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

"If we save her, how will you learn? No, mother, I won't allow it. For nine years, I kept our business thriving and our house in order. You're back six months, and look what happens. A rival almost robs us; your youngest daughter dies. Now, this." Angel gestured to where Ariana had fallen. "We can't save her, mum. You need to learn what happens when you let your family down. After all, if you'd dealt with Abbie when you first learned what she'd done to Ana like I said you should, we wouldn't be in this mess."

Alice's fists were clenched. Abbie rose as Ollie entered the bar, and someone knocked at the door.

"You can't be serious," said Alice. "You can't be willing to let your sister die to prove a point."

"Mum?" It was Ollie.

"Go and answer the door, sweetie," said Angel.

"Move out of my way," said Alice.

"I can't."

"Mum, what's going—“

"I said, answer the door, Ollie. Do not make me ask you a third time."

Abbie couldn't see the boy's face but could imagine the fear in his eyes. She heard his feet twist and rush back into the kitchen and towards the front door.

"Angel," said Tony. "You have to move."

Angel offered her brother a look of appalled derision. "Have you slept with our enemy yet? I do wonder how we'll rehabilitate you."

"By your standards, we never will. Now, get out the way."

The front door opened. Angel sighed and removed a heavy silver handgun from her handbag. It was too big for her hand, but she bore the weight well. With a shake, she shooed her mum and brother from the door.

"You're going to want to do what I say. Which for now is stand back and be pleasant to my date."

Ollie led the way into the bar from the kitchen. Angel stepped forward, allowing him onto the balcony. He was staring at his mother, his body trembling.

"Mum, what did you do?"

Angel's look did her talking. How dare you question me, boy. Don't be so pathetic.

Someone else entered the bar.

"Hey, honey," said Angel. "Come on through, I'm glad you could make it."

"Angel," Alice whispered. "What’s going on?”

"Comeuppance," said Angel. "Come on, beautiful."

They watched as Angel's date stepped into the light then onto the balcony. Tony gasped. Abbie felt horror touch her heart but fought not to show anything. She stepped back, centring herself on the edge of the balcony.

"Louis?" said Alice, staring at Angel's supposed date. At his empty eyes and pasty skin. This wasn't the Louis that Abbie had met the previous day. This was his zombie.

"Mother, you know how I respect you," said Angel. "You wanted me and Louis to make up, so that's what we did. Friends of mine went to collect him earlier tonight. He's not exactly beaming now, but I think his presence shows how excited he was to learn I wanted him as my plus one to this little event. Isn't that right, babe?"

Leaning in, Angel kissed Louis’ cheek. The mobster didn’t respond nor look her way. His eyes were fixed on the horizon as though he had watched the sun fall and was wondering where it had gone.

"The strong silent type," said Angel. “My kind of man."

"Angel, what’s going on here?" said Alice. "Louis?"

"You said we could bring plus-ones, didn't you?” said Angel. “Well, I have."

"What's wrong with him?" said Tony.

Abbie asked, "Who are your friends?"

Angel pointed at Abbie. "You always ask the most pertinent questions. Luckily, we have all night to discuss. But first, let's get the party started. Who wants a drink?"

"Angel, stop." Alice reached for her daughter but pulled her hand back when Angel swung around with the gun.

"Smart move, mummy."

"You might hate me," said Alice. "You don't hate your sister. Yesterday, you wanted me to kill Abbie for hurting Ariana, so please, let me send someone to save her."

Angel stared at her mum for a second, then scratched her head. It was a farce, a show, and a poorly acted one. Angel was smiling.

"Didn't we already discuss this? Ariana’s dead. Your failure to act killed her, so don't push your guilt onto me. It's pathetic.”

Louis collapsed to his knees. Tears rolled down his cheeks but seemed to disappear before they hit his jaw. Not one water droplet hit the floor.

"That reminds me," said Angel, pointing at Louis. "Max, bring in the gift."

"I'm going to save my daughter," said Alice. She stepped past Angel, who made no physical move to stop her mother but created a verbal barrier across the door to the bar.

“The second you leave this balcony, I’ll shoot Abbie. Keep walking; I'll execute my date. You still don't stop, well..." Angel turned. Pointed the gun at Tony's head. "I might have to take drastic action.”

"You bitch," said Tony. "Mum, don't worry about us."

"Speak for yourself," said Abbie. Angel chuckled. No one else responded.

Alice had frozen in indecision. Was Angel bluffing about Tony? Were Abbie and Louis’ lives a fair price for the chance to save Ariana?

Before she drew any conclusions, Max stepped onto the balcony carrying a bundle wrapped in a sheet.

Angel clapped, delighted. "Ah, here we are."

She directed Max to place the bundle in front of Louis, which Max did. Abbie saw the sheet and felt a sickening tremor rush through her. She had to fight not to take another step back, which would have sent her tumbling after Ariana.

"You claim I hate you, mum,” said Angel, "but it’s not true. I got you a present to celebrate this significant milestone you've reached and to let you know I still love you. Granted, I've not wrapped it, and that's poor form. To be honest, I've not seen it. Max collected it when he picked up Louis."

"And Max is one of your friends," said Abbie. "So where are the rest?”

"Shush," said Angel. "You're ruining the moment."

Abbie was not cowed by Angel but did fall quiet. Max, having dropped the present, receded into the bar.

"Darling," said Angel, crouching beside Louis. "Why don't you unwrap