Deadly Lies by Ann Girdharry (book recommendations .TXT) 📗

the first place he’d look for her, though surely he’d be occupied with Emily and Lisa, and be focused on collecting his half a million. Wouldn’t that be more important to him than coming after her? And if she went to her place quickly he wouldn’t have time to make it to Himlands Heath from Brighton, would he. She could grab money and clothes and get the hell away – far, far away where he’d never find her. Thailand, she decided on a whim, where it was sunny and people were nice. It was supposed to be cheaper there too. She’d sleep rough until something turned up. The idea of escape made her giddy.

It was a long walk to her old place and a little voice in Maria’s head kept saying the same thing over and over – what about the children? She tried to squeeze out the voice which kept telling her to help them. She was involved which meant she couldn’t go to the police. I don’t want to go to prison. It’s too late. No it isn’t, think about Emily. You’ve got to help them. Shut up, she argued with herself, shut up, shut up.

She promised herself if she made it to the airport she’d leave a note somewhere telling where to find Emily and Lisa – and then she’d be away flying across the skies to a new life.

The trade-off for the money would be happening soon and then Emily would be out of danger. She must put Emily out of her mind and concentrate on her own safety. As soon as he realises you’ve not stuck to the plan you know what will happen, don’t you? He’ll lose control.

When a passer-by gave Maria a strange look she realised she was whispering and arguing with herself out loud. Damn it, she needed a fix. There would be the chemical demons to face soon.

Arriving at her old street, she made herself wait out of sight. The paranoia was ramping up and she half expected him to spring out from behind a parked car and grab her, having made it up from Brighton in supersonic time.

Don’t be stupid, she told herself. He can’t have got here. Get in and take what you need and get out.

She ran to her front door. Yes, she’d change into trainers and jeans and pack a small bag. He’d searched her pockets though he’d not searched her bra. Reaching in, she pulled out her front door key and felt like kissing it.

It was musty smelling inside. Ripping off her shoes and tights, she ran into the bedroom. Her hands were shaking as she pulled on jeans and a top. Rifling in the bottom of her wardrobe she found a holdall and stuffed in a few essentials. Her small stash of emergency money was hidden in one of the drawers in the bathroom and she rushed there and grabbed it. It wasn’t much yet it was her ticket to freedom.

As she zippered up the bag, she had the idea of getting herself a small supply to keep her going. That way she’d be able to cope for the next few days until she found her way and was safe in hiding.

Maria hesitated. It was a risk. It would be much safer to get away now not lingering for anything. She could be at London Heathrow airport within a couple of hours. Yet, the craving was already kicking in. When it got worse she wouldn’t be able to think straight, she’d be a physical wreck. No, she must get some to take with her. She pulled her jacket back on. She had time.

Maria’s old dealer hung out in the centre of town by the bus station. He’d likely still be there and if he wasn’t there’d be someone else who had taken his place. She persuaded herself it was a good omen because she could take a coach direct to London afterwards. Once in the capital, it would be easy to find public transport to the airport.

She was out of the flat within minutes, checking up and down the road for anyone watching and then running full pelt for the centre of town. Several times she checked over her shoulder and the shadows seemed to jump out at her.

When she got to the bus station, Maria walked around the block and had a momentary panic because Joey wasn’t there. Of course, Joey wasn’t his real name and she had no idea what was. Then she spotted her old dealer in one of his habitual hang-outs, lounging outside an off-licence with a roll-up dangling from his lips. With his lazy stride and slouched shoulders, Joey spotted her quickly, though he gave no sign of recognition.

‘Hi,’ she said.

‘Long time no see.’

‘I need some.’

‘Is that right? I heard you got clean.’

He was eyeing the street behind her and then to either side, taking his time and sizing her up. Did he think she was working for the cops now? It wasn’t her style.

‘That was then and this is now. Well?’ she said. ‘I’ve got money.’

‘Come back at five.’

Shit. It was what he said to his new customers and it was Joey’s way of sussing people out and reducing the risks for himself. It told him if people were genuine. It told him if they were being tailed or if they had no money. It told him too, how desperate they were and how much he could charge and whether they’d be good repeat customers. Glancing at the station clock, Maria saw it was just after three. Two more hours to wait! No way.

‘Come on, you know me. I need it now. It’s important.’

Reaching into her bag, she gave him a view of some money. ‘I’ve got the cash.’

‘Yeah but I’ve not got the merchandise. So see you at five.’ Joey then sauntered away.

Shit. Were the cops onto him, was that why he wanted to delay? Had he had trouble earlier that day? Had he been forced