Family Betrayal by Kitty Neale Read Free Book Online Page A

especially when, in truth, she knew the answer. Yes, she would still have married Maurice, preferring marriage to the life of a spinster. Her two brothers had both married well, and she was the last one left at home, destined to a life of caring for her parents as they aged.
    As Norma handed Oliver the juice, she smiled at her son, loving him dearly. He had become her one consolation, and though she couldn't love her husband, she liked him, liked him a lot. But, oh, if only he wasn't a Draper!
    When Maurice reached the yard, he rubbed his eyes, then picked at the corners, his finger coming away covered in yellow pus. He'd have to get another prescription from the doc, but hated going to his surgery. He wasn't strong but drew comfort from knowing that his role in the family business was an important one. He kept the books, making sure that no fault could be found in the accounts, the taxes paid on time and in full. The other books, the ones that covered their sideline, were kept well away from prying eyes, but he had them on hand just in case they were needed at the meeting.
    ‘Morning, Bob,’ Maurice greeted. ‘I've just said goodbye to your lovely wife.’
    ‘What's that supposed to mean?’
    ‘Sue called round to see Norma and was still there when I left.’
    ‘Oh, right,’ Bob said, then gestured with his thumb towards the office. ‘Danny's been here a while and Chris turned up ten minutes ago.’
    ‘What about Dad? I can't see his car.’
    ‘He went off with the hump.’
    ‘Really, and who ruffled his feathers?’
    ‘He had a bit of a falling-out with Danny.’
    ‘Did he now? What about?’
    ‘Search me,’ Bob said, looking pleased as he added, ‘but they were having a right old ding-dong.’
    Maurice could sense that Bob was being evasive, sure that he knew more than he was letting on. Bob was always a bit funny when it came to Danny – the rivalry plain to see – but he was wasting his time if he wanted to take Danny's place. Next to their father, Danny was the top man, the position unlikely to change. There was only one person their father favoured above Danny, and that was Petula.
    ‘Hello, Maurice,’ said Chris as he came out of the office. ‘The meeting might be off.’
    ‘Yeah, Bob told me that Dad went off with the hump. Is it worth hanging around?’
    ‘Search me. Danny ain't saying much, only that they had a difference of opinion.’
    Maurice studied his youngest brother. Chris was looking snazzy. He had run the gauntlet of fashion, changing from a teddy boy to a mod, and lately had taken to wearing Italian suits. He was a good-looking bloke, a sort of soft replica of their father, and though he didn't have an aggressive personality, he could look after himself. Chris was his favourite of all the brothers, and before he had married Sue they had knocked about together, either going down the pub, or to the local snooker hall.
    ‘How's your love life? Are you still seeing that girl from Chelsea?’
    ‘No, she was getting a bit too keen and hinting about engagement rings.’
    ‘So, you're footloose and fancy-free again. Do you fancy a game of snooker tonight?’
    ‘No can do. I've got a date tonight. I took Pet to buy a record this morning and a nice-looking bird behind the counter caught my eye.’
    Maurice raised his brows, but then he shouldn't be surprised. Chris was good at pulling birds, one following another in quick succession. ‘What's she like?’
    ‘Tasty, but she's blonde and I prefer them dark.’
    ‘What's the matter with blondes?’ Bob protested. ‘My Sue's a cracker.’
    ‘Yeah, she is,’ Chris agreed, ‘but I still like brunettes, and ain't your Sue's hair out of a bottle?’
    Bob was saved from answering when their father drove into the yard. He climbed out of his car and,judging by the look on his face, he was still in a foul mood.
    ‘Is everyone here?’ he snapped.
    ‘We're still waiting for George,’ Bob told him.
    ‘Shit! Well, we'll have to start without