Fatal

Sounding just as unconvinced as she felt, Franny said, ‘It’ll be fine. At the moment he doesn’t know why I took the money, but once he does he’ll understand. Alfie is …’ She trailed off, not wanting to think about his reaction, especially after his last message yesterday, which was full of threats and anger. But underneath it all she could also hear his hurt, which sliced at her heart … Quickly wanting to change her train of thought because it felt too raw, too painful, Franny continued, ‘Anyway … look, we’ve got our passports and I’ve checked the flights. We can get one in four days’ time from Missoula International, then get connecting flights from there. And then it’s back to Essex.’

Taking a deep drag and letting the smoke slowly ebb out of his nose, Cab tried not to sound frustrated. ‘Hate to say it, Fran, aren’t you forgetting one thing? Money. We need money.’

Franny rested her head on Cabhan’s shoulder and sighed. ‘Look, don’t worry about that. Trust me. I’ve got an idea.’

16 (#ulink_ba0c26bf-b47c-53eb-b3d7-44c78f597e59)

‘Alfie, are you all right? I was just wanting to have a chat, run something by you, but I can leave you to it if you like.’

Back in Essex, Bree Dwyer stood in the bedroom doorway looking at Alfie as he threw his phone angrily across the room.

Not realising anyone was there and feeling startled, Alfie snapped, ‘No, I’m fine, darlin’, why wouldn’t I be?’

She walked in, her long blonde hair tumbling over her shoulders as she bent down to pick up his phone. ‘Maybe because most people who are actually fine don’t usually fling their phone away.’

Alfie gave her a half-smile, his handsome face lighting up. He shrugged. ‘You got me bang to rights there … Look, it’s just business. It pisses me off sometimes and now, with Vaughn away in Portugal trying to sort out some new contacts, I’m left to deal with everything on me own. Who knew that setting up a bookie business would be so stressful? Still, once we do it’ll all have been worth it, and some bird fucking off with my money will be just a distant memory … Listen, just ignore me, I get like this when I have me work head on.’

Passing the phone back to Alfie, Bree caught sight of the last number he’d dialled. Although she tried to stop herself, her voice edged on the accusatory. ‘Franny? She’s business now?’

Always hating being pushed on something he hadn’t been completely honest about, Alfie snarled, ‘What is this, have I suddenly found meself in Court Number One of the Old Bailey? What is it with you women, hey? It’s like you’re always looking for trouble. You can’t just be happy with the way things are.’

Bree stared at Alfie, her green eyes pools of hurt. ‘I think you’re overreacting a bit, Alf, I only—’

Alfie cut in, guilt and frustration plaguing him. ‘Am I? Really? I’m overreacting? Oh, so it was me who picked up the phone and started throwing accusations about, is it?’

‘Alf, I haven’t accused you of anything.’

Pacing, unable to stop how unreasonable he was being, Alfie pointed at her. ‘That’s not what it sounded like to me. It sounds like you think I’m going behind your back and somehow playing you against Franny.’

Bree gave a sad smile. Even though it was only very recently she had met back up with Alfie after years of not seeing him, she knew exactly what he could be like. ‘Well, are you? Cos I’d understand if you were unsure about us. Maybe this is all just a rebound, maybe I’m your rebound.’