met Jay.’

  Another murmur of approval went around the group, Jay holding her even tighter. ‘I’d thought of taking my life before but had lacked the courage. Part of me thought it would be a betrayal to Aiden’s life but that was cowardice speaking.’

  Amy paused again and glanced at Megan who, despite having heard the story before, was consumed by tears. ‘I’ll admit too that I was very dubious when Jay tried to introduce me to DMT. I’d tried practically everything by that point and I didn’t believe his claims. How wrong I was,’ she said, to a chorus of laughter.

  ‘I’d like to thank Jay for showing me that something waits for us, that Aiden isn’t lost. I have experienced him on my journeys there and I can’t wait to be with him again. You see, he branded my soul that very first second he looked at me and I know, I just know, he is there waiting.’

  Jay held her for a few more seconds, as the group processed what they’d been told, before moving to Claire.

  Claire smiled. ‘I’m ready,’ she said, as Jay placed his arms around her.

  Amy had chatted to the other woman on numerous occasions. She was in her thirties, had been in and out of hostels for the last ten years. Her lank black hair swayed behind her and when she smiled at Jay she revealed a number of missing teeth.

  ‘This is your choice,’ said Jay, his voice soothing, the sound flowing over the distant rattle of the sea.

  ‘I’m ready,’ said Claire, and Amy could see in her eyes and toothless grin that she was telling the truth.

  Chapter One

  DI Louise Blackwell parked up and ran to the school, her progress momentarily blocked by the thick metallic gate. Emily was waiting for her in the school office, her face peering out from the window like a prisoner. A lone teacher frowned as she buzzed Louise into the school building.

  ‘Louise Blackwell, Emily’s aunt. I’m sorry it’s taken so long for me to get here, I’ve driven from Weston.’ Louise looked over at Emily, who sat cross-legged, arms folded, on one of the chairs. Her niece didn’t smile back. Her face turned down and sullen, she appeared to be on the verge of tears.

  ‘I’m sure you’ll be hearing more from the school tomorrow,’ said the teacher, holding the door open for her. ‘Goodbye, Emily, see you tomorrow,’ she added, as Emily slouched through the door.

  ‘Hi, darling,’ said Louise. ‘I’m sorry I took so long getting here. Shall we go for something to eat?’

  Emily looked at her shoes, swaying on the spot. ‘Where’s Daddy?’

  Louise crouched down so she was at eye level. She’d received the call at the station. Her brother, Paul, hadn’t picked his daughter up from school forty minutes ago. She’d called her parents, who lived close by, but the call had gone straight to answerphone so she’d been forced to make the journey up the M5 from Weston. Emily was a tough cookie but her eyes were red, a lone tear escaping down the left side of her face. Louise considered lying but Emily deserved more. ‘I’m sure he’s fine, but he couldn’t make it in time.’

  ‘Is he drunk again?’

  Louise grabbed the girl close to her, devastated by the question that aged her niece beyond her five years. ‘I’m sure he’s okay, darling.’ The girl’s body trembled in her arms, and not for the first time Louise wished she’d been able to protect her better from this, from everything that had happened to her in her short life.

  This wasn’t the first time Paul had done this. Emily’s mother, Dianne, had died three years ago after a short struggle with cancer. The swiftness of events had surprised everyone and naturally Paul had been hit hardest. The drinking only started to get out of hand in the last year and Louise had thought he’d got a hold over it in the last six months, but the trouble had started again three weeks ago, on the anniversary of Dianne’s death.

  Louise blamed herself for letting it reach this stage, but that didn’t absolve her brother of responsibility. She wanted to find him, to tell him exactly what she thought of his actions, but couldn’t do so with Emily in tow.

  In the car she phoned her parents again.

  ‘Hi, Lou,’ said her mother. ‘I’m sorry, Dad and I have been out and have only just received the messages.’

  Louise bit her tongue, wanting to ask why their mobiles hadn’t been switched on. ‘I’ve got Emily,’ she said. ‘We’re going for something to eat.’

  ‘Hi, Emily.’

  ‘Hi, Grandma.’

  Louise pulled over so she could take her mother off speakerphone. She stepped outside, gently shutting the car door. ‘You need to go and see Paul.’

  ‘Dad’s already on his way.’

  ‘This can’t go on, Mum,’ said Louise under her breath, fighting back her own tears.

  ‘I know, darling, I know. Bring Emily over to us after you’ve eaten. I have some of her school clothes here so she can stay with us for the time being.’


  They were always finding temporary solutions for Paul’s problem. He refused all offers of help, was in complete denial of his situation. He’d been a devoted husband and his time with Dianne had been the happiest Louise had ever seen him. He’d doted on Emily when she was born, and although his love for her hadn’t disappeared following his wife’s death, it was as if his daughter’s presence was a constant reminder of the woman he’d lost. Louise was convinced he would never purposely harm Emily, but he didn’t understand the damage he was already causing her.

  Louise took her niece to Pizza Express. She didn’t push the girl, gave her space as they sat in silence. Her father sent her a text to tell her he’d found Paul back at his flat. He’d been out cold, but was responding now. Louise told Emily her dad was okay, omitting the details, and the girl smiled briefly, a tendril of hot cheese spilling from her mouth. What could Louise say to her? Despite her earlier question about whether Paul was drunk, she was too young to be told her father needed help, that he only behaved this way because of what had happened to her mother. She’d already endured too much. Again, Louise was overcome with the desire to grab the girl and take her away from all this.

  Louise declined dessert as Emily ate an ice-cream sundae. ‘You’re going to stay at Grandma’s tonight. Is that okay?’

  Emily nodded. ‘Daddy’s sick, isn’t he?’ she said.

  Louise didn’t know if the girl was making a general statement on her father’s hangover, or his mental state in general, but wasn’t going to ask for elaboration. ‘He’ll be okay, but best if you stay there for the time being. It’s fun at Grandma’s, isn’t it?’

  ‘Are you going to stay, too?’ asked Emily, looking hopeful, and genuinely happy for the first time since Louise had picked her up from school.

  Back at her parents’, Emily ran into the opening arms of her grandmother. Louise’s mother glanced at Louise as she held tight on to Emily. Her eyes were heavy as if she hadn’t been sleeping. ‘Dad’s inside,’ she said.

  Louise’s father was pacing the living room. A stocky, powerful man now in his late sixties, Danny Blackwell was the sweetest man she’d ever met. She’d idolised him as a child, possibly to the detriment of all her future relationships. She’d yet to meet a man who could live up to his standards, even though she knew the comparison was not really a fair one; knew it was possibly a way of protecting herself, preventing her from fully having to commit to someone else.