CHAPTER FIFTY

He had taken a photograph of her as she was leaving a convenience store. He had parked his car on the opposite side of the road. She had only been in for a minute, and had come out with a plastic litre bottle of milk. She had driven off, back in the direction of her house.

He forwarded the photograph, and waited. He didn’t wait long. The text came back within fifteen seconds.

Perfect. When?

Saturday, in the early hours.

So quick?

It needs to be. Simple.

It had better be. Look what happened last time. And then?

I take her back to mine. No chance of being interrupted. I can spend as long as I want.

He waited. Nothing came back. He got nervous.

Do I have permission?

Another wait. He knew not to push. A full minute passed. He fidgeted in the car seat, took a swig of mineral water. His mobile chimed. The answer came.

Yes.

He took a long breath.

Thank you.

Don’t fuck this up.

Do you love me?

Yes. Always.