Rival Sisters

by Louise Guy

  Nat smiled. Eliza, hey. A clever use of her name for her username. She’d quite liked the brief conversation she’d had with the two women. She clicked on the ‘Accept’ button, and the screen changed to another chat screen. This time it had a highlight at the top that said ‘Private Conversation’. LizaE and BrownDog40 were already chatting, and it appeared their real names were Eliza and Suze. She wasn’t sure she wanted to share her real name. She needed anonymity. Lia. It was perfect. She and Amy often joked that as it was the last three letters of their full first names, they actually shared a name.

  She quickly read through their conversation. Her eyes widened as she read Suze’s comments about having done something her husband wouldn’t forgive her for and not knowing how to move forward. This probably wasn’t to do with poker, but it was indeed intriguing. From Suze’s earlier comment that she tended to overreact, Nat assumed this might also be the case.

  PinkFish88

  Hi ladies, thanks for the invite. Touched to be included. Lia.

  BrownDog40

  Great to see you here, Lia. How are you doing? Thought we’d get away from the ‘dick’, as we are now calling him.

  Nat laughed. A perfect name for BBrooter.

  PinkFish88

  Good plan. I have lots to tell you both but can see you were mid-conversation. I’ve read through and am all caught up. I’m intrigued, so don’t let me interrupt. You sounded like you were about to get something off your chest, Suze?

  Chapter Nineteen

  Hannah had already started her message when PinkFish88, otherwise known as Lia, had joined the chat. She continued typing, realising it was going to be a long message. Part of her found it difficult to believe she was going to share what she’d done with two strangers. While she’d never met them, she still agonised over what they would think of her. She hit send on the message and waited. It would take them some time to read and digest everything she’d said. Would they come back telling her what an awful person she was and that it served her right that she was now being blackmailed?

  She checked the clock on her office wall. It was almost six. She should get packed up and head home. She needed to relax before she picked up Amy and Bear, who had been invited to Skye’s after school. She posted another quick message.

  BrownDog40

  Leaving work now. Completely understand if you think I’m an awful person. No need to sugarcoat your thoughts, I probably need to hear them. Will check messages when I get home. x

  She switched off her computer and quickly tidied her desk. She had a big week next week, presenting to Halpin and Sons, and she would need part of the weekend to prepare. She slid a number of files into her briefcase, picked up her bag and left her office. The reception area was deserted, as was the rest of the floor. She pressed the button for the lift, her mind still in the chat room. She shouldn’t have told them. She could imagine how she would have reacted if either of them had posted that message. She would have considered their actions not only irresponsible but downright deceitful. Would she have been able to see past this and realise they’d been protecting their husband and his adoptive mother?

  It was close to seven by the time Hannah pulled into the driveway. She waited for the automatic garage door to open before driving into the space. She had two hours before she needed to get Amy. Two hours to get out of her work clothes, eat something, have a glass of wine and maybe even a bath. She felt like she needed to soak her mind if nothing else. It was always on the go, worrying endlessly about the Zane Fox situation.

  She walked through the internal access and into the kitchen, dumped her bag and briefcase on one of the stools at the island bench and went straight to the fridge. The Pinot Gris she’d put in to chill earlier in the week would be very welcome right now. She poured herself a glass and took it upstairs to her office. She took a large gulp, hoping to quash the nerves that had risen in her. It was ridiculous to be worried about what two strangers thought of her; they weren’t even friends. But she was worried. She knew that their reactions would be a reflection of how those close to her would react.

  She switched on her computer, left her wine on the desk and walked through to the master bedroom. She’d get changed while it was starting up. She hung up her charcoal pencil skirt and jacket, pulled on her sweatpants and a hoodie and went back to her office. She sat down in the chair, pulling the wine close to her.

  She logged in to the chat room and held her breath. There were two responses to her message already.

  LizaE

  OMG, you poor thing. How on earth are you keeping it together? That private investigator sounds like he should be in jail. Will give some thought to what you can do. So sorry to hear you’re in this position.

  PinkFish88

  Agree with Eliza, the PI should be shot. I think you’ve done something courageous to protect your husband and his adoptive mother. You guys sound very close. Do you think if you told him the truth, he might understand why you did it?

  Hannah breathed out a huge sigh of relief as she read the responses. Neither of the two women had told her she was a terrible person; in fact, they’d been incredibly supportive. How amazing that with just a few communications she felt like she’d made close friends. There was no one else in her life that she felt she could talk to without judgement. She knew why she’d been so worried about their reaction. She wasn’t comfortable with what she’d done so how could anyone else be?

  BrownDog40

  Phew, I thought you’d tell me I was awful and ban me from the chat. Thank you. Your messages have made me feel a lot better. Yes, Lia, we are close, but I’m worried that DH has been going through so much emotional trauma over this, to the point he’s now seeing a psychologist, that I could have helped him avoid this.

  PinkFish88

  Hon, finding out your father was a rapist and your mother only seventeen at the time would guarantee he’d be seeing a psychologist. I’m with you, knowing you share your gene pool with a rapist would have me wishing I never knew my background. I think, even if your DH is mad to start with, he’d understand this pretty quickly.

  LizaE

  Perfectly stated, Lia. There’s no way I’d want to know that was my heritage; however, that puts you in an awful position. You can’t give this investigator guy any more money. He’s blackmailing you, and my gut tells me it won’t end well. Also, how do you explain the money you’re giving him? You were pretty quick to notice the fifteen thousand your husband spent, and you said that wasn’t even in your regular accounts. I can’t imagine you have a spare 10K just lying around?

  BrownDog40

  No, I don’t, and I can’t go back to my grandmother for more. She gave me the first 10K no questions asked. I don’t think she’d be quite so generous if I ask her again. And I agree, he’s just going to keep asking for more.

  PinkFish88

  You said in your original message that he’d threatened to tell the biological mother about your husband and where you live. Do you think he’d tell her that you paid him not to say anything? I’m just wondering if you can spin it that he’s the one who gave misleading information to start with. What if he had told you that your husband’s biological parents had been killed? Would you have had any reason not to believe him? Can you wait and see how it all plays out? You might get lucky.

  Hannah stared at the screen. It was a gamble, but Lia might be right. If Janine contacted them and she acted as surprised as Damien, he might just buy it. She sighed. More lies. She’d woven such a complicated situation and every day it was being made worse.

  LizaE

  I like Lia’s idea, but I worry that this guy will make life difficult for you. I’m sure he’d tell the biological mother what you’d done and possibly even contact your husband out of spite. Be careful if you go down this route. I’ve learned over the years that while it might be the hardest road you take, the honest road is the easiest in the long run.

  BrownDog40

  Thanks, ladies, I’ll give your suggestio
ns a lot of thought. Now, Lia, you said you had news for us. Fill us in. What’s been happening?

  Hannah enjoyed the distraction from her thoughts as she read through Lia’s story. She gasped out loud when she read that the woman who Lia was pretending to be in business with had turned up at her celebratory afternoon tea. She had to say, Lia’s grandmother sounded like quite a character. She reminded her a bit of Phyllie. Although she couldn’t imagine Phyllie being quite so understanding about the online poker. The practical steps of the computer being moved to the lounge and the grandmother watching as Lia deactivated her account and put blocks in place did sound like something Phyllie would do. She was pleased for Lia though. She’d landed herself a new job, and without huge living expenses, it sounded like she’d be able to get herself out of debt reasonably quickly.

  LizaE

  I’ve got some exciting news to share too, ladies. I hope you don’t find this inappropriate considering the difficult financial situation you are in Lia, but it’s a bolt out of the blue for us. As you know, we are in a huge financial hole with debt up to our eyeballs. Well, last week, my brother Jacob mentioned a short-term investment for us. Like really short term. They needed the funds for four days while some massive investment was made, then they’d sell again and divide the profit between shareholders. He knew we didn’t have any money so said he’d spot us the initial 7K. He said that he’d give us any profit above and beyond the 7K he invested. I mean, I know he’s my brother, but who does that? People aren’t that kind or generous, are they?

  Hannah thought of Nat. No, they weren’t that kind or generous. She thought back to Nat deliberately trying to spoil Amy’s birthday and take credit for Bear. If she was like that, she could hardly imagine her helping her out financially with no strings attached.

  PinkFish88

  What was the deal if the 7K was lost?

  LizaE

  A bad deal for my brother. He was going to bear the loss. This is what I mean, other than being genuinely beautiful, there was no benefit in this at all for him. Anyway, it went ahead, and he contacted me yesterday to say he’d transferred an amount into our account. It was for twenty-seven thousand dollars! Can you believe that? Do you guys have siblings? Would they do something so amazing for you?

  BrownDog40

  No Way.

  PinkFish88

  You have to be kidding. My sister would throw a dagger straight into my heart before she helped me out.

  Hannah laughed. It sounded like she and Lia had similar experiences with their sisters. She glanced at the clock on her computer screen. It was eight forty-five already. She hadn’t even eaten, and she needed to go and get Amy. She typed a quick congratulations to Eliza and a goodbye, promising she’d check back sometime the next day.

  Hannah, her mind in overdrive over the Zane Fox situation, was unable to sleep that night. She was still staring at the clock at two when Damien had come in. He’d been surprised to find her awake, and extra surprised when she’d pulled him to her and removed his shirt and pants. He was snoring gently within minutes of their lovemaking. He’d had a long day and a long week, so it wasn’t surprising. What was surprising was that at four she was still awake.

  It was only hearing a scream of delight from the yard below that made her realise she had fallen asleep at some stage. She forced an eye open to check the clock. Nine! She couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept this late.

  Her thoughts immediately shifted back to the night before and her conversation with Lia and Eliza. She still couldn’t believe Eliza had been so lucky with her brother’s investment. She smiled thinking about it. It sounded like Eliza needed a break and how lovely of her brother to provide it.

  Her phone pinged with a text as she contemplated getting out of bed. She hesitated, praying it wasn’t Zane Fox as she picked up her phone from the bedside table. She let out a deep breath. It was her father.

  Would you be free to pop over at three for afternoon tea? There’s something I want to discuss with you and Nat.

  Hannah sent him a quick text back.

  Let me check with Damien, and I’ll get back to you.

  It was unusual for her dad to have something he needed to discuss, although with the financial problems he and Sue were experiencing it wouldn’t surprise her if he wanted to bring up the idea of selling the house.

  She hauled herself out of bed and into the en-suite bathroom. She needed to get organised and face the day. Damien was the one who’d worked a late shift and yet he was up, and from the sounds coming from the yard, entertaining Amy and Bear. He must be wondering what was wrong with her.

  After waving Amy and Damien off as they headed to the movies, at three o’clock she pulled into her father’s driveway.

  Hannah was shocked when she saw him; his face was pale and he had dark circles under his eyes.

  ‘Are you alright?’ The words slipped from her tongue before she could stop them. Heat flooded her face. ‘Sorry, it’s just that you look terrible. You’re not sick, are you?’

  Her father ushered her into the house and through to the kitchen. ‘Sick with worry maybe, but no, not sick otherwise. We met with your fund manager this week. Things aren’t looking good.’

  Hannah’s heart sank. Her poor father. This wasn’t what someone about to retire needed. ‘Where’s Sue?’

  ‘She’s gone out for the afternoon. She thought it best that I have this discussion with you girls without her. She felt it wasn’t her place to have an opinion, which I completely disagree with. She was also worried that you girls, well, Nat in particular, might feel awkward expressing how you really feel with her here.’

  Hannah smiled. ‘That’s never usually a problem where Nat’s concerned.’

  There was a knock on the front door. ‘That’ll be Nat.’ Worry lines deepened on his forehead. ‘Expect fireworks.’

  Hannah busied herself making tea while her father let Nat in. She was sure he was worrying about nothing. Nat would be the first to want to help him, she was sure of that.

  Ten minutes later the three of them were sitting around the kitchen table, a plate of Nat’s favourite homemade biscuits in front of them. Hannah had bitten the inside of her lip to keep from smiling when her father mentioned that Sue had spent the morning baking them. They really did think they needed to butter her up.

  He explained the financial situation to Nat and what the fund manager had advised earlier in the week.

  Nat’s mouth dropped open. ‘What about your savings? The money that’s not tied up in your super? Surely you can live off that initially and hope the super fund performs better?’

  ‘No, most of it’s gone. I was talked into investing it in our super to help it grow quicker. I thought I was doing the right thing. We’ve only got a small amount left. Enough for a year or so, but not a lot more.’ He took a deep breath and looked at Nat. ‘One way that we could retire comfortably and still travel and do some of the things we planned is if we sold the house.’

  Nat dropped her teacup back in its saucer with a loud clatter. ‘This house? You’re going to sell it?’

  Her father shook his head. ‘Not definitely. It was something I wanted to run by you. See how you felt.’

  ‘And Sue wants to sell?’ Nat’s voice was shaky.

  ‘She isn’t attached to the house like we are, Nat,’ her father said. ‘Which is why she’s not here this afternoon. She wanted this to be our decision. She knows we have our memories of your mother here.’

  Tears filled Nat’s eyes. ‘That’s exactly why it shouldn’t be sold. Mum loved this house.’

  Hannah was surprised at her reaction. Nat lived a fairly nomadic existence; she hadn’t expected her to be attached to their childhood home at all. ‘Mum’s been gone for eighteen years. Don’t you think she’d want whatever was best for Dad at this stage?’

  ‘No, I think she’d want our memories of her preserved. There’s something special about coming here. You can feel her when you’re here.’

 
The pout on Nat’s face took Hannah back twenty years. Even as a teenager it was her defiant look. The stance she took when she wanted her own way. Anger bubbled up inside Hannah. Why couldn’t Nat think of someone other than herself? Couldn’t she see their father needed help? ‘And how often exactly do you come and visit? Other than the family events throughout the year, how often do you drop in to feel close to Mum?’

  ‘That’s not the point. I like knowing that I can.’

  ‘It is exactly the point. Mum wasn’t materialistic, and yes, she loved the house, but she would have moved in a flash if she’d needed to. Her home was where we were. She said that many times. It had nothing to do with bricks and mortar.’

  ‘Okay,’ their father interrupted, ‘we don’t need to argue about this. It was just an idea, and one that we appear to be divided on.’

  ‘Nat,’ Hannah said. ‘It isn’t your decision. Dad needs money, and with property values skyrocketing around here, this house could help him. He also doesn’t need the maintenance of such a large yard. Think about him rather than yourself for once.’

  Nat’s eyes flashed with anger.

  ‘Probably a good time to pay back any outstanding loans too,’ Hannah added. ‘Which I imagine you have plenty of.’

  ‘Probably a good time for you to mind your own business. Any loans I have with Dad are our business, not yours. And for your information, most of them have been paid back.’ She turned to her father. ‘I’ll pay you back what I owe you as soon as I can. I hadn’t realised you were having problems.’

  ‘Thanks, love. But there’s no hurry. You don’t owe me much and I hadn’t ever really expected it to be paid back.’ He ran a hand through his hair. ‘To be honest, I’m beginning to wish I’d never mentioned the house or any of this. Sue and I can get by, it just won’t be the retirement we’d been dreaming of.’

  Nat frowned. ‘I love this house, but of course I want you and Sue to be happy too. I just need some time to get my head around losing it. It will be like losing Mum again, I guess.’