One Must Die: How do you choose which of your sons should die? by Mark Tilbury

Author:Mark Tilbury [Tilbury, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tilbury Publishing
Published: 2021-06-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Three

‘Where’s your car?’ Britney asked as they walked across the courtyard towards the exit.

‘I parked in the old churchyard.’

She frowned. ‘Why?’

Because, dear Britney, I didn’t want any nosy neighbours seeing you getting into a stolen car and telling tales to the police once you’re reported missing. ‘I have to confess to getting lost. I stopped and asked someone where Panorama House was, and thought I might as well go on foot. Anyway, the exercise is good for me. I’ve put on a bit of weight since working in the office. Bloody computers have turned most of us into lazy slobs.’

She laughed. ‘True.’

‘Do you work, Britney?’

She shook her head. ‘I’m studying accountancy.’

Stanton was surprised. ‘Really?’

‘Yeah. An online course, but I’m hoping it’ll lead to a better life for me and Jamie.’

‘Very commendable. Makes a nice change to see someone trying to better themselves.’

They walked into the church carpark. Stanton unlocked the Honda and held the passenger door open for her.

‘Thanks.’

He smiled. ‘My pleasure.’

Ten minutes later, Stanton drove over Caversham Bridge and headed along the Western bypass.

‘Where are we going?’ Britney asked.

‘I’m popping home for a minute to check on my grandmother.’

‘Your grandmother?’

He nodded. ‘She’s got dementia. I can’t leave her on her own for too long. It won’t take a minute. Then we’ll go to look at the flat.’

‘You never said anything about this.’

‘Didn’t I?’

Britney wriggled uncomfortably in her seat. ‘But I haven’t brought my cigarettes. I thought we were only gonna be a little while.’

Now’s your golden opportunity to pack up the dirty habit. Cleanse some of the toxins out of your body. ‘We can go to the village shop after I’ve checked on her, if you like.’

‘I haven’t got any money.’

He grinned. ‘Not to worry. I’ll pay for them. It’s the least I can do for forgetting to tell you.’

‘Do you live with your granny?’

‘For my sins.’

‘How old is she?’

‘Seventy-four.’

‘Is her dementia really bad?’

‘Not always. It depends on the day. Sometimes you can have a full-blown conversation with her, and the next day she doesn’t even know who you are.’

‘How come you live with her?’

‘She raised me.’

‘Really?’

No, dumb fuck, I like to say things for effect. ‘Yeah.’

‘What happened to your parents?’

‘They died.’

‘I’m sorry.’

He nodded. ‘Yes, well, shit happens, as they say.’

They drove the rest of the way along the bypass in silence. Britney’s nasty habit of chewing her nails irritated the crap out of him, but there’d be plenty of time in the coming weeks to rid her of such abominations.

He drove down the gravel lane leading to the farm and parked in the courtyard. He switched off the engine and applied the handbrake. ‘Would you like to come in and meet her?’

‘I dunno. She’s not gonna know who I am, is she?’

‘Doesn’t matter. She’ll be all right with you if she knows you’re with me.’

Britney shook her head. ‘Nah. I’ll wait in the car.’

He smiled. ‘She won’t bite.’

‘I know. It’s just I get nervous when I’m in other people’s houses.’

‘Okay.’ He got out of the car and went to the passenger door.

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