The Quarry
A Story Every Day in 2024 Nov 12th 317/366
"What quarry?" Bethan was confused.
Dave explained. "The old stone quarry at Axton Hill."
Bethan shook her head. She didn't know what he was talking about.
"How don't you know it? I'm surprised. I mean, it's not been used for over a hundred years but it was a place I thought most people knew about. It's not far from here actually."
Bethan looked deflated. A deserted quarry. Close to where they'd lived. And she'd known nothing about it? But these woods were new to her too. She felt blindsided by this.
"We always used to hang out there as kids," Dave continued. "Great place. Craggy, out of the way. No adults to watch over you."
Bethan looked at her ex, trying to shake off this feeling of being kept in the dark about something important. A place where Laney may have gone. A place to be searched...if only she'd known...
And then, a thought struck her like she'd been hit in the head with an iron bar. Dave knew about it. Dave had found Laney's camera there. Oh my God. Had Dave killed Laney? Because if not, why didn't he mention this to the police?
Suddenly, with her heart galloping, she feared for herself. Was she in danger? What would make a father kill his own daughter? What motive would he have had?
She thought of where she was. Alone, in a field with a man who may be a killer. Could she run? Maybe. But if he was intent on killing her, she wouldn't stand a chance and those woods were big.
This meeting was a mistake.
She willed herself to stay calm. Think. Think!
This was all about the truth. She didn't want to die not knowing.
She stammered: "Did you kill her? Did you kill our daughter?" Her voice rose with her last words.
Dave replied instantly and vehemently.
"No, Bethan. NO! How could you think...?"
He shook his head in disbelief but Bethan wasn't convinced and now, she was on her own in a field with a possible killer.
*
But there was someone about. A silent observer watched, from the cover of the woods, steadfastly following and remaining unseen.
***
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Denial
Dave's immediate response: to deny. "I don't know what you're talking about." Dave continued to walk ahead. "Stop." Bethan was behind him and he was tempted to continue but he did as he was asked. He composed his face as she came level with him. She stood directly in front of him and scrutinised him.
By Rachel Deemingabout a year ago in Fiction
Incident Preparedness Guidelines: Safety Procedures for Unplanned Incidents.
Dear New Staff Member, Herein are instructions that are provided as a courtesy to ensure safety across our green campus. Please follow them carefully. As you are aware from your recent onboarding course, your wellbeing and that of the children in your care is paramount to our institution. Consistency is key. In precarious situations, panic is somewhat inevitable. Naturally, we aim to minimise this as much as humanly possible. You will invariably, from your mandatory attendance of the above-named course, recall that children under undue pressure respond best to routines that are both familiar and rehearsed.
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Comments (10)
Whew! What a rush! Very intrigued by the mystery observer
You just made my pulse race! Good grief! What next!
Oh, a watcher! Katie, perhaps? But she wouldn’t have the means of transportation there as a child. Did she tell everything to her mother, Constance?
Luke? Is he the one watching? I kinda hope that Laney isn't dead and she's back ready to wreak vengeance, but that's probably just me! Fab Rachel - as always.
I'm thinking it's Katie. But what do I know?
This was a really neat inversion of the usual story trope. Instead of keeping us in suspense about how she died, we've been let in on the secret, but the coming resolution still thrums with suspense. But I won't give away the secret here... for if someone has just joined us, the suspense is doubled and they will, I hope, be encouraged to go back and read through it all in order as I was! I don't know if you intended it, but if you think of the way you've penned this, it can be accessed from any point, and presents a mystery from all sides. Happy accident? Or did you put forethought into that aspect of it? You don't have to tell me! I love this unfolding story regardless. Dave... not so much. If my daughter was missing and I found anything related to her, I would be pressing that and any other advantage I could to find her.
This was all about the truth. She didn't want to die not knowing. ....Knowing the truth is freedom.
I want it to be his wife so bad- and then he's fully busted. Damn you have done a great job at making me hate Dave!
Wondering if it’s Katie or someone else. This piece was particularly suspenseful and emotional!
Oooo, who's stalking them? Katie? Luke? Omggg, what if it's somehow Laney? Lol.