The Downfall Series Box Set

by Edie Baylis

  He’d been surprised to hear from Anna earlier. He’d presumed he’d a lot more work to do before she’d pluck up her enough confidence to phone him but it seemed, thanks to the Wright’s unexpected argument, she’d been given the night off.

  He’d also been surprised when she’d walked into the pub where they’d agreed to meet wearing something he wouldn’t have thought she’d have had the balls to wear. Admittedly she didn’t look the best in a short skirt with those chunky thighs of hers and that distinct muffin-top, but he’d not been disappointed by the large and ample amount of cleavage on show, courtesy of her low halter neck top.

  He glanced at Anna again. She’d already had two glasses of wine, but they had done zilch to help her painfully stilted conversation. It was him who was keeping it flowing whilst she sat there looking thoroughly frightened – like she was about to get caught sneaking off to smoke fags during a school trip.

  The whole point was to get her talking wasn’t it? He slowly realised this would be more of a long-term project than he’d anticipated.

  Plastering on a winning smile, Aiden sparked up a cigarette and nodded towards Anna’s empty glass. “Hope you don’t mind me smoking?” he asked belatedly, not caring whether she minded or not. “I’ll get a bottle this time shall I?”

  Anna shook her head. “I’d better not. I should be getting back. It’s almost 10.” She knew coming here had been a bad idea. Aiden thought she was boring didn’t he? She’d seen him looking at the barmaid whilst she’d sat here like a mute lemon. She couldn’t even have a conversation for God’s sake and she needed to question why her life was always so lacking in anything remotely interesting? Aiden would never want to see her again after this. A total disaster.

  Aiden grabbed Anna’s hand. Seeing her jump he tried not to laugh. “Ok if you don’t want a bottle, have another glass. It’s not late and you’re entitled to a proper night off with the amount of work you do.” For fuck’s sake. She wanted to go at 10 o’clock? After two drinks?

  Bolstered by the feel of Aiden’s hand on hers, Anna fought against the instinctive urge to pull her hand away, reminding herself that it was normal for someone to do things like that if they were interested. Maybe he did like her if he was trying to convince her to stay? Perhaps he liked her enough to see through the crippling shyness she’d been saddled with most of her life? She hoped so because, dare she say it, she liked him. Really liked him. Look how handsome he was and he was sat with her.

  “Go on then,” Anna smiled. “Just one more.”

  Grinning, Aiden sauntered to the bar and Anna found herself watching the way his muscular legs moved. A pang of jealousy washed over her when she saw the way the barmaid openly flirted with him.

  Anna took in the woman’s pretty face and figure and sighed. She’d never be able to compete with women like that and furthermore, wouldn’t know how to. Would she ever get over the impediment of being in a rut of paranoia? Oh God. It was so humiliating and more to the point – impossible.

  Watching Aiden make his way back over clutching a bottle of wine, Anna forced herself to maintain a calm expression.

  “I know you said you didn’t want a bottle, but I thought I’d get you one anyhow. You don’t have to drink it,” Aiden grinned.

  “Thanks,” Anna smiled. The way she felt at the moment she could happily drink five bottles, but wouldn’t. After all, she was far too sensible to do anything out of character like that wasn’t she?

  JASON MILLER HAD BEEN surprised, but pleased to be informed Jane Wright was waiting in the lobby downstairs requesting to see him.

  It had already been a long night. There had been a problem an hour ago of which he’d yet to be filled in about, but it appeared to now be sorted. He glanced at the clock. Not even midnight. Tonight he’d been planning on leaving well before the place closed because Linda had been moaning about his late nights and he’d promised to make an effort to knock off early sometimes.

  He got up from behind his desk. He’d normally have got a member of staff to bring visitors up, but for Jane he’d make an exception.

  Reaching the corridor, Jason opened the thick door leading into the lobby and immediately saw Jane sitting on one of the leather sofas. “Jane!” he cried, smiling widely as he strode across the carpeted entrance. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he kissed her on the cheek. “How nice to see you. Please come up to my office.”

  Jason held the door open to allow Jane to pass through before him and couldn’t help but eye her shapely legs as she walked in front of him. He ushered her into his office and gestured towards the sofa at the far end of the room rather than sitting formally at his desk. He’d already detected worry in her eyes and even though she’d done a good job of concealing it, he’d thought a more relaxed seating arrangement was in order.

  He watched Jane slip off her coat and place it on the back of the sofa and his eyes ran over her body in its fitted dress. “Drink?” Jason opened the door of a glass-fronted cabinet hosting a fine selection of wines and spirits.

  “Gin and tonic please,” Jane smiled.

  Pouring both the drinks, Jason joined Jane on the sofa. “So,” he smiled, forcing his mind to clear the thoughts he experienced every time he was within her proximity. “Is everything ok?”

  Jane held his gaze. “I don’t think so.”

  Jason sat forward slightly and frowned. If there was an issue why was Seth not here? “And what’s that?”

  Jane took a sip from her glass wishing she didn’t need to have this conversation. “You didn’t send me flowers by any chance did you?”

  Jason sat back surprised. Flowers? “No I didn’t. Should I have done? I can get some delivered to you if you’d like?” he laughed.

  Jane forced a smile. “No, I thought not. Listen, I’m being serious. Someone’s trying to cause problems.”

  “What do you mean?” Jason frowned. “What sort of problems?”

  “I had a bunch of flowers delivered.”

  Jason grinned. “My wife would love it if she got flowers, but don’t tell me – they weren’t from Seth right and he’s got jealous?”

  Jane didn’t smile, she just looked worried. “Yes – made out to have come from you....”

  “Me?” he said, a grin on his face. “Why me?”

  “It’s not funny Jase!” Jane snapped. “The card was signed ‘J’.”

  Jason smiled. “Jane, I didn’t send the flowers!” he said incredulously. “Even as a joke!”

  Jane looked at the floor and nodded. “I know, but I had to ask. It didn’t help that I threw away the card. I knew it would cause problems. The issue was it then miraculously reappeared where he could find it. I’ve been getting phone calls too.”

  “What?” Jason cried.

  “I know, I know. It’s complete bullshit.” Jane placed her hand on Jason’s knee and lowered her voice. “Someone’s watching the house too.”

  “Does Seth know about all of this?”

  “Obviously he knows about the flowers. He found the card and went mad. He’s convinced we’ve been having an affair...” Jane looked sadly at Jason. “He doesn’t know about the calls or the car.”

  Jason grimaced. The last thing he wanted was Seth Wright convinced he was having an affair with Jane. “And the rest? You’re sure that’s what happened?” he asked quietly.

  “Why wouldn’t I be? Of course I’m sure!” Jane snapped.

  “You need to tell him everything. I’ll talk to him as well. I can’t believe he’d think I’d do that.” Jason folded his arms. “Listen Jane, I won’t lie. I think you’re beautiful as well as clever and well – put it this way, if it wasn’t treading on anyone’s toes...”

  Jane blushed. “Jase that’s not helpful...”

  “Maybe not,” he smiled. “Just being truthful. I’m sure it’s not as serious as you think. It’s probably something and nothing. A disgruntled punter from one of our clubs perhaps?”

  Jane’s eyes narrowed. “So you think I’m being melod
ramatic?”

  “I didn’t say that. I’m saying if it’s serious we’ll get to the bottom of it.” He raised himself to his feet. “Now get yourself home and tell Seth what you’ve told me.”

  LACEY’S FEET WERE HURTING. She wished she’d put her flat boots on, but in her haste to get her things together she’d stupidly worn the ones with heels. She’d no idea how long she’d get away with sitting in McDonalds before they kicked her out, but it was the only place she could think of that was open at 1 in the morning, short of places in the city centre and she didn’t want to go there. She’d stay here for the rest of the night if she could get away with it.

  She sipped slowly from her second coffee and tried to keep her eyes from meeting the gaze of any of the drunk or plain weird people who had a penchant for hanging around during the small hours. It seemed everyone was staring at her and the last thing she wanted was grief.

  Lacey felt tears sting the backs of her eyes. What was she going to do now? She’d ruined everything. Stupid, stupid bitch that she was.

  What had she been thinking? She’d realised far too late that not every man was as twisted as the ones she’d been unfortunate enough to be surrounded by in the past. She felt like kicking herself - both for her stupid presumptions and because she’d have been better off telling Seth and Jane the truth about Eliza and Digger.

  All she’d done was insult the man who’d been the first to be kind to her without wanting sexual favours in return as well as opening herself up to be more of a target if Eliza and Digger caught up with her. If she’d told Seth and Jane the truth then at least she’d be under their protection, but it was too late now.

  After being forcibly ejected from Seth’s study, Lacey had spent a good solid hour face down on her bed, her body racked with sobs from a combination of self-pity, humiliation and downright anger. When she’d heard Jane return she’d decided to speak to them both. She’d wholeheartedly apologise and tell them every bit of information she knew about Eliza and Digger to prove she’d been telling the truth.

  Walking down the stairs, Lacey had heard them talking and instinctively listened to their conversation from outside of the door.

  “I’m not having this shit any more Jane,” Seth had roared. “I couldn’t get any more information out of the stupid cow and then when she started begging us to let her stay she only fucking offered herself up to me!”

  Lacey had been able to hear the anger dripping from Seth’s voice. The rage had almost penetrated through the wooden door that she’d had her ear against.

  “It was quite clearly bullshit from the off,” he’d raged. “You put yourself at risk for her and then she pulls a fucking stunt like that? Thinking I’d go with little more than a child! Like I’m some kind of sicko? Well I won’t have her in my house any more.”

  Lacey had frozen in horror against the door as the extent of exactly how much she’d ruined her own chances sank in.

  “She’s going Jane. I’ll drag her out of this house myself if you don’t arrange somewhere else for her in the morning,” Seth continued.

  Eyes blurred with tears, Lacey hadn’t stopped to hear any more of the painful conversation that she herself had caused and had run back to her room. There she’d hurriedly slung her possessions into a bag and within fifteen minutes she’d been on her way.

  EIGHTEEN

  SETH’S NOSE BURIED ITSELF in Jane’s skin as his lips trailed a hot line down the nape of her neck, inhaling the intoxicating scent only she had.

  Jane clutched at the sheet as he gently upped his pace from behind and he smiled feeling her begin to contract around him as he brought her to climax. He loved sleepy morning sex. Knowing she’d released, he allowed the building orgasm rising within him to peak and groaned as the last drop spilt from him.

  Sighing contentedly, he wrapped his arms tighter around Jane and let his hands trace slowly over her hardened nipples. They hadn’t had much sleep at all. After his outburst last night, she’d told him she’d been to see Miller. He hadn’t liked that, but liked what she’d said about someone watching the house even less. He’d get one of the boys permanently outside to watch the place.

  Jane turned over onto her back and smiled at Seth as he pressed his lips down on her neck. She stroked his hair. “Seth I know you’re cross about what Lacey did, but I really don’t think we should make her leave. She wouldn’t have meant to insult you. It’s what’s always been expected from her. We’ll be putting her in danger if we make her go.”

  Seth raised his head slightly unwilling to take his lips from Jane’s smooth skin.

  “We should give her the benefit of the doubt. We’ll find out in the end who put her through this,” Jane continued.

  Seth propped himself up on his elbows. “I didn’t appreciate what she did. It made me feel like shit Jane, but if you really want her to stay, then I won’t argue with you.”

  Jane smiled. “Thanks.”

  “Now,” Seth smiled, grabbing Jane’s arm. “Come over here Mrs Wright. I’m ready for you again.” He nodded towards his regained erection.

  “You’ll have to wait,” she laughed, kissing him. “I’m going to speak to Lacey and tell her everything’s settled.”

  Seth jokingly pulled a sulky face as he sat up in bed and ran his hand down his hardness. “You sure I can’t tempt you?” he winked.

  “You’ve always tempted me...” Jane laughed. “However, right now I’m going to put her mind at rest and then go and see Toby.”

  ANNA KNEW THE NEWS wouldn’t go down well and was toying whether she should knock Jane’s bedroom door.

  “Morning Anna,” Jane said brightly walking down the hallway in a silk robe. “And hello gorgeous!” Scooping Toby from Anna’s arms she snuggled the little boy against her and smothered his curly head in kisses, gaining a torrent of delighted baby giggles.

  “I was just about to come and see you,” Anna said quietly. She could do without having to deal with this in all truth. She’d been late back herself last night and her head was fragile.

  She’d hadn’t been that drunk, but drunk enough to make her feel less than ok this morning. She’d have had to be drunk to have the confidence to let Aiden kiss her at the bottom of the driveway. She must have been doing something right because his kisses had been frantic and hungry. He’d pressed her against the wall and Anna had distinctly felt a hardness pushing against her stomach as he’d leaned against her.

  As well as giddy from the alcohol, she was giddy with the knowledge that she’d made a man want her. That had been a new experience. She’d been breathless, hot and overwhelmed as Aiden’s tongue had explored her mouth, his hands running over her back, her legs and then onto her breasts.

  She’d been so carried away and intoxicated by the feelings that she’d clearly engendered in this man, she’d been close to allowing him to free her breasts and allow his fingers to push inside her knickers. To touch her.

  Startled by the sudden sound of someone approaching along the path Anna had hurriedly pulled away and much to Aiden’s disappointment, quickly made her excuses and returned to the house. Not before she’d sneaked a look at his tell-tale bulge of arousal. For her.

  Walking on air she’d entered the house and hastily retreated to her room, terrified Jane or Seth would see her and ask her where she’d been. It had been almost 1am by the time she’d got back. To think she’d been adamant she wasn’t interested in boyfriends! She’d contentedly fallen asleep with a smile on her face and an unrequited aching between her legs.

  On waking up this morning Anna had blearily got showered, still unable to completely wipe the smile from her face. That was until she’d taken Lacey her usual cup of tea, only to find her missing. Her stuff had gone and there was a note on the bedside table:

  Dear Jane and Seth,

  Sorry for what I did. I really am and can’t apologise enough. I need to thank you for all you have done, but I overheard your conversation last night and know you’ll never forgive me, so thought it only r
ight that I leave.

  Much love and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  Lacey

  xx

  With a horrible realisation, Anna knew it must have been Lacey who had been on the path last night and if she hadn’t been so wrapped up with Aiden she’d have seen her and might have been able to stop her.

  “What do you mean, gone?” Jane cried, ashen-faced.

  “She left this note,” Anna handed Jane the small piece of paper.

  Jane scanned the contents. “And you’re sure she’s gone?”

  “As sure as I can be,” Anna replied. “All her clothes and stuff are missing. She must have gone last night. Maybe even before I got back.” There was NO WAY she’d admit she’d witnessed it or could perhaps have stopped it.

  “Oh shit!” Jane spat and handed Toby back to Anna. Turning on her heels she moved as quickly as possible towards the bedroom. “SETH!”

  SITTING OPPOSITE ANNA in the café Tina smiled, purposefully attempting to act more pleasant. That had been Eliza’s idea. She’d said Anna would be more receptive if she did.

  Anna had been dreading meeting up with Tina like they’d planned, but needed to make sure she did everything in her power to keep her job and her mother sane. And of course from a purely selfish point of view she’d wanted to call Aiden to see if he fancied meeting up this afternoon. She’d barely been able to think of anything else but him since the other night.

  All of this was completely new to her, but she found as well as being fluttery and nervous, she retained the fuzzy warm feeling inside that someone liked her. Really liked her.

  “So,” Tina said, taking a sip of her tea. “Have you got it?” She needed to get Seth’s shirt.

  Broken from her thoughts, Anna looked up. “Why are you even bothering to have a conversation when all you’re interested in is blackmailing me?”

  Congenially ignoring Anna’s pathetic attempt at sarcasm, Tina smiled. “You’re still my sister Anna...”