Hunter's Rules (The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries Book 6)

  “Val Penny is a star of the tartan noir fiction genre. In this story of drugs, injury and lies, the author delivers yet another gripping book in her Edinburgh Crime Mystery series.”

  Erin Kelly - bestselling author of He Said/She Said

  “This dark mystery pulls together a full cast of characters, some lovable and some perfectably unlovable, and sweeps them away on a journey with plenty of unexpected turns. Dry wit and humor in the face of misfortunate bring the pages to life until the satisfying conclusion.”

  Elizabeth Lyvers - bestselling author of The Honest Lies

  “Another winner, courtesy of Hunter and Val Penny.

  You’re hooked within the first few words, whether it’s with Hunter's love life, or latest case.

  The story hits you from the very beginning, and keeps you hooked all the way through to the end, with plenty of twists and turns, not to mention breath-taking moments, as you would expect from such a great storyteller.”

  Simon Hall of Cambridge University - bestselling author of The TV Detective series.

  “This is a gruesome story told within the beautiful city of Edinburgh. You walk the streets with a strong cast of police and villains. Two murders a few months apart: an injured woman in a fine hotel and the manipulation of weakness. A great holiday read for all crime fiction fans!”

  Michael Jecks - bestselling author of The Knights Templar Mysteries

  “A gripping read. When Val Penny asked me to do an advanced read for Hunter’s Rule, I was a little dubious at first because it wasn’t my normal genre. However, I’m glad I agreed. The story grips you from the start. Penny keeps the reader guessing and turning over the page. An unputdownable book.”

  Patricia M. Osborne - bestselling author of the House of Grace Saga

  “Hunter's Rules kept me on the edge of my seat! It was a satisfying mystery, but hearing some of the bad guy’s plans, seeing all the relationships between characters, and the non-stop action kept me drawn in.”

  Jessica Thompson - bestselling author of A Caterer’s Guide to Love and Murder

  Hunter’s Rules

  The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries #6

  Val Penny

  The Complete Series:

  Hunter’s Chase

  Hunter’s Revenge

  Hunter’s Force

  Hunter’s Blood

  Hunter’s Secret

  Copyright © 2022 by Val Penny

  Cover Image: Adobe Stock © susanne2688

  Design: Services for Authors

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or darkstroke except for brief quotations used for promotion or in reviews. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are used fictitiously.

  First Dark Edition, darkstroke, 2022

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  holding his book on Instagram and

  something nice will happen.

  To John, Lesley, Scott and Stewart

  with love

  Acknowledgements

  Writing is often portrayed as a solitary occupation, but while this story is the product of one mind, the process of creating a book is far from solitary.

  First may I thank my long-suffering beta-readers who took the time to read an early draft, give critique and endorsements, Particular mention goes to Hennie McClure for her helpful suggestions and improvements. I am also most grateful to Stewart Penny who continues to advise on fitness and exercise for my characters.

  My editor, Laurence Patterson, is amongst the most patient people I have ever met. His helpful observations and eye for detail improved this novel immeasurably. The team at darkstroke are supportive and show their belief in me even when I am unable to do so. Thanks must also go to Steph Patterson who polished the blurb for Hunter’s Rules. Without darkstroke this book would not exist. Of course, all errors are mine.

  My beloved husband, Dave, deserves a special mention for his unconditional support and encouragement. I am also lucky to enjoy enthusiasm for my work from our dear girls, Vicky, Lizzie and Becca.

  To each and every one of my readers, thank you. You make this job worthwhile.

  About the Author

  Hunter’s Rules is the sixth book in The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries series of novels published by darkstroke as is The First Cut the first book in the new series of Jane Renwick Thrillers.

  She has recently contributed her short story, Cats and Dogs to a charity anthology, Dark Scotland. Her short story, The Corpse in the Catacombs will be published in the charity anthology, Dark Paris, shortly.

  Val is an American author living in SW Scotland with her husband and their cat.

  Hunter’s Rules

  The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries #6

  Chapter One

  Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson rose from the table and led his girlfriend, Doctor Meera Sharma, from the exclusive Pompadour Restaurant towards the elevators in Edinburgh’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

  “That was a delicious meal, thank you, Hunter.”

  “You’re more than welcome, dear. It was good, wasn’t it? My steak was so tender, I could have cut it with a spoon. Oh Meera, I do love you and I’m so glad your father consented to our marriage.”

  “So am I. I know I don’t need his consent, but life will be much easier because he approves. It was kind of Parvati to take the time to teach you some Hindi.”

  “I’ve arranged to continue my lessons with her, so that I can communicate with all the members of your family.”

  “Hindi is a demanding language to learn for a non-native speaker,” she said.

  “Maybe, but there are almost six million people who speak it. I can’t be stupider than all of them.”

  “Time will tell, darling.” She grinned. “Thank you for learning some, anyway. I admit I was worried at first. I really thought you and Parvati were having an affair when I first heard about you sneaking about together.”

  “I’m not an idiot, Meera. Parvati is wonderful, but compared to you, she is like a star to the sun. Anyway, I make it a rule not to shit on my own doorstep,” Hunter said.

  “Oh yes, Hunter’s rules. I forgot.” She fingered her sparkling engagement ring and smiled. “So much to celebrate. Can we go public?”

  “Not yet, pet. Let’s wait until it’s announced in the newspapers and all official.”

  “It’s going to be difficult. I’m so proud I think I might burst.”

  “Well, I have just one more surprise for you.”

  “Another one? Oh, Hunter,” she said.

  “I’ve booked the honeymoon suite here for us tonight, and if everything has gone according to plan there should be a bottle of champagne chilling there for us. Shall we go upstairs and check?”

  Hunter and Meera continued walking towards the elevators, and he pressed the button indicating they would be going up. They stood close together, gazing into each other’s eyes, but it was not long until the furthest lift arrived. They shifted slightly towards those doors and made room for anybody getting out.

  Nobody got out.

  A young woman lay motionless on the floor, and the inside of the car was drenched with blood.

  “Oh God, not another one,” Hunter said. He stared at the raw flesh in the sockets where the girl’s eyes should have been. What kind of monster would choose to murder someone this way? He turned away from the horrific sight of the young woman’s butchere
d face. He gagged. Then swallowed the bile. He daren’t contaminate the crime scene with his own vomit.

  Meera knelt beside the victim and felt her wrist. “Hunter, this one is still alive. Call an ambulance. Do it now!”

  Hunter immediately went into professional mode. He stepped a few yards away from the scene and called the ambulance. The soles of his shoes were covered in blood. Then he phoned Fettes police station. Desk Sergeant Charlie Middleton answered.

  “Police Scotland, how can I help?”

  “Charlie, the eye thief has struck again.”

  “Fuck.”

  “Succinctly put. This one has survived. The ambulance is on its way. Can you get a team together right away to start questioning witnesses here and we’ll need the CSIs, pronto.”

  “Great, just one question.”

  “Come on, Charlie. Time is of the essence, man.”

  “Yes, Hunter, but where is here?”

  ***

  Bloody hell, that was close. I hadn’t expected her to be found so soon. That’s bad luck. I thought she’d have time to bleed out and die like the others. It was hard to watch them, but so much better going forward. A rookie error that this one lived but what are the odds that a damn policeman would be dining at the same time as us? We must be paying them far too much. I’ll have to work for a week to put that money back into my savings.

  I must say, her eyes are even more beautiful than the others. They are the same peculiar violet colour that Elizabeth Taylor’s were. Not that I ever met Elizabeth Taylor. I don’t mix in those circles in America, but I’ve seen pictures.

  I’m pleased that I brought my jar filled with solution with me. I won’t have time even to go into my room, let alone fondling myself in front of her eyes before I pass them on. Wow, what a coming would have been! I’ll have to imagine those eyes now.

  Fuck, I’m so angry. Who would have believed my luck that the first man on the scene would be police? This is too bad.

  It’s a good thing I sussed the place out before I met her. I’ll go down the stairs and out through the public bar. In fact. I’ll stop for a drink there, then I’ll get a bus, not a taxi. Fast enough but harder to trace. I need to get them to him quickly, but I must remember to keep my head down.

  ***

  The ambulance arrived sooner than they could have hoped, but by that time, the injured woman was moaning. Meera knelt beside her and took no notice of the blood stains on her dress, she ignored the compromise of the crime scene. The woman took priority.

  “Why is it dark in here? Why are my eyes sore? Where’s Frederick?”

  “Don’t worry about anything just now. You’ve had a shock. An ambulance is here to take you to the hospital. I’m a doctor. I’ll come with you,” Meera said softly. She patted the woman’s hair.

  “Meera, the paramedics are here,” Hunter said.

  She moved away to give the paramedics space. They gave the woman painkillers, and she was soon unconscious again.

  “Christ!” the female paramedic said. “Is that the same attacker?” She looked at Hunter for an answer.

  “I can’t say anything. You know that, but it looks like it. Same MO. If it is, he may have made a mistake this time. She’s alive.”

  “We’ll try to keep her that way. Are you coming, Meera?”

  “Yes, I’ll come. I don’t want to leave her.”

  “I’ll stay here and keep people away from this lift. I’m glad it’s in the corner. I’ll let you know when the CSIs and uniforms get here.” Hunter kissed her discreetly on the cheek and nodded towards the patient. “Look after her.”

  Meera followed the paramedics towards the ambulance. She noticed they had covered the woman’s face, to protect her from prying eyes and mobile phones. They made it to the Royal Infirmary in record time. Blue lights and sirens cleared the way. Meera was relieved to see that Ailsa Myerscough was one of the doctors on duty.

  “Bed four,” Dr Ailsa Myerscough said to the paramedics. Handover in two minutes, I just want a word with Dr Sharma. I understand she found the victim.”

  “What the hell, Meera? Tim seemed to think Hunter was taking you for a romantic meal.”

  “And he did. We were waiting for the lift to take us up to the honeymoon suite of the Waldorf Astoria when we found this young woman.”

  “What’s happened?”

  “Her eyes have been gouged out. The whole eyeball.”

  “I’ve read a couple of women have died from similar injuries recently. Is it the same perpetrator do you think?”

  “Too early to tell. But if it’s not, we have more than one sick assailant in the city. I think the only thing that saved this girl is that Hunter and I found her so soon after the attack.”

  “Anything else you can tell me?”

  “She hasn’t been told the extent of her injury yet but before she was given the painkillers, she asked why it was dark, why her eyes hurt, and she also asked for ‘Frederick’.”

  “I take it Frederick was nowhere to be seen. Okay, thanks. I’ll go and do the handover with the paramedics now. Do you want to stay?”

  Chapter Two

  Hunter was pleased to see DC Neil Larkin arrive. He was always a safe pair of hands. “Over here, Neil.” He waved. “I’m glad you’re here. The smell of this lift is giving me the grue.”

  “Nice to see you too, boss. CSIs here yet?”

  “No, but they’re on their way. I’ll get the manager to put this lift out of commission, now. I think because it’s the corner one we can get away with that. Then the CSI team can finish their work in peace.”

  “I’m surprised it’s not already officially out of use,” Neil said.

  “Thanks for that. I was here waiting for you. No, sir, I’m sorry this lift is out of use.” Hunter showed the guest his identification. “This keeps happening. People always coming over. We’ll need to get this area taped off. Is Charlie on his way?”

  “Here, Hunter,” Sergeant Charlie Middleton said. “I pulled rank and got our car parked in the hotel carpark. I’ll get the area isolated.”

  “Good thinking. Charlie. Hello, Scott,” Hunter said as he noticed DC Scott Clark following Charlie. He was gazing around the foyer of the hotel smiling at the shimmering lights and fittings.

  “Scott,” Hunter repeated. “Earth to Scott.”

  “Evening, sir. This is posh, isn’t it?”

  “Are you here to work or admire the décor?” Hunter asked.

  “Sorry. The sarge says you need us to take witness statements.”

  “Exactly so, and here comes the cavalry,” Hunter said. He smiled at Chloe Ferguson. Everyone called her Fergie. She led her team of CSIs towards him. He looked at her grim expression.

  “We’ll need to get this done pronto so the hotel can have their lift back. Of course, it must be thoroughly sanitised before it’s back in use,” she said. “Anyway, Sam’s on her way. We’ll let her get her initial photos taken before we start. It looks like someone’s danced on the floor. Look at those bloody footprints in the car and all over here.” She pointed to the marks on the shiny polished floor.

  “Sorry, Fergie. Hands up, that was me and Meera. We checked if the woman was still alive and when she was, Meera did what she could for her while I called you and the ambulance.”

  “For fuck’s sake, Hunter. You know better.”

  “I did as little damage as I could, but the victim was in a lift.”

  “I know, I know. It’s just lucky the professionals are here now. Oh, and there’s Sam. Let’s give her space.”

  Hunter watched the quiet photographer get her equipment ready and set to work.

  “Neil, if you stay here and keep everybody away from the elevator. No mobile phone photos or films either. See anybody taking any you just confiscate their phone as containing evidence. That’ll stop the rest fast enough. Charlie, you and Scott take statements from the staff on duty in the bar and restaurant tonight. The guests too. See if you can get any descriptions of the woman and whoever
she was with.”

  “As we don’t know what either of them look like or names or anything, can you give us a clue, perhaps?” Scott asked.

  “The woman mentioned the name Frederick. She has dark hair and was dressed in a fancy red velvet dress. A cocktail dress, I think they call it,” Hunter said. “I suppose there wouldn’t be too many red velvet dresses.”

  “What are you doing here anyway?” Charlie asked.

  “I was treating Meera to dinner, if it’s any of your business.”

  “Well, it is. If you were having dinner at the same time as the victim, you could be witnesses. Did you see her?”

  “No, not that I remember. Bugger. I’ll have a think and write you a statement. Right now, I’ll go and find the manager, to bring him fully into the loop before the press get wind of this. Then can I leave you in charge, Charlie? I’m over the limit and need to get home for a sleep. Looks like I’ll be in tomorrow, whether I’m meant to be or not.”

  ***

  Charlie went to find the maître d’hôte, who oversaw the restaurant. He did remember the woman in the red dress. The man had booked the table. His name was shown on the booking as Frederick Carver. He had left a mobile telephone number. Charlie made a note of both, but experience told him not to expect either to prove fruitful.

  Scott took details from all the staff, as well as their initial statements.

  One waiter said that the couple looked as if they were on a first date. The man took the lead in all things and insisted the lady be given a guest menu which had no prices on it. He ordered the drinks and another of the waiters recalled that the man paid in cash. He remembered that because it was unusual in the Pompadour. Most guests charged their meals to their room or put it on their card.