Insane - Who Are You To Judge? (Gripping Psychological Thriller)

Chapter 32 - Avery

December 2008

I wouldn't say I was a scrooge, but walking down any given street and being blinded by flashing lights and greeted by a waving Santa and his reindeer really wasn't my idea was fun.

I thought that Christmas decorations could be tasteful and elegant – hell, I even had a Christmas tree with tinsel on it – but when a pub looked like an elf threw up all over it, it's simply too far.

This is what had become of Old Bernie's. I'd been going to this place since I moved back to Southhurst a year ago to do my master's. The rustic, rotted pub in need of some serious renovations, was now paying its rent by being sponsored by Santa.

It was a Thursday night and I just thought I would pop down for a quick beer, say hi to the locals and head home to get on with assignments. As I was throwing back the last few drops of my Carlsberg, I caught sight of a familiar face.

I stared at his reflection in the mirror, trying to be as discreet as possible since I just couldn't recall where I knew him from. When he caught me staring and glanced back, I remembered those emerald eyes.

He recognised me at the same time as I did him and after breaking away from the circle of guys he was with, he approached me.

"I know you," he declared. Not even a hello.

"Yes, you do," I confirmed. "You're the guy who stole my taxi."

It was quite obvious that I was not over the incident yet by my tone of voice. He laughed at my reaction and sat on the stool next to mine – uninvited.

"Oh come on," he began, "where's your Christmas spirit? Can't we just forgive and forget?"

I huffed, "Maybe you can." And then I turned to face the mirror behind the bar, avoiding his gaze.

"What if I told you that I just received a phone call saying my pregnant wife was going into labour and there were no other taxis?"

I raised one eyebrow, disbelieving of his claims. "I would say that's most definitely not true," I answered without hesitation.

"Oh really? How can you be so sure?"

"Because—" this time I took my eyes off his reflection and turned to focus on his face, which was intensely peering at me, awaiting my response, "—if that were true, you would be at home taking care of a screaming baby instead of here flirting with me."

He tilted his head back and let out a soft laugh. "You're pretty sure of yourself, aren't you, Buttercup?" I didn't disagree. "Do I at least get a name?"

I paused, contemplating whether or not to comply. "Avery."

"Avery. What a great name. I'm Julian."