Su Ridley - Unnatural Justice

HE WAS WAITING on the river bank. He'd deliberately arrived early. His nerves tingled with the thrill of anticipation. He reached inside his pocket again. His fingers stroked the smooth, cool glass of the phial that encased the clear blue liquid.

The first home-made batch of Blue Heaven had been too strong. He thought of Jennifer. She had been at the party, so many witnesses yet not one of them had seen anything. Sex with her had been quick, too quick. He remembered the pleasure hed felt when he found out she was in a coma. The pleasure had been even more intense when he had visited her in hospital, seeing her lying there. Her mother had even thanked him for being there. The second batch he had used on Claire had been perfect. His thirst for power was unquenched. Now he was going to try a third time. This girl would die.

He had been watching Hayley Bannerman for over a month. He knew where she went, who her friends were, what she drank. She thought she was so clever but he would show her who was in control. He had planned the day meticulously. He knew she would be with them.

As he stood there, clutching the glass phial in his pocket, a feeling of power surged through his body. He was beginning to get an erection. His beautiful erection, his powerful erection.

The sound of laughter jolted him from his day dream. They were walking towards him, smiling, unsuspecting. She was with them just as he'd planned. Light cotton trousers and a tight white top showed off her firm young body. He closed his eyes and held his face up towards the warmth of the sun, absorbing every moment, imprinting the images on his brain. She wouldn't remember much about this beautiful Sunday. He did not want to forget a thing.

Scudamores have been hiring punts on the River Cam since 1910. They are as much a part of Cambridge as the colleges, libraries and churches that cram the narrow streets of this ancient university city. Half a dozen shallow, flat-bottomed boats lay in a neat line, nose to the bank, along the still river. Their names had been lovingly repainted for the beginning of the summer season. He did not panic that many of the punts were already out on the water. He had reserved three boats and paid for them in advance.

The Quay side was busy. Henry's Bar and Caff Uno were doing a roaring trade. Tourists and students unable to find a table and chairs spilled out on to newly-mown lawns near the river. As he'd arranged, Hayley climbed in to his punt, leaving the rest of the group to fill the two other boats. He pushed off the bank, skilfully using the ten-feet-long pole to guide the punt upstream.

Avoiding a family of swans patiently waiting to be fed by the nearby crowds, he eased the punt beneath a black iron bridge. He tapped the tip of the pole against the metal underside of the bridge.

'I always get a little nervous going under your bridges after hearing that nursery rhyme. Does this one look sturdy enough?' he asked breaking the silence.

Hayley giggled. 'That was London Bridge, and if I remember rightly, it was you Americans who bought it. '

'You could be right, he laughed.

She lay across the bright blue cushions, lazily dipping her hand in the cool water. He watched her carefully. There was no denying she was beautiful but he didn't like her. It wasn't her beauty he despised but her intelligence. His pulse thumped in the side of his neck. Today, he needed her.

Screams and laughter from the punts trailing behind made him turn suddenly. His friends. Today they were going to help him release the power he felt welling up inside.

A large crowd had gathered on the next bridge, to watch them go by. He spotted Claire among the throng. For a split second the ir eyes locked. Fear flashed across her face. An unexpected delight. He felt another surge of adrenaline as the image of Claire, submissive, powerless, flashed inside his brain. He didn't acknowledge her. His eyes were already on his next victim. Twice he had been interviewed by the police but his alibi was too tight for them to pin anything on him.

*

Henry's Bar was a student pub. The beer was cheap, the food good. The three boys slaked their thirst from the exertion of punting by downing pints at a table outside in the sunshine overlooking the river. The girls headed to the bathroom.

'So Hayley, how are you getting on with the American?asked Megan, with a knowing wink. Megan Furby was the blonde-haired history student whod let out a wild scream when Rob Smithson had tried to throw her overboard from the second punt. She had been Hayleys best friend since they teamed up in Freshers Week, the get-together for new comers to the college at the start of each academic year.

Are we looking at the blossoming of another sordid Megan affair? Hayley asked.

Dont change the subject. You still havent answered my question.

Hayley leaned over the sink and peered in to the mirror, slowly adjusting her make-up.

Well? pleaded Megan.

He wants me to call him Chuck. What more can I say? The girlfriends burst in to laughter, then Hayleys smile faltered. She placed her lipstick on the sink and looked directly at Megans reflection in the mirror.

Actually, the guy gives me the creeps. I dont know what it is about him but he makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, said Hayley picking up her lipstick again. I thought Id have one more drink and then go. Besides, I need to finish that last bit of course work so I can start Monday morning with aclear conscience.

Megan gave a disapproving shake of her head, You girl, are getting old before your time.

When they got back to the table, the American was missing. Hayley leaned over to Rob, Go on. Make my day. Tell me hes gone.

He thought you needed another drink. Hes gone to get you one, specially.

Rob emphasised the last word and gave a wink. Hayley grimaced. She was going to hit the next person who winked ather.

I think Ill take this opportunity to make a quick exit, said Hayley as she stood up and slung a bag over her shoulder. See you guys tomorrow.

He was right behind her. As she turned to leave, he was only inches from her face. She took an involuntary step backwards. Hed been at the bar when hed seen Hayley was about to leave. A wave of panic consumed him. She couldnt leave. That wasnt part of the plan. He couldnt let her take control. He felt the power slipping from him. He would not let that happen. The anger began to rise, his temples thudded.