Duplicity by Charles Anikpe Page A

nearby and parking it with the trunk facing the steps of the boat for ease, almost skidding into the water from driving too fast in the wet, slippery conditions.
     
    “Just got some rubbish to bring out!” I shouted over at the men on the boat next to me, giving them a thumbs up.
     
    “You need a hand?” they yelled enthusiastically. Not the response I had hoped for, they were asking me if I wanted help covering up a murder without knowing it.
     
    “No that’s ok! There’s not that much.” I prayed they would not insist as I waved and walked away. No response. I was relieved, but I had learned in my time that people rarely wanted to do something for nothing, and only offered when they felt obliged. Given the opportunity to be let off the hook, they would almost always take it.
     
    I opened up the door and pulled the bags outside one by one, being careful not to snag the plastic on the jagged door frame. That would be a disaster, body parts falling everywhere over the deck while onlookers stood over me. I shuddered at the mere thought.  I locked up again with all of the bags around my feet and slung them over my shoulders, making sure I got them all in one go, so they would not walk over to my aid. She was quite heavy, but luckily I didn’t have far to carry her as I dropped her again to open my car.
     
    I flung as many bags as I could fit in the trunk, and the rest in the back seat. All the while being watched by the men. It didn’t matter; I got into my car and sped off, giving them a neighbourly wave as I did. Tomorrow my car would be on EBay, it’s not like I could ever enjoy it again after this, and I would just lay low from press conferences for a while until they had time to forget my face. They hadn’t seen anything anyway. My conversation with myself was becoming ridiculous as I tried to justify my actions. In reality, there was no justification for my actions, other than cold blooded selfishness.
     
    I drove back a few miles out and back to Bell View Farm. I guess the night prowling version of me would have to find some other place to torture his victims. My defiance was inspiring to me. Without even stopping to consider it I dumped the mystery woman’s body in the barn, setting it ablaze.
     
    I drove just far enough away and parked on a hill to see the flames hit the night sky, illuminating it in quite a seductive manner. I watched as the blue sirens of the fire department and police pulled up. They had taken so long there was no chance of them finding any evidence. My job was complete. Turns out, I wasn’t half bad at covering a murderer’s ass, but I think I would stick to doing it in the safe, comfortable confines of a court room from now on.
     
    I sat for a moment, watching the scale of the bonfire I had created, and wondering what my life would be like from now on. Would I spend my days wracked with guilt, drinking whiskey just to get through the day, or would I be too busy covering his tracks to save my own ass?
     
    I drove home, and showered, and before I went to bed, I left Connor a note, just in case he decided to get up for the night.
     
    Next time, clean up your own mess…
     
    That night, I slept like a baby.
     
     
    The End
     

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    I have put together some extra special features exclusive to the paperback edition of this book.
     
    This includes a special chapter written by Conrad himself, which let me tell you was hard work- Conrad does not like to put pen to paper and reveal his deepest most intimate thoughts.
     
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Preview of ‘Who Am I’ Book 2
     
    Below you’ll find a sneak preview for what is in store for Connor in book 2 of the series! Keep your eyes peeled for updates on release dates!
     
    You can pre order book two at the link