around in her handbag and show off to people, throwing you a few titbits from time to time to keep you keen. It was sickening to witness.’
‘Was it that obvious?’
‘Yes! I’d never met anyone who was more entitled. She was jealous of our relationship so she destroyed it.’
‘You’re right.’ He nods slowly. ‘But I allowed her to do it.’
‘You should have told George you were Mabel’s father,’ I say, wiping up sauce with a hunk of bread. ‘That would have served her right.’
He sighs. ‘I know, I should have done, but I’ve always been so weak when it comes to Amber. She has this hold over me – I can’t explain it. It’s a love–hate thing.’
‘No, sweetie, it’s fear, pure and simple,’ I say. ‘But she has no hold over us now. It’s the other way around. Mabel belongs to us and Amber’s life is in ruins.’ I sit back, observing his beautiful features in the candlelight. ‘Did you hear about George being charged with attempted murder? His sister-in-law’s boyfriend. I mean, what the hell is that about?’
‘I’ve no idea,’ he replies, gathering up the plates. ‘They’re all falling apart.’
He goes into the kitchen and I listen to him clattering around. It’s so nice to have somebody else in the house, breathing the same air, moving around the space, making their own noises. Although I was trying not to admit it, I was feeling lonely before he came, even wondering whether I could carry on. I was frightened of the neighbours calling the police and had all sorts of unsettling thoughts about how I’d escape and what I might have to do with Mabel. Thankfully, all that has been swept aside now. From the moment Seth knocked at the door, my world changed dramatically. He’s come back to me. I’ve finally won him round.
There’s no doubt that we’ll make love tonight. It’ll be a healing. My insides skip as I imagine him undressing me and carrying me to bed. It’s been so long since I had sex, months and months. I’ve almost forgotten how to do it.
He comes back into the room carrying two plates of tiramisu. He sets them down on the table. ‘Your favourite,’ he says. ‘See? I remembered.’
‘You’ll make me fat.’
‘Nonsense.’
‘Mm, kiss me.’ I lift my face, and he bends down, brushing my lips softly with his. A shiver runs through me.
‘You’re such a clever girl,’ he murmurs. ‘I knew you’d manage to take her somehow.’
‘The stupid sister made it easy for me,’ I say. ‘She left the key in the door. All I had to do was steal it and make a copy.’ I point in the direction of the fireplace. There it is, hanging on its string necklace, glinting in the candlelight among Dolly’s horse brasses.
Seth nods approvingly. ‘It must have taken some guts to let yourself in.’
‘Yes,’ I admit. ‘And it was touch and go getting her out without waking her. I like having the key hanging up. It’s my trophy.’
‘Surely Mabel’s your trophy,’ he grins. ‘God, you look sexy tonight, Terri.’
I put down my spoon. ‘Sod the tiramisu. Let’s go to bed.’
Chapter Forty
Day Nine without Mabel
Ruby emerges from the lift and follows the red line on the floor leading to the hospital exit. Her eyes prickle with fatigue and the harsh overhead lighting. Her mouth is dry. She needs fresh air – at least as fresh as one can ever find in this crowded, polluted city. Pushing her way through the revolving door, she steps onto the pavement, and is greeted by a whoosh of cold air.
She arrived in the ambulance with Lewis yesterday afternoon – or was it the day before? It’s dark now, evening. She didn’t notice the sun rising or setting. Time has been passing without her knowledge or permission, and she feels cheated.
‘Get some rest,’ the nurse said. ‘There’s nothing you can do. We’re looking after him. If anything changes, we’ll call you immediately.’
Ruby gazes about her as ambulance sirens fade in and out of the soundscape. She only vaguely knows her location and has no idea where the nearest Tube station or bus stop is. She walks a few paces in one direction, then stops and changes her mind. Her phone is running out of juice and there’s nobody to ask for help. The entrance door is constantly turning, even at this late hour, gobbling people up and spewing others out. Everyone is caught up in their own story; they don’t even notice her.