Page 274 of Double or Nothing

Jack and Alice.

We’ve even been enjoying the Toastique Pro again, even though cheese hasn’t got the same taste to it without Alice around. Neither have our nights in bed. Not even close.

Another message.

Christopher still being a cunt?

That’s an easy question to answer.

Cunt might as well be his middle name. He was showing off my reports today like he was the bastard author.

Three dots dance as I watch the screen.

Want me to rock on in and become a key stakeholder at Landia? Just to be an asshole?

I laugh out loud at that.

He may be wealthy, but he’s not quite that wealthy.

Still, I love his sentiment.

Bill asks me to accompany the family to the auction the following morning, but there’s nothing of an ask about it. Just another instruction.

“Alice may find it overwhelming,” he says. “She’s not got any experience with serious buyers.”

The word cunt comes to my mind with him now, as well as Christopher.

“I’ll be there,” I tell him.

“Good. She trusts you. You’ll make her feel at ease.”

That statement hurts.

“How is she doing, Bill? Really?”

He looks up from his laptop.

“Tired. Emotional. Dramatic. You know what Alice is like.”

Yes, I do know what Alice is like.

She works harder when she’s feeling under pressure, it’s her escapism. She paints longer, forgets to eat. She talks too quickly when she’s excited and goes quiet when she’s scared.

Tired, emotional and dramatic doesn’t sound like a healthy combination.

“Will I see her before Hammersmith?” I ask.

“There’s no need. A car will collect you separately. We’ll be leaving from ours.”

Separately. I see. No alone time.

“Understood. I’ll be there.”

Bill smiles.

“Thank you, Bryce. I can always rely on you.”

He returns to work, and I return to my poker face. Just like that.