“And Camira, what did she do to deserve death?”
“That was fate; she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. She spotted me getting in the cab. I couldn’t let her stop me from killing Catherine. I laid her out as attractively as I could you know, like the set design arrangement of the actress who killed herself because the public had scorned her. It was a shame she had die; I liked her.”
He drove past the container ships and into the park.
“I know you had access to the poison that killed Jeffrey. But I’m curious, how did you get the morphine you injected Camira and Catherine with?”
“Simple. I broke into the hospital and stole the drugs. Cased the place well, told them I was doing research for a play we were going to mount, and needed to have a look at how drugs were secured. I stored them in a cool, dry, safe place until I was ready to make my move.”
As he was passing the canteen, she ordered him to circle around and park behind the building.
Damn, she’s thought this out, no chance of anyone spotting the car until daylight.
He turned the engine off. She instructed them both to step out of the car. Once outside, she motioned with the gun for them to start climbing the hill that led into the heavily treed woods. Roger took Hazel’s arm and helped her up the hill. When they came to the top, Eleanor directed them to the gravelled path to their left.
There was a full moon. The night was clear and cold. Small rustling sounds could be heard in the woods but no human noises could be heard other than their own footsteps crunching on the gravel.
Hazel broke the silence. “I’m glad I met you, Roger. You’re special; you see people. I can’t think of any better company I’d rather leave this world with.”
He felt tears sting the back of his eyes. Life is so unfair. This woman took to the streets because of violence and its violence that will hurtle her off the streets.
“I feel the same way, Hazel. You are a courageous woman, and a hell of a lot of fun to spend time with.”
“Cut the sentimental speeches, you two. Turn right. We’ll start our descent now.”
Roger guessed where she was leading them – close to the Dingle where her home is. She won’t even need to back track; that’s why she didn’t ask for the car keys. A fifteen minute walk on a moonlight night and she’s home.
He slowed his pace, Hazel’s breathing was becoming more laboured, shallow sounding.
“Give us a rest for 5 minutes, Eleanor. She won’t be able to go on without one.
Her laughter raised the hairs on his neck.
“Not likely.”
“If you won’t give a rest, then I’m going to run. Do you really want the sound of a gun echoing down to the people star gazing in the cars on the waterfront? You won’t have time to make it home before you’re caught.”
“Okay, five minutes.”
Roger eased Hazel onto the fallen log. He looked down the path and longed for a cigarette. Gave them up eight years ago but now he wanted one, desperately. He thought about his car, how he would never race again, or drink beer with Randy, make love with Sara, or give his mother the grandbabies she wanted. It was too late. His thoughts must have carried him away for the next thing he heard was Eleanor telling him it was time to go.
He walked over to Hazel who was struggling to get to her feet. The walk was downhill easier and the progress faster. Roger wanted to slow it down but knew he couldn’t. He knew each step they took brought them closer to death. Twenty minutes later they had made the descent. He could hear the waves hitting the shore.
“We’re heading to the shelter area, it’s to your right”, Eleanor said.
Roger and Hazel walked side by side into the wooden structure, stood against the back wall as instructed, turned and faced Eleanor. The hand holding the gun was steady.
This reminds me of what happened to Dosteskii, brought before the firing squad, then reprieved at the last minute. Only difference, there will be no reprieve for Hazel and I.
Blindfolds would have added a nice touch don’t you think”, Eleanor asked.
Why is she talking and not pulling the trigger. If she’s in the mood for conversation, here goes.
“Eleanor, you’re a reasonable woman. Hazel is an innocent woman. She did nothing to your daughter, she didn’t even know her. Why don’t you let her go? Do you think Sybil would approve of her death? I don’t think she would.”
He could see doubt flit across her face and two seconds later, watched it die.
“No, Sybil is still a child. She trusts her mother to take care of things. She doesn’t question my decisions. No, it won’t work Roger. I’m a reasonable woman but not a stupid one. Why would I leave a witness behind?”
“I’m ready to go
