J & P Book 3 - Please Don't Leave Me

Chapter 9

Jenny's heart was still beating faster than usual when she rang the bell of her step-sister's apartment, with all the revelations from her chat with Paul spinning around in her head, confusing her emotions. She was startled to be immediately buzzed in. Becky had clearly been waiting by the button, expecting her arrival.

She made her way up the stairs and knocked on the door, which opened as she was still knocking on it.

"Thought you were coming straight over?" snapped Becky.

"Oh, it took a little while to convince Patrick. We were on the way to his folks' place for Sunday dinner..."

"So you knew Paul was in town then? Jen?"

Jenny looked at her sister, exasperated. She stood with her hands on her hips and fury on her face. She wasn't going to be the easiest person to explain all of this to. She had never been a fan of Paul's at the best of times.

"You did, clearly. Have you seen him?"

Jenny looked at her feet, saying nothing.

"Oh my god, you have, haven't you?"

"Come on, are you going to let me in? So we can talk about this?"

Becky turned and marched away from the front door of the flat, and Jenny followed her down the corridor and into the lounge.

"So when did you see him?" demanded Becky, standing by the television.

"This morning," Jenny admitted.

"What the hell is he doing back in Jenton now after all this time?"

"The police here called him in for questioning," Jenny explained.

"What? Why?"

"They needed to speak to all of our ex-partners," she lied. "So they had to speak to Paul. They tracked him down, and called him here."

"Shit, Jen. I'm guessing he has nothing to do with it?"

Jenny shook her head. "Of course not. I asked the police if it was okay to meet up with him just to explain things, so that's what we did this morning."

"What on earth did you want to see him for? After the way he left you.."

"I don't know.. closure, I guess?"

"Taking the time to meet your ex-boyfriend for a chat, when your son is missing.. I don't buy it, Jen. At least, I wouldn't buy it if I didn't know your little secret."

"What do you mean, Beck?" Jenny was afraid now that Becky had worked out the truth about Andrew.

"Do I really have to spell it out, Jen? When were you going to finally admit it?"

Jenny shook her head, playing innocent. "I don't know what you mean."

"How long have you been seeing him for, Jen? Six months? A year? Longer?"

"Excuse me?" Jenny was incredulous. "Are you saying you think I've been.. Oh, for goodness sake, Becky, what sort of woman do you take me for exactly?"

"I just know what you and him were like together," Becky said. "What sort of effect he had on you. How easily he manipulated you. He's tracked you down, and he's reeling you in.."