She looked pleased with herself. Though I’d grown to dislike Britney, she’d proved indispensable.
“I should be able to raise around half a billion from my remaining collection,” I said. “That will cover everything.”
“You’ll have to get a move on. The bank’s making noises.”
“If need be, I’ve always got the apartment for a down payment.”
“You’ll be sharing this lovely house with Stepmommy, then. Oh, and speak of the devil, she’s returned.”
“Fucking great.” I sighed. “I’ll go and stay at the apartment, then.”
“If you sell, you can always come and stay at mine.” She moved closer to me.
“That’s not going to happen, Britney.”
“I’m the only one that can get you out of the shit if Tammy decides to press charges.”
I studied her for a minute. I’d forgotten all about that encounter in the shower with my drunken stepmother.
“Just say the word. Or words. Ask me to marry you, and all this will go away.”
I looked out the window over the expansive garden, where trees thrashed about in the roaring wind.
“We can keep the estate,” she continued. “I’ve got dirt on her too. I know about Brent.”
I turned sharply. “What do you mean?”
“I caught them together in the pool one night. They were drunk and didn’t see me. I photographed it.”
“And you were going to tell me this when?”
She shrugged. “Another trump card, I guess. I figured it might help Clarke when he was ready to leave her.”
Her cold smile made me squirm. “Tell me something. Why didn’t you marry him?”
“Clarke?”
I nodded.
“Because I wanted to marry you. The next in line. It’s not just the money.” Her face softened. “In any case, there’ll soon be plenty of that. I can make us filthy rich.” She moved closer again. “It’s just that I’ve always wanted you.”
I pulled my arm from her creeping fingers.
“What’s she got?” she asked.
“Miranda was innocent before I came onto the scene. She’s a pure soul. She’s not in it for what she can get.” I missed her like mad and hated myself for the way I’d spoken to her. Since then, she hadn’t taken my calls. I couldn’t blame her. I’d acted like a jerk.
“So she was a fucking virgin. What is it with you men and virgins?”
“That’s not what attracted me.”
“A tight cunt, you mean?” She tilted her head.
Refusing to dignify her crassness with a response, I left her standing there.