A tear was rolling down Imogen’s face. This woman sitting in front of her was beyond contempt. She had no feeling at all, no sensitivity. Did she know what it was like to lose everything you’ve worked for? All your plans, money, your whole dream gone up in smoke? Did she bother to think whose feet walked across those floors before hers did?Did she even stopfor one damn second,and think about what it was like to watch the locks getting changed on your house and then the bailiffs hand the key over to a total stranger?
Of course she didn’t.
And now, because life had finally got a little inconvenient for her, she wanted to smooth it all over, so she could carry on in whatever way she pleased.
‘I have never been so scared in all my life as when my daughter was pulled out of the water barely breathing,’ said Imogen. ‘Until you actually think there is a chance your child is going to die, you cannot begin to understand.’
Nancy went to open her mouth but Imogen wasn’t finished.
‘If you don’t want to fall out with anyone, then tell your daughter to stop bullying innocent kids.’
‘Larabullying?’
But Imogen had got up from the table. She pushed her glasses onto her face and walked back to her car.
SEVENTEEN
Friday 18 September
RIPTON GAZETTE
APPEAL FOLLOWING SHEEP SLAUGHTER ON LOCAL FARM
By Erin Mackie, Editor-In-Chief
WARNING: This article contains content some may find distressing.
Police are appealing for information after a number of sheep have been found attacked at Hilldale Farm in Ripton. The incident happened on the evening of Wednesday 16 September. At around 8 p.m., the farmer, Hannah Chapman, found two sheep dead in the field, both with injuries that were consistent with being attacked by a dog.
When asked what happened, Hannah said she assumed ‘a dog had got into the field and chased the sheep, attacking two’.
The dog that carried out the attack is yet to be found. ‘Somebody will have seen this,’ said Hannah, ‘or knowabout it. Please get in touch, whether it is a dog being walked or one that has escaped.’
The police have asked people to ‘check their property to make sure there are no holes in fences where dogs could get out’. They added: ‘If your dog’s got any blood on it, please contact the local police so we can sort this matter and bring some peace of mind to the farmer.’
Sad news for local pet owner
A pet dog has been found dead in a local meadow near farmland. The vet’s post-mortem found that the dog had died of kidney failure and had possibly ingested something poisonous.
EIGHTEEN
Friday 18 September
‘We can keep all the original booths and tables, just paint the walls and I was thinking more plants, all green, not flowers,’ said Imogen to the top of James’s head. He was currently positioned between her legs, doing exquisite things to her with his tongue.
They were lying on the floor of what used to be Luna’s – soon to become her new pizza restaurant. Imogen now had the keys, and this visit was supposed to be a recce to ascertain the changes needed to the decor. She shifted the cushion under her head.
‘Sounds very Italian,’ said James, raising his head briefly. ‘Romantic.’
She caressed his shoulder. ‘Thanks again. It’s only because of your investment that I’m able to set up busine—’
‘Enough thanks,’ said James. ‘I’m getting my return, aren’t I?’ He grinned. ‘In more ways than one.’
‘Ha ha, very funny,’ started Imogen, but then was unable to speak as he brought her to orgasm.
Afterwards, she lay next to him. They were both nakedfrom the waist down, a sort of necessity fuck, not exactly romantic but practical. She pulled her discarded skirt towards her, slipped it on.
‘So what are you going to call it?’ asked James. ‘Whitman and Wood?’
