“The talk you know we’re supposed to have, but we were both too chicken-shit to start.”
Scott spluttered a laugh. “Where are you?”
“With the man-eating deer…”
Scott slumped. “You’re only across the road?”
“Yes,” Thomas confirmed. “I’m only across the road. I wanted to give you some space.”
“I had some space from you, and turns out I’m not a fan.”
Thomas snorted. “I’m heading back right now.”
“Forgive me for going downstairs, standing on the steps and watching the gate like a lost puppy.”
“Already forgiven. Ten minutes.”
Thomas ended the call, and Scott jumped up from the bed, turning towards the door. He stumbled back at the man stood in the doorway wearing Tim’s jacket, and his flat cap.
Warren grinned. “Hello again, Scott.”
Chapter twenty-five
“Whathaveyoudoneto Tim?”
Warren adjusted the cap on his head. “He’s fine –”
“Where is he?”
“Outside. Tied up in the back of his van.”
Scott’s breath caught. “Did you hurt him?”
“I imagine so, he’s an old man; it must hurt being tied up and gagged like that.” Warren shrugged. “Someone will find him eventually, then again…”
“What?”
“It’s a hot day… There’s no window open for him.”
“You bastard.” Scott tried to get around him, but Warren threw him back.
“I wouldn’t start name-calling if I were you.”
“I’ve got it,” Scott snapped. “I’ve got all your money with a day to go.”
Warren’s smile had Scott backing up. “Never doubted you,Beauty.”
“I’ll send you it.” Scott reached for his phone on the bed, only to recoil in shock at the sharp pain across the back of his hand. It opened, dripping blood, and through the gap, Scott saw the layers of skin Warren had cut through.
“Tut, tut, Beauty.” Warren had Tim’s secateurs in his hands, admiring the blades. “Jesus, these are sharp.”
“I have your money,” Scott said, wrapping up his hand with the bottom of his shirt.
“It was never about the money.” Warren snipped the air with the secateurs. “It was always about the experience, and you described such a perfect one to me.” He shook his head. “I have money. I don’t need any more, but I don’t have you, not the way I want to.”
He stepped closer. Scott backed off until his back hit the wall.
“Thomas is coming.”
