was being a coward.
Rita made a so-so gesture. ‘It’s complicated enough already, don’t you think? Let’s thrash everything out at once.’ She smiled at Robert. ‘Always the way I like it. And besides, this is something you’ve got to be straight with Parker about. He’s the father; he’s got rights.’
Lana looked at Robert, who nodded in agreement. ‘You have to tell him,’ he said. ‘I’d want to know.’
‘So what about the short term?’ She touched her stomach. ‘How do I face Cole?’
Rita stubbed out her cigarette and sent the glowing end into the night.
‘You’re not going back to that house just yet, that’s for sure.’ She drew the window shut. ‘You’ll crash with me, I’ve got the room.’
‘No,’ interjected Robert, ‘she’ll stay here. It’s safer–at least while you’re in negotiations. Soon as things start moving, let us know.’
Rita hesitated. ‘Lana?’
‘Really, I couldn’t—’
‘Good, that’s settled.’ He stood up. ‘Afraid I’ll have to move you, though–I’m losing tens of thousands a night.’ He winked.
‘Of course,’ she said, embarrassed at his generosity. ‘Anywhere is fine, anywhere at all.’
‘I’m kidding.’
Rita scribbled something down on a piece of paper. ‘It shouldn’t be more than a week, maybe two. I’ll call you.’
Lana watched her friend. ‘Rita, thank you,’ she said. ‘I’m sorry I got us here.’
Rita brushed her off, never one to get sentimental. ‘It’s my job.’
‘I’m grateful.’
She squeezed Lana’s arm. ‘I know.’ ‘Are you flying out tonight?’ asked Robert. ‘I’ve got a meeting first thing.’ ‘We’ll organise a car.’
‘Thanks.’ She smiled. ‘You’ll take care of her?’ He nodded once. ‘She’ll be safe here. I’ll make sure of it.’
New York
Lester Fallon unlocked his apartment door and stepped inside. It was dark except for a naked bulb above the dirt-caked stove, casting a bald yellow light across the room.
Tonight had been his last at Club 44. Some of the guys had stayed to have a drink with him when his shift was done–he didn’t like any of them, they were weak and blind; they had no drive, no fire. Not like him. He was about to become a multi-millionaire, richer beyond his wildest dreams.
The time had come. Vegas was calling. Laura had been waiting long enough.
Lester opened the fridge and surveyed its contents. A chunk of greyish meat on a cracked plate; a bit of cheese hardened on one side; a sticky jar of jelly and three cans of beer. He reached in for one, popped it open and closed the door. On its front was a calendar with thick red crosses slashed through the days. Sixty to go until the movie premiere–that was all.
He was getting close, closer than he’d ever been. So close he could smell her fear.
In the bedroom he pulled out a canvas bag and began packing for the first leg of his journey. He wasn’t particular about it; there would be no need for order where he was going. Efficiency, that was all. Combat pants, a couple of sweaters, a pair of gloves.
He showered, dried with a cloth that stank of milk, then ran a fine-toothed comb through his thin, wet hair, beneath which it was possible to see the pale pink of his scalp. His decision to catch an overnight coach was a deliberate one. It was easier to move under cover of darkness. He’d learned that a long time ago.
Lester dressed in brown slacks and a corduroy jacket. He tied his shoelaces tightly. Sinking to his knees, he bent to retrieve a box from under the bed. Inside was a camel-coloured envelope containing a stack of fifties he had been saving. He tucked half the stash in the inside pocket of his jacket and the other half slotted down one side of his bag. Once he’d dealt with Lana and her murderer boyfriend he’d never have to worry about money again. He’d reveal their crime and their world would end … just like the voice had said.
He slid his hand into the box a final time, removed something cold and heavy, then secured the lid before replacing it, empty, under the bed.
The most important thing of all.
The gun.
Los Angeles
Every time Jimmy turned over, Chloe could feel his erection pressing into the small of her back. He seemed to be permanently ready to roll, even after the epic session they’d enjoyed last night. The size of it now, like a living thing jammed between them, made it impossible to ignore.
She decided to wake him, manoeuvring her naked body on to his sleeping form. Jimmy groaned and opened his eyes, sticky with sleep.
‘Hey, lover,’ she purred, sliding him in.
They fucked frantically, Chloe riding him like there was no tomorrow. It was the first flush of an affair: they wanted it hard and fast, both with a fever to burn. She came quickly; he soon after.
‘You’re insatiable,’ she gasped, her head on his chest. His long fingers stroked her hair.
‘Only for you.’ He brought her face close and kissed her lips.
Chloe rolled over, stretching like a cat. ‘I’m free all morning,’ she said. ‘What do you want to do?’
Jimmy made a face. ‘We could stay in bed all day.’
She hit him. ‘Don’t be silly,’ she teased, sitting up. To be honest, he’d left her a little sore. It had been a crazy week–since the day of the nanny’s interruption they’d scarcely been out of each other’s beds.
Thank God it hadn’t been Kate. Chloe trembled at the thought. She had seen the panic in Jimmy’s eyes when the door had gone–he’d come too close too many times. They’d managed to dress, just about, before Su-Su had walked in. From their flushed faces and rumpled hair it had been obvious what was going on. Jimmy had assured her that the nanny was far too afraid of her employers to ever say anything to his wife; he’d be surprised if she could even articulate it in English. Chloe wasn’t entirely convinced, but figured that if Jimmy could relax in that knowledge then so could she.
‘A compromise.’ Jimmy pretended to mull it over. ‘We’ll stay in bed all morning.’ He grabbed her waist and pulled her down. She felt his renewed hardness push against her stomach.
‘Come on, Jimmy,’ she said, giving him a shove, ‘don’t you ever let up?’
‘Why
