A Slip of the Tongue

Motive and Slip

A slip of the tongue was a motive for murder.

Terry hadn’t meant to say where she was the night Paul died, but when the conversation turned to cooking, she couldn’t help talk about the fabulous meal she prepared for her ex-husband.

A fillet of fish, with chilli sprinkles, golden chips, and mushy peas.

She brought the finest wine, and as a special treat, his favourite cherry cheesecake. It was as soft as her fake smile. Tasty, with her own unique ingredient. Surprisingly easy to buy off the internet, she had brought it under a false name.

‘I thought you hadn’t seen Paul that night?’

‘I mean, no, it must have been another night I was thinking of.’

Her mother-in-law’s smile faltered, as she reached for her mobile. However, she never got to make that call. Only hours before, another internet purchase, had got rid of the loose ends.

It was funny how easy murder was, but this time she had to leave town. The loose ends had a habit of tying her in knots. She picked up her car keys, and stepped over her body.

It was the quietest she had been in years.