The Chosen Ones

‘Planning and research.’

‘But how? Why me?’

‘Chance.’

‘Because I employed your firm to decorate this room?’

‘I have no firm. At least, the firm you thought you employed was fictitious. I employed a real firm myself once you had given me the keys to your apartment.’

‘But I responded to a circular that came in the post. It was the same for my holiday in Italy, and that was real because I checked with the tour company. They had my name in their records and on the passenger list. They sent me the itinerary and the airline tickets.’

‘Of course. Like the decorators, the tour company and the holiday were real but I made the bookings.’

‘But the holiday in Italy was a prize. I won it in a competition.’

‘I organized the competition. The prize was chosen with you in mind. I found your dream holiday and booked it.’

‘But how did you know I would win?’

‘There were no other entries. Only you received the mailshot about the singles club competition.’

‘Okay … but how did you know I would enter?’

‘I didn’t, but I thought there was a good chance and you didn’t let me down. Through me, you employed the decorators, you entered the competition and you accepted the prize holiday. That’s why I’m here.’

‘But how did you know Siena was my dream holiday? How did you find out so much about me?’

‘Simple. You told me.’

Although it wasn’t cold in her bedroom Gina felt a chill between her shoulder blades at his words.

‘But I don’t even know you. We’ve hardly met. How could you possibly …?’

‘From time to time we’ve been much closer than you realize. Once I’d determined how to find out about you the rest was easy.’

‘That’s what I’d like to know. How did you find out so much about me?’

‘All in good time.’

Colin retied Gina’s right arm to the bed and took the tray to the kitchen.

24 (#ulink_1c9ab83a-587f-57b7-9e5a-e0e053858ed5)

I had to get away from the bedroom. The desire to take her there, spread-eagled and helpless on the bed, was strong. I need to be stronger. Here in the kitchen with the door closed between us I’ve a chance to refocus. I’m not here to rape her, rape’s not part of my plan. Things are going exactly as I hoped they would. No more screaming, no more crying and she didn’t protest when I retied her to the bed.

So far, my plan’s working perfectly. Dover was a blip, not an error. True, I did force myself into her flat, but I couldn’t possibly have known it would turn out like that. With Georgina the whole operation’s more ingenious. It’s subtle, elegant and it’s going smoothly, just as I knew it would.