Page 84 of So, I Met This Guy . . .

‘It does?’ Flick bristled. ‘Why doesn’t it just say that then?’

‘But you’re right about it being a problem. I’m terrified of heights.’

Later

Hi Mags, it’s me, Theo. How are you, babe? It’s been a long time.

Is this really you?

Yes, it’s really me.

Why are you contacting me?

I want to explain everything.

Explain it to the police. You’re wanted for questioning.

I understand why you’re angry and I don’t blame you.

You stole my life savings.

You lied about everything.

Please don’t say that.

I loved you. I wanted to marry you.

Is that why you disappeared?

I did it to protect you.

There are some bad men after me.

I don’t believe you.

It’s true. I had no choice.

I tried paying them off. That’s why I needed the money.

They threatened to kill me.

Maggie felt herself reel, but quickly caught herself. It couldn’t be true. It must be another one of his lies. She’d read about this online. About how fraudsters made up life-threatening stories of danger to extract money from their victims. Plus, she’d just seen him swanning around Monte Carlo and getting on a luxury cruise. He didn’t look like a man in fear for his life.

Why didn’t you go to the police?

You don’t go to the police about men like this.

I don’t believe you. You’re lying again.

Mags, can I ask you something?

What?

Will you meet me?

Maggie’s stomach lurched. She wasn’t expecting that. She hesitated. And then.

Where are you?