“He showed me photos of him and my sister. And her scan.”
“Tell Alex.”
“He’s at work and not back till late. Besides, I think they’ll want to get Kenny in for questioning with all that’s happening with everything.” She wasn’t sure how much more to explain.
“I’ll drive you.”
“You can’t.”
“Why not. I’m not as bad a driver as everyone makes out. I’ve calmed down a lot since finding out Jonny’s got me up the duff.”
“That’s a lovely turn of expression. And no. If it is dangerous Jonny will kill both of us.”
“I’ll just tell Alex then.”
Abby felt like she was back in high school. “No. You can’t,”
“I can and I will unless you let me drive you. I’ll stay in the car. Promise.”
Abby shook her head and realised she was going to agree.
They tooka circular route to Waterfoot, deviating through Monsal Head and towards Chesterfield, before swinging round to go past Chatsworth House and towards their destination over a pass that cut into the dark stone of the peaks, a sheer drop on the other side.
Rayah was clearly trying not to speed, even though the road was almost built for it and the day was bright and sunny. Abby would’ve enjoyed it more if she could think of anything but her sister for more than thirty seconds, but it just wouldn’t happen, and when she wasn’t thinking about her sister, she was thinking about Alex.
She pulled her phone out, wanting to tell him, confess to what they were doing. She knew he’d be worried and probably angry, because a large part of her knew that this was stupid, trusting a man she knew had a criminal history. And she was dragging Alex’s cousin into it.
“Maybe we should turn back.”
Rayah’s concentration was on the road. “We can’t turn road till we hit Waterfoot now anyway. May as well at least drive by her house. Knock on the door and stand on the pavement. Wait for her to come out. Or if the house looks dodgy we’ll leave it.”
“I’m going to tell Alex.”
Rayah shrugged. “Make Alex promise not to tell Jonny until I’ve given him a blow job.”
Abby ignored the comment and dialled Alex. It rang out and then cut off. “No answer. Cut me off.”
“I bet we’ve got no reception.”
Rayah was right. Abby watched for the bars to appear back on her phone’s screen. She was about to dial again when a voicemail came through.
“Turn the radio off – let me listen to this. I think it’s Kenny.”
Radio switched off, she played the message on loudspeaker.
Kenny voice came through clearly.“Millie… Abby… don’t come over. I’m taking Tilly to the Manor. Shit’s going down here. You need to stay away. Let me know you’ve got this message.”
There was a shouted ‘give it here!’ and the sound of rustling. Then a voice that made Abby’s heart both full and tremble filled the car. Her sister sounded as stroppy as ever.“Amelia Hope. I love you and can’t believe you’re not answering. Some of Kenny’s non-friends are being dicks so we’re having to move. I’ll text you when to come. Love you, sis. Kenny, can you please drive faster, I need the bath…”The message ended.
“We’ll turn around as soon as we get there, but you need to try Alex again.” Rayah sounded tense.
Another voicemail hit Abby’s phone. “It’s Alex. Let me listen.” She pressed play.
“Abs, just to let you know, we know where your sister is staying. She’s in Waterfoot and we’re on our way there now. We need to let her and Kenny know something that’s happening but it’s all good. See you.”The message stopped.
Abby’s chest felt so heavy she couldn’t breathe.
“Keep phoning him, Abs. You need to let him know. Keep trying.”
