Stanton Box Set

“Stan, you’re killing me. Stop this nonsense with Max. I am not going shopping and shit all the time.”

I frown. “What’s up your ass?” I ask. I never have to ask Ben to do anything twice.

“Nothing. I am not hanging out with Bridget and the girls that’s all. I’m your guard, not hers.”

I smile and look at Cameron and shake my head. “I’m asking you to guard my future wife, not bone Bridget, although somehow I don’t think you would be complaining if that’s what I was asking.”

“Fuck off man,” he snaps in his heavy accent and I smile.

Cameron narrows his eyes and does his hand in a choking gesture.

“Send the other two here and you and Richard go with the girls,” I reply.

“Fine,” he snaps and then hangs up.

I smile broadly. I’ve never seen Ben like this. I think he actually does like Bridget.

“Are you calling our mother dearest or am I?” Cameron says in a defeated voice.

I tap my foot up and down as I think. “I will. When are you working this week?”

“I am on for the next five days, so in a week’s time would be good,” Cameron replies.

I nod and pick up my mobile and dial the number.

“Hello darling,” she answers.

My heart drops at her calling me that. “Hello,” I reply. I close my eyes as dread fills me and Cameron stands and walks to the large windows. He stands with his back to me as he stares at the view and listens.

“I’ve organised my plane to pick you up in a week,” I reply flatly.

“Darling, it doesn’t suit me next week. I have things on,” she replies.

I narrow my eyes in contempt. “Change your plans,” I snap.

“Joshua, is something wrong?” she asks.

“You tell me,” I sneer.

She remains silent and Cameron turns to face me, looking ill.

“Cameron and I have a small matter we need to discuss with you.”

“What is it?” she replies.

“Our paternity,” I reply flatly.

The phone goes silent and you could hear a pin drop.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” she whispers nervously and I sit back in my chair.

I narrow my eyes at Cameron. “Ok, if you don’t know anything about it I will ring Dad and he can fill us in,” I sneer sarcastically.

“No! Joshua, please don’t ring your father,” she pleads.

I shake my head at Cameron as my blood runs cold… it’s true. Everything we feared is true.

“I don’t know what she has told you, Joshua, but it’s not true. You know you can’t trust anything that comes out of that woman’s mouth.”