Angels
Chief Inspector Hardy Series, Book 2
By Jay Gill
What follows is a scene cut from the first draft of Angels, book #3 in the DCI James Hardy series.
I like this short exchange, and it’s a shame it didn’t make it to the final book. But, as often happens during the writing process, the story took a new direction as I was working and the section was cut.
The scene is a conversation between the killer, Jared Vaughan, and a young woman called Hannah who lives in an apartment next door. It would have been interesting to see where their relationship could have gone, but it became inappropriate once I understood Jared Vaughan’s true motivations for killing.
In my notes I mention she finds Jared attractive, interesting and she should be a little flirty (in a nice way). She used to be in a children’s TV show and was recently turned down for a part in a movie but has a new opportunity on the horizon.
BONUS SCENE
Vaughan put the key in the door and turned at the sound of footsteps behind him.
“Hi, Jared. It’s only me. No need to look so worried,” said Hannah. “Is it a bad time?”
Vaughan opened the front door to his apartment and, reaching one arm in, quickly dropped the heavy canvas bag inside. Closing the door behind him, he turned to face Hannah. She was being neighbourly, and he needed to remain polite and not raise any suspicions.
“Sorry, Hannah,” he said. “I was miles away. You know how it is – busy, busy. How can I help?”
“Well, it’s just I’ve had a bit of a shitty week, and well, you know, I was wondering…” Hannah’s face flushed as she became tongue-tied. She laughed awkwardly.
Vaughan smiled politely and waited for her to continue.
“I’m going for another audition next week, and I need to watch a movie by the director – you know, for research purposes. The director is Danny Boyle.”
Vaughan looked at Hannah blankly.
Hannah said, “You’ve heard of Danny Boyle, right?”
Vaughan shook his head. “No, sorry.”
Hannah laughed excitedly and her voice became animated. “Brilliant British director. He directed The Beach, 28 Days Later, Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire.”
Vaughan shook his head again.
“Oh my God, Jared. Where have you been?” She paused and stared at him, then flushed again. “Oh, I’m sorry – I didn’t mean it like that. I just mean everyone’s heard of his films. Even if they don’t know him, they’ve heard of his films.”
“I suppose they’ve just passed me by. I’m more of the outdoors type, I suppose.” Jared tightened his fingers around his keys as a signal he needed to make a move.
Hannah stepped closer. She could see his eyes better now, and they were richer and brighter than she’d remembered. His neck and shoulders looked strong. Her eyes followed his jawline to his closely cropped hairline before returning to his lips.
“Anyway,” she continued, “as I say, I have to watch this film for the audition, and I wondered whether, if you weren’t doing anything later, you wanted to watch it with me? I could make us a little dinner and… I just noticed you don’t go out much and I thought…”
END
