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“Marco, if you want Landry dead, you’re going to have to do it yourself,” he said in all seriousness. “And if Uncle Gianni finds out, you’re screwed. You’d better make sure this girl of yours is worth it.”
Chapter 23
BETH
I awoke alone in my big bed. Light coming in through the window told me it was morning. A strange emptiness filled me. It took a while for me to realise what it was.
Loneliness. I had gone to sleep safe and warm in Marco’s arms and woken up all by myself. He was gone.
My cheeks flushed as I remembered how I had clung to him last night, needed him so much. How I had buried my head in his chest and wanted him to never let go.
Now I was mortified. Embarrassment pooled like a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
And a hollowness too as I realised what a terrible situation I was in.
The house was silent all around me. I crept on tiptoes over to the door that joined my room to Marco’s and pressed my ear against it. I heard nothing on the other side. I had no idea if he was still sleeping in there, or if he wasn’t there at all.
But the quiet reassured me. I grabbed my phone from my bag that someone had placed on a chair next to the bed. Marco, probably, I thought. Was it him who had carried me in here last night?
Hurrying into the bathroom, I turned on the taps to create some background noise, and dialled Toby’s number.
It was early on a Sunday. I was worried he might still be asleep after partying last night and that he wouldn’t answer. And was relieved when he did.
Before I could even speak, he demanded, “Where are you?”
“With Marco,” I said. “Did the police talk to you? What have you said to them?”
I felt guilty for even talking to Toby, as if I was betraying Marco, but had to remind myself this was silly.
In the cold light of day, I knew my arrangement with Marco was over. He had found the man who had killed Dolly, like he had promised. Now I would have to leave his house, and I would have to take care of Mom on my own.
Toby countered with, “Is it true Landry tried to kill you? That accountant you were going to work for? Everyone at the party was talking about it, and I saw you being carried out of there, chased by the police!”
“He tried to strangle me.”
“And what did you tell the police?” he demanded.
I realised he was worried I might have told the police about his dodgy little scheme. Nothing more.
“I told them that Jonathan confessed to killing Dolly,” I said acidly. “That’s why he tried to kill me.”
“No way! Are you sure? I was sure it was DeAngelis who had done it.”
“I’m sure,” I said indignantly, angry on Marco’s behalf. “Jonathan confessed it to me. The police arrested him.”
“Good, at least we know what that was all about. I was worried for a minute then.” He added angrily, “Hold on. Why did you think the police would question me? You didn’t mention my name, did you?”
My heart had been racing, and now it slowed in relief. That must mean the police had not found out about me and Toby meeting in the smoking room.
“No, I never mentioned your name. And I think it’s best if it stays that way. Neither of us wants anyone to find out that we had anything to talk about last night.”
He laughed knowingly. “Scared that DeAngelis will find out you were meeting privately with your ex-boyfriend? Boy, you really are worried about him dumping you.”
“If I was meeting with an ex-boyfriend, then do you think it’s me who ought to be scared, or the ex-boyfriend?” I asked coldly.
I could practically hear him grinding his teeth on the other end of the phone. “You had better not mention me to him, Beth. I’m serious.”
“Then don’t give me a reason to. You better delete that video. And when are you going to transfer my money?”
