The Swindler

NINE

Four years later...

I was reclining in a beach chair, sipping from a nice, cold tumbler of San Pellegrino sparkling water, when shade fell over me. I opened my eyes to see a toned chest. Raising my tortoise-coloured Tod's sunglasses slowly, I tilted my head back to see the person's face. It was one I didn't recognize.

Thank God.

"Can I help you?" I asked, having adopted the Aussie accent perfectly by now.

Today, the public beach in Melbourne was packed with children, teenagers, and adults alike. It was their Spring Break, and people were enjoying the sun.

"You're Mrs Cutler, right?"

A small smile spread across my lip balmed lips. I nodded. "That's right. Do you need me for something?"

He shook his head, and his wet, light brown curls of hair shook, slightly sprinkling me. "No, I knew your husband. I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about his loss."

I looked down, feigning sadness. "Thank you. It's been hard, but I'm trying to... what's the word? Keep myself out of the dumps. I figured a nice day at the beach might cheer me up a bit."

"Yes, well, Mr Culter was a shark in the legal world. He'll be greatly missed by many."

"As I'm sure he will be. Were you able to attend his funeral a couple weeks ago? I'm afraid there were so many people there, that I didn't get to everybody."

"No, no, unfortunately, I had a meeting in Singapore that I couldn't get away from."

I smiled placatingly. "That's alright, sir, I'm sure my husband understood."

"I'm Leo Thorne," he began as he reached into the pocket on his navy blue swim trunks and pulled out his wallet. After handing me his card, he added, "If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask me."

Tipping my head in acknowledgement, I replied sweetly, "Thank you, Mr Thorne."

He coughed awkwardly, his brown eyes looking away, and nodded before leaving. Once he was gone, I rolled my eyes.

After leaving London, I changed my name and got all new papers. One month into my stay in Melbourne, I married Henry Cutler, a seventy nine year old, retired lawyer.

I scoffed to myself and shook my head. "He only wanted me for my looks. The old man couldn't even remain aroused for more than five minutes."

Then, about a month ago now, he had a heart attack in the office in our home. I wasn't even home when he died.

So now, I'm a widow at the ripe young age of twenty nine. Great. Just lovely.

I sighed and took another sip of my water. "With nowhere else to go, why not stay here in Melbourne? And I don't have to work since my late husband's profit all went to me, seeing as he had no kids with his first or second wives."

I brushed a few short strands of my jet black hair out of my face. The bob look had grown on me, so I decided to keep it.

Now that my peaceful mood had been ruined by Leo Thorne, I decided to pack up.

"Luna!" I called as I stood.

A little three year old turned around to look at me.

"Mummy?"

"We're going. Come back here."

She nodded and ran back. We grabbed everything and headed back to the parking lot where Henry's butler, Nathan, was waiting. I knocked on the window, and he unlocked the Porsche. After putting the beach chair and towel into the trunk, Luna and I climbed into the backseat.