The Birthday Girl: The gripping new psychological thriller full of shocking twists and lies. Sue Fortin

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ be her way of saying sorry.’ I don’t wish to reignite the flames of doubt that I had successfully extinguished before I went to sleep last night. ‘Look, it’s Joanne’s fortieth. Maybe she’s realised the importance of having good friends. Yes, we may have our little disagreements or falling outs, but at the end of the day, friendship is worth more.’

      Andrea gives me a sideways look. ‘You need to try harder than that to convince me.’

      ‘I’ll be honest. Last night, after I spoke to you, I did think maybe it wasn’t such a great idea. Maybe it’s best to leave the past alone.’

      ‘Isn’t that what I’ve been saying all along?’

      ‘I know, but another part of me thinks if this is Joanne’s way of saying sorry, it could be a good opportunity for us to clear the air with her. That way, maybe things can get back on track.’

      ‘True, but it will be awkward for Zoe. I don’t think her and Joanne have fallen out about anything.’

      ‘I thought about that too. My theory is that Zoe’s the goodwill ambassador for this trip.’

      ‘But why all this big secrecy? Why not a meal out? Isn’t that what normal people do?’

      ‘Remember, this is Joanne we’re talking about. She loves all this cloak-and-dagger stuff.’ I give Andrea a playful tap on her thigh. ‘I’m sure we’re going to have a great time.’

      As we both sip our drinks, I spot Zoe’s unmistakable five- feet-ten frame cutting across the lawn of the cathedral. She has a sports holdall hanging off her shoulder, her blonde hair tied in a ponytail and is wearing leggings with trainers. She looks more like she’s off to the gym than an adventure weekend. I wave to her.

      ‘Hi, guys,’ says Zoe. ‘I made it. Ooh, coffee, is that for me?’ She takes the cup that Andrea holds out to her. ‘Lovely. We all set for this mysterious adventure weekend?’ She smiles broadly, reminding me of an excited child on Christmas Eve.

      ‘Yeah, Andrea can’t wait,’ I say, winking at the new arrival.

      Zoe pulls a card from her pocket. I recognise the white lettering on the black invitation immediately and the PPS written by Joanne. Zoe reads it out loud. ‘An adventure weekend, full of mysteries and surprises, the like of which you can’t imagine.’ She looks at both of us. ‘What’s not to like?’

      ‘It’s the surprise bit I don’t care for,’ says Andrea. ‘Not to mention the bit about making amends.’

      Zoe gives a shrug. ‘I love surprises. I wonder what she has planned for us?’

      ‘Oh God, I don’t know if I can cope with your enthusiasm this early in the morning,’ says Andrea, shaking her head. ‘Thank goodness I packed some vodka. Where is it?’ Andrea makes to rummage around in her rucksack.

      Both Zoe and I laugh. ‘If only your clients knew the truth about you,’ says Zoe. ‘Right, what happens now? Anyone know?’

      ‘We wait for Joanne, I suppose,’ I say, looking around to see if there is any sign of our infamous host.

      As if on cue, a black MPV pulls up alongside the pavement. The rear door automatically slides open and the driver gives a toot of the horn.

      ‘This must be for us,’ says Zoe. ‘How exciting.’

      ‘Either that or we’re about to be abducted,’ says Andrea, picking up her rucksack.

      I hoist mine up on to my shoulder and follow Zoe to the car, dropping my half-drunk latte into the waste bin as I go.

      Zoe hops into the vehicle without a moment’s hesitation. ‘Ooh, it’s very swish in here,’ she calls to us.

      I exchange looks with Andrea as we reach the edge of the path. Andrea surveys the vehicle. ‘I suppose it’s not a van. I’m slightly reassured that it looks like a swanky MPV, exactly the sort of thing Joanne would hire.’

      ‘Come on, there’s loads of room,’ says Zoe. ‘And there’s an envelope, addressed to us all.’

      ‘No sign of Joanne, then?’ I push my rucksack in first and climb into the vehicle, taking the rear-facing seat. I look over my shoulder at the driver. He’s a middle-aged man and, as far as I can see, is dressed in a shirt and tie. ‘Morning,’ I say with a smile.

      ‘Morning,’ he replies, not turning but looking in the rear-view mirror at me.

      ‘Where are we off to?’

      ‘I’m afraid I can’t tell you that. Need-to-know basis,’ he says, giving a tap to the side of his nose with his finger. He shifts in his seat and reaches over to the passenger seat, retrieving a small blue cloth bag. ‘Mrs Aldridge has requested that you all put your mobile phones in this bag.’

      ‘What?’ Andrea plonks herself down in her seat. ‘I don’t think so.’

      ‘I’m sorry, but Mrs Aldridge has said it’s all part of the surprise. It’s all there in the envelope apparently.’

      ‘Give me that,’ says Andrea, taking the envelope from Zoe’s hand. She rips it open and reads out loud the letter inside.

       Dear lovely ladies,

       So now you’re all aboard and on Phase One of the journey. I hope you approve of your mode of transport. Only the best for my best friends!

       I expect Zoe, you’re all excited and can’t wait to find out where you’re going. You love secrets and surprises, probably even more than I do, but I think I’m going to have the last laugh this time.

       Andrea, I imagine you’re frowning right now and cursing me for keeping it all hush-hush. Sorry, I know this goes against your natural instinct to be the one in charge!

       Carys, you, I imagine are sitting there, taking it all in and trying to second-guess my next move, wondering how to play this one and if you can out-smart me. Am I right? I bet I am. Hahahaha!

       Well, my lovely friends, don’t waste time trying to quiz the driver, I’ve paid handsomely for his silence. You’ve got about an hour’s drive, so sit back and relax.

       Please be very sweet and hand your phones over. I don’t want anyone cheating and turning on their maps app.

       Oh, yeah, bubbly under the seat. Chink, chink!

       Love Joanne xxx

      The driver shakes the bag and passes it to me. Reluctantly, I place my mobile inside. ‘Better play along,’ I say, even though I’m not happy about it myself. What if Alfie needs to speak to me? Or Seb? I console myself with the idea that Joanne will no doubt let us have them back once we arrive and this is only her way of keeping the location a surprise.

      ‘It is Joanne’s birthday treat,’ says Zoe. She too places her phone in the bag.

      We both look at Andrea expectantly. A small expression of defiance settles on her face for a moment and then with a big huff and drop СКАЧАТЬ