I sigh. There was a time when I’d have been thrilled that he wanted to spend quality time with me and Daisy.
‘I love you, Kirst,’ he says. ‘I want us to be a family again. Come to the beach.’
‘Let me think about it,’ I reply.
But as I end the call, I realise I already know what my answer will be.
Epilogue
It’s a risk, inviting everyone down here this afternoon. Especially the papers. But what better way to throw everyone off the scent once and for all?
After I realised my neighbour was snooping, I had to do something. It was silly of me to have left those Toy Shack bags at the top of the stairs where she could see them, but I think I managed to divert Kirstie’s attention with my hastily put together Lego street. In actual fact, I thoroughly enjoyed creating it. I might even make another one.
But the truth is, I paid the builder an extra twenty thousand cash-in-hand to dig out that additional soundproof room at the end of the basement – couldn’t risk it showing up on the plans. And, of course, I couldn’t let him live after he’d finished. He’s buried under the floorboards. Been down there eight years now, along with a few of my other friends who tried to get away from me.
I suppose some people might be horrified by what I’ve done. By what I do. But, you see, since my wife died, I get lonely. It’s just me and Priddy rattling around in our empty house. We just need someone to talk to... Is that so wrong?
* * *