Three Letters (49 page)

‘So, why is it a threat now?’ Steve was frustrated.

‘Well, unfortunately, it’s been suggested by one of the locals that, many years ago, long before the holiday camp was set up, the back end of the site had been a petrol station. So now, because, for some reason, this garage was never shown on the site plan, it has to be checked and cleared.’

The agent was just as angry as Steve.
‘Somebody along the way did not do their job properly, and now we’re looking at a hold-up of at least a fortnight … if not longer.’

‘So, is it likely to affect the permission in the long run, or can it be dealt with?’

‘It can be dealt with. I’ve already had assurances from the council. The trouble is, they have to be seen to be doing their duty, and that means ruling out any possible danger
or health threats to the local community. Mind you, it’s in our favour that the holiday site was there for many years and, so far as they could find out, the pipes never caused any problem. In fact it wasn’t even known that they were there.’

There was little Steve could do, but leave it in the hands of Edward. ‘Ring me daily,’ he directed the agent. ‘Keep me posted at every stage.’

‘You can
rely on it. So now, go home and take a breather; book a table for dinner with your wife tomorrow night. Just relax. I’ll keep this moving here. You’ll know any news as soon as I do.’

‘All right, but meantime, keep shifting things along. The last thing I need is for the project to be held up for any length of time. Don’t forget, I have backers to answer to.’

‘I understand, and I’m on it. You
have my word.’

With nothing at present for him to do, Steve left; disheartened but not altogether defeated. As far as he was concerned, they’d hit a stumbling block, not a brick wall. With luck his dream was still intact.

It was just unfortunate that he had no one to share it with.

He was eager to get home, he started out straight away.

He recalled the agent’s well-intentioned
words: ‘book a table for dinner with your wife’.

If I never came home again, I dare say Connie wouldn’t even notice, he thought.

Glancing at the petrol gauge, he saw he needed fuel, so he pulled off the main route and found a garage.

After he’d filled the tank, he called home to let Connie know he was on his way.

‘What time will you be here?’ she wanted to know.

‘I’m not sure. The traffic
is getting heavier, so let’s say another hour or thereabouts, to be on the safe side. Oh, and if you like, we can book a table at Forresters for tomorrow night. In fact, you can book it now, if you like?’

‘We’ll talk about it when you get back. I have a hairdresser’s appointment, so I might not be back by the time you arrive home. I’ll see you later, though.’

‘OK, not a problem. Bye then.’ He
replaced the receiver. ‘Looking forward to seeing you, Steve,’ he mimicked her voice. ‘Drive safely now, darling.’ He grunted. ‘Hmm! I can’t even recall the last time she worried herself about me.’

After stealing a few minutes to enjoy a sandwich and a coffee, he headed off again.

His mind remained heavy with thoughts of the young woman who had been Connie’s friend. It was strange how Connie
never spoke about her.

Now, though, with the memory of a certain young woman ever strong in his mind, he found himself curious as to Connie’s true nature.

Come to think of it, he hardly knew her. She was barely at home most days.

Pampered and lazy, she had hired people to run the house and gardens. He had never seen her pick up a duster or a frying pan. She even had the groceries delivered.

Their sex life was almost non-existent. From day one she assured him that she had no intention of having children: ‘ruining my figure and puking up in the mornings with a belly the size of an elephant’ was her view of having a baby.

It was like his eyes were suddenly wide open and he could see her for what she was: a wanton spender who never liked to get her hands dirty, and flatly refused even
to discuss the possibility of a family. She was content enough to live life to the full, while he was out, earning the money.

And for what? She didn’t share his dream, or even his life. They merely shared a house, and the very thought of that house resounding to the noise of children absolutely horrified her. She had that choice, he understood that. But he also had a choice, didn’t he? So, what
about what
he
wanted, and why hadn’t she admitted that she never wanted children before they rushed into getting married?

I am fond of her, though, he told himself. At times she can be funny and interesting. All right, we don’t run into each other’s arms after I’ve been away, and we don’t have the fiery passion, but how many married couples do?

When it came right down to it, he and Connie had
rubbed along OK these past years.

Yet again, his thoughts swung back to Connie’s friend, Ruth, and he felt sad.

Determined to clear his mind of past memories, he concentrated on the road ahead.

I
T WAS GROWING
dusk as Steve drove into Finchley High Road.

From there it was merely a five-minute drive to the tree-lined lane where he and Connie lived together.

As he turned into the lane, he saw the rear of Connie’s BMW as it went up the drive. Slowed down by a taxi cutting in front of him, he turned into the drive just as Connie was closing the front door behind her. She
didn’t see him as he parked his car behind hers.

‘Hi, there, Steve. Back from your travels again, are you?’ That was James Walters next door, poking his head over the fence. ‘Another concert, was it?’

‘Not this time, James, no. In fact, I haven’t performed in a concert for some time now.’

‘Oh, I see. So, was it business of another nature then?’

‘Sort of, yes.’ Retired and regimental, the bloke
was a bit of a nosy parker, but he meant no harm.

‘Oh, I see. Good man! So, might I be curious, and ask what you’ve got yourself into these days?’

‘Oh, this and that … but look, James, I’m sorry I’ve got to go. Catch up with my wife and all that. I’m sure you understand.’

‘Oh, I do, I certainly do.’ Giving a sly little wink, he tapped the side of his nose suggestively. ‘A gorgeous wife like
yours, who could blame you?’

When a shrill voice called out for him to, ‘Come inside, James!’ he went away at the double.

Thankful to be rid of him, Steve let himself into the house, where he went from room to room, searching for Connie.

He was just about to call out her name when he heard the telephone make an odd little ring. Curious, he picked it up, and was shocked to his roots at the conversation
he heard.

He instantly recognised the voice of the man talking to Connie.

Don Mills was his new accountant, recently signed up on the retirement of a senior accountant who had previously taken care of Steve’s fnancial affairs.

Astonished by what was being discussed, Steve continued to eavesdrop on their conversation, something he would never have done before. This time though as the conversation
deepened, he felt compelled to hear every word.

‘Be careful, Don. We need to be sure we’ve covered every angle.’ Connie was both excited and nervous. ‘I don’t relish the prospect of ending up in prison.’

‘Don’t worry, that won’t happen. I know what I’m doing, and I’ve been extra careful. The fact that the bank would only forward money for Steve’s big venture if both your signatures were on the
document was in our favour. Added to which, the new house is officially jointly owned, thanks to your powers of persuasion.’

‘Oh, I know how to get what I want.’ Connie congratulated herself.

‘And don’t I know it!’ Don went on, ‘As you know, these past months, I’ve worked very closely with Steve. I’ve gained his confidence. I’ve made some suggestions and I’ve managed to persuade him that they
are in his best interests.’

He issued a word of warning. ‘Steve is nobody’s fool, and up to now, we’ve been fortunate, because he’s been so tied up with this big project of his that I’ve discreetly managed to manoeuvre him in the right direction.’

Connie laughed. ‘I always said you were too clever for your own good.’

‘Don’t let’s get complacent, though. Steve is a sharp businessman. Normally
he’s ahead of the game, especially where finances are concerned. But juggling time, energy and finances is difficult at the best of times, and Steve has had a rough ride with all the travelling and meetings and worries about the project falling apart. Lucky for us he has temporarily taken his eye off the ball, but it won’t be too long before he smells a rat.’

‘OK, I see what you’re getting at,
and I’ll be careful. I’ll be ready to move when you are.’

‘Good! There are still a few tweaks here and there before it’s all tied up, but on the whole, and we’re nearly there. He’ll be stitched up so tight, he won’t even know what’s hit him until it’s too late.’

‘Can he come after us?’

‘He can try, but it won’t do him any good, not when I’ve done covering up the trail.’

Connie was jubilant.
‘We’re a good team, you and me. I told you I could twist him round my little finger, didn’t I?’

Don sniggered. ‘You’re a witch! You’re planning to strip your husband to the bone, and you don’t feel even the slightest twinge of guilt.’

‘Why should I?’ She felt a surge of loathing. ‘I cheated to get him, and I cheated to use him for my own ends. I’ve never loved him. In fact I hate it when he’s
even in the house. At this very moment he’s headed home, and I can’t wait to get out. I’m only ever happy when he’s away and I can meet up with you.’ She gave a girly giggle. ‘I can’t wait to see you at the Markham Hotel this evening. I hope you’ve booked us a nice room?’

‘Of course. The best room for the best girl.’

‘I expect I’ll have to be patient,’ she reminded him. ‘Don’t leave any stone
unturned. I need to make sure I take what’s mine. I’m not going without what I’m owed. So, check everything twice over, because I don’t want any comeback. I want it tied up so neatly, he hasn’t got a leg to stand on. Stitch him up, Don, and I’ll show you a life you never even dreamed of. All that … and me into the bargain.’

They laughed at that, before she reminded him again, ‘Eight o’clock at
the Markham. Be discreet. We don’t want anything to go wrong at this late stage. It won’t be long before we’re spending his money in some beautiful, hidden corner of the world, while he’s back here, starting all over again.’ The thought gave her a great deal of pleasure.

Not for the first time, Don realised he must never underestimate her. ‘I hear you loud and clear,’ he said. ‘And, by the way,
remind me never to get on the wrong side of you. Remember, just play your part right up to the end. When it’s time, make doubly sure you leave nothng whatsoever that can be traced back to you.’

‘Oh, wait a minute!’ His timely reminder jolted her memory. ‘There is just one thing. It’s a little parcel that’s been tucked away for so long I’d forgotten I still had it. Don’t worry, I’ll sort it. It’s
always a mistake to keep trophies, don’t you think?’

‘For pity’s sake, whatever it is, get rid of it now!’

‘Don’t worry, I’ll do it straight away.’

Angry with herself for having forgotten that vital piece from her past, she replaced the telephone; so intent on her errand, she did not notice the small click as the downstairs phone was also replaced.

Horrified and deeply shaken at her betrayal,
Steve climbed the stairs to confront Connie. He could hardly believe what he had overheard. It was painfully obvious that his wife and the trusted accountant were planning to pauper him, and had been planning it for some time. How could he have been so gullible? How could he not have seen what was happening right under his nose? His anger knew no bounds.

As he got to the top of the stairs, he
could see partly into the bedroom and there was Connie, standing on a chair, reaching into the back of the wardrobe.

Intrigued, he crept closer, his instincts warning him not to show himself just yet.

Remaining just out of sight, he watched her as she drew a grubby envelope from the top of the wardrobe. Getting down from the chair, she opened the envelope and peeped inside. ‘Time to get rid
of you,’ she said harshly. ‘Time to wipe out the past for ever.’