Take Two

CHAPTER 61

Carolyn ran a hand through his hair and pulled him towards her, her mouth opening. Richards kissed her, his tongue slipping easily between her lips, and she moaned softly, grinding herself against him as she returned the kiss. He reached up and cupped her breast and she moaned again, louder this time. He felt her nipple stiffen and he caressed her breast, softly at first and then harder. He heard a buzzing sound but he ignored it and continued to kiss her, his lips pressed hard against hers.

He broke away, his heart pounding. ‘God, I’ve missed you,’ he said.

‘I’ve missed you too,’ she said.

‘I’ll never let you go again,’ he said. He could smell her perfume. Coco Mademoiselle. The buzzing was louder, more insistent.

‘You didn’t let me go, Warwick,’ she said, looking deep into her eyes. ‘You killed me, remember?’

The buzzer went again and Richards woke up. He was lying on the sofa and the television was still showing football. He wiped his face and sat up. The door entry phone buzzed again. He looked at his wristwatch. It was just before seven-thirty. He tried to work out if it was morning or evening. It was evening, he realised. He’d slept away most of the day.

He stood up and walked over to the entry phone, wondering why Halpin had turned up half an hour early. There were four buttons on the unit at street level but only the top one was connected. He reached for the handset but he froze when he saw the face on the monitor. A woman, her face soaking wet, her hair drenched, her eyes wide and staring. It was Carolyn.