Amber stood and eyed her reflection in the mirror. Skinny black jeans, a silk black blouse, and high-heeled shoes with red soles. Her hair was swept over one shoulder to reveal the diamonds in her earlobes. No one could possibly know of the memories that scarred the skin beneath. No one except Richard and her.

‘Yes, Daddy.’

‘Good girl.’

I wonder if you called Neena that. I wonder what you call—

‘You look beautiful, Mummy.’

‘Thank you, sweetheart. Have you packed your overnight bag?’

Samantha smiled cheekily.

‘Go and pack it now or you’ll be late for your sleepover.’

Samantha nodded and returned to her room.

‘Will you be out long?’ Richard asked. ‘I’ll be bored without you. Maybe I could come along.’

‘It’s a girls’ night, Richard.’

‘James isn’t a girl.’

‘You know what I mean.’ She eyed him in the mirror. She had a way of looking at him with a kind eye, but with a lurking power that made him stop whatever he was doing. She had worked on him for years. ‘Don’t worry, I won’t be too late. I have a surprise for you, remember?’

She winked and headed for the door.

‘Don’t I get a kiss?’

A shiver clawed up her back. The thought of kissing him made her feel sick. She knew where those lips had been just hours before. Once it was over, she could love him again.

‘Later,’ she replied.

She called in on Samantha and kissed her goodbye. When she returned to the hallway, Richard was waiting for her and followed her down the stairs.

‘Come on, stay in with me.’ He groped her behind. ‘We could have fun.’

‘Someone would think you’re jealous.’

She reached the front door and slipped into her coat. He looked worried. She smiled.

‘Don’t forget to drop Samantha off at Laura’s for the sleepover, and don’t fall asleep. I want you wide awake when I get back.’

She pulled him close and kissed him. He seemed reserved, but matched her force and the movement of her tongue. When she pulled away, she wiped the lipstick from his lips with her thumb.

‘Four hours, tops.’

She opened the door and stepped outside.

‘Amber,’ he said.

She turned and looked at him in the doorway. He looked frightened, like he didn’t want her to go. Or maybe he was worried about what would happen when she got back.

‘Will I like the surprise?’

She laughed behind closed lips and walked down the driveway.

The Mistress

SIX

Friday 24 November, 05:49

Neena woke to her son crying for her behind the bedroom wall. She shot out of bed and stumbled towards his bedroom, blinking furiously to adjust to the dark.

It had gone two by the time she fell asleep. All she seemed to do was worry, especially at night when she was left with only her thoughts for company.