Chapter Fifty-Nine
Stuart is thinking about the girl who’d served him at the chippy. He considers her as a reward, a gift to himself for a job well done.
The Millwall Lane house is brightly lit. Stuart could have done without the security light at the front, but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem. There aren’t any close neighbours. He glances again at the photo of Joanna.
What a shame, he thinks. And yet… Maybe I could have some fun with her.
Then he shakes his head. No. Too many complications. The chippy girl is more his type.
The key slides easily into the lock. Stuart pulls a hammer from his rucksack. If all goes well, he’ll be in and out in about twenty minutes.
His distracted mind, still on the girl from the chip shop, means he forgets to cut the lights.
***
Joanna
I manage to grab the door, just as Neville rushes out. This is my chance. I can’t blow it like last time.
My thoughts keep returning to Lila. This must have something to do with her – there’s no other explanation. Could Logan be connected to, or even a member of, Lila’s family?
And who is this person who’s supposed to let me go?
I don’t know what the fuck he’s talking about.
Who’s here? Well, I’ll soon find out. I step over the scattered mess of fish and chips and wedge the door open with my shoe before draining the contents of the wine bottle into the toilet.
This time, I won’t be caught without a weapon.
I climb the steps carefully. The hatch is open. I peer into the hallway.