Page 18 of Our Secrets and Lies

Billy’s eyes widened. ‘What did you say?’

‘Don’t you think it slightly convenient that your ambitious daughterfinds herself pregnant with the son of a Supreme Court judge, and that after pretending to agree to a termination suddenly changes her mind? She clearly thinks she can trap my son and ingratiate herself into my family but, I can assure you, that is never going to happen.’

Billy laughed. ‘Do you know what I think? I think you’re an arrogant prick. I think your son is a stupid, spineless cowardand if you think I would let my beautiful and brilliant daughter near you, ever again, you’re the one who is delusional. You know where the door is.’

Gabriel slammed his hand onto the counter. ‘I am not leaving without a guarantee that she,’ he jabbed a finger atLucy, ‘is going to terminate this pregnancy and leave my son the hell alone.’

‘Well, now, Mr Harrington-Black, you have two choiceshere. You can take yourself and your disgusting comments and accusations and walk out the door, or I can show you the door. Please believe me when I tell you that, while you might be taller than me, I grew up on the streets and I can beat you into a coma with two punches. And if you ever speak to or even look at my daughter again, I will come after you and kill you. Am I making myself clear?’

‘Scum breeds scum,’ Gabriel hissed, then turned on his heel and stormed out.

‘Oh, my God,’ Tina gasped. ‘What a horrible man. Well done, Billy, you were brilliant.’

Billy turned to Lucy, who was crying silently. ‘I’m telling you now, you are going to have this baby and I’m going to help you in any way I can. If Tom wants to be involved and come and live with us and help you raise the child, heis welcome. But I will never, ever have that bastard come near me or my family again.’

‘Is Tom like that too?’ Tina asked, her eyes full of concern.

‘God, no,’ Lucy said. ‘He’s the opposite, kind and generous and lovely.’

‘Thank God for small mercies.’ Tina kissed Lucy’s forehead.

‘Right, I’m closing up early. I need a drink after that.’

‘Thanks, Dad.’

‘For what?’

‘For standing up to himand defending me and being, well, just … brilliant.’

Billy pulled her into his arms. ‘Let’s pray the baby has Murphy genes!’

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