Page 38 of Kill For Me Kill For You
One ten p.m. and no sign of Crone.
At one thirty she knew he was a no-show for his regular appointment. It was two days until Thanksgiving, and she wondered if he’d taken off on a plane somewhere for the holidays. She got off the stool, still thinking about Crone, when her phone began to vibrate. She made for the door as she took out her cell. The caller ID read –Naomi.
‘Hi,’ said Amanda, answering the call.
‘How’s the coffee?’ said Naomi.
Amanda froze, turned and saw Naomi at the back of the coffee shop waving from the couch. At first, Amanda couldn’t figure out why Naomi was there. Then she remembered she’d told her about this place on their night out, and how it gave a perfect view of Crone going into that building.
She approached Naomi, they hugged and Amanda took a seat beside her on the couch. No awkwardness, no embarrassment between them. That made her glad, because perhaps Naomi could be something in her life too. A real person, a friend – another distraction from the void. There were people occupying the table opposite, but far enough away so they didn’t need to whisper.
‘You know you could have just called and said you wanted to meet,’ said Amanda.
‘I’m not good on the phone. Besides, I’ve got something to tell you and I wanted to do it face to face.’
Amanda felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. ‘Look, I know our conversation maybe went a little too far the other night. I want us to be friends. To trust each other. Maybe I got carried away, but I’m not crazy.’
Naomi cut off Amanda, said, ‘You’re definitely not crazy, because it’s going to work.’
‘What’s going to work?’
‘Swapping murders,’ said Naomi.
‘Really? When I didn’t hear from you, I just figured you got cold feet.’
Naomi took hold of Amanda’s hand, and whispered softly, ‘I meant it. I hope you meant it too. I damn well believed you meant it. You made me promise, remember? That’s why I came here. To tell you in person. Crone didn’t show up for work today. He won’t show for his appointment this afternoon. He won’t be in work tomorrow either. And his lawsuit against you will disappear.’
Amanda’s grip tightened on Naomi’s fingers.
‘What are you talking about?’ asked Amanda.
‘I killed him last night. While you were in the group meeting. I’ve kept my promise. Now it’s your turn.’
17
Ruth
‘How do you know that’s him?’ asked Scott.
Ruth clamped her mouth shut. Her teeth ground together, squeaking. She was trying desperately not to cry. Not here, standing in the alcove, looking out over the restaurant. She wanted to scream and run as fast as she could. Every instinct told her to get away, get as far from the man as possible.
‘Because Iknowit’s him. I’d know that face anywhere. I see it every goddamned night before I go to sleep and it’s right there, waiting for me in the morning, those eyes staring at me as soon as I wake up. I’ll never forget him. I wasthere, Scott, remember? Unlike you,’ said Ruth, and instantly regretted it. One thing she’d been careful not to do was blame Scott for the attack. Sure, he wasn’t home when it had happened, but the man, the prowler, would’ve known that too. Scott wasn’t responsible. He couldn’t be with her twenty-four hours a day. They both had lives and careers.
At least they used to.
Her last words had wounded him. He took them like a bullet to the chest. His head sank low, and she watched his right hand curl into a fist.
‘I’msorry,’ he said, a little too loud.
‘I can’t be here. He’s found me,’ said Ruth.
The waiter suddenly appeared beside them and asked, ‘Is everything all right, folks?’
Ruth knew Scott’s voice had carried through the restaurant, and maybe hers too – a couple of diners turned and looked towards them.
‘I’m not feeling well. We’re sorry, but we have to leave,’ said Ruth.
‘Oh, I’m terribly sorry. Is there anything I can do?’ the waiter said.
