‘You’re kidding, right? You’re making me suffer, trying to hurt me like I hurt you.’ Logan put the flowers back on the table. ‘But if it isn’t flowers you want, then what is it? Jewellery, perfume?’ He grinned. ‘Sexy lingerie to get you in the mood?’
‘I will never be in the mood when it comes to you. Don’t you get it? I don’t want anything to do with you, ever. We’re done.’
‘We are so not done,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘I’ve been taking care of your little brother, making sure he stays out of trouble. I bought you flowers and apologised for the mess I got caught up in with Sarah. What more do you want me to do?’ He raised his hands in the air and then let them flop to his sides.
‘Go,’ I said, shaking, on the verge of bursting into tears ‘That’s all I want.’
‘Fine, I’ll leave, but don’t take too long to change your mind. There are plenty of girls out there who’d appreciate a guy like me,’ he said with a smirk.
The heat in my face rose and I came dangerously close to lashing out with my fists. I’d never hit another person before, but my fingers itched to wipe the smug look off his face. I restrained the impulse and settled with a glare not half as satisfying as breaking his nose would have been.
‘If there’s another girl out there who wants you then go find her, and stop pestering me. I don’t want anything to do with you.’
Logan sauntered off, blowing me a kiss from the door. He hadn’t taken anything I’d said seriously. How could I have not noticed how self-centred and egotistical he was until now? If I was so bad a judge of character then how would I ever figure out what to do about Chris?
Outside, Logan tooted the horn and pulled away from the kerb with a squeal of his tyres and moments later Sarah emerged from her bedroom.
‘How did it go?’ She wore a hopeful smile. ‘You guys are back together, right? Everything’s back to normal?’
I couldn’t speak, my throat choking on the words threatening to spill out, words to end all chance of reconciling our friendship. I buried my face in my hands, the tears lurking during my encounter with Logan finally spilling over. I heard Sarah gasp and seconds later she put her arms around me.
I jerked away from her, drying my face on my sleeve. ‘I’m okay,’ I said, when she moved to hug me again. I managed a smile, barely. ‘I’m a little emotional right now.’
‘After what Logan put you through, it’s completely understandable. I was sceptical when he first asked me to help him get you back, but he convinced me he’s changed. He does care about you, and I’m sure if you give him another chance it will all work out.’
‘I am never getting back together with Logan. It’s over.’
‘I don’t understand. If you can forgive me, why can’t you forgive Logan?’
I had no reply.
Sarah stared at me, suspicion etched on her features. ‘You have forgiven me, right? We’re best friends again.’
‘Sarah … I don’t want to fight with you anymore. It’s too hard.’
‘But you don’t want to be friends with me either, right?’
I shook my head. I knew our relationship could never go back to the way it had been and was not sure where to go from here. If I was still alive on Friday maybe I‘d be able to figure out what sort of relationship Sarah and I could have. Until then I couldn’t spend energy worrying about it.
Sarah turned away from me, sniffling, shoulders shaking. ‘I need some air,’ she said in a choked voice. She brushed passed me and I made no move to stop her, not knowing what to say to make this easier for her or me.
I moved to the front window of the lounge and watched as Sarah trudged passed both our cars and headed down the street on foot, her shoulders slumped and arms hanging at her sides. When I could no longer see her I collapsed on the couch and allowed myself to wallow in a moment of self-pity. I had barely gotten settled before someone knocked on the front door.
I opened it up and stared through the security screen at Andrew. His hands were clenched into fists and his chest heaved.
‘What did Bradbury do to you?’
‘Huh?’ I opened the screen and stood aside as he stormed in.
‘You’ve been crying, and I know he was here. I passed his car on my way.’ Andrew paced the small lounge, eyes roaming as if he expected Chris to magically appear in front of him.
‘Chris hasn’t been here since yesterday.’
‘But you have been crying. What’s wrong? Is there anything I can do?’ I started in surprise as Andrew transformed again into the brother I was more familiar with, an expression of concern on his face as he rushed to my side and started rubbing my arms.
‘I’m fine,’ I said, backing away slightly when the scent of his aftershave bombarded my nose. He must have topped up before he came over. ‘I had a thing with Sarah.’
‘I can’t believe what she did. I knew Logan was bad news the first time I met him, but I never thought Sarah would betray you. You two were like sisters.’ Andrew stepped closer and grabbed my hand. ‘You must be devastated.’
‘I don’t want to talk about Sarah or Logan.’ I pulled my hand free and headed into the kitchen. I switched the kettle on and grabbed down two mugs. ‘Coffee?’
‘Sure.’
‘Can you put this on the table?’ I asked as I handed him the biscuit container. Once the kettle boiled I made our drinks and took them over to the table where Andrew was making a large dent in the biscuits. I sat across from him.
‘So, how have you been?’
I grimaced. ‘I want to forget about it and move on.’
‘With Bradbury?’
‘I don’t want to talk about him either.’
‘Okay, let’s talk about the detective who came and got you yesterday. I know you’re not supposed to talk about the investigation, but does it have something to do with the women who’ve been killed? Because I think I know who did it.’
I choked on a swallow of coffee, gasping and wheezing as it burnt its way down my oesophagus. Andrew jumped up and pounded me on my back and I twisted away from him and hunched over, sucking in air when I regained control of my lungs. I sat up, eyes streaming, and wiped my face before waving for Andrew to sit down.
‘I’m fine,’ I croaked out as I rubbed my chest in an attempt to stop it aching. Then I got up and poured myself a glass of water and sipped at it as I came back to the table. When I was sure my vocal cords were going to work properly I faced Andrew.
‘What are you talking about?’
‘It’s Connor. I think he killed those women.’
I shook my head. ‘That’s crazy.’
‘The police don’t think so. They questioned him this morning. He was the last person to be seen with the latest victim before she died. Of course he did it.’
‘Connor’s a loser, sure, but he’s not a killer. Besides, he has an alibi. The police no longer consider him a suspect. Sam told me.’
‘Sam?’
‘Detective Lockwood. The cop from yesterday.’
‘Did he also tell you who gave Connor an alibi?’
I stared at Andrew as it fell into place. ‘Logan.’
When Andrew nodded bile rose up in my throat and I swallowed it down, one hand going to my mouth. Logan said he’d kept Connor out of trouble for me, but surely he hadn’t meant he would lie to the police? I took a sip of coffee as I thought about it. Logan and Connor were friends and he wanted to get back in my good books. Yes, he would lie to the police if he couldn’t come up with another way to get Connor off the hook. Still …
‘Just because he has a dodgy alibi doesn’t make him a murderer.’
‘True, but you didn’t see him last night when he was fighting with Sarah. I’ve never seen him so angry. I thought he was going to throttle her. He would have if Logan hadn’t pulled him away.’
‘It doesn’t mean anything. The police wouldn’t have cleared him if they weren’t positive of his innocence.’
‘You’re living in dream land, Tyler. He m
ight have an alibi, but I guarantee the cops are still looking at Connor as their guy.’
I kneaded the bridge of my nose, eyes unable to focus, my vision drifting in and out like I’d spent a week without sleep. Andrew had to be mistaken. Our half-brother a serial killer? No, it wasn’t possible.
I shook my head. ‘You’re wrong. Connor did not kill those women.’
‘Who else was seen with them and has issues with long haired brunettes. You know they’re his type. He hit on Sarah and couldn’t take it when she turned him down. Maybe these other girls turned him down too, only Logan wasn’t there to save them.’
‘We’d know if Connor was a serial killer. That’s not the kind of thing you can hide from your family, right?’
‘Don’t be so naïve. You see it on the news all the time, family and friends declaring they had no idea they were living with or next door to a murderer. I guarantee everyone has the potential to kill another person in the right circumstances.’
‘Can we talk about something else? This stuff is way too depressing.’
‘What about your bad taste in men. When are you going to learn to recognise an asshole when you see one? First Logan, and now Chris Bradbury. You’re asking to be walked over.’ He frowned. ‘I mean, I get why you were with Logan. He’s the first guy you’ve ever dated who got Dad’s seal of approval, but even if you married the guy it wouldn’t make Dad love you. As for Bradbury-’
I stood up. ‘This conversation is over. Lock the door on your way out.’
‘I didn’t mean to upset you. I worry about you. God knows, Dad and Connor don’t care what happens to you. But I do. You’re my little sister, the only one I’ve got, and I hate seeing you get hurt.’ Andrew came around the table as he talked.
I held my breath to avoid inhaling any of his aftershave, light-headed from lack of oxygen. I managed to plaster a smile on my face. ‘Of all my brothers you are the pick of the bunch.’
‘A sterling recommendation, considering my competition.’
‘Sure is, and if you can go a week without mentioning my bad taste in men you might even get an upgrade to the best brother in the world.’
‘Something to look forward too.’ He grinned, but I could still see concern in his eyes.
I picked up our empty mugs and took them to the sink. As I rinsed away the coffee dregs I talked to him over my shoulder. ‘I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m going to take a nap. It’s been a crazy weekend and I need to catch up on some beauty sleep before work tomorrow. Do you mind?’
‘No problem. But you call me, if you need me, anytime.’ He brushed a hand against my cheek before leaving.
When the door closed behind him I turned off the tap, put the clean mugs in the draining rack and the biscuit container away. Then I moved into the lounge.
I collapsed onto the couch and thought about Connor. Despite my assertion to Andrew, I knew he had a point. Connor had a temper and it often came out when a woman was involved. He had never hit a girl, as far as I knew, but over the years I’d heard him make some pretty nasty comments and threats of violence towards those who’d had the temerity to dump him or refused to go out with him.
He wasn’t as bad as Dad, who thought women were put on this earth to serve men. But he was so used to getting his own way he thought any woman should consider herself lucky if she got his attention, and he didn’t handle rejection well at all. I had to talk to him, get his side of the story. Maybe then I’d be able to forget about Andrew’s suspicions.
I grabbed my bag and keys and slipped my shoes on. I peered out the front window for a sign of Sarah. She had taken off without her keys. I didn’t want to leave the flat unlocked, but locking her out would be a huge mistake considering the way we’d left things. I went outside, leaving the front door open, and moved to the end of the driveway.
I peered down the street in the direction Sarah had gone and spotted her walking towards me. She hadn’t seen me yet, skipping along, a huge smile on her face as she made her way home. Then she looked up and saw me, the smile fading and her steps slowing.
I strode towards her, curious about her mood change but not wanting to waste time investigating. ‘I’ve got to go see Connor. The door’s unlocked,’ I said.
Sarah nodded and walked by, head downcast, but with a small smile playing around her lips. I shook off my curiosity and climbed into my car.
I arrived at Connor’s place in time to see him exiting the house that he shared with three other guys.
He wasn’t alone.
A slim brunette walked bedside him, long hair curling down her back as she climbed into the front seat of his Commodore. I continued driving passed, then pulled into a driveway four houses up and watched as Connor backed out and drove off.
Before I could even think about it, I pulled out and followed behind. If Andrew was right, the girl was in terrible danger.
Chapter 21
Connor drove fast and I broke the speed limit to keep him in sight as he headed towards the other side of town. I got stuck at the traffic lights on the north end of the bridge as night gathered. I could lose him completely if the lights didn’t change soon. I kept the engine revving and took off the second the light changed colour, racing across the bridge.
Connor’s car had vanished.
I took a deep breath and relaxed my grip on the steering wheel. It was nearly six so perhaps Connor was taking his date out for dinner. I drove slowly down the mall, checking for Connor or his car. Then I turned the corner and drove along the deserted nightclub strip.
I’d often run into Connor and his friends at a small wine bar nestled in an alley off the main street. I drove passed it, peering through the front window, and spotted Connor and the girl standing at the bar. Then I had to go all the way down the one-way lane until I found a side road to take me out. I headed back the way I had come and drove into the secure parking area I had used the night before. With only a few cars inside, I quickly found Connor’s Commodore and parked beside it. I took off on foot for the wine bar.
I stormed inside the bar and several heads turned to stare at me in surprise and I blushed, grimacing at my foolish behaviour. What was I thinking? Connor wasn’t a killer, yet here I was about to charge in to … to do what? I had no idea what I was going to do. I should get out of here before Connor saw me. I twisted around to leave, my eyes skimming over the heads of the bar’s patrons, and caught sight of the girl’s reflection in the mirrored wall behind the bar.
Instead of a pretty girl, I saw a black skull. I shivered, my necklace cold against my skin; as if it recognised a soul it would soon taste. I ignored the stares my strange behaviour garnered and marched for the bar, sidling in-between Connor and his doomed date.
‘Connor, what a coincidence,’ I said as I nudged the girl even further away from him. I smiled up at my murderous half-brother and latched on to his arm. ‘But it’s great you’re here because I need to talk to you.’
‘Tyler, what-,’
‘Not here, silly, in private. The whole bar doesn’t need to hear what you and my flatmate have been up to. I’m still trying to clean up the mess.’ I turned to the girl standing beside me, surprised to find no sign of death in her face. I glanced at her reflection and there it was, grinning at me.
I took a deep breath, smiled at the girl and held out my hand. ‘Hello there, are you tonight’s fling? Don’t worry, I won’t keep him long, but then with this guy’s track record long isn’t a word he’s familiar with. He doesn’t like to double dip, if you know what I mean. Once he gets what he wants you’ll never see him again, if you’re lucky. Unless you work at the STI Clinic. He’s on a first name basis with all the staff there.’ I gave her a wink and was rewarded with a horrified gasp.
Connor gave a wordless roar, pushing me aside as his date grabbed her purse and fled. It was amazing how fast she could go in heels. Connor caught up with her outside and I sauntered after him. Relief swamped me when his efforts to pacify her came to nothing. She stalked off down
the alley and turned the corner into the main street and out of sight while I was left alone with Connor.
I’d come between a murderer and his prey. Not a good place to be. Thank goodness we were in a public place.
‘What the hell did you do that for?’
I shrugged, lips having trouble holding my cheerful smile in place. ‘It seemed like a good idea at the time.’
‘Do you realise what you’ve done? I’ve been trying to get Monique to go out with me for weeks. I finally manage to convince her I’m after a serious relationship and you come along and ruin it.’
This did not sound like the rant of a would-be murderer. Connor paced back and forth on the sidewalk in front of me, running his hands through his hair. Had I got it wrong?
‘I’ll never get her to trust me now. Thanks a lot, sis.’ Connor’s shoulders slumped, his face downcast, and my stomach lurched.
But what about the image in the mirror? I was right to scare her off.
‘Better she learns what you’re like now, and not when you toss her aside for the next girl to come along. As if you’d ever settle down. You were chasing after Sarah last night and I hear you got pretty pissed off when she knocked you back.’
He shrugged, a shamefaced expression on his face. ‘Okay, so I was a prick last night, but I only went after Sarah because I didn’t think Monique would ever give me a chance. Then she rings me up and tells me she’s broken it off with her loser boyfriend and asks if she can come over and talk. This was it, my one shot and you blew it. All because I called Sarah a few names. It’s not like anything I said wasn’t true.’
‘Connor, I …’
‘Forget it.’ Connor waved me away and walked down the alley, following in Monique’s footsteps.
I trudged along behind him, glad Monique had made her escape while we’d been talking. Ahead of me, Connor kept his head down as he made his way to the secure car park and I hung back, keeping out of his way as he hopped into his car and drove off.
I made my way to the nearest bench and sat down.
Connor hadn’t acted like a thwarted serial killer, even though I was certain the skull had signalled Monique’s impending death. He’d been angry, sure, but not murderously so and his anguish over a lost chance at love appeared genuine. He must like this girl to consider settling down in a relationship.
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