Page 56 of Checkmate
She grabbed her phone and pulled up Lottie’s number before sighing and cancelling. As much as she loved her younger sister, it wasn’t her she wanted to talk to.
Especially as she had already voiced her disapproval of Erica’s plan. Some days, Lottie showed how mature she could be for her age. It was an admirable trait that Erica wanted nothing to do with right now.
Instead, she pulled up her call log and dialled the number at the top of the list.
“Erica?”
Marcus answered on the first ring, and she could hear the smile in his voice.
“Alex just asked if I was sleeping with you,” she said, returning his smile even though he couldn’t see her.
“Oh, really?” She could picture him so clearly, a satisfied smirk coupled with the hand through his hair.
“Really. I’ve just left the house.”
“Come over then,” he said. “This is a conversation I want to have face-to-face.”
“Sophie?”
“Not here. Probably maxing out her credit cards thinking I’ll pay them off.”
She chuckled, imagining Sophie’s face as she returned to find Erica in her home.
“Text me your address and crack out the wine. I’ll be as quick as I can.”
“Atta girl, I’ll see you soon.”
Marcus waited for her outside his flat building as Erica pulled up in the cab. He raised his hand in greeting and rushed forward to grab the door for her, handing the driver a wad of cash through the front window.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Erica said as she left the car.
“Didn’t have to, but I’ve got to take care of my business partner, haven’t I?”
“Dammit, I didn’t even have time to tell him that part.” She sighed and thanked the driver, waving him off.
Marcus led Erica to the building. From everything Sophie had said about this place, Erica had been expecting a dilapidated flat block that people avoided.
But there was nothing wrong with this place as far as she could see. The outside looked great, with a well-kept garden and windows that sparkled under the sunlight. Unless she was mistaken, someone had given the walls a fresh lick of paint, a stark white against the darkened woodwork.
Inside mirrored the exterior, the corridors smelling faintly of bleach and lemon. The stairwell was clear of debris, and the bannisters were clean and well-polished.
“Sophie sold this place short,” she muttered as they walked to the top floor. “I was expecting… well, something, not this.”
“Made out we had no money, did she?”
“Something like that,” Erica nodded as they reached his floor.
“Well, I wouldn’t say we were comfortable,” he admitted, as he let them in. “And there are times we really struggle, but we have this poxy little flat, so our situation isn’t dire.”
He held the door open for her, encouraging her to go ahead. Erica took her first step into Marcus’ flat, suddenly curious to see where he lived.
The space he shared with Sophie was tidy and clean. It wasn’t unwelcoming, but there was something about it that felt off.
“Where are your wedding pictures?” She asked as it finally clicked. The walls were completely barren, void of any personality and, therefore, any warmth.
Marcus followed her gaze and expelled a humourless chuckle. “You’d have thought that would be my first clue.”
He gestured for her to sit, grabbing them some wine glasses. “I can’t believe it never clicked about the pictures.”
