Lockdown: A chilling and claustrophobic psychological thriller by Maria Frankland

Author:Maria Frankland [Frankland, Maria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Autonomy Press
Published: 2024-01-29T00:00:00+00:00

27

‘You’re doing yourself no favours, staying glued to that thing,’ Justin nods at the TV as I watch the latest daily briefing.

I look from the screen to him as he sits on the armchair opposite me. ‘As if the prime minister is in intensive care. I just can’t believe it, can you?’

‘So what? He’s just another human being. What makes him so special? If you ask me, you’re becoming obsessed with it all.’ He’s still wearing the same stained t-shirt from before he left for the chemist, and is clutching two plastic bottles of beer, which are presumably his latest doorstep delivery. I can understand Simon not wanting to pour his beer down the drain but I’m still shocked at him donating to Justin after his blackmail attempt. He must be really desperate to get rid of it. Either that, or someone’s delivering it for him and doesn’t know about their fall out.

‘It's consuming everyone.’ I roll my eyes before returning my attention to the TV screen, anticipation building for the next announcement. Shortly, we’ll find out if we’re going to be let out or continue to be trapped inside our houses.

‘They’re such brave souls, all those nurses who are facing the virus like they are. There’s going to be a clapping again for them this week if we’re still in lockdown.’

‘Well, like I said to you before – we’re not getting involved in any of that crap.’ He shakes his head.

I stare back at him. How did I never see what he was really like before? He’s so heartless that he’s trying to prevent me from publicly applauding the NHS. ‘Well, I’m getting involved.’

‘Why? It’s not as if you’re directly affected.’ He leans forward in his chair.

‘Annie’s one of those nurses actually.’

‘Oh yes, your best buddy.’ He’s always so sarcastic when I speak warmly about anyone else. ‘I forgot about her.’

‘Don’t be like that. She’s putting her life on the line every time she goes to work, isn’t she?’

I follow Justin’s gaze to the window as he suddenly jerks his head to face it. ‘What’s she bloody looking at.’

Diane strolls past, her curious gaze briefly meeting mine. I find comfort in the acknowledgement, especially since she's one of the few familiar faces in this square.

‘I bet it was her who’s been squealing to the police,’ he says as she disappears around the corner.

‘It could have been the new neighbour.’ I avert my eyes to the flat window in the overlooking block. There the woman is, with her chin resting on her hands, watching us yet again. ‘She doesn’t seem to have a right lot else to occupy herself with.’

‘Didn’t I tell you to keep these curtains closed?’ He lurches from the chair to the window and wrenches the curtains together.

‘But it’s such a lovely day,’ I protest. ‘Besides, I’m just as bad for being nosy. You know how much I love looking into windows as I’m walking by houses.’

His face relaxes into what might pass for a smile. I must have said the right thing for a change.

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