“And we with you. The offer is always there for you to move in permanently,” Auntie Gail stated for the umpteenth time.
Although Megan was severely tempted to accept the offer this time around, there was something stopping her. Maybe she’d be more willing to accept their kind offer once she’d rid herself of the angst building up inside, fuelling her need to right the wrongs of a distant past that had shaped both her brother’s and her own life over the years. “Let me mull it over. All I know is that I miss you guys when I’m not here, but something is stopping me from taking the plunge.”
“Oh, what’s that?” Uncle Sam asked.
“The last thing I want is for you to feel pressured into sharing your home with me. On the flip side, at my age, I should be craving my independence.”
“But you’re not. I can tell you’re wavering. Coming around to our way of thinking. No pressure from us, love, you take your time. Weigh up the pros and cons and let us know what you decide. Right, who’s for dessert?”
“Sounds like a good idea. What’s on the menu?”
“Chocolate gateau.”
Megan groaned. “Oh my, ten thousand calories, here we come. If I did succumb and move in, I fear I’d be thirty stone before long.”
Auntie Gail stood while her husband gathered the plates. “Get away with you.”
The couple left her to be with her brother who was still dozing in his wheelchair. She mulled over their suggestion again. Tempted to finally give in to their wishes. She nodded, silently agreeing to put her notice in on her flat at the end of the following month when her rent was due. But first, she had a daunting mission ahead of her. She would need to take her time. It had taken her months to locate the men and she’d had them under surveillance during the evenings for the past few weeks. It had been an eye-opener for her as each of the different elements of her plan had formed. Her intentions were to hit them all swiftly, within a few days of each other so none of them cottoned on to what was happening and warned the others.
The second hit was due to take place that evening, once she’d said farewell to her family. She had to time her departure correctly. If she left too soon, there was a danger someone might spot her hanging around while she waited for her next victim to leave work. She smiled at the thought of killing another of her enemies, part of the gang who…
“Here we go. Shall we wake Daniel up or do you think he should sleep a little longer?” her aunt asked. She placed a large portion of gateau in front of Megan.
“Crikey, that’s huge. I’m not sure I have enough room for that amount.”
“Get away with you, it’ll do you good to have some wholesome food in that tiny stomach of yours.”
Megan shook her head and suggested, “Why don’t we leave Daniel for now? He might wake up once he hears us eating.”
Two hours later, it was time for Megan to make a move, despite her aunt pleading with her to stay the night. She kissed her sleepy brother goodbye.
“Bye, Me, Me.”
“I’ll see you at the weekend, sweetheart. Be good until then, okay?”
“Good, Me, Me.”
She circled her finger around his cheek, something he always appreciated, and made him smile.
Her aunt hugged her and remained with Daniel. Uncle Sam saw her out to her car. He squeezed her tightly. “Think about what we said, no pressure either way, love.”
“Thank you. I’ll consider it, I promise.”
He stepped back to allow her to get in the car and remained by the gate, waving goodbye until she turned the next corner on her way into town. She felt blessed to have such a compassionate couple in her life.
She eased through the traffic, aware she had ten minute’s grace to get to the store before closing time.
The orange sign drew her towards it like a beacon. Megan parked her car next to another and then realised her mistake—it might belong to a member of staff. Consequently, she moved to the centre and switched off her engine. Hunkered down in her seat, she watched and waited, grateful that it was already dark at this hour, although the clocks were due to go forward in a few weeks, which would alter things considerably.
The staff left the rear of the building, a few at a time. As each group appeared, her heart lurched a little. Finally, Bobby Simmonds appeared. Dressed head to foot in Lycra, he wheeled his bike out of the building and locked up behind him. He punched in the number for the alarm and mounted his bike.
Megan waited until he cycled past and then started her engine. She kept a gap between them and followed him into the traffic which had calmed down considerably since her arrival. Bobby cycled hard and fast. He was a fitness freak, who liked to push himself whenever and wherever possible. It was a ten-mile trek out to his house. He accelerated and slowed down regularly during his journey, blissfully unaware that he was being followed.
Megan bided her time before making her move. The spot she’d chosen was a couple of miles away now. All she needed to do was to keep a safe distance behind him, for now.
Bobby sped up again. This time his stint at pushing himself was extended. Before long, they’d reached the spot Megan had selected. His tempo slowed once more, and Megan prepared herself for the attack. Squeezing her foot down on the accelerator, she moved right up behind him.
He motioned for her to overtake. She had no intention of doing as he suggested. She revved the engine and the car surged forward, she braked and then dropped back. He glanced over his shoulder, an angry expression chiselled into his features. He was shouting at
