Epilogue
Epilogue
Sebastian
I trudged up the drive, the gravel cracking beneath my feet, announcing my approach to anyone that was listening hard enough. The light glowed from the front window, and I could see her sitting on the sofa, gazing at her TV through half-drunken lids. I knocked on the door softly, enough to get her attention but not loud enough to draw anyone else’s. I heard her padding towards the door, her fingers scratching against the spy hole as she checked who was knocking at this hour.
The door swung open as I knew it would, and her pink-painted lips parted widely, reminding me of a clown.
“Professor Silver,” she breathed, her eyes travelling down my body greedily.
I couldn’t fathom what had possessed my brother to invest his time on this vile creature, but that wasn’t a debate for now. I held up a bottle of wine as she let out a breathless giggle. She moved aside, her eyes widening as I moved against her softly. The stench of white wine and stale food hit my nostrils, and I tried not to gag .
“Evening, Vada.” I smiled as she reached for another glass for me.
“What a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you after—well. You know.”
She shifted slightly, chewing on her lip which left a pink stain on her teeth. I knew what she was talking about—when she sent my brother to prison. I chose not to address such matters and instead lifted the glass to my lips.
“I was passing, and I remembered Evan saying you lived nearby. I didn’t know if you’d even be home, a girl like you...” I allowed my gaze to travel down her heavy bosom, my stomach churning whilst trying to appear interested, not an easy feat. I sank into the armchair facing hers and glanced at the TV. She was watching some crime drama, and I noted how ironic that was considering the reason for my visit.
Another girlish giggle escaped the pink lips, and I tried not to shudder. How did she ever think she would compare to Jain? I was sure she was better looking before all of this, but either way, she repulsed me. I was having the opposite effect on her, though, as I noticed her glancing at my crotch repeatedly.
Not a chance in fucking hell, love.
“Where’s your wife?” Vada asked, her finger dancing around the top of her wine glass in what I could only imagine was a shambolic attempt at seduction.
“Does it matter?”
She shook her head quickly, her breath quickening as she sipped the wine.
“God, that’s strong.” Vada coughed as I smiled.
“It’s from my wine cellar. Quite the vintage bottle, I can assure you. When you taste it again, tell me what flavours you can sense,” I commanded softly, as she nodded, eager to please. She took another glug, and I winced, pretending to sip mine too.
“It’s potent,” she said, her glassy eyes gazing at me anxiously as her mouth desperately tried to form words beyond her current capability.
“Potent?”
I stood up, carrying my glass into the kitchen, before looking back at her. She was screwing her face up at the wine, yet still, she was knocking it back, clearly desperate to reach oblivion.
I could help there.
I tipped the sachet from my pocket into the glass, watching as the fine grains dissolved easily into the thick red liquid. I swirled it around before returning to the seat I’d occupied earlier.
“Try mine. I’ve added a shot to give it a little kick,” I suggested, holding my glass out as I swiftly took hers. I sank back into the chair and removed my blazer as she watched me hungrily.
“You must work out, Professor.” Vada slurred as I nodded at her to drink the wine.
“I lift, but I don’t do much cardio.”
“Like running?” Vada asked, nodding with approval at the glass in her hand. “This is much better. Strange how a shot can make all of the difference. What did you put in it?”
I rolled my sleeves up as she watched me, still sipping away on her wine eagerly.
“Nothing, it’s just a placebo effect,” I smiled, walking over to the sink as I ran my full glass under the hot tap, watching as the liquid turned from black, red to pink before disappearing entirely down the silver plughole. I washed my glass thoroughly and made sure to wash the plates alongside it .
“I don’t feel well.” I heard finally, and I continued to wash the dishes, humming a tune from a song I’d heard on the radio earlier. I racked my brains trying to think of the lyrics as I finished the dishes. Then, finally, I began to dry them, putting them away before walking back into the lounge.
“The first drink had rat poison in it, my love. The second drink had a cocktail of illegal drugs, none of which should ever be mixed with alcohol,” I leaned in closely, watching as her body went slack. “The beauty is, for the next five minutes, your body will remain paralysed as it shuts down, but you will be able to function entirely otherwise. So, I’ll just tell you at this precise moment, your cousin Julian will probably be suffering the same fate as you. I’m not sure why you both decided to commit joint suicide, but it’s such a shame. Such a waste of life.”
I saw the terror in her eyes, yet she remained completely still. I smiled again, pulling on the gloves from my pocket before picking up her mobile phone. I sent various texts before setting it back down on the side, close to her fingers.
“Jain and my brother are very happy,” I whispered, tilting my head to the side. “As we speak, I think they’re fucking lots and making babies as a married couple. Isn’t that the greatest? Say hi to the big man for me, sugar.”
I dusted off my prints, taking care to take the wine glass and bottles away with me. There wasn’t a trace left behind, and I knew this because it wasn’t the first time I’d done such a thing. I surveyed the scene, content with what I saw. I let the door close behind me softly before walking back the way I came, being careful to smooth the stones out as I walked back over them.
The things you do for your family.