Page 89 of Hang on St. Christopher

“You don’t have to be clever to know Shostakovich. Just a little bit geeky.”

She reached her hand across the table and rested it on mine.

I let it stay there.

Weak, Duffy, weak.

“You know, there’s something I should tell you. I don’t know why I didn’t mention it the other day, but I’m married. Well, not really married as such. Beth didn’t want a wedding, but it’s as good as and I’ve a daughter, Emma. She’s nearly five.”

Rachel nodded and gave my hand a light squeeze. “I know,” she said. “Mrs. Campbell told me everything about you in exhaustive detail.”

It would be easier, much easier, if Beth had been in one of her moods or if I hadn’t seen her for a week or more. But none of that was the case. I’d seen Beth two days ago and I’d made love to her and I loved her and I therefore had no excuses whatever. None of the excuses men usually give themselves for their flaws.

I walked around the table, and as I did so she stood. I kissed her on the lips and backed her up against the wall.

“Wait,” she said, and whisked our plates and the wine bottle from the kitchen table. She lifted her skirt and pushed herself against me. I was hard as a rock.

She wanted me to fuck her on the kitchen table.

Jesus Christ, I’d be a fool to pass up an opportunity like this.

I unzipped my fly and kissed her again. Kissed her big, full beautiful breasts and her soft white belly. She was gorgeous.

She was incredible.

This was a?—

I heard the noise of a doorbell above the Shostakovich.

“Come on,” she said.

I stopped and listened.

The doorbell again.

I slipped off the table, zipped up my fly. “There’s someone at my door,” I said.

“Forget it, for fucksake!”

I took out the Glock, walked down the hall, and opened her front door. I looked across the porch to #113 Coronation Road.

Crabbie was standing there with one of the new Scooby gang. He saw me. I lowered the Glock.

“Sean? I tried calling. I couldn’t reach you.”

“I was having dinner over here. What’s up?”

“We found something at the caravan site. Something you should see.”

Rachel appeared behind me.

I could feel the utter fury radiating from her.

I turned to her. “I have to go. I?—”

“Go, then,” she said.

I stepped over the fence between the houses while the door banged shut behind me.