Bad Advice

by S M Mala

  ‘Dave left me a long message about what he heard you say to the Commissioner. I think they were joking about Diane being a suspect, you know.’ He laughed at the idea. ‘Even that’s way off the mark.’ Scottie grinned when he remembered something else. ‘And telling her you were having hot sex with a senior officer of the Metropolitan police as your alibi.’

  ‘The time of the first murder, I was celebrating my divorce with Jacinta. I’ve been in bed with you for a majority of the time when the other murders were committed. Cass Parker? I was probably crying over my laptop, yearning for you.’

  ‘Don’t,’ he said, feeling a stab of guilt. ‘I got you back.’

  ‘You did,’ she replied, looking up at him and smiling. ‘I love you Scottie.’

  ‘I love you too.’

  Closing his eyes for a moment, that was the only thing he was currently clear about.

  Ninety one

  The following weekend it was slightly chaotic. After her arrest and Theo’s constant grilling on what she had done, plus the revelation about Hugh and Helen Trott, Ruby’s mind was all over place as so was her churning stomach.

  Scottie had worked for most of the time and she’d hardly seen him since their quickie in the study on Thursday night, after checking that Theo was fast asleep. She wished he could stay. Knowing first-hand how introducing new people into the set up could backfire and recalling meeting her step father then Helen Trott for the first time, going slow was the only option.

  By Tuesday, after only receiving some texts from Scottie saying he was busy, she wondered if Helen Trott had put the squeeze on him.

  Her heart sank at the thought he’d pick his job over her.

  He was a policeman and she knew it was only a matter of time.

  A week after her incident and avoiding her ex-husband, who wanted to know why he had to find out second hand courtesy of the Commissioner, she ventured out on her own.

  Again, she was distracted knowing Hugh had lied to her. She never had a clue that he’d been unfaithful. Even though the relationship was over, it made her feel sick she had been deceived and cheated on.

  In her hearts of hearts, she wished she could ask him with how many people and how many times. But if he told her the truth, it would sully everything.

  Up until the time she found them together, she had no idea how much of a sham her marriage was.

  Ruby could feel the start of the autumn chill on her skin as she strolled through the park and towards the High Road. She wanted a coffee and something to do. Concentrating on work meant she had written her pages for the next three weeks.

  Mick Dawson popped into her head when she was served by a large Italian woman in the coffee shop. He seemed to be doing well out of all this. She flicked open her tablet to read another shitty article he had written for a men’s magazine. Gary had told her that Mick managed to quit ‘Greggs’ and was earning a healthy crust from the notoriety.

  But Ruby had written something in her column outlining her disapproval. She was hoping it would get printed on Thursday.

  ‘Wanker,’ she mumbled to herself, sitting in a corner and putting sweetener into her coffee.

  Her mobile was ringing and to her delight, she noticed it was Nana Gwen calling.

  ‘Gwen, good morning!’ she said, smiling in anticipation of the phone call.

  ‘Is he with you?’ the woman whispered.

  ‘I’ve not seen him since Thursday,’ she replied woefully. ‘And he’s not working on the case so he’s probably doing breakfast, lunch and dinner.’

  ‘As you do,’ groaned Nana Gwen. ‘You know they’ve taken in Diane twice for questioning. What’s going on?’

  ‘As you cleverly deduced, they think it’s a Samaritan. We’ve come up as suspects because the last person who died was at our branch and based on the attacks on us last week. I think they want to question the ones that didn’t get hurt. It’s a pretty obvious thing if you ask me. How’s Diane?’

  ‘She’s beside herself with worry. I told her they usually stitch up the fat people, it’s a well-known fact. I told her to lose a few stones before the court case and she’ll get off!’ Nana Gwen started to laugh. ‘It’s ridiculous the whole thing! She’s no more a murderer than I’m a unicorn.’

  ‘You do have magical qualities of getting people drunk. And I take it this phone call is to see what I know?’

  ‘How are your knees? Is Scottie making you go on them to satisfy his little willy?’ she mischievously asked. ‘And I hear you met Riley. Cute kid but a spoilt little brat, though I do love him.’

  ‘Riley was sweet but suspicious, that goes without saying. And my knees are fine. I won’t comment on Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Scott as he’ll get upset. All you need to know, he brings a smile to my face.’

  ‘Well, he’s not been smiling too much since you saw him last. Think his boss isn’t happy he’s with a scumbag journalist, not my words but you get what I mean.’

  ‘I get what you mean,’ replied Ruby, feeling her stomach churn. ‘I told her to leave him alone. It’s got nothing to do with Helen Trott.’

  ‘Are you sure you’re not the serial killer?’

  ‘Right now,’ she said, glancing down at a picture of Mick Dawson. ‘I really wish I was.’

  Ninety two

  The meeting was called for Friday and he knew he was in deep shit, one way or another.

  ‘Scottie, can you come in to see the Commissioner?’ her PA asked as he put down the phone and pulled himself together.

  Since Ruby got called in for questioning over a week ago, he’d hardly seen Helen Trott. Being taken off the case he could cope with but the workload suddenly shot up. He knew this was payback from the Commissioner.

  It was the longest time, since they split, he hadn’t see Ruby. He missed her desperately and was equally worried sick that something bad was going to happen.

  Walking down the corridor and checking the time, it was coming up to three. He had booked the weekend off with the intention of going back to work on Tuesday. Scottie was adamant he wasn’t going to change his plans, which was to make love to his woman all weekend.

  That was the only thing on his mind.

  He knocked gently on the door and wondered what was waiting for him on the other side.

  ‘Come in,’ she beckoned.

  He popped his head around the door. It was just her which was a good sign. Scottie imagined there would be the other high ranking senior officers there to tell him he was getting demoted.

  For a moment he didn’t care if he was.

  ‘Commissioner,’ he said and walked towards her desk.

  ‘Sit.’

  Scottie sat opposite while she read something on her laptop then closed the lid, took off her glasses and stared.

  ‘Firstly, I’m sorry I haven’t spoken to you since last week. I’ve been busy with one thing or another and so have you. I’m told by Dave you’re still interested in the Samaritan murders but, you know, your cousin has been called in for questioning twice now.’

  ‘Twice?’

  ‘We brought her in again yesterday. There are things that don’t quite add up.’

  ‘I can assure you, Diane is not a serial killer,’ he laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. ‘All of them are equal suspects if that’s the route we’re taking.’

  ‘Even Ruby?’

  ‘The only thing she likes to do is murder a good Bob Marley song when she takes a shower,’ he smiled. Helen Trott scowled. ‘And what would be her motive? She’d gladly tell you she’s been on probation with them for over five years due to her, what does Diane call it? Bad advice.’ As soon as Scottie said it, he noticed Helen Trott’s eyes widen. ‘And don’t go putting two and two together. Even Ruby told me that the first time we met.’

  ‘And you don’t think this is just a co-incidence? You meet Ruby a week after a Samaritan is murdered? You are a senior officer, she is an ex-journalist and was married to an editor of a newspaper that tried to crush the met nearly six y
ears ago? I think it’s all very suspect.’

  ‘What are you implying?’ he asked. Helen Trott stood up and walked around the table, sitting next to him. ‘Ruby set this all up? She wanted to deflect my attention while committing these murders? I’m her alibi for most of the time.’

  Scottie noticed she was leaning closer and a hand was placed gently on his knee. He did all he could not to look at it as he focussed on her eyes.

  ‘Somehow, somewhere you’re being set up. Any other time, we’re you not so blinkered by her, you’d see it clearly. I don’t think this just happened. I think it has been instigated. For the sake of your career, you need to break it off with Ruby.’

  Without intentionally doing it, he moved so her hand would slip away. Helen Trott sat up straight in her seat as he did the same.

  ‘You want me to choose, is that’s what you’re saying? There’s no evidence that she’s involved. You know she was hurt last week and-.’

  ‘She didn’t immediately come in.’

  ‘But I sent officers to assist her and even they told me she was in a state. I think she was more scared of Hugh finding out. And her ex, may I say, hasn’t been completely helpful by getting Mick Dawson to spout nonsense regarding these murders. It’s making a mockery of what we’re doing and the person who’s committing these murders might not like this approach. If they want a next victim, isn’t he feeding them Mr Dawson?’

  ‘That’s a ridiculous thing to say but, as you ask, you haven’t really been concentrating on this case now I know the reason why,’ sighed Helen Trott. ‘She was very upfront about how she felt about you, do you know that? I mean, haven’t you split with her once before? I’m sure that’s indicative that the relationship is doomed to fail.’

  Scottie couldn’t speak. He could see she was trying to figure out, in her head, what was going on.

  ‘You think I’m using her? And because we split once, I’m prone to do it again?’

  ‘I think with the promotion and all things happening around you, you might need to take some time out to reconsider all your options.’

  ‘What would they be?’

  Helen Trott stood up and walked around her desk, standing at the window.

  ‘You will be compromised over this. If your cousin is named as a person involved in these killings. And Ruby? Let’s not forget she was once married to one of the more influential editors in this country. It beggars belief what the higher officers would think. Remember, I am answerable to many people with more clout than anyone in the Metropolitan Police,’ she said lightly.

  He half smiled.

  Scottie knew what she was saying.

  ‘I’d like to take some time off,’ he replied. ‘If they are all suspects or potential victims, you’re right, it doesn’t look good. I’ve got a few weeks owing so I’ll take the whole of next week off and see what happens.’ He got to his feet. ‘And it will give me time to think about what you just said.’

  ‘It’s a no brainer, to be honest,’ Helen Trott smiled. ‘I have to tell you these things. You’re a very good officer. I wouldn’t want you to make a silly mistake. I can tell your work comes first and this is a hiccup.’

  ‘I know how to get rid of hiccups.’

  Ninety three

  ‘So my frisky friend,’ Ruby said, laughing as Scottie marched her into his garden after they went for Sunday lunch. She had to practically fight him off so she could eat her roast. ‘What are you going to do all next week?’

  ‘You, if you’re lucky,’ he grinned back.

  She laughed out and realised he was focussing on her chest, then he pulled her closer, burying his head in her neck.

  ‘Have you spoken to Diane? She was really upset. Questioned twice! Was it the pictures I gave you? I don’t want to get her into trouble.’

  ‘I want to get into trouble with you,’ Scottie mumbled, holding her tightly and making her sit on the wooden bench. ‘I was going to do you over the table in the pub.’

  ‘Three pints and you’re pissed as a fart and horny as a bunny on heat,’ she laughed out loudly, rubbing her hands up and down his back.

  He was just fondling her at high speed and she was at a loss on how to restrain him. Gently, she pushed his shoulders away.

  The smile on his face said it all.

  He wanted to get down and dirty.

  ‘Is it just sex with me and you?’ she asked earnestly. ‘When we get past the honeymoon period, will you go off me?’ He shook his head from side to side. ‘How do you know?’

  ‘I know what I’m feeling and this rarely happens.’

  ‘We have to slow down,’ she said, wanting to make love to him. ‘You’ve been rampant all weekend.’

  ‘Are you complaining?’ he asked with a sly smile. ‘You don’t act like you are.’

  Ruby eyed him up and down, knowing he was looking serious hot. It’s what she was feeling for him was scaring her.

  ‘I had a chat with Theo,’ she said, hoping that would be a good distraction from what was bubbling in her chest. ‘He says it’s okay if you spend the night but he wants to be given notice. That little child of mine says he knows his dad had friends round as he has found clothing, similar to mine in the bedroom.’

  ‘Similar to yours?’ Scottie frowned for a moment, then his fingers gently travelled across her chest plate. ‘Like what?’

  ‘Knickers and bras!’ she laughed. ‘And Hugh has the nerve to question what I’m up to.’

  ‘As long as they’re not yours.’

  ‘I’d never sleep with him again and I don’t cheat. I’m with you. We’re together, aren’t we?’

  Scottie laughed.

  ‘What a question,’ he whispered. ‘We are very much together and I don’t want to change anything.’

  ‘Your job. I’m worried-.’

  He placed his mouth over hers and gave her a long kiss. She felt his muscle against hers and they moved to a pleasurable rhythm. His hands were stroking and squeezing her skin then her dress started to ride up. The man was gently touching her thighs, running his fingers against the whole length.

  Ruby’s skin was involuntary breaking out into goose bumps. Then he put his hand on either side of her hips and with a quick tug, pulled her kickers all the way down.

  ‘Take them off,’ he groaned into her neck.

  Ruby stepped out of them and watched him scrunch them up in his hand.

  ‘I wouldn’t sniff them if I was you,’ she laughed as he moved closer and placed his hands either side. ‘I’d like to sniff you.’

  ‘Inhale away.’

  Slowly, she traced her nose against his skin, feeling the smoothness. Scottie gently grabbed her wrists then kissed her very gently. They stared at each other and she couldn’t think of anything else.

  Only him

  Then she realised he was putting her arms around her back. She kissed him again, hungry for his mouth. He wrapped her knickers around her wrists so she couldn’t move.

  ‘What are you doing?’ Ruby asked, alarmed, pulling her lips away from his.

  ‘Making sure you don’t get away.’

  He smothered her mouth with his and she tried to move her arms but couldn’t. Opening her eyes, she looked into his. Scottie pulled down the straps of her dress then her bra. His mouth travelled all the way down until he was gently biting and sucking on her nipples.

  Ruby closed her eyes and felt his hand move south between her thighs.

  ‘We can’t have sex on your table,’ she groaned, looking as his head travelled to see what his finger was doing. ‘And you can’t do that in public!’

  ‘Wait and see. This is a private garden and if anyone complains, I’ll arrest them,’ he said and she noticed his grip tightened around her wrists.

  He kissed her so intimately and slowly, his tongue licking and circling her spot, burying his face deeper.

  ‘And you could get arrested for indecent … oh my word!’

  Ruby was trying her hardest not to succumb to an orgasm. Again and again, h
e’d lick all around then rub her. She couldn’t help but look to see if the neighbours thought they could hear a dog panting, when it was actually her.

  ‘Stop it,’ she gasped. ‘Let me give you a blow job.’

  The blue eyes looked up at her.

  ‘I’ll have my hands tied up so maybe I’ll confess to something?’ she grinned, watching his face light up. ‘I can’t undo your fly though.’

  He let go of her hands and stepped away, taking off his top.

  Ruby had to stop herself making a dirty sound watching his beautiful tattooed torso. Slowly he unbuttoned his fly and she jumped off the table and walked up to him, looking up. She poked her tongue out and licked his chest then slowly sunk to her knees, placing kisses all the way down.

  Her eyes darted up and he looked at her in anticipation as she bit her lip then covered him with her mouth.

  ‘Oh god,’ he groaned.

  She worked gently at his end, feeling his pumping muscle in her mouth.

  Pulling her lips away, she licked up and down his shaft, inhaling his earthy smell before repeating it again. Then she picked up speed.

  ‘Stop,’ he gently said. ‘I don’t want to come yet.’

  Scottie gently pulled her head away and she was shocked when he bent down, picked her up and placed her firmly on the table again, this time frantically kissing her all over. One of his hands grasped her bound wrists and she was overcome with lust.

  ‘Make me come,’ she groaned as he gently slapped her thighs apart and looked straight into her face, kissing her gently.

  Ruby could taste remnants of her own scent on his face.

  ‘I love you,’ he whispered and he started to pinch and rub her nub quickly.

  ‘I love you,’ she gasped when his started kissing her neck and biting on her nipples again. ‘Oh god, don’t stop, please don’t stop.’

  ‘Never want to stop making love to you,’ he groaned.

  ‘On no!’ she gulped, knowing everything was tightening and she was so close. ‘Oh god!’

  Then she let rip but tried to do it silently, holding all her noise inside as her body quivered. Scottie kissed her and she noticed his eyes were open when she groaned into his mouth, shaking and shuddering.