‘I’d love to see it when it’s finished,’ I say, the words slipping out before I think.
‘Oh yes, you must. You’ll have to come for dinner.’
I blink, caught off guard. She gives a little wave and leaves as quietly as she arrived.
I stand there for a moment, heart thudding a bit harder than it should. As I head back toward the kitchen, I can’t help thinking,DoesDaniel Neal know how lucky he is?
Chapter Twenty
Daniel. After the ransom drop.
Irinse my hands under the tap and notice they’re shaking. Just as I’m about to leave the loo, my phone rings. It’s Rose, Jo’s tennis partner.
‘Danny, sorry to bother you. You’re not in the middle of something important, are you?’
‘Just leaving work, actually.’
‘It’s just I can’t reach Joanna. I’ve called and messaged, but her phone’s off. We’ve got a game tonight. She usually confirms, but I’ve heard nothing. Is everything okay?’
Shit. Another person I forgot to contact.
‘She’s not well. She caught a virus. I told her to turn her phone off and rest.’
‘Oh no, poor thing. Is she up for visitors?’
Jesus, this is getting messier by the minute.
‘Best not. It’s a nasty bug, and you don’t want to catch it. You know how schools are. It only takes one…’
‘And the whole school goes down. Yeah, wouldn’t look good for me, the head, to bring a new bug in, I agree. Tell her I’m thinking of her.’
I hang up and lean on the sink, trying to slow my breathing. How many other people have I forgotten to tell? The loo door bangs open, making me jump. Nic strides in, already undoing his fly.
‘With the missus away, how about a few shots and maybe something more after?’
I shake my head. ‘Told you, I need to be home for Joel.’
‘Christ, I’ll be glad when she’s back. You’re getting boring, Danny boy.’
Shit. If I keep acting strange, he’s going to catch on.
‘Okay, but not for long,’ I say, forcing a grin. The truth is, a few shots sound like exactly what I need.
‘Let’s hit the town,’ he says.
So we do.
***
I keep checking the time, but the phone screen is blurry. The alcohol has hit me harder than I expected. I should have eaten. My head’s spinning.
‘Chill out, man. Everything’s going great for you, isn’t it?’ Nic shouts above the noise of the bar.
I should tell him the truth, but I’ve learned that Nic only helps others when it benefits him.
‘I need another shot,’ I say, faking a laugh.
Nic eyes me for a second, then calls the barman over.
