How to Kill Men and Get Away With It(47)

I’m going to enjoy watching him go through the grinders.

The next morning, which happens to be Sunday, meaning I can use the slaughterhouses during the day, I take my bags containing the carefully wrapped packages of Niall’s remains down to my car. I’m just opening the boot when I feel a tap on my shoulder.

‘Could we possibly have a word, miss?’

I spin round and feel my heart almost leap through my throat when I come face to face with a two uniformed police officers.

‘It won’t take a moment.’

I smile sweetly even though I can feel my cheeks trembling slightly and my heart feels like it’s trying to break out of my ribcage.

‘Of course, officer. How can I help you?’

The first officer – middle-aged, crinkly eyes, beardy – looks at his colleague before giving me an embarrassed smile.

‘You’re that Instagram girl, aren’t you? Kitty Collins?’

‘That’s me.’

He looks back at his colleague – a tall brunette with an insanely pretty face – and gives her a curt nod.

‘Told you.’ He turns back to me. ‘My girls are big fans of yours.’ He pats himself down before taking a phone out of his pocket. He quickly swipes a few times before turning the screen to me and revealing a picture of two young teenage girls, with big smiles and blonde curls.

‘They’re pretty,’ I say.

‘I know this is a bit awkward, and feel free to say no, but is there any chance I could get a selfie with you? They’d go nuts.’

My heart is banging like a drum in my chest and he wants a fucking selfie?

‘Of course. No problem at all.’

We stand there on the street, him trying to get the best shot of us, while the dissected remains of a man sit patiently at our feet, hidden in designer shopping bags.

‘Thanks so much,’ he says when he’s satisfied he’s got a photo that will thrill his teenage daughters sufficiently. He nods at the bags on the street. ‘Off shopping?’

‘Just doing some returns.’ I smile, all charm, as I reach down for them.

‘Oh, allow me.’ And he picks up my bags and loads them in the boot. ‘Well, you have a nice day now. And thanks again.’

Then, along with his colleague, he heads off into London, totally unaware he’s just helped me load a chopped-up stiff into my car.

I stand, blinking after them for a moment.





38


COLLINS’ CUTS SLAUGHTERHOUSE, HAMPSHIRE

I get a text from Charlie around mid-morning asking me if he can come over to talk. I’m halfway through putting the remains of Niall through the grinder when my phone beeps and I manage to smear blood over the screen as I tap out a reply.

‘Sure, I’ll be home after lunch xx’

‘See you then.’

No kisses.

I know this isn’t a good sign and I’m going to have to come up with something convincing to explain what was going on last night.

Charlie arrives at around 2pm and he doesn’t return my smile when I open the door.

This is worse than I thought.

‘Do you want a drink?’ I ask, leading him through to the kitchen. ‘I’ve got some vegan sushi that I was just about to have if you want to share …?’

He sits down at the kitchen island and shakes his head.

The silence between us ripples with tension. I can tell it’s not the good kind either.

I sit opposite him and steel myself for what’s coming next.

‘This is about last night, isn’t it?’

He nods. ‘I’m not an idiot, Kitty. It was quite obvious you had a man here.’

I open my mouth to say something but he cuts me off.

‘I know we’ve not said anything about being exclusive, but it made me feel jealous. I hated it. And I hated that you lied. Although I shouldn’t have dropped over unannounced.’

‘It’s not what you think …’ I start, cringing at the cliché.

‘It doesn’t matter,’ he sighs. ‘What matters is that it drove me mad, thinking about you here with another man. About what you were doing in here.’

An image of Niall’s head lolling lifelessly to one side with a knife sticking out of his neck pops into my mind and I almost laugh.

‘Anyway,’ Charlie continues, ‘I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m not ready for this. I like you, Kitty, a lot. But I’m just not at a point where I can risk myself getting hurt. And you obviously aren’t ready to be involved with someone seriously. I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can see you again. I just wanted to speak to you face to face. Not be a dick about it.’

I don’t know what to say. What does one say while getting dumped?

‘It really wasn’t what you think,’ I try.

‘So, tell me then?’

I shake my head. ‘I can’t.’

‘If I’m with someone, I’m all in,’ he says. ‘I don’t do half measures or open relationships or anything like that.’

I nod.

Charlie leans in and kisses me on the cheek. ‘Be happy, Kits.’

And then he’s gone.

Ten minutes later, my phone beeps and I look to see that I’ve got a message on Insta.