Deep Water, Mark Ayre [e novels to read online TXT] 📗

story. This secret, on the other hand... Why do I feel like that's important?"

Louis sat back, smoothed his jacket over his knee. Met Abbie's eye again.

"Earlier on, we were talking about reasons I wouldn't have killed Aurora, and we missed an important one."

Once more, he glanced at the photo on his bedside table, at the happy smile of his elder son. Louis smiled too, but it was a sad smile that spoke of his loss.

"That reason being that Jacob would never have forgiven me if I'd have killed Aurora because he loved her," said Louis, "and she loved him right back."

Fifteen

A pleasant five-minute walk from Louis' front door was a quaint little cafe that prided itself on high-quality, homemade food and extortionate prices. Through the glass front, Abbie confirmed the cafe offered what she was after, then went inside.

"Full English Breakfast Sandwich and a black coffee to go. No milk or sugar in the coffee." She chucked a tenner on the counter. "Or on the sandwich. I'll be in that corner, bothering that couple, when it's ready."

The couple were not in a relationship but were siblings. Abbie had checked Tony and Alex were inside before entering but had known they would be. Humans were predictable creatures. A few minutes arguing in the street, and they'd want to sit down. It was too cold to find a bench, so it had to be a nearby cafe. If not this one, then the one down the road.

Alex looked up when Abbie was a few paces away. Tony noticed her arrival but only stared into his latest weird coffee concoction.

"How's it going?" said Abbie.

"Sorry," said Alex. "This is a private conversation."

"I'm sure," said Abbie, turning and grabbing a chair from an empty table. "Unfortunately for you, I have serious boundary issues."

Placing the chair at the table, Abbie dropped into it and looked to Alex. Her coffee was too milky, but it at least still looked like a coffee. Abbie tried a friendly smile.

"I've been talking to your boyfriend. Have to say, if you can ignore the drug dealing and loan sharking and desire to start gun-running, plus that he's too old for you, and you're too good looking for him, he's a catch. I approve."

"I didn't ask for your approval."

"No, and doesn't that make it even more valuable?"

"I don't want your opinion?"

"No one ever does," said Abbie. "One of my charming qualities is that I give it anyway. Well, not charming. Definitely a quality, though."

"Tony," said Alex. "Tell your girlfriend to go away."

"I'm not his girlfriend," said Abbie.

"Given who you're dating," said Tony. "Do you have a right to be having a go at my girlfriends?"

"I'm not your girlfriend," said Abbie.

"See, she doesn't even want you."

"It's not that I don't—" Abbie stopped herself, changed tack. "Let's not get into this. I've just had a lovely chat with Louis, and we've come to an agreement."

"You've what?" said Tony.

"What agreement?" said Alex.

"We're meeting tonight; the three of us, Alice and Louis. Alex and Louis will announce their relationship—“

"You've got to be kidding."

"And we'll all," Abbie continued despite Tony, "devise a plan of action for dealing with Angel and Ariana. Now, Alex—“

Who said, "You're not invited. You're not family."

"And if you're not careful, I won't want to be."

"I don't want you to be."

"We're going to be the best of friends. For now, go back to your boyfriend—“

"No way," said Tony.

"You don't tell me what to do," said Alex.

"And offer him moral support," Abbie continued as though she had not been interrupted. "I warned him Angel and Ariana have threatened his sons and are no longer content to sit on their hands. He's worried."

"He should be worried," said Tony. "Sister murdering piece of—“

"Full English Breakfast sandwich and black coffee to go?"

They turned as one to the waitress, who stood above them holding Abbie's order. For a moment, no one spoke. Then Abbie outstretched a hand.

"That would be mine. Thank you."

"No problem," said the waitress, giving them a hard, curious look. When Abbie put her hands on her food and drink, the waitress did not immediately relinquish the goods.

"I hope you don't misunderstand my friend here," Abbie said, nodding to Tony. "When he said “sister murdering piece of” he wasn't accusing anyone of having murdered their own sister; he was accusing someone of murdering his sister." She looked at Tony. "What's that look for? It wasn't clear to a bystander. Oh, also," she turned back to the waitress. "He was going to say “piece of delight.” Tony wouldn't swear, would you Tony?"

Tony looked shocked, Alex stunned. The waitress had still not released Abbie's food.

"Probably best not to worry about the murder—“

"Abbie," snapped Tony.

"Sorry, alleged murder. Can I..." Abbie tugged. The waitress released the food and drink, and coffee almost covered Abbie. Then there really would have been a murder. "Thank you."

Abbie brought the food and coffee to the table. Used the latter to warm her hands. After a few seconds, she looked up.

"I paid when I ordered," she said to the waitress who still hovered above them. The woman glared, then turned and disappeared.

"Where were we?"

"What the hell was that?" said Tony.

"What? I did pay. Look, we have to move on. Alex, go see Louis or don't, I don't care. Tony, I can't stay here, that waitress seemed a bit suspicious, and she's still watching us—“

"You think," said Alex.

"I know it's cold," Abbie pressed on. "But will you go for a walk with me?"

Tony stared at Abbie. Frustration bottled up, Abbie got the sense he was ready to release. A glance at the counter told him the waitress was indeed still watching, and he found a way to keep the bottle closed.

"Fine, we'll walk," he said. "All three of us."

"No." This was Alex. "I'm off to see my boyfriend. Make sure this gun-toting maniac left him in one piece."

Abbie smiled at the title and waved at Alex.

"'Twas lovely to meet you."

"You can't go," said Tony. "I can't let you."

"You can't stop me," Alex corrected. "You're my little brother, remember, not the other way around. And either way,