Chapters (66)
I got lucky, I hadn’t intended to walk that way, cautious to change my route. It was a last minute decision which turned out to be a fortunate one, for me anyway. She was crossing the road as I came round the corner. I held my breath, waiting to see if she would enter the park. I thought she must have been a sign. Sent just for me. Her ponytail bounced as she walked, petite hips swaying back and forth. She had me captivated and I couldn’t resist.
She’s been the finest, of all of them. I was reluctant to let her go, but I must be careful. I can’t leave anything behind. Desire makes you stupid, clouds your vision and I need to be one step ahead, but one thing is for sure, I can’t wait to see her again.
8
SUNDAY 28 JANUARY 2018
‘Did you become friends?’
‘It didn’t happen overnight. We just started speaking to each other whenever we were at the gym. He knew the manager, everyone seemed to like him. I liked him.’
‘What sort of person would you say he is? Sorry, I mean was,’ Becker asks, stumbling over the last word and fiddling with her sleeve.
I ignore the mishap, but Hicks gives the slightest roll of the eyes.
‘Nice, friendly. Genuine. Loved his workouts, bit of a fitness freak. Just normal, you know.’ I rub my eyes. I don’t have to pretend to be tired. I’m exhausted. Must stay focused.
‘When was the first time you saw him outside the gym?’
‘I’ve only seen him outside the gym a few times. The first time there was a group of us; we went for a drink on a Friday after a session. He asked me to come along and I thought it might be fun. I just went for one, but it was nice to get to know the people I’d been training alongside. At least to know their names.’
‘Do you remember the date?’ Becker is primed, notebook in hand.
‘Sure, it was before Christmas, around the eighth, I think. I know it was a Friday and we went to the Half Moon,’ she nods as I speak, scribbling.
‘Who was there?’
‘There was me, Ian, Charlie, Sam, Laura, James, Beth and the manager, Ahmed. I think that was everyone.’ It’s easy to reel off a list of names. They go out regularly and I would often see them all leave together, but it was the first time I’d been invited. I’d finally managed to infiltrate the group.