Chapters (52)
‘Huh? No! Fuck, no. I’d never cheat on Beth, ever.’
‘So what did you mean? Did you turf her out of the house?’
He puts his head in his hands and nods.
‘It’s only fair, Chloe. It was my parents and my savings that bought this place – Beth’s always just contributed,’ he says. ‘She said some hurtful things. You know how she gets.’
‘But she’d never mean any harm, she’s all show when it comes to arguing.’
‘I know, I know, but she was cruel. She blames me through and through.’
‘For what?’
‘The baby. Well, lack of.’
I have to be loyal to Beth, and yet I’m compelled to reach out to Fergus. I launch forward and give him a strong hug, although he doesn’t reciprocate, and he steps away throwing his shoulders back in military fashion.
‘I need to find her,’ I say.
Fergus gives a series of nods.
‘You’re more than welcome to stay, though. However long you need.’
‘Thanks.’
Although I’m not sure that would be the best idea right now. I give Fergus a closed-mouth smile, which he sort-of returns, and I get my things and leave.
29
How’s the viewing, hun?
She responds quickly.
Haven’t seen it yet. Owner late back from work :( xxx
Okay, so I need to get to West Hampstead pronto.
It takes me about forty minutes – it’s an inconvenient route on the tube. As I step off the train, I keep an eye out for Beth in case she’s waiting on the platform. I know this is a long shot, but these pockets of London aren’t huge; there are just so many of them. How far from the station is the flat she’s been looking at? I’ll wait here, on the platform – at some point, she’ll come here.
It’s almost eight o’clock, an hour since her last message.
I give it another ten minutes, then type.
So …?
And wait.
Please, Beth. I need to tell you I’m sorry.
Nah. Not worth it. Heading home. Spk tomo. xxx
Great! So she’ll be on her way to this station. Now.
I lug my suitcase up the stairs to street level and wait by the gates. It’s not that busy – the rush died down a while ago. I need to keep an eye out, although it’s unlikely I’ll get swamped. This isn’t Waterloo or Kings Cross. I should be able to spot her any minute.
But I don’t.
The thing is, Beth’s not going home, is she? And if I know Beth, I know what she’ll be doing right now.
I go through the gate and have a decision to make. Left or right.