‘No rest for the wicked,’ I say.
I rush to my office and fire up my computer. I try to move slowly and act normally, but my hands shake regardless. Relief floods through me when I see that everything has gone throughcleanly. Then I check my own bank account. Ten grand. Sitting right there, as if by magic.
I lean back in my chair and exhale, enjoying a rare moment of calm.
Then my phone buzzes. I jump. It’s a message from Nev.
They’ve found a spring under the lounge floor. I’ve told Joanna. The best bet is an oak floor. With batons down first, it’ll lift everything above the moisture. I’ve got a good carpenter.
I transfer the money for the carpenter straight away and close the laptop. All that’s left now is for me to tell Rupert someone’s getting suspicious and that maybe it’s time he found someone else to do the transfers.
Surely that will work.
I’m just about to leave when my phone buzzes again.
It’s a message from Nic.
Rupert says, Good work. He’s invited us to dinner at the club tomorrow. See you at seven.
Shit.
I call Nic.
‘Hey, Danny boy. Good work.’
‘Listen, Nic, I can’t do tomorrow night. Jo’s on a day shift. I promised her we’d spend the evening together.’
Silence. I feel the tension in my shoulders. Then Nic says, with false cheer, ‘No problem. Let me run it by Rupert. I’m sure he’d love to meet Jo.’
No, no, no.
‘I don’t think—’
‘Call you back,’ he cuts in, and then hangs up.
I drag my hands through my hair, cursing under my breath.Stupid. Stupid. Everything is slipping out of my control. The phone rings. I expect it, but it still makes me jump.
‘Look, Nic—’
‘Danny. It’s Rupert. Can you believe it’s October? Beautiful weather. Nic tells me your wife is home tomorrow, is that right?’
‘Yeah, she’s on a day shift and—’
‘Perfect. Bring her along. I’d love to meet her. Seven still good? I can move it if she needs more time. Women and their getting ready, right?’ He laughs.
What the hell do I say?
‘Seven’s fine.’
‘Great. See you then.’
Click.
The last thing I want is for Jo to meet Rupert.
***
Daniel
