Deep Water by Mark Ayre (best big ereader TXT) 📕

Angel's smile was mocking. "Of course."

Alice closed her eyes. Took another breath.

"Angel. I can see you're upset, but until you know the full story—“

"I know the full story. Ana told me."

"That's one side of the story."

"Yes. Our family's side. The side that matters."

"Don't be so naive," said Alice. "Your sister planned to have her boyfriend rape an innocent teenager."

"What teenager?" said Angel.

"Jacob Gravenbach."

"You're mistaken," said Angel.

"You think this was a random attack?"

"No, I believe Jacob was there. You're mistaken to call him an innocent."

"He's a child."

"So was Aurora."

Alice lost her temper. "And she didn't deserve to die either. I will not lower myself to Louis' level. He alone will pay for his crime, as and when I can confirm the crime can indeed be attributed to him."

This time it was Angel who closed her eyes, who took the breath. When she opened them again, total calm had crossed her face. She nodded.

"Okay."

"Okay, what?" said Alice.

"It's clear," she said. "Prison changed you. I've been trying to deny it, but you are no longer fit to head this family. I've given you enough time."

"And now?" said Alice.

"Now I will avenge Rori. As she deserves."

"Don't you dare insinuate I am letting Aurora down," said Alice. Her voice quiet. Deadly. "She was my daughter."

"Yes, mother, she was. Then you went to prison and left me to run your business and raise your children. I treated Ariana and Aurora as though they were my own. Over the years, they came to see me, not you, as their mother. Especially Rori. She and my Ollie became like brother and sister. He would have done anything for her, and I will do what is right for her. Because a good mother will go to any lengths to protect or avenge her children. That's what you used to understand."

Alice's hands were clenched by her side. Abbie saw she was once more counting to ten in an attempt to contain her rage.

With forced calm, she said, "You need to think carefully about what you're saying, Angel."

"I've done nothing but think these last few weeks. Now it's time to act. That means dealing with Louis, and it means dealing with this bitch."

As Angel nodded her way, Abbie said, "I do hope there’s someone standing behind me."

Angel gave a false smile and, with it, twisted her elegant beauty out of shape for the first time.

"You're about to find out what happens when you mess with my family."

Turning that hideous smile to her mother, Angel nodded with mock deference.

"See you soon, mummy."

Turning on her heel, she strutted from the room, leaving Abbie thinking and Alice shaking in her wake.

Eleven

They listened as Angel disappeared down the hall and out the front door. Waited in the silence that followed.

Ana's arrival and accusation had put everything on a knife-edge. With Abbie having overcome this perilous situation, bringing Alice to the point of accepting help, Angel's intervention had once more thrown things into turmoil. Abbie didn't know if Angel's threats would make Alice more determined to get her house in order or lead her into despair. Unsure how much influence she would have over the Angel outcome, Abbie would none the less try to keep Alice on the right path.

"About tonight," she said.

"No," said Alice. "I'm thinking about tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"The joint birthday party. Alex and me. It's a tight-knit, family event, but plus ones are welcome. So far, Tony has no one to bring. Isn't that sad?"

"Tragic."

Alice pretended to ponder, then clicked her fingers as though inspiration had arrived and needed a spark to ignite it. "I know, how are you fitted up for tomorrow evening? I guess you don't have plans."

A bitter smile accompanied memories of midnight just gone, when Abbie had woken from her dream awash with anger. She had checked her phone. That last text from Bobby…

"Actually, I did have plans," said Abbie. "Something I was quite looking forward to. I was going to cancel."

"For me? That's too kind."

"Saving your life is my job and duty. It comes before all else, and talk of parties won't distract me from my goals."

Abbie expected another joke in response but instead saw genuine sadness overcome Alice. Realising her situation was the source of the upset, Abbie shifted in discomfort.

"Don't pity me," she said. "I've made my peace with this life."

"And that's what's so sad," said Alice. "You're still young, but one day you might wish to start a family. No lifestyle should preclude you from that. I'll have to think about this."

"Not for long, if you die tonight."

"That's true," said Alice. "Okay, okay, so if I still live and breathe, you'll attend my party? Otherwise, you intend to keep your prior engagement?"

"Correct. If you live, I’ll come unless Tony doesn't want to take me, or your daughter has me murdered before I can."

"Won't happen," said Alice.

Abbie chose not to comment on this. "Will you let me help keep you alive?"

Alice stroked her chin, considered.

"I'll think about it. I need some time, and with Angel on the warpath, it's probably best you stay out the way a little while. Is that okay?"

"Sure."

"Give me your number. If I don't call by eight pm, you should leave town, get home and get some sleep before your engagement tomorrow. How does that sound?"

From her bag, Abbie took a second slip of paper on which she had written her number. She handed it to Alice.

"I was looking forward to the prior engagement," she said as Alice took the slip. "I hope you give me a reason to cancel."

The two women looked at each other. Alice smiled. It was a motherly smile and, to Abbie, it was like looking at the sun. Closing her eyes, she hoped they weren't watering.

"Tony wanted to see you before you left," said Alice as Abbie opened her eyes. "Will you wait around?"

"Tell him I'll be out front," said Abbie. "I need some fresh air."

Closing the front door, Abbie stepped away from the house, stopped, looked to the sky, closed her eyes, and took several