Deep Water by Mark Ayre (best free ebook reader txt) 📗

was making decisions, and Abbie couldn't get in the way.

"How many other people has she killed because they upset or annoyed her? How many lives has she destroyed behind my back?"

These were rhetorical questions, so Abbie didn't answer.

"No more," Alice went on. "It has to stop tonight."

Abbie didn't say she had already come to the same conclusion and was starting to believe this would only end when Angel was dead. Alice wouldn't appreciate that.

"Louis is keeping Jacob safe. Angel won't get to him today," said Alice. "Tonight, she'll come here, and here is where it ends. She's my daughter; I'm responsible for her actions."

Alice turned and lay her hand on Abbie's arm, met the younger woman's eye.

"My daughter will kill no more innocents. I'll make sure of that."

She forced a look of grim determination onto her face.

“Whatever it takes.”

Twenty-Five

Abbie cleared away breakfast while Alice went to make a few more calls. The food they hadn't eaten, which was plenty, was boxed or wrapped and stored for later consumption. After rinsing the plates, Abbie placed them in the dishwasher.

It was only just gone half nine on day two. The party wouldn't start for at least eight hours. What was to happen in the meantime? Abbie was not used to a lull in her short two-day life-saving spell.

Finishing her coffee, Abbie made herself another. Once that was gone, she'd go out. Where to? What for? As yet, Abbie didn't know. But she had to do something.

As Abbie drank her coffee, she paced the kitchen. Once Alice finished in the office, Abbie heard the birthday girl rush upstairs. Doors were knocked on, and Abbie heard voices. She didn't know what Alice was playing at, but coffee two was almost gone. The great outdoors beckoned.

Footsteps, coming down. Abbie drained her coffee and rinsed the cup. She was putting it in the dishwasher when Alice stepped into the room.

"Ariana and Gray are still in bed," said Alice as Abbie closed the dishwasher. "They're refusing to move, but at least I know they're close, not out destroying lives. I spoke with Ollie and Anthony, both of whom will soon be down. They'll have breakfast while we get ready."

Abbie turned from the dishwasher and came to the table.

"Get ready for what?"

"Come on," said Alice. "You must know."

Abbie's heart began to thud. Was Alice about to announce her argument with Angel had been an act. That since she learned Abbie had attacked Ariana, Alice had planned to execute Abbie, and now was the time. Abbie hoped not. She didn't want to kill Alice.

"I don't," she said and was surprised when Alice burst out laughing.

"So nervous," she said. "Come on, it's my birthday. More than that, my first birthday since leaving prison, and my sixtieth. I've spent nine years surrounded by serious, miserable people, and I'm ready for a bit of fun."

"Fun?"

"Yes," said Alice. "I thought we'd start with Monopoly."

Abbie raised an eyebrow.

"What do you think?" said Alice.

"I thought you were going to kill me."

"What a silly notion."

"Now I know it's Monopoly; I only wish you were."

Alice laughed again, then approached the table. Reaching the other side, she placed her palms on the smooth surface and met Abbie's eye.

"When was the last time you had a fun day?"

"It feels as though you and I are on the verge of a major disagreement," said Abbie. "Not unusual, in my line of work. Such arguments don't usually revolve around whether a board game is better described as fun or torture."

Alice shook her head, waved a hand. "You're missing the point," she said.

"Am I?"

"You are. It's nothing to do with the board game, is it? When was the last time you had a family bonding day?"

"We never did that," said Abbie, who had always hated her parents anyway. "I used to do things with my siblings, but they’ve been gone a long time."

"Then you never knew what you were missing," said Alice. "Until today. Come on, into the living room."

Alice turned. Abbie called after her.

"I was going out."

Alice stopped in the doorway, slowly turned back. "I could see that was your intention the moment I stepped into the room," she said. "Only you're not going out. You'll join the family fun."

"Maybe you're getting confused because my name begins with A," said Abbie. "But I'm not one of your children."

"Temporarily, I say you are. And you can't dissent."

"You don't think so?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because it's my birthday."

Abbie sighed. Stepped around the table. "I hope you have a lovely day."

Alice blocked her. "Why are you fighting this?"

"I have no desire to be involved. What's the problem?"

Abbie stepped to the side, but Alice came closer and blocked her again. The two women locked eyes.

"You say you're not one of my children, but I can read the lie in your eyes as easily as with my kids. We're similar, Abbie, and we've bonded. I see your true feelings."

"Maybe you think you do."

"You want to be part of this. What makes you feel you have to tear yourself away?"

Abbie said nothing, nor did she try to move. Until Alice decided to let her go, there was no point attempting to get past. Not unless Abbie was willing to use force on the sixty-year-old. As yet, they hadn't reached that point.

"Do you know how many children and grandchildren I have?" asked Alice.

This was an odd question; Abbie did the maths anyway.

"Six children, three grandchildren?"

"Correct. I always wanted loads of children; I imagined days like these. A sixtieth birthday spent playing games, surrounded by family. But where are they? My eldest is in prison. Number two's off plotting; won't turn up ’til she's ready to fight. Three’s shacked up with her new mobster boyfriend while five refuses to leave her room. Six is dead. My daughter-in-law's taken two of my grandchildren and refuses to let me see them. Says they're not interested, but who knows? Six children and three grandchildren, but only child four and my eldest grandchild will spend the bulk of my sixtieth birthday with me. That leaves a huge