How Not to Die Alone

— CHAPTER 34 —

Andrew listened to the phone ringing out and gulped down half a glass of tepid pinot grigio.

“Andrew, what a pleasant surprise.”

“Hello, Carl.”

“Funny you should call—I’ve just checked my bank account and I still don’t seem to have my money.”

“It’s only just come into my account,” Andrew said, trying to keep his voice even.

“Well,” Carl said, “you’ve got my bank details, so as long as you transfer it straightaway then we won’t have a problem.”

“The thing is though,” Andrew said, “I don’t think I am going to transfer it.”

“What?” Carl snapped.

“I said I don’t think I am going to transfer it.”

“You are,” Carl said. “You absolutely are, because remember what happens if you don’t. All I need to do is pick up the phone and you’re fucked.”

“This is what I mean,” Andrew said. “I appreciate that I may not exactly deserve this money—that perhaps my behavior did cause some of Sally’s unhappiness, and maybe more than that. But the thing is, we still loved each other, and I know that what I’ve been lying about might’ve been hard for her to deal with, but I think it would have been easier for her to understand that than the fact you’re blackmailing me.”

“Oh please. You really don’t get this, do you? I am owed that money. I wouldn’t be having to do this in the first place if you’d just done what was right. So you listen to me. It’s very simple, okay? If that money isn’t in my account within twenty-four hours, then your life as you know it is over.”

The line went dead.

Andrew let out a deep breath and felt his shoulders slacken. He leaned forward in his chair and looked at his phone, which was on the dining room table. There were seven others placed in a circle around it, all of which showed that they were still recording. There was silence in the room. Andrew looked down, his cheeks burning. There was a flash of movement, and for a second Andrew thought he was about to be attacked, but then he realized it was Peggy, a split second before she threw her arms around him.