The Ultimate Selection: Be Careful Who You Talk To by S. J. Wardell Page B

inviting you over to mine. I thought it was about time I cooked for you. What do you say?’ Greg enjoyed the way Karen tried to play her harmless games.
    â€˜What… you cook for me?’ Astonishment echoed in her voice.
    â€˜Yeah, I’ll cook for you. Try not to sound so shocked,’ he laughed. ‘What do you think?’
    â€˜I think it’s a great idea. I’ll stay the night if you like. You cooking for me?’ she giggled, ‘I can’t believe it… let me get a tape recorder!’
    â€˜You’re not funny. I don’t know why you try to be funny. You should leave that to the professionals like me.’
    â€˜Who told you that you were funny?’
    â€˜You did.’
    â€˜It must have been at a weak moment, or maybe I was just being kind,’ she giggled.
    â€˜Are we on for Saturday?’ Greg did not have time for this.
    â€˜Yes, course we are! What are you going to cook me then?’
    â€˜Firstly, is there anything that you don’t eat?’ Greg was hoping that Karen had not done anything silly, like stopped eating meat.
    â€˜I’ve cut down on red meat, though I’ve not cut it out completely.’
    â€˜That’s not a problem. So that’s settled then. Oh you’ll just have to wait and see. I hope you’ll be impressed.’
    â€˜What time should I get to yours then?’
    â€˜Six, or there about, is that OK?’
    â€˜Sounds great, I can’t wait. I’d better bring my camera,’ she said laughing.
    â€˜You’re still not even slightly funny. Remember, I’m the funny one.’
    â€˜If you say so.’
    â€˜I don’t know why you’re still laughing, I might surprise you.’
    â€˜I’ll see you Saturday, Gordon,’ she said, referring to Gordon Ramsay.
    â€˜But it’s heavens kitchen in my flat, love.’
    â€˜OK, I’ll place my digestive system in your hands,’ her giggles returned.
    â€˜See you Saturday then,’ Greg replied softy.
    â€˜I’m looking forward to it already.’
    With that, he hung up.
    ***
    Greg had decided to cook chicken in an aromatic sauce. The sauce would act as a smokescreen for the sleeping tablets that he was going to put in her food. He had already decided against putting anything in her wine as this could prove to be tricky, as well as high risk. What if, after a few, he drank from the wrong glass? What if she noticed? Far too many risks. By drugging her food he could be sure that she had ingested the required dosage. The marinade would ensure that she would not be able to taste anything untoward. He had a lot to do.
    Saturday arrived in record time. Watching Soccer AM with his mug of tea, he was not concentrating on what was actually going on on the television, he was miles away. Tonight was the night. He was ready, ready to start his reign.
    Greg decided to spend the remainder of the morning and much of the afternoon preparing for the evening’s events and the night that was to follow. He marinated the chicken and placed it in the oven at medium temperature. He was careful to make two separate marinades, one of them had an extra special ingredient. He prepared all the vegetables. A simple prawn cocktail would suffice as a starter, with ice cream for dessert. Two bottles of wine were chilling nicely in the fridge.
    Greg then decided that he would need to sort his kit out for when he went to Brian’s house. He had been able to purchase an all-in-one PVC suit from a guy in Belgium, via an auction website. This also avoided the need for gloves, as the body suit covered his hands. He had gone with his original idea of wearing black leather boxing boots. His mask was an absolutely amazing find. Following his purchase of the PVC body suit, he asked the seller if he knew anywhere that did masks. The seller gave Greg the information of his contact in the United States. Greg could not believe his luck. These people e-mailed