The Breakdown(82)
doubtfully. ‘Nobody really uses them anymore.’
‘Do you know if they’re still in the pub? The French students?’
The thought of her racing all the way back to Castle Wells is savagely pleasing.
‘They were when I left. They looked pretty settled in for the night,’ I say, safe in the knowledge that they’ll be long gone by the time she gets there, as they were already making moves when I left.
‘Then I’d better go and see if I can get it back.’
‘Good luck, I hope you find it.’
I put the phone down, relieved that I managed to
pull it off.
‘What was all that about?’ Matthew frowns.
‘Rachel lost a phone in the pub and some French
students took it,’ I explain. ‘She’s on her way there now to try to get it back.’
‘Right,’ he nods.
‘What do you fancy eating tonight? How about some
steak?’
‘Actually, Andy phoned and asked if I’d like to go to the pub for a pint. You don’t mind, do you?’
‘No, go ahead. Will you get something to eat there?’
‘Yes, don’t worry.’
I stretch my arms over my head, yawning. ‘I’ll probably go to bed early, in that case.’
‘I’ll try not to disturb you when I come in,’ he promises, fishing his car keys from his pocket.
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b a paris
I watch him as he walks towards the front door.
‘I love you,’ I call after him.
‘I love you more,’ he says, turning to smile at me.
I wait until the car has pulled out of the drive and then I wait a little longer, just to be sure. And then I run out to my car and get the mobile, the one Rachel told me she was looking after for a friend.
Back in the house, I go into the sitting room and sit down, shaking so much I can hardly open the phone.
I go into the text messages and look at the last one she received, just before she left the Spotted Cow.
Tues 19.51
Hang on in there
End in sight, I promise
I scroll up to the one before, the last one that Rachel sent, probably from the ladies’.
Tues 19.50
False alarm, she had nothing of interest to say I’m leaving now, real y fed-up.
Beginning to wonder if it will ever end ?
And the ones before that, earlier this evening.
Tues 18.25
Let me know what happens
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313
Tues 18.24
Job done, seeds of disrepute planted I asked him to tell the head, so hopeful y they’ll take root Waiting for her to arrive.
And then the rest of the messages for today, starting with the first one that morning.
Tues 10.09
We have a problem
When I phoned this morning she said she knew I wasn’t murderer Tues 10.09
Wtf?
Tues 10.10
Didn’t sound frightened either Tues 10.10
What you going to do?
Tues 10.10
Phone back
Wear her down, like before
Tues 10.52
How goes it?
Tues 10.53
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She’s refusing to pick up
Tues 10.53
Sure she hasn’t gone out?
Tues 10.53
Pretty sure
Tues 10.53
Keep on trying
Tues 10.54
Will do
Tues 16.17
Guess what? She just phoned, wants to chat Any ideas?
Tues 16.19
Maybe to do with cal s I made this morning Find out everything you can Tues 16.21
Have arranged to see her in CW
I’ll already be there for J so will kill two birds with one stone
Then I realise I’ll get there much faster if I scroll to the very beginning of the messages. And I see that they start The Breakdown
315
on July 17th, the night I drove down Blackwater Lane
and saw Jane in her car.
17 Jul 21.31
Receiving clear?
17 Jul 21.31
Yes ?
17 Jul 21.31
Good. Remember, no phoning, only text me at work, or when you know she’s not around Important that you keep this phone on you at al times I’ll check in with you every evening when she’s asleep 17 Jul 21.18
It’s going to be hard not seeing you for next few months 17 Jul 21.18
Think of the money
If she had given you some, it wouldn’t have come to this Now we get it al
17 Jul 21.18
It is going to work, isn’t it?
17 Jul 21.19
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Of course. Look how well it’s worked already She already thinks she’s forgetting things And that’s only small stuff, wait until we real y start messing with her head
17 Jul 21.19
Hope you’re right. I’ll send her text about Susie’s present later
If she falls for it we’ll be home and dry *
18 Jul 10.46
Good morning!
Just to let you know she’s on way to meet you 18 Jul 10.46