Notes on a Murder by B P Walter

Author:B P Walter [Walter, B P]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780008618704
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Chapter Twenty-Two

NOW

We’ve been sat outside the wellness centre for so long that the autumn chill brings a halt to our conversation. I became aware of the temperature dropping when the clouds of our breath became more distinct, and now I can practically hear the sounds of the moisture on the leaves turning to frost. We decide to move inside the hotel. I’m not sure what we have in mind as we move through the doors inside to the warmly lit interior. The canteen, maybe? It seems odd – no, incomprehensible – that we would be able to sit sipping coffees or high-vitamin smoothies together whilst catching up on the old days. Not that I’m particularly keen to speak about the old days. I’m aware how difficult, or potentially dangerous, my own situation is. I just don’t know how aware you are.

‘I know where we can warm up,’ you say. ‘Follow me.’

You lead me along the left-hand side of the main corridor then down some stairs to the underground floors. The signs on the walls make it clear we’re heading to the gym, sauna, spa and pool. The pool has a large red warning sign up warning users that there was no lifeguard on duty. Now I’m heading towards the poolside with you, I regret not coming down here more when it was just me. When I didn’t have this disruption in whatever sort of peace I was trying to find here.

‘We can’t swim,’ I say to you as you survey the empty pool, the surface completely flat. ‘Or at least, I can’t. I haven’t got my swim things. They’re back in my room.’ I glance at your hands – you’re definitely not holding a bag or anything containing trunks.

A small smile appears on your face. ‘I don’t think that’s bothered you before…’

I don’t return your smile. ‘Skinny dipping in a secluded cove is a bit different to an indoor swimming pool.’

You don’t say anything. You simply turn away from the pool’s edge and walk off in the direction of the men’s changing room. I get the feeling you want me to follow you, so I choose not to. I sit down awkwardly, still in my coat, on the edge of one of the loungers at the side. It has a little spotlight above it – a warm tone, in contrast to the dark blue lighting around the main pool area – and I’m tempted to just lie back and go to sleep. But I don’t. I sit there. Waiting. And barely a minute later the door to the men’s changing area opens and you return, now without your clothes, with just a towel around your waist. I look up at you as you walk over, coming round to the lounger next to mine.

‘Are you naked under there?’ I ask, nodding at the towel.

‘Why?’ you ask, ‘are you…interested?’

I don’t answer. After a moment, you smile. ‘Relax. I’ve got my pants on.’

You settle on the lounger, lifting your long, tanned legs onto the padded material and stretching them out.

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