Chapter 34
The original scheme had been to introduce themselves to Marion Ward through flattery and lust.
Their hairdresser manoeuvred herself into a conversation in a supermarket aisle then used a few compliments: lovely skin, beautiful eyes but the hair wasn't being shown off to best advantage, that sort of thing. They knew her preference; their insider had told them that. Being a lonely, sidelined genius was taking its toll and she was receptive. The offer of some free hairdressing at home was gratefully accepted. It didn't happen all at once, of course, but within a few weeks, she was ready and willing.
The changes were subtle and she loved it. The feeling of someone else's hands caressing her scalp, running their fingers through her hair was intoxicating, as was the wine she'd brought with her. It was inevitable. One afternoon they slept together and it was wonderful. It had been eight years since the last time and to say she was ready for it was probably an understatement. But they knew that.
The idea was the hairdresser would obtain copies of all the house keys and pass them on to the Cherneys. She was no killer, just a dedicated Socialist on a mission she could enjoy fully. Picking their time, her colleagues would make their entry and arrange the scene. It wasn't perfect but it was a plan.
What altered was that Marion Ward was almost obsessive about what she ate and drank and who prepared it. She couldn’t even be tempted by the treasures of the tea lady’s cart. She had to prepare what she consumed herself which made opportunities for administering the mood-altering drug impractical. However, she'd also developed a recent sense of her own mortality and had spoken about making a will.
With Helen Cherney already working for Crantwell Evans, a genuine act of kindness, they saw the opportunity for some improvisation. When the receptionist problem raised its head it was the perfect time to introduce her colleague into the mix and thereafter manipulate the situation to their advantage; the lover made a firm recommendation of a superb solicitor she'd met at her temporary place of work who specialised in last wills and testaments. Not actually the truth but Helen was competent enough to get away with it and they knew Marion would never have time to notice. Plan made, seeds sown.