The Lipstick Killers

choice. These bitches kidnapped me.’
    ‘I told you about that Peter,’ said Margaret, and smacked him on the back of the head with the barrel of her pistol.
    ‘Maybe he likes being hurt,’ said Roxie. ‘He certainly asks for it enough.’
    ‘Now I recognise you,’ said Haywood to Margaret. ‘The police officer – who wasn’t one.’
    ‘I am a police officer.’
    ‘I know that too,’ said Haywood. ‘We had you on film. It wasn’t hard making an identification.’
    ‘Why didn’t you do something about it?’
    ‘Even police officers on suspension cause ripples if they disappear, or worse.’
    ‘But not accountants and their secretaries?’
    ‘Small fish,’ said Haywood, dismissing her.
    ‘You’re incredibly arrogant Mr Haywood,’ said Margaret. ‘We’re armed.’
    ‘So are my security men. And I’m sure someone has alerted them by now. I trust Gina is not hurt.’
    ‘The woman outside?’ asked Roxie.
    Haywood nodded.
    ‘She’s fine. We don’t hurt women, unlike some people.’
    ‘I’m not sure what you mean by that. Now ladies, this has all been very interesting, but I’m afraid you’ve had a wasted journey. I have nothing to say to you.’
    ‘No Mr Haywood,’ said Margaret. ‘You’re coming with us, and you are going to tell your story to another policeman.’
    ‘You’re so naive. And please, call me John,’ smiled Haywood.
    ‘You’re enjoying this,’ said Margaret, incredulously.
    ‘Haven’t had so much fun in years. Certainly livens up a dull Tuesday morning.’
    ‘Up you get,’ said Margaret, and that was when they heard the lift door in the outer office open.

78
     
     
     
    ‘That’ll be security now,’ said Haywood. ‘And I think there’s someone you ought to meet. Peter, get the door will you.’
    ‘Don’t do it,’ said Margaret. ‘You’ll leave it alone, if you know what’s good for you.’
    ‘I assure you it’s important.’
    Margaret moved to his side of the desk and stuck her pistol into his ear. ‘OK, John,’ she said. ‘But if this goes pear-shaped, you’ll be the first to get it.’
    ‘So much aggression from such a pretty woman.’
    ‘Shut up. All right Peter, get the door.’
    He did as he was told, with Roxie’s gun trained on him. Trent came through the door, arms raised away from his body. ‘Got them boss,’ he said. ‘The woman’s outside.’
    ‘Good work Trent,’ said Haywood.
    ‘Easy,’ he replied.
    ‘Then bring her in, and let’s get this over with.’
    ‘Baxter,’ said Trent through the open door. ‘Come on.’
    Another man entered the room, dragging Frankie with him. He had one of her arms twisted tightly behind her back, and in his other hand, close to her head, he held a 9mm Beretta automatic. She had tears running down her face, which was distorted with pain.
    Margaret and Roxie looked stunned. ‘What’s she doing here?’ said Margaret.
    Through her tears Frankie said. ‘It was my fault.’
    ‘What was?’ asked Roxie, bewildered.
    ‘The money. I’ve got the money,’ Frankie wailed.
    ‘What?’ Roxie again.
    ‘The money Monty stole.’
    ‘You?’ said Roxie. ‘How have you got it?’
    ‘Sharon told me about it. She knew all along. She felt so guilty. That’s why she did what she did.’
    ‘Christ,’ said Margaret, almost relaxing her grip on the gun in shock, a mixture of fear and surprise flitting across her face.
    ‘I’m sorry to break up the family reunion,’ interrupted Haywood, ‘but this is hardly the time or place.’
    ‘Did you know what she was going to do?’ demanded Mags.
    ‘Of course not,’ said Frankie. ‘But perhaps. I should’ve told you both. I just wanted the money for the children’s sake. We could’ve gone away. A long way away from all this. Sharon as well. A fresh start.’
    ‘If you’re here, where are the kids?’ said Roxie suddenly, turning on Haywood. ‘If you’ve hurt them…’ she snarled.
    ‘The children are fine,’ he replied. ‘Just our little hostages to fortune. As soon as the money’s back where it belongs, so will they be. Now, if you’ll be kind enough to put your weapons on the floor, we’ll try and sort this out with the minimum of fuss.’

79
     
     
     
    ‘You reckon,’ said Margaret. ‘Well you’re wrong. We’re going to walk out of here, the three of us, and we’ll go and get the kids. And you’re coming with us. You and Peter.’ She pushed her gun into the skin of Haywood’s neck.
    ‘I don’t think