Tell Tale: Short Stories

“Why’s he so late?” asked Adam edgily. “I was beginning to think he might have found out about us and driven straight up to London.”

“You’re overreacting again, my darling,” said Angela. “He just had rather a lot of packing to do before he finally left.”

“That’s a relief, because I can’t stall the brewery for much longer.”

“I’m sure they can wait until Monday.”

“And if you can call me the moment he’s signed, I’ll put down the deposit of two hundred thousand they’re demanding, though I confess it will clear me out.”

“No need to worry yourself about that, my darling. Once he’s signed I’ll immediately transfer a million to your account and the pub will be yours.”

“Ours,” Adam reminded her, as he watched Gareth’s Jaguar driving into the car park. “He’s just arrived,” he whispered.

“Good. Just make sure he doesn’t change his mind.”

“No fear of that,” said Adam before putting down the phone. He bent down and extracted a dusty bottle of 1987 Pouilly-Fumé from under the counter. He’d uncorked it by the time Gareth marched in, looking happy for the first time in months.

“No need for you to guess this week,” said Adam, placing two glasses on the bar in front of him. “Because I’ve chosen one of your favorites.”

“What are we celebrating?”

“Your freedom, of course.”

“How could you possibly know about that?” said Gareth.

“I could tell from the expression on your face,” said Adam, a little too quickly. “So it will be just like old times,” he added, raising his glass.

“Not quite. I still have to sign the document tomorrow morning.”

“But surely you’re not having second thoughts?”

“I was, but decided on balance to take your advice and try to move on.”

“Even though it’s going to cost you two million?”

“Along with the family home and our villa in the south of France.”

“Well, at least you still have the Chelsea flat.”

“And a cufflink,” said Gareth.

“A cufflink?”

“Don’t you remember, the proof that Angela’s having an affair?”

“Ah, yes,” said Adam. “I remember.”

“And what’s more, I’m fairly certain I now know who owns the other one.”

Adam could feel his cheeks going red. He quickly took a gulp of wine. “Anyone we know?”

“No.”

“Then, how do—”

“Because I found two BA tickets for a flight to Nice in her handbag.”

Adam didn’t speak as Gareth put a hand in his trouser pocket, took out a cufflink, and placed it on the bar. Adam stared at a blue and silver crested cufflink.