“What's the place like we're going to?”
“Tremain Sands? According to Billy, it's a small village just south of Aberdeen. Not much there from all accounts—just sand and sea. We could go fishing.”
“No chance. If you wanted to go fishing, you should have brought Lacey along.”
“Why?”
“Lacey's big on fishing. She made Rawhide take her on their first date.”
“I wish I could have seen his face.”
“From what I hear, he wasn't impressed.”
**********
The first class carriage was deserted. Suzy chose a table towards the centre. Todd slid onto the seat facing her.
“Looks like we've got this to ourselves,” Suzy said.
“Hmmm. Could be fun.” His grin was full of mischief.
“Whatever you're thinking—forget it.”
“Is there an equivalent to the Mile High Club for trains?”
“Forget it. It isn't happening.”
“It'd be fun. Think of all the vibrations from the track. We could do it on the table.” Todd ran his hand across the table-top.
Suzy brought her fist down hard on his hand. “I said no!”
“Ouch.” Todd waved his hand back and forth. “That hurt. You're crazy. You could have broken my hand.”
“Serves you and your filthy mind right.”
“If I remember correctly, you didn't need much encouragement when we were at your flat.”
“For the last time, I'm not having sex with you on a train!” She said much louder than she'd intended.
Only then did she glance towards the door at the end of the carriage where an elderly couple were staring at her. “Sorry.” She mouthed—her face beetroot red.
Todd was laughing uncontrollably.
“It isn't funny!” Suzy said, and then burst into laughter.
“Perhaps they'd had the same idea,” Todd said in a whisper.
“Give over.”
The couple sat a few tables down on the opposite side. Every time Suzy looked up, they seemed to be staring at her. Why couldn't she learn to control her big mouth?
Two hours into the journey; Todd was fast asleep. Suzy couldn't get to sleep—every time she tried, an image of the two of them naked on the table kept flashing across her mind. Damn him for being so bloody hot. The old woman was still staring at her, but this time she smiled. Could she read Suzy's mind—she hoped not. Suzy managed a weak smile back. She'd managed to buy a phone charger—or at least Todd had bought it for her—on the station. She had six unread text messages: Lacey, Lacey, Lacey, Lacey, Lacey and 'number not known'. Suzy clicked on the last message.
Suzy
This is Carol (Todd's sister). Lacey gave me your number. I know you are with Todd, and that he has told you not to tell us where you/he are, but it's vital you do. I now know what happened in Spain. Todd is in danger, and so are you while you're with him. I/Raw can help. Please contact us as soon as you can.
Carol
Lacey's messages all said pretty much the same thing.
“What you looking at?” Todd said—still only half a wake.
“Nothing.” Suzy slid the phone in her pocket.
Chapter 8
The train was delayed for thirty minutes with signalling problems. By the time they arrived at Leumoor, they were both knackered. It was another twenty minutes before they managed to find a cab.
The house was located on a single-track road that ran parallel to the beach. It was the only building for as far as the eye could see.
“You weren't kidding when you said it was remote,” Suzy said.
The last houses they'd seen had been in the small village which they'd passed through en-route.
“We're going to need a car,” Todd said, as he made his way up the short path.
“I hope it has water and electricity.” Suzy said, as she checked her phone. “There's no network up here.”
Todd lifted one of the plant pots which were near to the door. There was nothing underneath. He tried the next one. “Bingo!” He held up a key.
Suzy followed Todd inside. The first thing she did was to try the light switch. “Yes!”
At least they had electricity.
The interior was surprisingly modern and well kept.
“What on earth possessed your friend's parents to buy somewhere as remote as this?”
“More money than sense. His father collects houses like most people collect stamps.”
“No they don't.” Suzy said.
“Don't what?”
“Collect stamps. You said most people collect stamps. I don't know anyone who does. Do you?”
“No but—. Why do you have to be so obtuse?”
“Obtuse? Now you've swallowed a dictionary.”
“If you're not careful, I'll make you sleep on the beach.”
“Who'd keep Big Todd company then?” Suzy smiled.
“Hmm. I hadn't thought of that.”
“Is there any food?” Suzy pushed past Todd. “Fridge is empty.” She tried each of the cupboards in turn. “They're all empty. Great.”
“There was a shop in the village.” Todd collapsed onto the sofa. “Why don't you fetch some provisions?”
“Why don't you kiss my arse?”
“Later maybe. Right now, I'm hungry.”
He only just managed to duck out of the way of the bar of soap which Suzy threw at him.
“Are you sure there's no food at all?”
“Nothing. Go check for yourself.”
“Let's walk along the beach,” Suzy said, as they headed back to the village.
“I'll get sand in my shoes.”
“Can you hear yourself? You sound just like a big girl's blouse.”
“What did you call me?”
“A BIG GIRL'S—” She screamed, turned, and began to run as Todd chased after her.
“No, please. I was only joking,” she screamed, as he lifted her off her feet. “What are you doing?” She thumped his chest. “Put me down.”
“It's a dip in the sea for you.”
“No! Todd! It'll be freezing. I'll die of pneumonia. Put me down! Todd! No!”
The tide was on its way out. When Todd reached the water's edge, he lowered his arms quickly, and for a moment she thought he was going to do it.”
“Say 'pretty please',” he said, as he held her just above the water.
“Never!”
“In you go then.”
“Okay, pretty please.”
“With sugar on it.”
“What?”
“Say 'pretty please with sugar on it'.”
“PRETTY PLEASE WITH FUCKING SUGAR ON IT!”
“Good girl.” He lowered her to her feet.
“I'm going to kill you!” She waved her hands frantically trying to get a clear blow to his head.
“Race you to the rock.” Todd pointed to a small rock which protruded from the sand some hundred meters down the beach.
“Not fair. I should get a start,” she called after him as she set off in pursuit.
In another lifetime, Suzy had been her school's top sprinter. She'd even represented the county once. That was a long time ago before she'd discovered booze and boys. She was making ground on him, and was determined to wipe that smug look off his face.
“Yes!” she screamed, as she shot past him in the last three metres. “Yes!”
Todd stared at her in total disbelief. “How the hell did you do that?”
“Whatsup loser?” She grinned. “What do I win?”
“What do you want?”
“Beer and lots of it. Chocolate too.”
“Your wish is my command, madam.”
“You're joking!” Todd said. “None?”
“Sorry,” the man behind the counter said. “We don't have a liqueur licence.”
The village shop was tiny, and filled from floor to ceiling with all manner of food and supplies. It had everything—except alcohol.
“Where can we get some
?” Suzy asked. “Is there a pub?”
“Not in the village. Leumoor is the nearest town.”
“We just came from there.” Todd said. “Is there anywhere I can hire a car?”
“Yes.”
“Where?”
“Leumoor.”
“What about a cab?”
“None around here. There is a bus though.”
“Great. That'll have to do. When's the next one?”
“Tomorrow morning at nine-thirty.”
Todd and Suzy looked at one another.
“Tell me you have chocolate,” Suzy said.
“Oh yes. Plenty of chocolate.”
“How am I going to go all night without a beer?” Todd said.
“You'll be okay, babes.” Suzy took his arm. “We'll get through this together. Cold turkey.”
They were walking back to the house.
“You and your stupid steak,” Suzy said, as she swapped the bag from one hand to the other. It weighs a ton.”
“No more than your stupid coffee.” Todd had a bag in each hand.
“How do you expect me to survive without coffee? It's going to be bad enough without beer. Trust me; you wouldn't want to see me come down off caffeine. Anyway, talking about stupid ideas. What about the ice cream?”
“I like ice cream.”
“It'll be melted by the time we get back.”
“I'll drink it then.”
**********
“That has to be the best meal I've ever eaten,” Todd said.
“It was only steak and chips.”
“Still. It was dee-lic-ious. You're going to make someone a fantastic little wifey.”
Suzy glared at him across the table. “You do realise that there are knives on here. And that they are sharp. Very sharp.”
“Can't you see yourself as someone's wife?” he asked.
“Not unless hell freezes over. I've seen what marriage can do. No thanks.”
“What about Lacey?”
“What about her?”
“Is she the marrying type?”
“It's not something we've ever discussed. What about Rawhide?”
“Definitely. Wouldn't surprise me if he hasn't asked her already.”
“Behave yourself. They've only known one another for five minutes.”
“You'll be bridesmaid. I can just see you now.”
“Let me guess. You've always had a thing about bridesmaids.”
“How did you guess?”
**********
“Why don't we go for a walk on the beach?” Todd was staring out of the window.
“Are you crazy?” Suzy said. “It's dark.”
“There's a full moon. Come on. It'll be fun.”
“I'm not sure.”
“Scaredy cat, scaredy cat.”
“Very mature.”
“Are you coming for a walk or not?”
Suzy had never liked the dark. As a young child, her father had refused to let her sleep with the light on. Many a night, she'd cried herself to sleep with her head hidden under the covers. “Okay, but only for a few minutes.”
Once they were outside, Suzy relaxed. The moon provided more than enough light, and it was still quite warm. They walked barefoot down the beach towards the sea.
“We should go for a swim,” Suzy said, as they reached the water's edge.
“Now?”
“Why not? The sea's as still as a mill pond.”
Todd stuck his big toe into the water. “It's bloody freezing.”
“Now who's the scaredy cat?”
“I'm not scared. It's just—”
“Scaredy cat.” Suzy pulled her tee-shirt over her head, and threw it onto the beach.
“Someone might come,” he spluttered.
“Scare-dee-caaattt.” Suzy unclipped her bra and let it fall to the ground. “Well?” She grinned, treating him to a quick jiggle of her boobs. “What are you waiting for?”
After slipping out of her jeans and panties, she ran into the sea. Once she was a few metres in, she dived, disappearing under the water.
“Suzy?” Todd shouted, as he tried to spot her.
“Come on in,” she called, when she reappeared. “I want some Big Todd action.”
He needed no more encouragement. In his rush to undress, he stumbled onto his backside, causing Suzy to dissolve into laughter.
“What kept you?” she said, when he eventually reached her.
They were both treading water.
“It's freezing,” he said, through chattering teeth.
“We'd better warm one another then,” Suzy said, as she reached a hand down into the water. “Is that supposed to be Big Todd?” There was a look of feigned disappointment on her face.
“It's cold. What do you expect?”
“A lot more than that. Oh wait.” Suzy grinned. “I think he's waking up.” She looked Todd straight in the eye as she continued to run her hand slowly up and down his cock. “Now we're talking!”
He planted his feet on the sea bed, put his hands under her buttocks, and lifted her. With her arms around his neck, and her legs around his waist, she lowered herself slowly onto his erection.
“Big enough for you now?” he grinned.
“It'll have to do. Now shut up and fuck me.”
**********
“What was that?” Suzy whispered to Todd. “I thought I heard something.”
“Huh?” He said—still half asleep.
Suzy listened. Had she heard something or had it been a dream? She reached across and checked the time on her phone. Three AM. After ten minutes of silence, she decided she must have dreamt it. She'd almost drifted back to sleep when she heard it again.
“Todd. There's someone outside.”
“Go to sleep,” he said without opening his eyes.
“I heard something.”
He grunted, and pulled the sheet up over his head.
After throwing on jeans and a tee-shirt, she walked barefoot out of the bedroom. On the landing, she stopped and listened. Nothing. Nothing was good. Nothing was precisely what she wanted to hear. Maybe it had been the wind. That must be it. The location of the house meant it was exposed to the elements. It was definitely the wind that she heard.
A noise from behind her made her jump. It was Todd, snoring. She was wide awake now—she'd never get back to sleep—particularly while he was making that row. A cup of tea was called for.
Suzy glanced out of the kitchen window. In the near distance, moonlight reflected on the sea. Above, dark clouds moved slowly across a slate sky. What was she doing in this godforsaken place? She was a city girl. And yet, it was so beautiful. The sea was as still as a mill pond, so it couldn't have been the wind she'd heard. The kettle boiled. Then she heard the noise again—much louder this time.
“Shit!” She was frozen to the spot.
The noise continued—it was coming from around the back of the house. A metallic sound.
Suzy flew back up the stairs, stubbing her big toe on the top step.
“Shit!” She hobbled into the bedroom. “Todd! There's someone out there!”
“What?”
She pulled the sheet off him, and screamed into his ear. “There's someone outside.”
“Are you sure?” He sat up in bed. “What are you doing?”
Suzy was hopping around the bedroom—holding her toe.
“Never mind that. There's someone around the back of the house.”
Todd put on his jeans, and led the hobbling Suzy downstairs.
They both heard the noise this time.
“See!” Suzy said. “I told you.”
Todd went over to the kitchen, and grabbed the largest knife from the knife-block.
“What are you going to do?”
“You stay here.” Todd edged towards the back door.
“Why don't we call the police?”
“With what? There's no reception and no landline.”
Suzy's heart was pounding in her chest as T
odd threw open the door, and stepped outside.
“Todd? Todd?” Panic coursed through her body. “Todd?”
“Look what I've found.” He came back inside carrying a small dog in his arms. The lively little thing was frantically trying to lick Todd's face. “It had knocked the dustbin over. That's what you could hear.”
“What is it?” Suzy asked.
“It's a dog.”
“Thank you for that, mastermind. I meant what kind of dog.”
He shrugged. “Terrier of some kind.”
Suzy stepped forward and stroked it. “Poor thing must be starving.”
Todd kicked the door closed behind him, and put the dog on the floor. The excited animal ran in circles between Todd and Suzy.
“Steady on girl!” Todd said to the dog.
“Girl?” Suzy laughed. “Didn't you do biology at school?”
Todd glanced again at the dog, and quickly realised his mistake. “Oh yeah. I see what you mean. Sorry boy.”
Suzy found an old dish, filled it with water, and placed it onto the kitchen floor. She had to take a step back to avoid being splashed as the dog lapped it up as though it hadn't had a drink for days.
“He must be hungry,” Todd said.
“I'll give him some steak.”
“Steak? My steak?”
“It isn't your steak. It's our steak. And now it's his steak.”
Suzy diced the meat into small pieces, put it on a plate, and slid it across to the dog who devoured it within seconds.
“Bloody hell.” Todd laughed. “You were hungry.”
“He probably still is. We'll have to get him some dog food from the village in the morning.”
“Where do you think he's from?” Todd crouched down to pat the dog who was still licking the plate clean.
“God knows. Has he got a collar on?”
“Nothing.”
“We'll take him with us to the village tomorrow. We can ask if anyone recognises him.” Suzy crouched down next to Todd, but was soon on her backside when the dog jumped up at her. “We ought to give him a name.” She laughed as the dog tried to lick her face.
Toxic Page 5
