Tell Tale: Short Stories

Gareth took another sip, and looked up at the ceiling as if seeking inspiration. “Got it. Chambolle-Musigny.”

“Bravo, quite right.”

“In which case, it’s about the only thing I’ve got right this week,” said Gareth, draining his glass.

“That bad?”

“Worse. Angela’s upped the ante, and is now demanding two million.”

“Then perhaps it might be wise to settle before she demands more.”

“You may well be right, but if I could only find out who lover boy is, Angela might suddenly become more reasonable.”

“But if she found out about the flat, you could end up having to pay even more, and surely that’s not a risk worth taking.”

“Possibly, but I think I’ll still give it another week before I finally decide.”

Adam was about to pour him a second glass when Gareth raised a hand. “Not for me, old chum. I have to be off. I’ve got a breaking and entering at ten tomorrow morning, and I still haven’t read the brief. See you next Sunday.”

“And let’s hope it’s settled by then,” said Adam, “one way or the other.”

“It would be if I could only find out who the other cufflink belongs to,” said Gareth, as he jumped off his stool and quickly left the pub.

Adam refilled his own glass, but left it untouched until he saw Gareth’s car drive onto the London road. He then took the rest of the bottle through to his office. He picked up the phone and dialed a number he called every Sunday evening.

“He’s seriously thinking about coming up with the two million,” said Adam once he’d heard the familiar voice. “And I warned him of the consequences if you were to find out the real value of the apartment.”

“That sounds encouraging,” said Angela.

“Except that he’s going to give it another week in the hope he’ll find out who your lover is.”

“So we certainly can’t risk seeing each other this week,” said Angela.

“But it’s been almost a month,” said Adam plaintively, “and I can’t wait to see you again.”

“I know how you feel, my darling, but it won’t be much longer before we can spend the rest of our lives together.”

“Let’s hope so.”

“Stop being so pessimistic, Adam. I’ll call you the moment I have any news.”

* * *

“Can you talk?”

“Yes,” whispered Adam.

“He’s agreed to the two million.” Adam wanted to scream out loud, but not while the pub was so crowded. “My lawyers are drawing up a contract,” continued Angela, “that he’s promised to sign on Monday morning, and as you’ll be seeing him on Sunday evening, all you have to do is make sure he doesn’t change his mind.”

“Not a chance of that,” said Adam. “I’ve even selected his favorite bottle of wine for the occasion.”

“Why don’t you put a bottle of champagne on ice at the same time, and if he does sign on Monday, you could join me for dinner and we can celebrate by spending our first night together in your new home?”

* * *

Adam had been standing impatiently by the phone for some time before it eventually rang. He grabbed the receiver.

“He’s just left the house so should be with you in a few minutes.”