In The Dark

Today’s prompt from https://fivedotoh.com/2022/10/25/fandangos-story-starter-69/ is He put on a wig hoping that he wouldn’t be recognized but realized he had failed when the person he was following turned around. She stared at his face. He was aware of her failing sight. Thought he could fool her.

‘Can we stop this charade?’ Sarah said. ‘Richard, I know you are following me.’

‘My pleasure, let’s go to my car,’ Richard said.

‘Why Richard? I mean what did you have to gain by getting involved in drugs. You have all the money you need. Your mum never let you go without. The best schools, contacts, life.’

‘I had it all, but then Dad wasn’t quite so good with his control. I decided I needed some control of my own. Those estate kids didn’t have a clue. They called me Big T, and I loved what it did to my reputation.’

Sarah shoved her hands into her pockets, not wanting to speak.

‘Joe, he was an easy person to target. I paid for a meal. He loathed being in debt. Wouldn’t even ask your dad for any money. The perfect out. Deliver these drugs, and call it quits. You should have seen his face when he got mugged. He was so scared, but then I had him hooked after that. He hated crossing the county lines, especially with you.’

‘With me?’

‘Don’t you remember that trip he took you on for your thirteenth birthday. You were so excited. A day out with your big brother to the seaside. It was then he decided he wanted out, but I wouldn’t let him.’

Gravel crunched underfoot, as Sarah walked step for step with Richard.

‘You could have walked away, let my brother be.’

‘But it was so much fun to see him dangling on that hook.’

‘I trusted you.’

‘Yes, you did, and when you applied for the job at my newspaper, it was fate. Now, I’m afraid our beautiful arrangement will end.’

‘No, you will.’ Sarah pierced his skin, with a single shot. ‘You see, now I have all the cards.’

‘What have you done?’ he said and fell into the passenger seat.

‘You’ve spent all your time getting other addicted, while you make money. Now it is your turn. I want you to feel all the hurt. Through all my investigations, the lawyers first case wasn’t that woman, but a young man found with drugs in his possession. Got off with a warning, this time you will go to the police. Tell them of your involvement.’

‘And if I don’t.’

‘Then the drugs will do their job.’

He looked at the needle in her hand, she might be bluffing, but he was scared to take that chance. He saw the devastation drugs caused, and prison would be an easier thing to take.