Lust Demented

{XXI}

STUPOR INTERRUPTED, I FOUND MYSELF in a chokehold being dragged up the backstairs. The world was moving in reverse. Bouncers usually threw people down the stairs, not up. Gradually breath left me. The throat was a vulnerable spot.

Detective Anderson picked me up with one hand, jerking me onto my feet. Rhythmically patting my face until I opened my eyes…

“Say something Farrow. Say something.”

“What’s the point of it all?”

“Didn’t you notice the resemblance?”

“It’s all how you look at it.”

“Out of all the tips that came in. That dancer was Missy’s lost twin sister.”

“It wasn’t her.”

“I know, but the resemblance.”

“She was hardly a shell of what Missy was.”

“Farrow. Dig deeper. Don’t give in to exhaustion yet. Hold it together.” Detective Anderson put his arm around me. He spoke closely, trying to join my family through presence alone.

It was clear by the way Sgt. Bethany Powers closed in on me she meant business.

“With the way pieces are disappearing from the chess board, you’re in some position.” Seagull feathers falling from her mouth. The nozzle of her gun was at my throat.

“Are you listening Farrow?” All I could see were her green green eyes. “Give me Lars and I’ll give you my book.”

“Your book? Wait… Lars? Why Lars?”

“There are two perps, not one. Gloom was dead for 18 hours before Percy turned up. There was a huge difference in the amount of force used to stab the life out of the two victims.”

“How much do you know?”

“We know everything. Just remember you’re lucky to be walking the streets. You better hold onto this.” She was handing me the gun again. I knew better not to take it.

“For once in your life Farrow, take what you deserve.” I turned my back on her.

“Farrow, we did our part. Now you do yours.” The butt of the pistol smashed into my head. The world faded.