Figure It Out for Yourself

by Chase James

‘Pity you scratched yourself,’ I said, shaking my head at her. ‘Rather a wasted effort. They won’t find your skin under my nails, and they always look.’

A car drew up outside with a squeal of brakes. Serena gave a wild, piercing scream and went staggering out on to the veranda.

I didn’t move.

Feet pounded up the garden path.

‘All right lady. We’re here,’ a man bawled.

Sergeant MacGraw loomed in the doorway, a snarl on his face and a gun in his hand.

‘One move and you get it!’ he bellowed, glaring at me.

‘Don’t be dramatic,’ I said, tapping ash on to the floor. ‘She’s kidding.’

‘Yeah? She looks like it. Stand up and put your hands up!’

I stood up and put my hands up. He came in cautiously.