Deadly Obsession

by Nigel May

  ‘I needed to come, Mother, isn’t that enough?’

  There was obviously no love lost between the two women. Genevieve leant forward to kiss her mother on the cheek. A small gesture, but countermanded as the elderly woman turned away before contact could really be made.

  Genevieve walked into the flat. The decor was dark and somewhat stuffy. An episode of Coronation Street played on the TV screen in the corner of the living room. Genevieve’s mother parked herself back in front of the TV and carried on staring at the programme. She deliberately made as little eye contact with her daughter as possible.

  ‘She’s in there if you want to see her, but she’s asleep so don’t wake her up. The help has only just left.’ The remark was dismissive.

  Genevieve took off her coat, still slightly damp from the rain outside, and threw it across the arm of a chair. ‘Thank you, I won’t.’

  Walking into the bedroom she stared down into the cot placed in the corner of the room. A small pink bundle of skin, eyes open, showed from underneath the whitest of blankets.

  The sight immediately bought a smile to Genevieve’s face and the faintest of tears to the corners of her eyes. ‘So, you’re not asleep after all.’

  Reaching down into the cot she wrapped the blanket tightly around the baby and lifted her into her arms. She kissed the baby on her forehead.

  ‘Hello there sweetheart, don’t you worry. Mummy’s here now ...’

  27

  Then, 2013

  * * *

  Tickets for the opening night of The Kitty Kat Club were like gold dust. With a capacity of just over five hundred, the kitty-shaped embossed tickets were in hotter demand than any club outside London had known for years. Word of mouth had spread. Nobody knew what to expect from the music, nobody knew what it would look like inside, but everybody knew that they had to be there. If you weren’t in possession of an invitation then indeed you were nobody.

  For Amy it had been the day she had waited a lifetime for. This was her moment. The day when the neon-lit hopes of all of her dreams came to fruition. She knew the club would work, it had to ... and her team of ‘Party Pussycats’ were going to make sure that nobody wanted for anything.

  The ‘Pussycats’ were Lily’s idea. Riley had employed Lily as PR for the club and Amy loved her gung-ho nature. Nothing was unachievable. She was determined that people would remember the opening night of the Kitty Kat for years to come. Tonight had to go down in history as beyond elite. Nothing would be too much trouble for the privileged gathered.

  ‘Nobody will be without a beer, a cocktail or anything else that their hedonistic hearts desire all night,’ snapped Lily at the twenty plus women stood before her on the unlit dance floor of the Kitty Kat. ‘In less than two hours this place will be heaving with more money and success than you can shake your fur-covered asses at and if I hear so much as a whisper of a complaint from any of them then you’ll be out the door faster than you can say kitty litter.’

  Lily was loving the power. Amy smiled proudly as she watched Lily in action from the comfort of a club booth. She’d been on her feet all day making sure nothing was left to chance but she knew she could leave the ‘Pussycats’ to Lily. A five-minute sit down before the madness commenced was much needed.

  Lily had hand-picked the girls who would be pussycats for the opening night. Weeks of castings had culminated with a troop of girls who were beautiful, buxom and beyond willing to make sure they bagged the chance to be part of nightlife history. They all towered above six feet in their killer heels, and their bodies were ripe, firm and shapely enough to fill every hair of the tight fur Kitty outfits Lily had sourced specially. The fur-bra/fur-shorts combo with kitty ears and whiskers accessories had been found and provided by Genevieve Peters. Lily was insistent that the current talk of the fashion world had to be the talent behind the feline look and Amy had to admit that Lily had played a blinder. The end result was sexy, sultry and powerful, whereas it could have easily strayed into slutty. Amy was resolute that everything about the evening would be class not brass.

  ‘We have more stars coming here tonight than you’d find in a fucking Planetarium. And not just from the UK. You will recognise some major players from Hollywood too. If any of the guests ask you anything that you don’t know the answer to then you pretend you do and then find me. The crowd tonight will be expecting a fucking good time, a party atmosphere and a shitload of fun, whatever that entails. We’re here to make sure that that happens. Or you’ll have me and her to answer to.’ Lily pointed over at Amy, indicating the ‘her’ in her order. ‘Now, get yourselves ready and organised and do me proud, pussies ... or else.’

  As the girls dispersed from the dance floor, Lily walked over to join Amy in the booth. ‘Dizzy bitches the lot of them, but they look amazing and they will do exactly what we need, boss, so don’t you worry your pretty little head. Everything is under control.’

  ‘Everything?’ questioned Amy. ‘Nothing can go wrong tonight. Riley’s reputation is on the line here too. He’s got such gravitas around here and this could be the first of a whole chain of Kitty Kat clubs if it’s a success. Are you sure people will come? Oh, and drop the ‘boss’ ... I hate that. This club may be mine but I can’t do the hierarchy thing. It freaks me out.’

  ‘The guests here tonight will be so euphoric they’re at the opening night of the best club in Britain that they’ll be quivering like a shitting dog with excitement! And if they’re not euphoric enough then I will be sure to give them a helping hand with all these babies.’ Lily grabbed her breasts and hoiked them upwards. ‘There’s enough stash in my bra to blast all of our guests into a fucking narcotic stratosphere if that’s what they want.’

  Graphic as ever, mused Amy. After weeks of preparation for the opening of the club, Amy was finally becoming immune to Lily’s filthy mouth and her talk of drugs. Amy had been against it at first. She and Laura had spent many happy nights out clubbing with nothing more mind-altering than bottles of fizz to sustain their joy, but Riley was adamant that Lily and her pharmacy were a necessary addition to the Kitty Kat experience. Doubtless he was right. He always was.

  Her mind lingered on Riley for a moment. ‘Have you seen my husband? I thought he would be here by now making sure that everything is ready to go. How come he’s not as nervous as I am?’ asked Amy.

  ‘Because your husband knows that this place is in very safe hands ... namely mine,’ stated Lily, holding up her palms and waggling her fingers. ‘He employed me for a reason, you know. And anyway, he’ll be back in a bit, he told me he’s gone off to get done up to the fucking nines. Hasn’t he splashed out on some new Hugo Boss suit for tonight? Doubtless he’ll look sharper than vampire fangs. Talking of which, shouldn’t you be thinking about getting the war paint on and slipping into something a little more night-time? It’s not long till this place will be a sea of silks, sequins, singers and soap stars and that dance floor will be more buzzing than a freaking hive. You can’t afford to be seen in anything less than fucking perfection. What are you wearing?’

  ‘Laura’s bringing the outfits here. The look for the night is her baby. She should be here any moment now ...’ Amy checked her watch. Laura was coming to the club so that they could both get ready together. Both Riley and numerous fashion PRs had offered the girls professional hair and make-up and their own stylist for the night as the opening would doubtless court countless column inches across magazines, blogs and websites, but both of them were insistent that they dolled themselves up together. It’s how they had always started girlie nights out. It felt right. And tonight, albeit super special, was to start the same way. For Amy it felt almost like a lucky talisman, auguring a night to remember.

  ‘Right on time, did somebody call?’ It was Laura, marching into the club with bags of clothes draped over one arm and her car-size make-up bag clutched in her hand. ‘Are you ready for the night of your life, Amy Hart? I know I am. And a sneaky peek to get us in the mood is definitely in order.’ She hel
d aloft a huge bottle of champagne. ‘Three glasses, Lily, if you please.’

  ‘I’ll grab you two. I’ll leave you girls to it. I’m off to make this beautiful,’ said Lily, circling her hand around her face. ‘I’ll see you later ...’ Lily started to walk off, before stopping, turning her head back towards Amy and adding ‘... boss!’ She smirked and stuck her tongue out. ‘Tonight will be the most awesome fucking night ever, a real night to remember, I promise you.’

  * * *

  Lily had been spot on. It had been the most amazing night. The Kitty Kat club had caused a media splash like no other club of recent times. Top US DJ, Blair Lonergan, his career having ascended into the stratosphere on a worldwide scale since Laura had first ‘sampled his set’ flew in specially to play the club, some of Hollywood’s finest were in attendance and there wasn’t a reality show either side of the Atlantic that didn’t seem to have at least one of their stars strutting their way around the dance floor.

  The evening had been a joyous blur for Amy. One minute she had been applying her make-up and giggling nervously with Laura, the next she had been schmoozing the who’s who of the media world and the suited sycophants and yes-men who flitted around Riley basking in his every word.

  It was all she had ever dreamt of and a warm glow of satisfaction and pride had spread through her as she watched those gathered enjoying her newly created world. As DJ Blair eased smoothly from one throbbing beat to another, she couldn’t help but marvel to see Laura chatting to Hollywood actress Evie Merchant, both throwing their hands in the air in blissful high spirits as they danced, tabloid gossip queen Nush Silvers spinning alongside them, all lost to the beat. To their left, Aussie drag superstar Latreena Occupado – whom Lily had flown in from Sydney to perform at the opening night because she was ‘the best fucking drag superstar you will ever see’ – held a cocktail in the air and closed her glitter-lashed eyes, loving the party vibe. Her cabaret earlier in the evening had been a huge success, even with the stuffier guests gathered. Amy had been surprised to see even Jemima Hearn crack a smile as Latreena took to the Kitty Kat stage and bitched about the world at large.

  Amy wasn’t quite sure that some of Riley’s colleagues – men who would much rather be propping up the bar at the nearest backstreet boozer than rubbing shoulders with a man in a frock and the media world’s up-and-comings – had totally appreciated the designer drag’s act but they had all certainly perked up and appeared decidedly hot under their white starched suit collars when UK burlesque star Immodesty Blaize took to the floor. Tommy Hearn’s eyes had been on stalks as he watched the temptress of tease slink across the club in a vision of feathers and fabulousness. As were Caitlyn Rich’s. It was the first time Amy had met Lily’s mum and she had found her beyond cool with a zest for life that she had obviously passed on to her daughter. Caitlyn had charged over to Amy like a heat-seeking missile in heels, gushing about the club opening and her joy that she could be a part of it. ‘Oh my goodness, dear girl, this is amazing, just what this dreary little city needs, a touch of London gloss. I’m adoring it. I had a lovely chat with Evie Merchant earlier, just a great actress, and that lady-man was just sensational. So cheeky. Lily’s dad would have hated it. He’s not one for enjoying himself. Thank you so much for making Lily part of all this, you’ve made a woman of her, darling. Now, must fly, I want to share some fashion tips with Immodesty and ask her if she’d pose for me. I’d love a mirrored bust of … well, her bust for my conservatoire!’ Caitlyn had disappeared back across The Kitty Kat in search of the burlesque star, leaving Amy wondering if fashion tips from a woman wearing a frock with some of the most misplaced nude panelling Amy had ever seen would really be appreciated by the international showgirl. But it was clear that just like her daughter, Caitlyn was a woman who believed in what she said, although thankfully her language was far less blue.

  Switching the main club lights off at the end of the opening night as Lily ushered the final club-goer out into the early morning light, Riley and a smiling Amy made their way to the Kitty Kat office. Once inside, Riley opened a fridge in the corner of the room and pulled out a bottle of champagne and two glasses.

  ‘I think it’s time for us to celebrate, don’t you?’ whispered Riley, pulling his wife towards him. ‘You were amazing tonight, the perfect hostess, everybody loved it. I am so proud of you.’

  Pulling Amy even closer he let his lips find hers, his kiss somehow urgent yet tender at the same time. Amy couldn’t help but respond, his touch lighting her senses, a warm ripple of desire spreading through her body. A tear formed itself at the corner of her eye. It was one of happiness. She was proud of herself too, this evening had been a long time coming, the seed from which it had grown first planted years ago when she and Laura had first shared their love of music and the joy it could bring.

  Tonight had been beyond joyful. Not one person had left the club unhappy and as the first critics and journalists began to file their reviews for the newspapers, magazines and websites, Riley placed the champagne and glasses to one side, momentarily forgotten, as he moved his hand down to one of his wife’s breasts.

  Riley gave it a gentle squeeze, his fingertips brushing against the hardening of Amy’s nipple through the fabric of the LBD Laura had chosen for her for the night. With its crossover straps and plunging neckline, it oozed glamour and was just the style-savvy look that Amy had desired. It also revealed a fair amount of skin thanks to the cut out panel between Amy’s breasts and small triangular cut outs on the hips.

  Amy let out a gasp of desire as she allowed Riley’s hand to travel inside the cut out panel across her chest and find her breast. His other hand travelled down her body, skimming across the elegant fabric that clung to Amy’s curves in all the right places, and reached its destination just below the knee where the fabric ended.

  Amy let her tongue explore further into Riley’s mouth, loving the feel of her husband’s evident desire, as his hand moved under the fabric of her dress and towards the heat that was now almost burning between her legs. It was only a matter of seconds before his fingers moved the lace of her panties to one side and entered into her, her wetness allowing for the easiest of access. She bit down on his lip as he did so.

  Unable to control their need for each other to be joined in sexual nirvana, Riley withdrew his fingers, hitched up the bottom of Amy’s dress and swept his arm across the office desk, a pile of papers flying to the floor as he did so. The area now clear, he lifted Amy onto the desk and lay her back against the table top. He pulled at her panties, yanking them off with one hand as he undid his suit trousers with the other. His erection sprang free from the confines of his clothes, proud and ready to reach its desired destination.

  It wasn’t long before it did so. As Riley slid his cock into his wife, the first review of The Kitty Kat went online. It was the first of many.

  The reviews were excellent and those lucky enough to have been there that first night spread the word that The Kitty Kat was the club to be seen at.

  28

  Now, 2015

  * * *

  As Amy stood across the street from the club once more, that opening night seemed such a hazy memory. So much had happened since then to turn her world upside down. The club was no longer a club, which was clear as she stared at the sign for the Dirty Cash Casino that hung outside. But that was just the bricks and mortar. It was the memories the four walls contained, the happy times, the joy and the laughter that had changed. Riley gone, Laura gunned down, so many of the people she had trusted and enjoyed spending time with now lining up as suspects in a whodunit game she wasn’t sure how she was supposed to play. Her memories shattered, warped out of all recognisable shape, the red roses of romance and love tarred black with destruction. Life at The Kitty Kat was over for good and Amy’s own existence would never be the same again.

  Amy had headed back to Manchester after the arrival of the second letter. If the letter was to be believed then Riley was closer than she realised. She’d bee
n unable to stop herself from turning and constantly glancing over her shoulders on leaving her London home ever since she’d read it. Had Riley followed her to London? Was he still based in Manchester? Was he still based anywhere?

  That had been the major change in her return journey to Manchester. Her paranoia had escalated through the roof. Before, she’d assumed that if Riley was alive then he would be in hiding, fearful for his life as stated in his first letter. But now things had changed. She found herself staring at people in cars speeding past, those in the queue behind her at the train station, the stranger lurking on the corner of the street where she walked. What if Riley had changed his appearance? His long thick black locks could now be cropped, blond, shaved. His über-sharp fashion sense could be camouflaged with baggy anoraks and heavy winter clothes.

  The other change had been that she had not returned to Manchester alone. This time Grant had accompanied her. Now work had finished on Ward 44 for the Christmas break, Grant had insisted that he tag along. The two of them had shared something at Amy’s apartment. There had been a comfort in him being there. Just his mere presence made Amy feel stronger. She hadn’t hesitated when he’d offered his company. It wasn’t trust. She still trusted nobody, but just having someone experience the jagged life journey she was currently on alongside her seemed strangely beneficial. He listened, he offered advice, he was simply there. He may have abhorred her husband, but he could see that the mystery surrounding his death was eating Amy alive. He seemed willing to do whatever he could to make things easier and that was something Amy appreciated. Nothing was simple any more. She doubted whether it ever would be again.

  Grant had left Amy once they had arrived in Manchester and booked into a hotel. Grant had paid for both rooms, a gesture Amy was unable to turn down. Her supply of money was dwindling fast and at least this hotel’s sheets would be fresher than the last.