Without saying a word, I picked up the body and carried it upstairs. Dead weight was heavy, but not as heavy as the price whores like her were costing society. There was one less of them in the world now. I knew there would be more; it was a never-ending cycle. Unlike the government and the police, though, I wouldn’t just sit back and allow it to happen.
I carried the body out to the car and placed it in the trunk. It was dark—that was good.
The drive to the canal didn’t take long. I had driven the journey so many times I didn’t have to think about where to go anymore; it was natural. I could do it with my eyes closed. The murky water was the graveyard for the disgraceful.
Opening the trunk, I swept the body up in my arms and placed it on the ground. There was a pile of broken bricks, chalk, rubble, and concrete blocks nearby from the derelict buildings. This area was supposed to be developed in a years’ time, but it had been rescheduled twice already. They should just leave it to fester.
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I filled the body bag, weighing it down with as much as I could fit in, and dropped it into the water. The bag sank down and I sighed, content. One more down…
Monday, January 24th (Present)
“Good morning, Flowers,” I said as I walked down the stairs. Lily sat at the table fiddling with her cutlery. She looked up and smiled halfheartedly. Her bright green eyes looked sad, worn down. Something was wrong with her. Perhaps she was ill.
“Good morning, Clover,” Rose and Poppy replied.
“How did you sleep, Lily?” I asked, sitting down in the chair opposite her.
She looked down at the table. “Fine, thank you,” she whispered.
“Are you feeling unwell?”
She shook her head. “No, I’m okay. ” I nodded and picked up my spoon as a bowl of granola was placed in front of me. We ate breakfast in silence.
“Right, I’m now going to work. Have a great day, and I’ll see you all for dinner. ”
***
I arrived at the office forty minutes later. “Good morning, Christy,” I said as I walked through reception. “How are you?”
She smiled. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun and she wore the most inappropriate clothing. I didn’t know why she was allowed to dress like a prostitute at work. “I’m great, Colin, and you?”
“I’m very well, thank you. ” I walked to my office and put my briefcase down. While my computer started up, I went to make a coffee. I passed Gregory Hart’s office; he was a senior lawyer and started working for the company right out of college. He was talking with Christy—who seemed to have made a beeline for him first thing—and she was giggling. I took a step back so I could hear.
“So are you free tonight? We can try out that underwear set I was telling you about,” Christy purred. My chest tightened. Greg was a married man with a heavily pregnant wife.
“Hmm, as a matter of fact, I am. Natalie’s visiting her mum and sister for a few nights. I’ll be all alone in that big house of mine. ”
Christy’s face lit up like a child on Christmas morning. “I’ll be over at seven. I’ll just pop home first to change into something less comfortable. ”
I closed my eyes. Was that what my father said to his whore when Mother and I went shopping? Was he as excited to cheat on his wife as Greg Hart was? Turning on my heel, I stalked off into the kitchen. How dare that cheap little tart ruin a marriage?
Flicking on the kettle, I watched the water as it boiled, bubbling up like a volcano about to erupt—mirroring my temper. “There enough water in there for two?” Christy’s voice made me cringe.
I turned around and smiled, swallowing my rage. “Of course. Why don’t you go and sit down? I’ll make these. ”
“Thank you, that’d be great. I’ve got a million things to do. ”
“I won’t be long. ” Christy smiled and walked out just as Jane and Jessica entered. “Good morning, Jane, Jessica. ”
“Hi, Colin. We were just talking about that missing girl, Summer. They still haven’t found her,” Jane said, shaking her head in sympathy. “Her poor parents. ”
“Who could do something like that?” Jessica sighed. “It’s just awful. Her whole family must be going through hell. And what about her? What’s she going through? People always worry about the family, but what about her? She must be so scared. ”
“If she’s still alive,” Jane added.
Lily was better off with me than out there, where she would be corrupted by a society that found nothing wrong in sleeping around and behaving like selfish little whores. Lily was better off with someone who cared enough about her future and character to protect her. Even her so-called loving boyfriend allowed her to roam the streets alone at night.
“Now, we don’t know the whole story. She could have run away. ” They nodded in agreement. “You two just make sure you keep yourselves safe,” I said and picked up the two freshly made cups of coffee.
“There you go, Christy. Two sugars, just how you like it. ” I put her drink on the hot-pink coaster and noticed she was having a Skype chat with Greg. She minimized the screen before I could read it, though. Something to hide.
She looked up and grinned. “Thank you, Colin. Finally Friday, huh? Do you have plans for the weekend?”
“Not many. I have some DIY to catch up on. You?”
“Um, I’m seeing a friend tonight and possibly tomorrow too. ”
A married friend with a child on the way. “Well, have a nice time,” I said through gritted teeth.
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I walked away. My heart went out to Greg’s wife and unborn child. What would she go through when she found out? Would she take it as well as Mother? She didn’t cry, not once. She didn’t cry when he left or when she found out he had rented a flat with the whore. She didn’t even cry when their divorce was finalized. I cried once, until she hit me, and I realized that I needed to be strong and take control. Crying got you nowhere.
Something had to be done. Greg’s wife deserved better than to arrive home and find her husband in bed with a dirty little whore. “Oh, Colin, I need to run out. Can you let anyone know if they ask? I’ll be back in ten,” Jessica called over her shoulder as she ran to the exit.
I smiled. Jessica would be out for ten minutes and her colleague, Miranda, in HR was on holiday. I put my coffee down in my office and walked up the stairs to the HR department. Their office wasn’t big, and there was no window in the door, so I knew I wouldn’t be seen.
Pushing the door open, I peered into the office. As I thought, it was empty. I stepped inside and closed the door. I had seen the employee filing cabinet from my appraisals, so I knew exactly where to look. I pulled the bottom drawer open and flicked through to Christy’s file. Her address told me she wasn’t far from my house—just a twenty-minute drive. I memorized the street name and number and put the file back.
My heart raced as I closed the drawer and stood up. The top floor was small and home to only HR and the managing director, Bruce. I hadn’t seen Bruce this morning, but he often flitted in and out when it suited him. I reached for the door handle when the door swung open.
I froze momentarily. “Bruce, good morning. ”
“Hello, Colin. Do you know where Jessica is?”
“She just popped out, she’ll be back soon. ”
“What are you looking for?”
“I wanted a holiday request form. I forgot Miranda was off until I got up here. ” I smiled and shook my head—Silly me.
He nodded and rubbed his bulging stomach once. “Ah, yes. The South of France she went to, wasn’t it?”
“I think so. Lovely place. Have you been?”
“Can’t say I have. I prefer to sit by a pool and drink a cool beer myself. Well, I’ll see Jessica later. ” He nodded his head and walked out. I sighed in relief and left the office, closing the door behind me.
***
I combed my hair and repeated Christy’s address in my head over and over. I’m not weak. I can do this. Mother is wrong. Mother is wrong. Placing the comb back on my dressing table, I straightened my shirt and walked down to the girls’ room.
***
“Good evening, Flowers. ”
“Good evening. How was your day?” Poppy asked. Rose looked up at me and beamed. Her blue eyes glistened in the light. I tore my gaze from Rose and smiled at Poppy.
“Very good, thank you. Although I have something to do after dinner. ” I sat at the table opposite Lily. “And how are you?”
She bit her lip. “Fine, thank you. ”
“Here,” Poppy said, placing my dinner in front of me. “Roast beef. One of your favorites. ”
“Yes it is. ” I smiled. Poppy was an incredible woman. She was caring and thoughtful, taking the time to get to know someone. I was proud to have her as part of the family. She had never disappointed me. I looked around the table and swelled with pride. All of my girls were beautiful, especially where it mattered, unlike that whore Christy.
***
I left my car in the parking area outside a nail salon; it was a thirty-second walk to Christy’s house. She lived at the back of the butcher’s, set off from the road. Aside from an old house that was currently being turned into flats, hers was the only residential property along the road. That meant, thankfully, I shouldn’t have any interruptions tonight.
I folded my arms over my chest. The January wind was bitterly cold, and I longed to be back at home with the girls. Lowering my head, I threw my bag over my shoulder and quickly walked toward her house.
The only light in her house came from upstairs. It was a small house, and the upstairs looked like it was in the loft space. Although it wasn’t a cottage, it had that feel to it. The house didn’t suit Christy. It was warm, homey, and inviting—three things she was not.
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Either side of the pinewood front door were faux olive trees, and not very good ones. They looked cheap and out of place. I lifted the right one up and sighed. Lying beneath the terra-cotta pot was a door key. Oh dear, Christy, you really don’t help yourself. I stepped closer to the front door and heard Robbie Williams playing through the house. Mother used to put on her favorite music while getting ready to go on a date with Dad. I used to sit on the bed and watch her sing into the mirror as she applied her makeup.
Taking a quick glance over my shoulder, I slipped the key in the lock and opened the door. Christy’s voice bellowed over the music as she sang her heart out. How could she be so excited to ruin a marriage? That was something I never understood. Why were women so callous when it came to other women’s happiness?
My heart accelerated as I took the first step to find her. Adrenaline coursed through my bloodstream, giving me a lighter-than-air feeling—invincible. I stopped at the top of the stairs. Her bedroom was straight ahead, door wide open. Her long mirror was angled in the corner of the room, so she hadn’t seen me in the reflection yet.
I gently placed my bag on the top step and watched her brush her hair. She was only wearing a skimpy, tasteless red bra and matching thong. Her body was toned and slender; it was her weapon. The thing she used to get her own way, especially with men.
I boldly walked forward. In the mirror, I saw her eyes widen. She shouted out in surprise and spun around. Clutching her hand over her breasts she gaped at me. “C-Colin? What are you…?” She shook her head. “What are you doing here?”
I smiled and stepped into the room, closing the door behind me. “I’m very glad you asked, Christy. As you know, you’ve been a very naughty girl. ”
She gulped and took a step back. “What do you mean? What are you doing? H-How did you even get in?”
“Shh. Now is not the time for you to be asking questions. I’d like to ask you one, if I may?” I didn’t wait for her reply. “Why are you sleeping with a married man?”
“What?” she whispered. “Greg? How do you know?”
“Have you met his wife?” She shook her head. “No, I didn’t think so. Do you think she deserves the humiliation of her husband sleeping around?” Her mouth fell open and she backed up farther, her back hitting the wall. “That was a question, Christy. ”
“No,” she answered.
“I didn’t think so. How do you think she would feel if she knew what you were planning tonight?”
She trembled and a tear rolled down her cheek. “I-I don’t… How do you know where I live?”
“I think that is enough talking. ” I didn’t want to waste my time on her any longer. Without another word, I pulled the knife out of my pocket, and she screamed.
“No! What the fuck are you doing? Jesus, I’m sorry, okay? Please, Colin, what are you doing?” She held her hands up in front of her, body arched back protectively. “Think about this. ”
“Enough,” I snapped. She flinched and whimpered back into the wall. I hated crying and begging. Mother hated crying and begging.
“Please don’t do this, please. Please. I’ll do anything you want, Colin, I swear. ” Anything I wanted. She was even offering sex when that was the very thing that had gotten her into trouble. Dirty. I growled as the anger inside reached the boiling point. With one quick whip of my arm, the knife slashed across her skin-deep beautiful face.
She shrieked and stared at me in horror. Her hands shook violently as she tried to touch her face. The screams had left a ringing in my ears. “Good-bye, Christy,” I said and plunged the knife into her gut. As I pulled back, releasing her body trapped between the wall and me, she fell to the floor with a soft thud.
“No,” she muttered, pressing her shaking hand over the knife wound. “Help me. Please?” she begged, gasping for breath.
“Christy, death is your punishment. There has to be a punishment or lessons will never be learned and society will never improve. ”
She gagged, coughing up blood, and threw herself forward in an attempt to crawl away. I turned as she shuffled past me, her fingernails clawing into the carpet. “Help me,” she said, her voice squeaked, giving way.
Sighing, I stepped forward and nudged her onto her back with my foot. Her breathing was heavy and ragged. “Let me go. Please?” Her eyes filled with tears.
“Christy,” I whispered and held the knife up. “It’s time to say good night. ” She screamed as I brought he knife down with such force it cracked through her ribs. Her body turned limp and her eyes rolled backward. Letting out a deep breath, I closed my eyes. I have control.
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I moved quickly, putting her body into a bag and cleaning up the mess. It had been a long time since I had scrubbed blood off the floor and walls. The body lay by the top of the stairs while I poured bleach over the carpet. I wasn’t even sure why I was cleaning up. I only knew I couldn’t leave it a bloody mess.
Once her room was looking better, I went to the bathroom sink and scrubbed my hands. Dirty. I was dirty. I felt dirty. Pumping the hand wash again, I scrubbed my hands for the third time. They were visibly clean, but I knew they weren’t good enough. You’ll never be good enough. I rubbed my hands together harder, washing furiously and gritting my teeth.
It was too much. I wasn’t good enough—nothing was ever good enough. Throwing the soap dispenser against the wall, I gripped the sides of the sink and took deep breaths through my nose. I can be good enough. I’m as strong as Mother. No, I’m stronger. I am a stronger pers
on, and I will not fail. I. Will. Not. Fail.
The music cut and the CD player loudly flicked to the next CD. I waited. A woman’s voice filled the silence. I hadn’t heard the song, but it was very mellow and calming. Whoever it was had a beautifully raw voice.
Turning around, I walked out of the bathroom and hauled the body over my shoulder. I dumped her outside her house and went to retrieve my car. The trunk was spacious and the body fit easily. The canal was only a short drive from here. It wouldn’t be too long until I was back with my girls.
I threw my bag in beside the body and slammed the trunk closed. “Good-bye, whore. ”
22
LEWIS
Friday, January 28th (Present)
I woke up, startled by a loud thud. Looking at the clock, I saw that it was just before half past five in the morning. My heart leaped into my throat. Summer! Was it her? I jumped out of bed and sprinted down the stairs, almost bumping into Dawn and Henry. Daniel was ahead of us, already reaching for the front door. I missed so much—six months of her life, her seventeenth birthday. I didn’t want to spend another second without her.
Daniel pulled the door open, and I held my breath, praying it would be her. My heart sunk when Detective Michael Walsh walked in. The grim expression on his face made my blood run cold. Something had happened.
“W-what? What’s h-happened?” Dawn stuttered. Tears already rolled down her cheeks. “Where’s my baby?”
Michael, as he’d asked us to call him, stepped into the house with another officer. He was the only one who let us call him by his first name. I wasn’t sure if it was to make us feel more relaxed around him and trust him more or if he had a daughter Summer’s age and felt more compassion. “Can we sit down, please?” I backed away and sat down on the sofa. Time stood still. The world stopped spinning. I almost didn’t want to hear what he was going to say. “We’ve found Summer’s cell phone,” he started, “in a Dumpster by the canal. ”
The blood froze in my veins. No it can’t be Summer’s. “Are you sure it’s hers?”
He nodded. “Yes. Someone found it and after seeing the background picture, instantly handed it in to the police. ” Her background picture was of us lying on her bed. She had taken the picture after our one-year anniversary dinner. That was the first time I was allowed to stay in her room overnight. Although the door had to be open at all times.