The Lipstick Killers

Sharon kill herself.’
    Mahoney held her at arm’s length and looked deeply into her eyes. ‘How do you know?’
    ‘It’s bloody obvious.’
    ‘But can you prove it?’
    ‘No. I just know.’
    ‘So what are you going to do about it Mags?’ he asked.
    ‘I’m going to get revenge,’ she replied. For the first time she allowed her emotions to take over, and she cried real tears until the damp sheets were even damper.

66
     
     
     
    ‘You shouldn’t say something like that to me,’ said Mahoney, looking worried.
    ‘Why not? Because you’re a copper?’
    ‘I care about your safety, you know. But yes, because I’m a copper too – as are you, don’t forget.’
    ‘In a compromising position though. What would your DI say if he could see us now?’
    ‘He’d probably say lucky old me,’ he said, smiling.
    Margaret laughed and dried her tears on the sheet. ‘Sorry,’ she said. ‘Mascara. Might not come out.’
    ‘I don’t mind. It’ll remind me of you.’
    ‘You’re a real romantic Mahoney, you know that. I bet you even send Valentine cards.’
    ‘It has been known.’
    ‘I’ll have to give you my address.’
    ‘It could be Holloway, if you meant what you said,’ Mahoney turned serious for a moment.
    ‘Forget it. I got emotional. I must’ve caught it from you.’
    ‘What now then?’
    ‘Like I said. Thai.’
    ‘Are you going to stay?’
    ‘Why? You want me to fuck and run?’
    ‘Just the opposite.’
    ‘Then I’ll stay,’ she said, looking at him directly.
    ‘Good. I’ll find the menu from the restaurant.’
    Margaret got out of bed, grabbed her knickers, and Mahoney showed her the bathroom. On the way she picked up her phone, locked the door and called Roxie. ‘Had a good shag?’ her sister asked when she answered.
    ‘None of your business, little sis. We had a nice time, that’s all you need to know.’
    ‘Lucky girl,’ Roxie laughed. ‘He’s a doll.’
    ‘Listen,’ said Margaret. ‘No more waiting around. We’re on for tomorrow. Right?’
    ‘Right,’ said Roxie, sounding hesitant.
    ‘No time for second thoughts love, remember? Just think of mum. She would’ve done anything for her family, and so must we. Even if we end up in jail.’
    ‘Of course. You don’t think that will happen do you, Mags?’
    ‘Not if I’ve got anything to do with it. Trust me. How’s everyone else holding up?’
    ‘How do you think? Not well.’
    ‘It’ll soon be over,’ said Mags, determinedly.
    ‘One way or another.’
    ‘Right. I’ll pick you up in the morning from the cottage. We need a throwaway phone so I can listen in to what’s going on. We’ll pick one up on the way into town. You sure you’re up for this? I need you on-side Roxie. Remember, this is the only way that we can make sure the people responsible for Sharon’s death get what they deserve.’
    ‘I know Mags. I want that too.’
    ‘OK then, I’ll see you first thing.’
    Margaret ended the call and washed her face. There was a towelling robe hanging on the back of the door and she slipped into it. It smelled of Mahoney, and she liked that.

67
     
     
     
    They ate in front of the TV with the sound turned down and the lights low as the sun set over the town. It was peaceful, and Margaret relished it, figuring it would be the last peace she’d know for a long time. Mahoney had dressed again, but Margaret preferred to wear his dressing gown. She knew it was stupid, but for once she didn’t care.
    After they’d eaten they began to fool around again, and eventually ended up back in bed. The sex was less desperate that time and lasted for hours. Almost like making love, thought Margaret, but dismissed the thought. Afterwards they lay together in each others’ arms and went to sleep.
    Margaret woke as dawn broke, and disengaged herself from Mahoney’s embrace. He stayed asleep, and she thought of waking him for another go round, but knew it would only make it harder to leave, so she took her clothes into the bathroom, and quietly got dressed.
    He was still sound asleep when she looked into the bedroom. Sorry Mahoney, she thought. But this is the best way, as she gathered her things and slipped out into the bright morning.
    She drove back to Sharon’s, showered quickly and changed into trousers, sweater and her trusty leather jacket. She got back in her car and went out to the cottage where Roxie was waiting by the gate. How is everyone?’ Mags asked her little sister.
    ‘All fast asleep. Do you