This month I’m taking part in the A-Z Challenge! Which means I’ll be writing 26 posts (on set days through the month) each one corresponding to a letter of the alphabet. Today is day 16, which means letter P.

My theme for the month is: Secret Diary Of A Serial Killer. Each post will be a new chapter in the story – I’m really excited to finally get this novel idea out of my head and into words. I hope you enjoy it! πŸ™‚

Previous Chapter: Oversight Start from A: Anna

Β 

Partner

β€œNo,” I said to Capinski.

I stood up and I started to usher him away.

β€œI’m her brother,” said Johnny.

Capinski frowned at me. β€œYou never mentioned a brother.”

β€œWe’re estranged,” said Johnny, standing up and extending his hand in greeting. β€œAnd you are?”

β€œHer partner,” Capinski said, winking at me. He shook Johnny’s hand.

β€œI’d ask you to join us, but we’re kind of in the middle of something,” said Johnny. β€œFamily stuff, you know.” He shrugged his shoulders, seeming relaxed but I could tell from his voice that he was the complete opposite.

β€œOf course.” Capinski actually looked embarrassed. β€œI’m sorry,” he said to me.

β€œI’ll be right back,” I said to Johnny, and walked Capinski out to the parking lot.

β€œYou followed me?” I kept my voice low but I was beyond angry.

β€œYou tried to ditch me,” Capinski said.

I couldn’t believe my ears. He was actually hurt that I left my car and took a cab; hurt that I was trying to not be followed by anyone.

β€œI like to keep family away from my normal life,” I said, keeping up with Johnny’s lie. Though it was partly true – I hadn’t seen my real family in years.

β€œSo he really is your brother?” Capinski said.

I nodded.

β€œIf I looked in your file I’d see that you have a brother?”

I did have a very estranged brother, though it wasn’t Johnny, but I suddenly realised how fragile Capinski was. He lost Carly and it drove him to murdering other women who looked like her. If he thought he was losing me I didn’t know what he’d do.

I moved closer to him and put my on hand on his bicep, stroking gently. β€œYes. But now I really do need to go and talk to him. I’ll see you tomorrow morning as planned?”

He smiled. β€œSure.”

He leaned down and I gave him a brief kiss, wondering if the parking lot had cameras or if I could kill him right now.

β€œTomorrow,” he said, waving as he got to his car.

I nodded.

He reversed, then stopped and rolled down his window. β€œDon’t be late,” he said. His voice sounded strained.

Next Chapter: Quiet