Zorilla At Large! by William Stafford Page A

tell me what this is all about.”
    The detectives sat facing the lifeguard, resting their chins on their hands and gazing adoringly at this charismatic, handsome and fit-as-fuck specimen.
    â€œGo on then,” Darren prompted after a couple of minutes of basking in their silent admiration. “Tell me. Or am I supposed to guess?”
    â€œLottery,” Miller managed to squeak.
    â€œNever play it.” Darren sat back and rested his arm on the back of the chair beside him, affording them a better view of his pecs. “My balls dropped years ago.” He chuckled. Brough was agog. Darren Bennett had certainly won the draw when the top prize had been good looks.
    â€œYou put in a bid,” Brough had to look at the space beyond the lifeguard’s shoulder. “You were awarded a grant?”
    â€œOh, that! Oh, yeah.”
    â€œWhat was it for?”
    Darren Bennett made an expansive gesture. “Look at the state of this place.” The detectives didn’t take their eyes off him. “Most of the time I feel like a big fish in a shit pile. And all we get from the council is cuts and more cuts. And then they wonder why the kids are all tubby fuckers. So, I decided to set up a fitness club for youngsters. That lottery committee lapped it up. Offered me double the amount I asked for. As of last week, I’m working my notice. Got my eye on some premises I’m going to rent and, in a few months’ time. I’ll be up and running. Bring your kids along.”
    â€œI haven’t got any!” Miller blurted. “I’m not even married.”
    â€œYou do surprise me,” Darren Bennett twinkled. Miller giggled.
    â€œAnd I’m not the paternal sort,” Brough chimed in.
    â€œOh, no?” Bennett flashed Brough a twinkle. “I suppose you’re a bit on the young side to be somebody’s daddy. ”
    Brough’s mouth fell open.
    â€œWe’m taking you in,” said Miller. “For protection.”
    â€œI can protect myself, sweetheart.” He flexed his muscles to prove it.
    â€œYou may have heard there’s a killer on the loose,” Brough stated, although his voice was constricted.
    Bennett pulled a face. “I heard something about an animal or something. Got out of the zoo, didn’t it? Some skunk done a bunk!”
    Miller laughed, too loudly and for too long.
    â€œThat’s a separate issue,” said Brough. “There is a vicious murderer in Dedley and we have reason to believe he - or indeed she - is targeting those whose applications to the lottery committee were successful.”
    â€œYou’re shitting me.”
    â€œI shit you not.”
    â€œShit.” Darren Bennett now looked stunned as well as stunning. “Bugger me.”
    Brough coughed.
    â€œSo, if you’ll please come with me...” Miller got to her feet.
    â€œWith us ,” Brough amended, also standing. “We’ll take you to a place of safety.”
    â€œI’ve heard worse chat-up lines, I suppose. But really? I mean, I’ve got things to do and training to stick to. How do you think you get a body like mine, eh?”
    â€œI was just wondering that,” said Miller.
    â€œIt won’t be for long,” said Brough.
    â€œWell, we can’t say that for sure, can we, sir? Who knows how long it’ll take to catch him - or indeed her,” she mocked Brough’s pompous tones.
    â€œI run,” said Brough. “Perhaps we could train together...”
    Miller rolled her eyes. “Let’s make a move. I’ve got a car outside. He doesn’t even drive.”
    â€œOoh, back seat for us then, um,” Darren glanced at Brough’s card for the first time, “David!”
    Miller seethed. Brough looked triumphant.
    â€œYou can ride in the front with me,” said Miller. “More legroom. I’m sure the detective inspector won’t mind.” She fluttered her eyelashes.