Chapter 50
THE GRAVEDIGGER
He sits on the cellar steps listening to her muffled screams. It isn’t his stepmother down there, but he can pretend it is. The thought makes his heart thump happily.
He stands, stretching his body, still sore from carrying Penny into the house, and makes his way upstairs. Dina is waiting for him.
They kiss deeply, fuelled by the adrenaline of the past few hours. He sits and pulls Dina onto his lap. She has the TV on some reality TV channel, the volume turned up to hide any of Faye’s louder screams.
“What’s going on down there?” Dina asks.
He smiles. “Faye can’t strop screaming since I dumped Penny in there. I stuffed her mouth with a sock and taped it.”
At the mention of Penny’s name, Dina huffs and slides off his lap.
“I still don’t understand why that whore has to be here.”
“Collateral,” he says, turning his attention back to the television.
Dina’s jealousy is unattractive, in fact it repulses him. Nobody has a right to say what he does or who he does. He’s drilled this into her over the years, but perhaps she needs reminding. For now, charm is his most effective method of control.
“You need to trust me, my love.” He strokes the back of her neck and looks deep into her eyes.
“I do,” she replies, unconvincingly.
“Good.” He kisses her lightly on the mouth. “So, everything’s ready for the morning? Did you get that cash to get us started?”
“Yes.” She turns away. “But we won’t need to spend it, will we? It’s everything I have.”
“No, of course not. Once the transfer is made, we’ll be rich. But it might take a few days to clear. This will just help us on our way, our new life together.” He pauses. “I’ve added money to the pot too. But you know I can’t take much out. It’s a joint account with Lisa.”
“Fine,” she says. “Even though you’re the one with actual money. I had to scrape for this, you know.”
“Do be quiet, Dina.” He rolls his eyes. “We’ll be getting all the money that should have been mine in the first place.” He winces, knowing that it isn’t enough. This isn’t how he wanted things to go. He deserved the business. He was the heir. He should be following his father’s footsteps.
If his father had never met Claire, he’d have everything he wanted right now. He wouldn’t be stuck waiting for the banks to open.
His stepmother is out there somewhere.
And one day he will find her.
A smile dances on his lips as he thinks of the day still to come.