For Your Own Protection(43)

‘I’d like to think so, but no. It’s serious.’

‘How d’you know?’

‘Because they plan to move to Australia together.’

‘No way! But what about you and your son? Surely she can’t do that – move to the other side of the world with your kid?’

‘I have to agree.’

‘You gonna say no though?’

‘I’m not sure what I’m going to say.’

Despite his feelings, Matt now didn’t know if he was capable of blocking something that Beth wanted to do.

‘But they’ve only been goin’ out for a year. Seems a bit radical.’

‘They’ve got a history. Her brother was at university with James, and they now work together.’

‘You think she always wanted to be with him?’

‘I don’t think so.’

Harvey pointed his empty glass at Matt. ‘Don’t give up, bruv. Don’t give up on gettin’ your family back.’

Matt could feel himself cracking under the strain. He shook his head. ‘I think it’s too late. I need to let Beth go.’ He got to his feet. ‘Speaking of which, I think I’d better leave. If the streets are too mean, maybe you can call me a cab.’

Harvey nodded, although he looked disappointed that the discussion was being curtailed. ‘Sure thing. A friend of the family has a taxi company, just around the corner from here.’

Matt stood up, feeling disconcertingly unsteady on his feet from too much whisky. ‘Thank you for the chat.’

‘No, thank you, bruv.’

‘For what?’

‘For not tellin’ the college about my knife collection. I saw you open the bag, when I was on the phone.’

‘But you didn’t say anything.’

‘I wanted to see what you did.’ Harvey waited several beats. ‘Why didn’t you tell someone?’

‘I’m not sure. I guess I just wanted to give you a chance.’

‘A chance to explain myself?’

‘No, a chance to succeed.’

‘And what about tonight? Are you gonna tell anyone at the college about what happened?’

Matt shook his head.

‘Thanks, man. I really appreciate it.’

‘Don’t mention it.’ Then Matt remembered, and pulled out the bag of cocaine from his pocket. ‘You’d better have this back.’





CHAPTER THIRTY


Harvey watched as Matt pulled away in the taxi. ‘Stay safe, bruv.’

He made to turn, but walked straight into the man who had come up behind him.

‘Harvey, we need to talk.’

Harvey pushed down hard on his fear. ‘No, man, we don’t.’ He tried to get past, but there was no way through.

‘We need to talk,’ the man repeated. ‘About how you can help us.’





CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE


‘Matt, I didn’t expect to see you. C’mon in.’

Matt followed Beth through into the living room. It had just gone ten in the morning. He had chosen this time because Charlie would be at school, and he didn’t want the little guy around while he said what he was planning to say.

It would have just made it harder.

‘Sorry for the mess,’ Beth said, directing her comment at the stacks of clothes that were draped over the sofa. ‘I’m in the middle of ironing. Trying to get it done before I go and pick Charlie up this afternoon.’

‘It’s okay, I won’t keep you long.’ Matt stifled a yawn, quite exhausted from the events of the previous evening.

‘Oh no, I wasn’t hinting or anything like that.’ Beth blushed. ‘You can stay as long as you like. Maybe you could even help?’

Matt appreciated the smile between them.

‘Would you like a drink? Tea?’

Matt nodded, and Beth went to fill the kettle. He followed her into the kitchen. ‘I’ve been thinking. About Australia.’

Beth paused, teabag in hand.

Matt swallowed down his reticence to release the words. ‘I’ve been selfish, Beth. I don’t want to be the one who stops you from doing what you really want to do. So I won’t stand in your way.’

Beth still had the teabag dangling over the pot. She seemed troubled – or maybe sad.

‘Well, that’s . . . really good of you, Matt.’ Finally, she mustered a smile. ‘Thank you, Matt.’ She walked over, brushed her cheek against his, and kissed him gently. When they parted, their faces were close, her eyes searching his. ‘Are you sure?’

‘I’m sure.’ Matt tried to smile, but it faded fast. ‘I can make sure I FaceTime with Charlie every week.’ He bit into the inside of his cheek in an effort to stop his emotions getting the better of him.

Beth could sense his pain. ‘You can visit. Whenever you like. We’ll have a spare room, so you’ll be right there, with Charlie.’

‘That would be good.’

‘I know how hard this is for you, Matt. I’m sorry.’

Matt shrugged. ‘I know it’s what you want to do. James told me you persuaded him to go for the move.’

‘James told you that?’