Melanie Peters, the new English teacher, was by his side. She was twenty-eight years old and she oozed confidence – as well she might with her heart-shaped lips, a great figure and legs that seemed to go on forever. Massive rack too, and she didn’t exactly hide them away; she seemed to be aware of the effect of low-cut tops on her figure. Maybe that was the reason he’d employed her in the first place, because her CV wasn’t that good if he was being honest. Still, it was more about attitude than qualifications in this school. And she had something about her. Donny always had an end-of-day meeting with new staff to see if they’d survived their first day. Some teachers never came back, but Melanie looked like she could handle herself. Donny had offered to drop her off on his way home and when he mentioned he was going for a few drinks in the pub she invited herself along. That was his story anyway. What could he say? Nothing really, he hadn’t done anything wrong. Still, if Susan got wind of it, she’d go ape. Drinks with a female member of staff, just the two of them.

‘What do you want to drink, Mel?’

‘A large white wine thanks, Donny.’

Melanie found some seats in a quiet corner of the pub while he went to the bar, taking it for granted that he was paying. Donny smiled over at her as he waited to be served. He was a happily married man, but he still couldn’t help flirting with her. It was in his nature. But Donny was too preoccupied by Melanie flicking her long dark hair over her shoulders to notice a large-framed man stood watching him from the other side of the bar, clocking his every movement.

As Melanie watched Donny approaching with the drinks, he blushed slightly; her steady gaze made him feel nervous. He sat down next to her. ‘I’ve been gagging for a beer all day. The wife is out with her mate so there’s no rush to get home. I’ve got a nice chilled night planned, footy, a few more beers and bed.’

Melanie dropped her eyes low, started to play with her long, slender fingers. Had he said something wrong, upset her?

‘I’ve not long split up from my partner, so nobody’s waiting for me at home anymore.’

Donny sipped his pint. He didn’t really know much about Melanie, only what he needed to know about her teaching background. Her personal life was none of his business.