‘What?’ he asked.
‘You know what really upsets me about all this? It’s not about what you did to protect Daniel. It’s not even about how you got rid of the body. What’s really pissing me off now is that you’re still trying to make all the decisions by yourself. This is our money you’re talking about, Scott. Ours. That makes this a joint decision.’
He knew she was right. With primeval emotions running high, he’d reverted to primeval behaviour.
‘Okay,’ he said. ‘I’m sorry. I was just—’
‘I know what you were trying to do. But just try to bear in mind that this affects all of us.’
He showed her a smile of surrender. ‘All right. So what’s our decision?’
She looked down at the floor, then raised her head again. ‘I think it’s not going to work. I think that Ronan Cobb is evil, and that he’s not going to rest until he gets his twenty-five grand.’ She paused. ‘That said, I don’t know what else we can do.’
‘So, do I pay him what we’ve got?’
‘Yes. On one condition.’
‘Which is?’
‘That you don’t let him take your life in part-payment.’
Scott couldn’t find another smile. The thought had already occurred to him.
‘Done,’ he said.
She nodded. ‘And just remember we’re all in this together. Speaking of which, there’s another member of the family you need to make it up with.’
Scott hugged and kissed her, then went out to Daniel’s bedroom. He knocked and entered. Daniel was sitting on his bed. Scott approached cautiously and sat next to him, exactly as he had done the other day after Daniel had been attacked by the gang of schoolboys.
‘You okay?’ he asked.
‘Not really. I’m a bit upset.’
‘I can see that. And I can understand why.’
‘You lied to me.’
‘Yes, I did. And I’m sorry. I was just trying to help you.’
‘I don’t feel helped.’
‘No, but that’s what I was doing. That man. Joey Cobb. He was dead. I didn’t want you to know that. If I’d told you the truth, you would have felt terrible, wouldn’t you?’
Daniel nodded. ‘I suppose so. But . . .’
‘But what, Daniel?’
‘It was Adam-9. He had to help you. He can shoot out a long arm from his briefcase. Remember? Remember when he used it on the Quark Monster? He was tied up, but he managed to reach the button on his briefcase—’
‘Yes, Daniel. I remember that one.’
‘And that’s what happened. Adam-9 saved you.’
‘Yes. Yes, you—he did. And I’m really grateful.’
‘But I didn’t know the man got killed.’
‘No. I know you didn’t.’
‘It makes me sad.’
‘Yes.’
‘And his brother, too. Ronan? Is that his name?’
‘Yes.’
‘He’s sad. And very angry.’
‘He is. But he’ll get over it.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes. I’ve just discussed it with your mother, and—’
‘You were shouting. Arguing.’
‘Yes, we were. But we’ve sorted it out now. We’re fine again. I’m going to get some money tomorrow and give it to Ronan, and he’ll be happy again.’
