Dead Gorgeous (A Mystery for D.I. Costello) Read Online Free Page B

low-level risk of annoying him further. “Yes, I know, Ian,” she said, with a realistically weepy sniff, “but I’m having a particularly hard time today. You know how it is. Some days are worse than others.”
    “Yes, I do, but I had no choice. I have to be free – I told you that – otherwise I can’t work, I can’t create. Anyway, it’s only a trial separation so that we can assess what we both want.”
    Kirsty homed in on, to her, the most salient point. “You’re hardly free now you’re having a thing with Ellie.”
    “That’s different; Ellie’s an older woman and… It’s just different.”
    “It’s OK, Ian. I know why you’re going out with Ellie.”
    “Oh, really? And why is that?”
    “Pur-leese; you’re trying to make me jealous, that’s all. You think I haven’t done that myself? It’s all right. I understand. You want to be calling the shots when we get back together.”
    “You seem very certain we’ll get back together.”
    “Ian, we’re good together; you know we are.”
    “What about Darren? Aren’t you still stringing him along?”
    “I finished with him just before you broke up with me, remember? I wanted you to be sure you’re the only one for me. He’s going out with my flatmate now.” A smirk stretched itself across Kirsty’s face as she thought about that. Darren had been to the flat a few times with Sandra – all very civilized and polite. They had behaved like grown-ups. But Kirsty hadn’t failed to notice Darren’s eyes constantly straying in her direction. She knew she would only have to click her fingers and he’d come running.
    “Oh I see, well…” said Ian, clearly at a loss.
    Kirsty, wondering if she’d sounded a little overconfident, thought a tearful note would restore the balance. “Anyway, you’ve spoilt me for other men. It’s just you I want. I really miss you, Ian,” she sniffed. “I can’t bear the thought of you and Ellie together.”
    “Hmm, perhaps it’s as well we’re having this little talk. Kirsty, you’re being very naughty, you know.”
    “But Ian, I really can’t bear it. We’re meant for each other. I know we are.”
    “The fact remains that Eleanor and I have a relationship and you really mustn’t goad her about it. It doesn’t make you look good, Kirsty.”
    A malicious grin danced around Kirsty’s lips as she listened to him. She had let slip no opportunity to make snide comments in Eleanor’s hearing, whether about her age or that she wouldn’t be able to hold on to Ian. She took pride in her ability to get under the other woman’s skin.
    “OK, Ian,” she replied meekly. “You’re right. I’ll behave better in future,” she lied.
    “Good girl.”
    “It was great just talking to you, Ian.”
    “It wasn’t bad, was it? And who knows what the future holds?”
    “Yes, I’ll be waiting when you’re ready, Ian.” Kirsty finished the call and threw the phone onto her bed. It had gone well. She’d broken the office hours only rule and managed to engage him in conversation. And she could tell he wasn’t honestly outraged at the way she behaved in front of Eleanor. She gazed with satisfaction at some photographs stuck around her dressing table mirror. Few women could match her looks, which hadn’t ever let her down in the past. Oh yes, she’d get him back again, no doubt about that. Kirsty had never had any trouble getting the man she wanted. Ian offered a bit more of a challenge, that was all. And once we’re back together again, she thought, I’ll make sure he cuts out that “good girl” rubbish.
    Just as she turned back to her computer, the front door bell made her jump. She hastily saved the file she’d been working on and closed the computer, aware that one couldn’t be too careful. Then she went down to answer the summons.
     
    Eleanor Chandler hurried into her kitchen and sat down at the breakfast bar breathing heavily and feeling the heat of her flushed cheeks, a complete contrast from her