Page 92 of To All the Men I’ve Killed Before

I walk over towards him, the knife glinting under the single lightbulb.

51

Kitty and Antoinette’s Airbnb, West Hollywood, Los Angeles

Just as I touch the tip of the blade against the soft part of his throat that’s fluttering like a butterfly’s wings, there’s a knock at the door.

Oh come on, not now.

Not on murder attempt number four. Or is it five? I’ve lost count.

I ignore it and concentrate on the knife. But the door thumps again. Harder this time.

For fuck’s sake.

Can I not kill a man in peace?

My phone lights up with a text notification.

Finished up earlier than I expected. Am outside.

Travis.

Of all the times for him to be early.

‘Do you need to get that?’ Aidan says.

I glare at him. ‘I’ll be back for you. Don’t think you’re off the hook.’ I rip off a new strip of duct tape and slap it across his mouth. ‘Don’t go anywhere.’

Then I go up the steps and lock the cellar door behind me.

There’s another knock at the door.

‘Coming,’ I say.

I open the door and he’s standing there, leaning against the frame in that louche way of his, his hair curling slightly into his eyes.

‘Hey,’ I say and he smiles.

‘Hey, yourself,’ he says. ‘Hope I’m not interrupting anything?’

Just a casual spot of mid-afternoon murder.

‘Nothing that can’t wait,’ I say. ‘Come in.’ I stand to the side and let Travis step in. ‘Thanks so much for coming. I wasn’t sure if you would.’

He gives a little shrug. ‘Of course. But you should know that I’ve got a can of Mace in my pocket so don’t try anything.’

I stare at him in horror.

‘Kitty, I’m kidding,’ he says. ‘It’s fine. Now what’s going on? You sounded panicked on the phone.’

I lead him through to the kitchen and tell him to take a seat.

Travis pulls out a chair and I sit opposite him.

‘So what’s going on?’ Travis asks again, opening his big hands and laying them palm up on the table.

‘Antoinette is missing.’