Page 241 of Double or Nothing

“Before it gets bad.”

“I promise.”

“If you even think it might get bad.”

“Ok.”

He kisses her forehead and steps out.

Alice looks at me next. I enter the lift and she reaches for me before I’ve decided what to say.

Her arms close around my neck.

I hold her.

All the words I’ve practised in my head disappear.

I love you.

I loved you then. I love you now.

I never stopped.

Don’t let your father decide.

Choose me.

Choose us.

Alice pulls back enough to see my face.

“You’ll be there later, won’t you? Are you going to be alright?”

Fear moves through me.

The pretence of the Otleys. Of Bill’s associates. Work colleagues.

His approval. My career.

The partnership he expects me to protect.

“Yes,” I say. “I’ll be fine. Just so long as you are. That’s what matters.”

She studies me as though trying to decide whether I mean it.

Then she nods.

“Goodbye, BT.”

“Hey. Not goodbye,” I say.

“What is it, then?”

I have no answer.

Her eyes shine, wet with unshed tears.

“I’ll see you soon,” she says.