Here and Gone(21)

‘Now eat,’ she said.

Louise took the sandwich and bit into it once, before shoving more and more into her mouth, barely chewing. Collins’ expression softened as she put the lock knife away.

‘I know you’re both scared,’ she said. ‘But you don’t need to be. You’re going to be fine, and so is your mom. Everything’s going to be straightened out, maybe not tomorrow, but the day after, or the day after that at the latest. And here’s what’ll happen: you’re going to go on a trip.’

‘Like a vacation?’ Louise asked.

Collins smiled. ‘Yes, like a vacation.’

‘Where to?’ Sean asked.

‘You’re going to stay with a very nice man.’

‘Our father?’

Collins hesitated, then said, ‘A nice man.’

‘Where?’ Sean asked again.

‘In his house. It’s a nice house, a big house.’

‘Who is he? Where’s his house?’

Collins’ smile faltered. ‘He’s a nice man, and it’s a nice house. He’s going to take good care of you.’ She leaned forward and looked Louise in the eye. ‘And you know what?’

Louise blinked. ‘What?’

‘Your mom’s going to be there too.’

‘I think that’s a lie,’ Sean said.

Collins turned her gaze on him, and he wanted to back away. ‘Don’t call me a liar, Sean.’

Sean looked down at his hands.

‘I’ll be back in the morning,’ Collins said, standing. ‘Both of you get some sleep. And try not to worry.’

As she climbed the creaking stairs, Sean took Louise’s hand in his. The trapdoor closed, wood on wood, the bolt snapped, the padlock rattled. Sean lay down on the mattress, pulled Louise in close, and wrapped the blanket around them, trying not to wonder about the nice man and his nice house.





10


Private Forum 447356/34

Admin: RR; Members: DG, AD, FC, MR, JS

Thread Title: This Weekend; Thread Starter: RR

From: RR, Wednesday 8:23 p.m.

Gentlemen, I assume you all got my message. A potential seller has been in touch. The goods are excellent, going by the photograph. Minor damage, but nothing to be concerned about. Initial checks are satisfactory, the seller seems genuine. I will of course carry out further checks, but at the moment, I’m happy.

As the goods are a pair in good condition, I suggest we offer $3M (three million), meaning a $500k contribution from each of us. I will expect to have received your contributions via wire transfer by noon on Friday at the latest, assuming we’re all still solvent? Lol. I’ll offer a further $250k bonus if the goods receive no further damage, but I’ll cover that out of my own pocket.

You’ll notice a change in the membership list. After his behavior at our last gathering, CY will not be joining us in future. He has assured me of his discretion, and I have assured him of the consequences if his discretion slips. In more pleasant news, however, allow me to introduce JS, vouched for by DG. I have personally looked into JS’s background and have found no cause for concern, so please welcome him to our little group. All being well, you’ll have a chance to meet him in person on Saturday evening.

Speaking of which, the next gathering will be at the usual place. My driver will pick you up at the airport; as ever, please don’t bring any of your own staff. I know you trust them, but the fewer in the know, the safer for all of us. Please confirm your attendance, and let me know your arrival times, but try to keep it between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Until then, take care, and do post here if you have any questions.

From: DG, Wednesday 8:36 p.m.

Thanks, RR, I’ll definitely be there, and will give you my arrival time ASAP. And please, everyone, welcome JS to our group. He’s an old college friend and a good guy.

From: JS, Wednesday 8:41 p.m.

Message deleted by the forum administrator.

From: RR, Wednesday 8:47 p.m.

JS – I appreciate you’re new to the group, but please show more tact. Yes, this is a private forum, but discretion is still required. Our gatherings are fun, of course, but this remains a serious business, with serious consequences for all of us should anything go wrong.

From: JS, Wednesday 8:54 p.m.

Gentlemen, my sincerest apologies for getting out of line – not a good introduction to the group! What I meant to say was, simply, thank you all for accepting me as a member, especially to DG, who vouched for me. See you all on Saturday – my flight is already booked, getting in at 4:55 p.m.

From: AD, Wednesday 9:06 p.m.

I’m in. Will come back with arrival time.

From: MR, Wednesday 9:15 p.m.

Me too – and thanks, RR, for offering to cover the bonus. Very generous of you. Wheels down at 5:40 p.m. Saturday. Anyone for a quick nine holes on Sunday morning?

From: FC, Wednesday 9:47 p.m.

Sorry to keep everyone waiting for an answer. I have a prior engagement on Saturday afternoon and I’m trying to see if I can get away in time to make it there. I hope I can, but I’ll let you know one way or the other by tomorrow morning.

From: RR, Wednesday 10:12 p.m.

Thanks for the quick replies, gentlemen. FC, I’ve had a better look at the photograph now – you really don’t want to miss this. Clear your schedule and get here, my friend, you won’t regret it. They’re beautiful. They really are.