Page 24 of The Taskmaster
Hacksaw, check.
Another sicko sent to hell, and another treasure that’d soon be on my mantlepiece. Today was a good day. It’d be even better when I called on Abigail later.
Chapter Fifteen
ABIGAIL
“Hey, Dad. Congratulations on the arrest,” I said as I juggled my mobile in one hand and let myself into my building with the other after a long day at work. I’d heard on the radio earlier that they’d made an arrest in the case of the missing men in the area, and I knew it’d put him in a good mood. Little wins like that always did. He lived for that job. It scared me that he’d die for it too one day. But I put that to the back of my mind as the door closed behind me and I stood in the foyer.
“It’s an arrest, not a charge,” he replied, playing it down like he always did.
“It’s better than nothing. And a charge will come soon.”
I went over to the post boxes to check if I had any mail. Most people just had their flat number on their post box, but I’d put my name on mine as well. I’d done it on purpose. I might have a stalker, but I wasn’t shying away from him or anyone else. I wanted to be found. I wanted to face him.
“I hope so. We’re working so hard on this one,” he said, and then he asked in a brighter tone, “We’re having a barbecue later, do you want to pop in for your dinner? Sam and Molly arecoming. They haven’t seen you in a while. It’ll be a nice catch up.”
Sam Jenkins was my dad’s old partner from back in the day when he was a detective. Him and his wife, Molly, were like a bonus aunt and uncle to me growing up. But as much as a free meal was appealing, I didn’t have the energy to socialise tonight. I just wanted to lie on my sofa and watch garbage TV while eating cheap crap until I fell asleep.
“I can’t make it tonight, I’ve got a friend coming over,” I lied. “But next time, definitely.” I held my shopping bag as I walked up the stairs to my floor, ready to set up my purchase.
“Okay, love,” he said as I reached my hallway and made my way to my front door. “I can hear you’re busy. Are you almost home?”
“Just at my front door now,” I said, admiring my new, extra secure door lock that’d been fitted.
The locksmith had done an amazing job; he’d even fitted a better spec of lock than I’d asked for but hadn’t charged me for it. I got a text from him saying as much a few hours ago. There were still some good people left in the world.
“Have a good night, Dad, and give my love to Mum, won’t you.”
“Will do. Stay safe. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I hung up and slid my phone into my bag. Then I knocked on Nial and Gail’s door to collect the keys the locksmith had left with them. Gail answered with the keys ready in her hand.
“Thanks, Gail. I hope they weren’t too noisy or disruptive while they were working.”
“Of course not. The lock guy was a cutie.” She winked and then added, “If anyone was disruptive, it was Nial. And he’s bloody bailed on me again. He went out for a smoke earlier and hasn’t been back for seven hours.”
Nial and Gail were always arguing. Most nights, I could hear them screaming at each other from my apartment. It wasn’t unusual for him to leave and come back days, sometimes weeks later with his tail between his legs. It was a vicious cycle they lived in, and despite her complaints, she didn’t do anything to change it. Neither of them did.
“I’m sure he’ll be back soon,” I said, giving her a reassuring smile as I took the keys from her and stepped back in an effort to end the conversation.
“Of course he will,” she huffed. “Once the pub kicks him out.” And she slammed her door shut.
I unlocked my door and went into my apartment, just as the phone in my bag began to ring. I picked it up and answered it, instantly regretting that decision when the voice on the other end wasn’t a friendly one.
“Miss Walters?” the man asked.
“Yes.”
“This is BCR Bank. I’m calling in regard to the letter we sent you recently, about the missed payments on your account.”
What could I say? I’d lived on a credit card for months, and now, I couldn’t even afford to pay the monthly bill. But I had my reasons. It was all for a good cause.
“I know I’ve missed some payments, but money has been tight. But I promise, I will sort it out. I just need a bit more time.” I sank down onto my sofa and rubbed my forehead to ease the pressure building in my head.
“If you’re struggling with your finances, Miss Walters, I can redirect you to our debt specialists. They can help to work out a way to manage things?—”
