by Jay Gill
“It sounds like I’m being set up.”
“Definitely.” Monica looked beautiful when she laughed.
“Perhaps we should dance together, if you think it’ll be a hit.”
“Are you asking me to dance with you, James Hardy?”
We turned in unison as the doorbell rang and Dad filmed the latest arrival.
“Rayner,” he said merrily. “Come on in. Let me get you some birthday cake before my son eats it all.”
“You need to watch him,” said Rayner, inclining his head at me. “He’s getting slow on his feet, and I’m sure it’s down to all the cake he’s eating these days. Now, where’s the beautiful Nana Hardy, the birthday girl? I believe she is owed one of my famous birthday kisses.”
We all watched and laughed as Rayner dramatically, and overenthusiastically, lifted Mum off the ground and planted a big kiss on her cheek.
“Go and get yourself some food and stop your messing around.” Mum gave Rayner a playful slap and he pretended to be injured.
Alice and Faith came running up. Rayner scooped them up in his giant arms.
“How are my girls?”
“We’re okay,” said Faith. “Will you play Hide and Seek with us?”
“You bet I will. If you two go and hide, I’ll grab something to eat and I’ll count at the same time.”
“You won’t forget us?” Faith gave Rayner a hard stare.
“Never. How could I ever forget my little monsters?”
Alice and Faith ran off to hide.
“You’ve done it now, Rayner. They know you’re a soft touch,” I said with a grin. “They’ll have you playing games all afternoon.”
“Suits me. It’s what sunny afternoons were made for.”
Rayner grabbed a couple of pieces of chicken, headed outside and started searching the back garden.
“Where are those two little angels?” he said to the garden at large. “They have to be around here somewhere.”
Chapter Nineteen
A strong smell of polish and shoe leather filled the stock room. Cutler sat at a small corner desk behind rows of shoe boxes stacked on shelves. Today he was in Uxbridge at one of the busiest and most successful Cassley Shoes retail stores in his region. This particular branch had opened in 1997, the same year Cutler had joined Cassley Shoes as a junior sales assistant.
He ran a finger over the spreadsheet and rubbed his neck as he tried to identify patterns in sales. He was having trouble. It wasn’t the numbers that were the problem; ordinarily he’d find what he was looking for in no more than thirty minutes. His problem today was a distraction dressed in a crisp white blouse and short navy skirt.
Funny how things work out, Cutler thought to himself. You search and search, and then you discover what you were looking for was right under your nose all along.
Stacy DiMarco was a new hire. She’d joined the company as a temporary sales assistant because she needed some spending money for a backpacking trip across Europe she’d planned with her boyfriend. Cutler had seen the boyfriend hanging around like a lost puppy. He wasn’t much to look at, and Cutler certainly wasn’t going to let said boyfriend, Peter Rice (Peter Rabbit, more like), stand in the way of the plans he had for Miss DiMarco. It would be a new experience, dealing with the boyfriend, but as soon as he’d seen her, he had known at once that, whatever it took, he had to visit her. He just had to.
Stacy was reaching up to get a box of children’s shoes.
“Everything okay, Stacy? Can you see what you’re looking for?” He spoke as casually as he could.
“You made me jump,” she said with a gasp. “I forgot you were back here. Yes, fine, thank you. I’m helping the cutest five-year-old twins find matching shoes for school. You should see them. They’re adorable.” She smiled and disappeared back into the store.
Cutler put the papers down on the desk and stood in the doorway of the stock room. He watched as Stacy walked up and down the store holding hands with the twins while the parents deliberated over whether the shoes would meet the demands of the schoolyard.
“Excuse me? Excuse me? Hello, anybody home? Wakey, wakey.”
Cutler was jolted out of his reverie as Anthony, another of the sales staff, tried to shoulder his way past him into the stock room. “Welcome back to planet earth. Do you mind?” Anthony adjusted the stack of boxes he was holding in his slender arms, slid past Cutler and started mumbling to himself.
Cutler felt his phone buzzing. He ignored it and smiled at Stacy as she helped the twins off with the shoes. She was perfect. An angel.
He pulled out his phone and checked the missed call. It was Melanie again. No doubt wanting to remind him, yet again, that she was going out tonight and he mustn’t be late. He stuffed his phone back into his pocket. He could see the boyfriend, Peter Rabbit, loitering at the front of the store, waiting for Stacy. Cutler checked his watch. He guessed her shift must be ending soon. He watched as Stacy shot a look outside. She didn’t look happy. Perhaps a lover’s spat? Interesting.
Cutler grabbed his papers from the desk and put on his jacket. “I’m heading off now, Anthony. I want to try and miss the traffic. Have a great afternoon. Well done, and thank you.” He didn’t wait for Anthony’s reply.
Chapter Twenty
Cutler watched from inside his car as Stacy and Peter had a blazing row in the car park. Admittedly, it was all a bit one-sided. From what he could make out, Peter had been accused of seeing another girl. Which he denied.
“You told me it was nothing and now she’s texting you. Are kidding me? I just paid for flights, and I don’t even know if I can trust you. How the hell do you think that makes me feel? Don’t just stand there like some gormless idiot – say something.”
She was a feisty one. Peter had his hands full with her, that was for sure. Cutler went around to the back of his blue Mondeo, opened the boot and lifted the mat. He found what he needed and slid it into his jacket pocket.
Stacy cursed some more then stormed off, leaving Peter alone. It was only once she was gone that Peter started getting animated, waving his arms around and kicking the air. Too late now, young man, thought Cutler. You’ve gone and messed up big time.
Peter was clearly wondering what to do. He seemed torn between heading off home with his pride or going after Stacy and seeking forgiveness. Cutler could see Peter was a coward; he already knew which choice Peter would opt for.
Come on, Peter. Hop along now. Stop pretending you’re going to suddenly man up and go after her. You and I have some business to attend to. Come on.
Cutler followed on foot as Peter walked through the town centre. It was busy, and people were heading home. That didn’t matter; there were always opportunities. Most people these days kept themselves to themselves, Cutler knew. Even if they saw something they were unsure of, they generally kept their heads down and walked right on by.
Peter grabbed a large cola and a Big Mac before taking the underpass to cross the main road. He stopped to light a cigarette halfway through the underpass then marched on again at a quick pace. Where are you going, Peter? Cutler could feel his heart pounding, not only from the unusually fast walking he was having to do to keep up, but from the anticipation. This would be a first. It was necessary. It was a means to an end. It was exhilarating.
Peter was looking around as he walked. What was he looking for? He stopped a couple of times before speeding up again. Eventually, he crossed a car park and disappeared behind a row of shops. Cutler followed him, discreetly peering around to see where he’d gone.
Behind the shops, next to a big green industrial bin, he spotted Peter again. The cola must have gone straight through him. Cutler could hear the splashing of Peter relieving himself against the back wall. Oh, Peter Rabbit. That cola was more of a mistake than you realise.
Peter looked up in shock as Cutler approached. “Hey, I’m sorry. I was desperate. I’m just taking a quick leak. Is this your shop? Look, I’m really sorry. You know how it is – when you’ve got
ta go, you’ve gotta go.”
Cutler kept walking towards him and said nothing. Peter was desperately trying to finish so he could put his dick away.
“Look, I’m sorry, all right?”
As Peter looked down to tidy himself, Cutler grabbed the back of Peter’s neck and smashed his head against the wall. He then spun him around, whipped out the blade and slashed repeatedly. The young lad grabbed his face and screamed. A mixture of shock and pain. He grabbed his nose, which was badly sliced. He held out his hands and looked at the blood.
“No! Get off me! What the fuck did you do?”
Cutler got right up in Peter’s bloody face. Peter pressed himself back against the wall, no doubt wishing he could disappear into it.
“Time for the pot, Peter Rabbit.”
Peter looked bewildered and furiously tried to push past Cutler.
“I need Stacy. So, you’ve gotta go,” spat Cutler.
Peter was sobbing and holding his face, too terrified to move. “Please. Just leave me alone. I-I-I-I’ll go. I’ll go right now.”
Cutler smiled and took a single step backward. Peter looked momentarily relieved.
“I’ll just go,” said Peter. He smiled hesitantly, unsure what to do. He squeezed his eyes shut, then opened them before taking a step away from Cutler.
Without a word Cutler matched Peter’s movement then stepped up close again to thrust the scalpel deep into Peter’s face. As Peter lifted his head to scream, Cutler removed the blade and jabbed it repeatedly into Peter’s throat. When his hands rose to protect his throat, Cutler drove the blade into the back of his hands before returning the blade to his face and slicing open his cheek.
Peter sank to his knees, sobbing and gurgling. Eyes bulging wide from the horror of what was happening to him, he tried without success to stop the blood, which seemed to be coming from everywhere.
Cutler’s work was complete, and he crouched down. “I hope you believe me when I tell you none of this is personal,” he said conversationally. “You see, Peter, from time to time I find an angel. When I do, it’s a very special moment. You probably can’t understand, and it doesn’t really matter whether you do or not.”
Peter reached out for help. Cutler stared at the bloody hand as he spoke. “I’m not sure you’ve ever had a need so strong that you’d stop at nothing to feel it again and again. You, I’m afraid, are between me and my need. Let me rephrase that: you were between us. You get some rest now. This’ll soon be over.”
Cutler got to his feet and took out his phone, which was buzzing again. He wiped the scalpel blade on Peter’s t-shirt and answered the phone. Peter slumped sideways and began making some ungodly gurgling sound, so Cutler pressed a foot over Peter’s mouth to shut him up.
“Hello, honey. Before you say anything, I know, I know. I’m sorry; I’m running late. I know it’s your class night. I’m really sorry. Something unavoidable came up.
“No, it couldn’t wait. Call the babysitter. I’m sure she’ll be happy to come over.
“Okay, so pay her double if you have to.”
Cutler covered the mouthpiece and spoke to Peter, who had now gone into cardiac arrest. “You should thank me. I’ve saved you from all this, you know.
“Women! You can’t live with them and you can’t live without them.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Cutler stared up at the dirty-looking flat above a parade of shops. Hers was above a cat-rescue charity shop. He had to admit he found it disappointing Stacy DiMarco lived there. Perhaps it was nice inside. He felt sure she would have it made homely.
The police had stayed for several hours, and he’d watched as officers had come and gone. No doubt they had wanted to know about her relationship with Peter Rabbit. When had she last seen him? How long had she known him? Were any of Peter’s friends known psychopaths? That sort of thing.
Cutler chuckled to himself. He wondered whether they’d mentioned the inelegant truth that her boyfriend had died while having a wee behind a parade of shops.
It was getting late and the light was fading. He grabbed the bouquet of flowers from the back seat and, keeping his head down, walked the short distance to Stacy’s flat. He pressed the buzzer. No answer. He pressed it again.
“Hello?” came a soft voice. She sounded like she’d been crying.
“Hi, Stacy. It’s Michael from work. I hope I’m not intruding, only I’ve been asked to see how you are.”
“Michael?”
“Yes, Michael Cutler. Regional manager.” There was silence before Cutler added, “Cassley Shoes.” He could hear her hesitation. He could tell she didn’t want to let him in, but her good manners would prevent her from turning him away.
“Of course. Just give me a moment,” she said politely. A few seconds later the buzzer sounded and Cutler pushed the front door open.
Stacy stood at the top of the stairs. She looked pale; her face was puffy and her eyes bloodshot.
He held up the flowers and smiled sympathetically.
“Oh, thank you,” said Stacy. “You shouldn’t have. That’s so sweet. Come on up.”
“I hope I’m not intruding.” Cutler was pouring on the Good Samaritan vibe. Yeah, the Good Samaritan with cuffs, rope, tape and a scalpel hidden in his jacket. “I’m sorry to hear about Peter. This must be a very difficult time. How are you coping?”
He took the stairs two at a time and followed Stacy into her sitting room. He had suspected from looking at her that she had good taste, and looking around her small flat now it was just as he’d hoped. There wasn’t much in the way of furniture or ornaments, but what she did have was of quality. The sitting room was open plan with two armchairs, a two-seater sofa, a coffee table and a TV at one end. At the other was a small but well-equipped kitchen. There were two doors at the far end of the sitting room, no doubt the bedroom and the bathroom.
Michael handed Stacy the bouquet. He watched as she filled a vase with water and carefully arranged the flowers before placing them on her coffee table.
“They’re beautiful,” said Stacy. She took a tissue from her jeans and wiped her nose. “Would you like a coffee or a tea?”
She was mesmerising, and Cutler was finding it difficult to keep his emotions under control. He was desperate to see how she would look but needed to run through a few things first. “I don’t want to intrude. You must have people coming and going all the time at the moment. Do you have family close by?”
“No, not really. I’m thinking of going to my parents’ tomorrow. They’re in Birmingham.”
“You take as much time as you need. And I mean that. We’re all so sorry to hear about what happened.”
“Thank you.”
“Who’s keeping you company? You’re not all alone at this terrible time, are you?”
“Well, yes. I haven’t really been here, in Uxbridge, that long, so I’ve not had time to make friends. I met Peter at Glastonbury last year, which is why I moved here from Birmingham. We wanted to spend more time together. Peter’s from here. He’s the only person I know here – in Uxbridge, that is. I’m sorry. Am I making any sense? I feel like I’m rambling.”
“You’re making perfect sense. I’m so sorry about Peter,” said Cutler. “Don’t forget you have your work friends. I know it’s not the same, but—’
“Oh, I know. Of course. Thank you. And there’s Anthony, from the shop. He’s so funny, so lovely. He and I talk about boyfriend problems all the time. He makes me laugh so much.”
“That’s nice. He’s a good lad,” said Cutler. He needed to make sure they wouldn’t get a surprise visitor and, so far, things were looking good.
“Do the police have any leads?”
“Not really. Too early to say. It may be just a case of Peter being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
I’ll say, thought Cutler. Although it was more a case of being with the wrong woman at the wrong time.
“I suppose they’re coming back this evening with more questions? They must have s
o many things they need to know.”
“I don’t know. I don’t think so. They said they’d call if they needed to ask me anything else. I was just planning on an early night.”
“Of course. I’m sorry; you must be exhausted. I just want you to know that the Cassley Shoes family is here for you. I know it sounds like an old-fashioned sentiment, but it’s the truth. If you need anything, just let me know.”
Cutler got up and walked to the door. He was happy they wouldn’t be disturbed. Being so close to her, hearing her soft voice and feeling how vulnerable and sensitive she was, charged him with energy. She would be his perfect angel. He was playing an ever more dangerous game, but he knew he wasn’t able to stop. Taking her now would be risky; he hadn’t employed any of his usual precautions. He hadn’t studied her habits, as he had with all the others, but he felt sure if he didn’t take the opportunity now, he’d lose her. He was trying to fight it, but in truth the battle was already lost. What was about to happen was inevitable. He knew it would happen. Whatever the ultimate cost to himself.
“Thank you, Michael. I really appreciate that. I’m sure I’ll be fine, but if I need anything I’ll be in touch.” Stacy looked at the door, using her eyes to encourage him to leave.
“I almost forgot. I’d be in trouble if I didn’t mention it. My wife Melanie suggested I offer you a hot meal. It’s lasagne night, and she would welcome some female company. We have two young sons who are a bit of a handful. She’d be delighted to meet you.” He knew she’d never say yes, and he put his hand on the lock of the door as if to leave.
Stacy walked towards him to show him out. “Please thank your wife for me. Homemade lasagne sounds lovely. But right now, I’m not good company. Maybe another time?”
