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He calls Jen back, lets her know what he’s doing.
‘Do you want me to come with you?’ she asks.
‘No. I’ll check it out. You go and see the housekeeper’s sister.’
When he tells his body to pick up the pace, it does. Hal runs 10K three times a week. He can move swiftly when he needs to, and often, nobody sees it coming.
46
THE DAY OF HIS DEATH: 10:03
Tom
‘What are you doing here?’ Tom asks.
Patrick squints at him. ‘I wanted to talk to you.’
Tom feels caught off guard. ‘I don’t want to argue with you. If you keep this up, I’m going to have to tell Nicole we’re talking and you’re misbehaving again. I don’t like keeping secrets from her. You’re putting me in a crappy position. What the hell was that message last night?’
Patrick puts his hands up. ‘I know, I know, mate. I’m sorry. I come in peace.’
‘Let’s go in.’
‘Is Nicole here? I rang the bell, but no one answered.’
‘She’s out, lucky for you.’
‘Thought so. I didn’t see her car. Though I don’t know what she drives these days. What is it? Something sporty? An SUV?’
Tom doesn’t answer. Patrick follows him towards the house. Tom stops suddenly by the pool. ‘How did you know I was on the path?’ he asks. Last night comes back to him. The figure in the grass. Might it have been Patrick and not a stranger? Has he been lurking around the property, watching and waiting for Nicole to go out because he knows she’s not a pushover like himself? He curses himself again for trashing the camera footage.
‘I didn’t. I was looking around for you.’
‘I didn’t hear you calling for me.’
Patrick shrugs. ‘How about a cold drink? It’s been a long drive.’
Tom feels himself giving in, going for the easy option when he should probably send Patrick on his way. It might put a stop to his begging. But when has he ever laid down the law with his friend?
Patrick looks at the pool longingly. ‘Beautiful,’ he says. ‘I mean, really. Amazing to see it on such a sunny day. You’ve done an incredible job.’ He grins. ‘Didn’t think you had it in you.’
‘Nicole had most of the ideas.’
‘She always did love luxury.’
‘Did she?’ Tom says. He’s not sure that’s entirely true.
‘Oh, yes. She used to save up her pennies to get the best products, don’t you remember?’
Tom does, but he’s not sure it speaks to a longing for luxury. He feels defensive. ‘She likes nice things, what’s wrong with that? Loads of people do.’
He beckons to Patrick to follow and walks brusquely towards the front door. He’ll make Patrick a drink, keep the conversation away from money then tell him that he’s busy. It’s true. He has to hide the sheep before Nicole gets back.
Patrick notes the package when they go in. ‘That’s a big box.’ He reaches out to pull the flaps open.
‘Leave it,’ Tom says. He doesn’t want Patrick to mock Nicole’s present, or him for buying it.
‘Fine.’ Patrick holds up his hands as if surrendering.
