Page 38 of Pure Killers

Seb must have the results of the sample by now. Who the Needler is could be right there in the lab. The answer to so many questions. He never admitted to killing my husband. Maybe it wasn’t him. Why would he kill a cop and then go on to make a career of targeting the opposite? The reality that recent events will suit me much more ethically to believe he isn't my husband’s murderer doesn't escape me, but the fact is that it doesn't make sense, it’s never made sense.

I make myself wait until five pm, then throw a hoodie on, leaving my hair loose to cover the angry bruise blooming on my temple. Sunglasses go some way to hiding the bloodshot that’s come out in that eye too. Not willing to risk taking my car, in case the reporters recognise it, I catch the subway.

There's only a skeleton crew left in the station by the time I arrive, and no one has the alertness to question seeing me. I don't really expect anyone to be in the lab either, and indeed, asI round the corner, Rosie steps out, turning the other way. I back up a little, not quite up to facing her overly perceptive gaze.

She disappears without locking the door. Maybe I can go in and see the results for myself if I can find them. But when I slip through the door and close it behind me, I jump.

Seb is here, and he looks as surprised to see me as I am him. I leave my hand over my heart. "Sorry, I thought… er."

"That no one was-s here?" he asks with a light smile, shrugging his lab coat back on. He's bigger than I thought, broad-shouldered when he's not hunching forward like someone who wants to be smaller.

I give a sheepish smile. "I'm not supposed to be in today. I wanted to know about that sample I gave you, that’s all."

"Oh, yeah h-had the results for a couple of days."

I step further into the lab. The lights are dimmed as the offices close for the weekend.

Perching on one of those spinny stools now, Seb pulls a paper out from a stack of them. What hope had been rising in my chest crash-lands as he says, "Couldn't match it to anyone. Either too corrupted or belonging to someone not on file."

Glancing over the file he hands me—inconclusive—I sigh, "Damn."

"W-where did you get it?" he asks.

"It’s complicated."

"Must be."

I catch his eye and laugh at myself. "I'm being very mysterious, aren't I?"

He shrugs in an affirmative way. Then squints. "What happened to your eye?"

I touch my cheek. "I fell, that’s all."

Figuring that story sounds as thin as it felt to say it, I change the subject. "How are you finding it here? Working under Rosie?"

"She's nice. I like it h-here."

I nod slowly, my mind sliding back to that non-match, not helped by the handful of painkillers I've taken today.

"Sorry about the sample. If you c-can get another one, maybe…"

Laughing, I wave a hand. "Oh, I don't think that’s a good idea." I should be avoiding any more encounters like that. God, imagine if I bring him semen. Flushing, I smile at Seb. "Sorry, you must be wanting to lock up and get home. I'll…" I start to turn away, and he gets up too, following me out.

We're standing outside the closed door after he's locked it, and I point out, "Oh, you didn't take your lab coat off."

He glances down at himself, little tufts of hair sticking out of his beanie against his freckled forehead. "Ah well, I'll take it h-home and clean it, how did you get here?"

We start to walk side-by-side down the corridor. "I caught the subway."

"M-my car is around the corner, I can drop you home? It’s dark out now. Not safe."

Sure, would beat the subway. Besides, I'm enjoying his company. Maybe this is what I need. Someone uncomplicated, sweet and a little simple. Someone who isn't right at my elbow every day. And most importantly, someone who isn't a serial killer.

"That’d be nice, thanks."

As we reach the doors out and go down the steps, his slight lumbering gait, favouring one leg, is even more pronounced. I wait for him on the bottom steps, then ask, "What happened? If you don't mind?"

“When I w-was a k-kid, accident. Fell off a truck from up h-high." Seb tells me, and we fall into step again towards his car.

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