I’ve decided to look into Doulah training when I get back. From what I saw of the course when Grace was looking at it, I think I could acquire the skills and caring for Mum has given me valuable experience. I want to make you proud of me and do it in honour of Mum and Dad. I’ve come to realise that I’ve been too complacent in life, and it’s time I grew up a bit and applied myself to something worthwhile. I’m going to show you I’m serious by getting rid of my dreadlocks as I know how much you hate them. To be honest I’m a bit tired of them anyway. I want sleek, shiny hair now and clothes that mean people take me seriously.
Anyway, I’m going to make the most of my travels before I settle down to studying. We’re going on a canoe trip later, then we’re having dinner under the stars. I’m gathering recipes to try out on you and Ellis when I get back. I might convert you to veganism yet!
Stay strong, stay well and give bump a pat from me.
Your loving sister,
Jenna xxx
Chapter 73
Bronzefield Prison
Woodthorpe Road
Ashford
Middlesex
TW15 3JZ
8th March 2020
Dearest Lucy,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. It’s taken a lot of thought to put it together as there is so much I want to say but I can’t find the right words.
Firstly, I’d like to thank you for organising such a beautiful service for our mother. You did her proud. I wish I’d had a chance to speak with you. I like to think it was because you were so busy that there wasn’t an opportunity rather than that you were avoiding me. I admit it was difficult when I was under guard and I suppose I was an embarrassment. I miss our mother every day and hope she didn’t suffer too much at the end. Were you with her in her final hour?
Secondly, I’d like to thank you for sorting out my share of the will. When I get out of here I’d like to buy a cottage. In fact, it would be wonderful if you could organise the purchase of one for me now as prices will no doubt soar in the next decade. It could be rented out until I’m able to return.
I know you must think badly of me for what I did, but I want you to understand that I was driven to it. Anyone who’d lived my life would probably have done the same. I’d be very grateful if you would send me some family photos – just Mum, Dad and you – so I can have them around me in my cell.
Please answer this letter. You’ve let me down by ignoring all my others but I’m sure you’ll reply soon. I’m going to keep writing until I hear from you.
I’ll be out of here in less than fifteen years – maybe even twelve with good behaviour – then I’m going to join you all. You and your children – my nieces and nephews. I’m part of your family now. Forever.
Until we see each other again.
Your adoring sister,
Grace x
Acknowledgments
For me, one of the greatest joys of becoming a writer has been the creation of new friendships. Fellow authors, professionals, publishers and readers all contribute to what has become a highly valued circle of people who encourage, assist, advise and reward me for my writing.
I would particularly like to thank Lesley Eames, my tutor, mentor, editor and now dear friend who makes the writing process such a fun and learning experience. There is always something new you can teach me.
I would also like to thank Graham Bartlett, a retired police commander, who has also become a friend. Without his sound advice on police procedures I would be way off the mark and the laughing stock of the crime-reading community.
I’d like to show my appreciation for fellow authors – Alison Morgan, Christine Stephenson, Valerie Keough, Jim Ody, and Dan Malakin for their friendship and support over the years.
And most of all, I’d like to give a standing ovation to Rebecca Collins and Adrian Hobart of Hobeck Books. You’re such delightful people to work with. You’re enthusiastic, dedicated and professional, but most of all you care about us authors and listen to our ideas. I feel honoured to be a part of the Hobeck family.
Kerena Swan
About the Author
Kerena Swan (known as Kerry to friends and family) has spent her working life supporting children and adults with disabilities. With a social work degree and 25 years’ experience working in Social Services, latterly in senior management, she left the safety net of her career to set up a care agency for children with disabilities. After receiving an ‘outstanding’ rating, nearly losing her eyesight and being diagnosed with cancer, she decided it was time for a fresh challenge and to tick ‘getting a book published’ off her ‘yet to achieve’ list. She signed up for a novel writing course and within a year had received an offer from a publisher for her first novel. Three books later Kerena was delighted to be offered the opportunity to write a series for Hobeck Books featuring the tenacious DI Paton and his engaging son, Tommy.
Also by Kerena Swan
Hobeck Books – the home of great stories
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this novel by the brilliant Kerena Swan. To find out more about Kerena and her work please visit her website: www.kerenaswan.com.
This novel is the first of full-length DI Paton Investigates, of which there are many more to come. Kerena has also written a prequel novella to this book Here She Lies which is free as an ebook to subscribers of Hobeck Books. To download your copy visit the Hobeck website.
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