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Chapters (70)
  1. Cover
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  3. Map of Rutland
  4. Map of Oakham
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  68. On Borrowed Time
  69. Acknowledgments
  70. Adam Croft

Roger used to go out for evening walks in the country lanes. I know, because I spent quite some time watching his movements. On that Saturday evening, I parked up on one of the lanes, waiting for him. As he walked past my car, I hit him round the back of the head with a crowbar. I dragged him away from the road, into the bushes, just in case anyone came past, and strangled him with a plastic rope until he was dead. Then I dragged him into the boot of my car and waited until it was dark.

I drove to Normanton, broke the lock on the gate with bolt cutters, and took my car right up to the church. I managed to reverse up quite close, then hauled his body up over my shoulder and carried him over to the rocks. I loved the idea of the symbolism of it all, knowing how much he hated religion. One final joke at his expense. Plus, I must admit I thought it might throw you off the scent for a little longer. Sorry.

I was going to wait a day or two for things to die down, then disappear. But then I heard on the grapevine that his brother had turned up. I realised there was a chance he’d inherit the company, and it turned out to be true. At that point, I knew he had to die too. I watched his movements for a few days, but there didn’t seem to be much of a pattern. He stayed with Alice Clifton briefly, in Empingham. When I knew he’d spent so much time drinking in the pub, I waited for him. I was parked a little further up the road from the house. When he got there, I did exactly the same to him as I did to his brother. Then I drove home.

I had some things I needed to put in place after that. Some final arrangements. But now they’re done.

By the time you read this and have worked out who I am, I’ll be gone. The final part of my plan will be complete.

At that point, finally, I’ll be truly happy.

52

Caroline’s hands were shaking as she phoned Dexter, and she was relieved to find he had his phone hooked up to the car’s speakers. She explained the situation — that someone had been in her house and she was almost certain it was the killer — and Dexter turned around immediately and headed back to her.

She was waiting on the front doorstep when he arrived. The footsteps showed the intruder had already left, but she still didn’t feel safe in the house.