Toxic (11 page)

“Whatever.”

“The traditional Japanese art of folding paper.”

“Yeah. I bet you do that as often as you go fishing.”

“Here.” Suzy held up the paper they had been using. She'd folded it into the shape of a bird. “Now do you believe me?”

“What's that meant to be? A duck?”

“It's a crane. Obviously.”

“Well it looks like a duck.”

“You're such a sore loser. Don't forget to wipe down the sink when you've done, loser.”

Chapter 15

“How come your hair isn't orange any more?” Todd asked.

“Because the colour has all washed out. Why do you think?”

“I like the colour you've got it now”

“
The colour I've got it now,
as you put it, is my natural colour.

“It suits you. Why do you dye it weird colours?”

“Blonde seems so boring.”

“I think you should leave it like that.”

“Do you? Wait a moment while I check if I care what you think. Hmm. No. I don't care.”

“What's wrong with you today? You've been crabby all morning.”

“No I haven't,” she snapped.

“I'd hate to see you when you are. You've been a right miserable cow, hasn't she Ben?”

“Oh fuck off, Todd.”

“Charming. Are you still mad about last night?”

“I wasn't mad.”

“It was only a word. A four letter word. I don't know why you went off like that.”

“I don't want to do this again.”

“Do what? Talk? Why are you so afraid to talk?”

“There's nothing to talk about. Just forget it.”

They sat in silence for the next fifteen minutes.

“Why don't we go for a walk?” Todd said.

“Nah, I'm not bothered.”

“Suit yourself. Ben! Walk!”

The dog had been sprawled out on the living room floor, but jumped to his feet at the word 'walk'. His tail went into overdrive.

Todd grabbed Ben's ball which they'd bought from the village shop the previous week. “Are you sure you won't come?”

“Nah. I've got a bit of a headache. You two go.”

“See you later then. Come on, boy.”

Suzy watched Todd and Ben walk along the beach towards the headland. They always went in that direction on their midday walk. When they were some distance away, she grabbed her bag and phone. Damn—it was flat. Todd's phone was on the bedside cabinet. He'd left it on charge overnight. She tossed it into her bag and headed out in the opposite direction, towards the village. If Todd looked back, he wouldn't see her because she was hidden by the house.

Suzy used the land line in the village store to call for a cab.

“Where to?” the cab driver said.

“Leumoor.”

“Anywhere in particular?”

“The nearest bar.”

“The Fisherman is popular. It's on the sea front. Will that do?”

“Yeah. Anywhere that serves beer.”

As they drove, Suzy kept checking Todd's phone to see if she had network coverage. Fifteen minutes into the journey, one bar appeared on screen. Moments later, she had a full strength signal.

“Hello?” Lacey said.

“Babes, it's me.”

“Suzy!” Lacey screamed down the phone. “Where are you? Are you all right? Is Todd with you? Is he okay? Why aren't you using your own phone?”

“Bloody hell, babes. Steady on. Too many questions.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Course I am. Are you? You sound kinda manic. Have you been snorting something?”

“I've been worried crazy about you. It's been weeks. Why didn't you call? I thought you were dead.”

“Don't be daft. I'm fine.”

“What about Todd?”

“He's fine too.”

“Are you sure? Is he with you?”

“Yeah.”

“Can I talk to him?”

“He's not here right now.”

“Suzy, don't lie. It's important.”

“I'm not lying. He's taken the dog for a walk.”

“Dog? You've bought a dog?”

“We didn't buy him. We found him. Well, I suppose he found us. His name's Ben—.”

“Where are you?”

“I can't tell you that. I promised Todd.”

“Suzy, listen to me. He's in danger, and you might be too, if you're with him. There are some really nasty men who want to hurt him.”

“I know. I've seen them.”

“Where? When?”

“Back in London. They came to the hotel. Three of them. One of them is called Goldie apparently.”

“What happened?”

“We dodged them. Look babes, we're both fine, honestly. You don't have to worry.”

“Suzy. Please tell me where you are.”

“Not yet. I'll talk to Todd. See what he says.”

“But he's definitely okay?”

“Yeah, defo. I just had to get away from him for a while. He was doing my head in. What is it with men? Why do they always have to spoil things?”

“What's he done?”

“Nothing. It doesn't matter. I'm being a bitch as per usual. Anyway, how's Rawhide? Are you still getting plenty?”

“He's worried about Todd. Carol is too.”

“Tell 'em to take a chill pill.”

“Whose phone are you using?”

“Todd's. Mine's dead. Anyway, there's no bloody signal where we're staying.”

“Where's that?”

“Leu—. Clever. You nearly had me there.”

The cab came to a halt outside The Fisherman pub.

“Sorry, babes. Gotta go.”

“Suzy wait!”

“Speak later. Loveya, babes.”

“Beer, please.” Suzy said.

“Which one?” The middle-aged man behind the bar pointed to the row of pumps.

“Any.”

“Half?”

“Make it a pint.”

The pub was deserted except for two men sitting in the far corner, playing dominoes.

“It's lively in here,” she said.

“Two pounds eighty, please.” The bartender ignored her remark.

She took a seat at the table next to the window. What was she doing in this godforsaken place? Why didn't she cut out on Todd, and take a train home? There was nothing to stop her. She still had some of the cash he'd given her.

God, she needed a drink even if the beer was bloody awful.

What would Todd do when he got back and found her gone? He wouldn't care—why should he?

She took a long drink.

That wasn't true. He did care. That was the bloody problem. It had been okay at first—the two of them having a laugh. That's all she wanted—nothing serious.

She finished her beer and went back to the bar. “Another pint of your best beer, landlord.”

The man didn't try to hide his disapproving look as he poured another pint.

The last few weeks had been fun. They hadn't needed TV or the Internet or phones. They hadn't even needed booze. But then Todd had gone and spoiled it all.

She took another long drink.

“Stupid bastard!” she said under her breath.

“I'm sorry. I can't let you have any more.” The bartender pushed her money back to her.

“Give me a pint,” Suzy slurred.

“You've had enough.”

“I've only had a couple.”

“Five.”

“Who's counting?”

“I'll have to ask you to leave.”

“What's up? Ain't my money good enough for you?” She tossed a five pound note at him.

“Now, or I'll call the police.”

“Nice. Very fucking nice. Well screw you, arse hole.”

The fresh air hit her as soon as she stepped outside. For a moment, she thought she was going to be sick, but she managed to keep it down.

“Taxi!” she shouted at an already stationary cab.

The driver gave her a once-over as though unsure if he wanted the fare. “Where to?”

“Home.”

“Want to give me a clue where that is?”

“Tremain Sands. House on the beach.”

“I'll take you to the village. You'll have to direct me from there.”

“Okay, babes. Let's roll!”

**********

Ben came running towards the cab. Suzy fumbled with her cash, but eventually managed to pay the driver.

“Hello boy!” She crouched down to greet the dog, but lost her balance, and ended up on her backside. Ben ran in circles around her.

“You're drunk,” Todd said.

“And you're an arse.”

“Where have you been?”

“Out.” She pulled herself to her feet.

“You'd better lie down on the bed and sleep it off.”

“Okay, babes. Why don't you come with me, and I can fuck your brains out? Whoops!” She put her hand over her mouth. “Sorry. I forgot. You don't like to fuck any more do you? You like to
make love
.”

“Come on.” Todd put her arm around his neck, and half walked, half carried her inside. Her head had no sooner hit the pillow, than she was spark out.