The Desperate Wife’s Survival Plan by Alison Sherlock Read Free Book Online

before all the computerequipment was taken away. Charley had begun to move irreplaceable items to her parents’ house for safe-keeping. Unfortunately, this meant running into her family, all of whom she was trying to avoid as the nagging had become incessant.
    ‘You’ve left Mum and Dad up to their necks in it,’ said Victoria, her younger sister. ‘They’re so upset,’ added Elizabeth, the other twin.
    ‘I know!’ Charley toldthem, slumping on to the sofa. ‘I’ve apologised, haven’t I?’
    ‘They can’t live on apologies, can they?’ said Victoria, scowling across at her from her position in the armchair.
    ‘I don’t understand where all the money went,’ said Elizabeth. ‘You were loaded.’
    Charley thought about her empty house but said nothing.
    ‘And where’s Steve this afternoon?’ snapped Victoria.
    ‘He’s busy.’
    Charley glancedat the clock on the mantelpiece and wondered how quickly she could excuse herself from this interrogation.
    Maureen brought in some tea plates and placed them on the coffee table. The imminent arrival of a home-made cake made everyone pause for thought. But not for long.
    ‘What’s more important than his wife’s family?’ said Victoria.
    Her husband Adam shot her a look. ‘Leave it,’ he said, in aquiet tone.
    Victoria ignored him. ‘I just don’t understand why Steve wants to be by himself at the moment. He’s still married to you, isn’t he? You should be getting through this together.’
    Luckily Maureen had to dash back into the kitchen to sort out the cake so Charley made her excuses and followed suit.
    ‘Want a hand, Mum?’
    ‘No, thank you, darling.’ Maureen ripped off some pieces of kitchenroll to use as napkins. ‘So? Where is Steve?’
    Charley gave a theatrical sigh. ‘He’s trying to get our lives back in order.’
    ‘And then you’ll sort out things between you?’
    ‘Yes.’
    Maureen raised her eyebrows. ‘So you might have time to see about giving me some more grandchildren soon.’
    ‘Aren’t two enough?’
    ‘There’s no need to feel jealous of your sister. You’ve still got a few childbearingyears left in you.’
    Charley glanced at her watch. ‘I’ve got to go soon.’
    ‘Have you had your tubes checked?’
    ‘Mum! Can we focus on one thing a time?’
    ‘I just thought it might be a bit of good news. Lord knows we could do with some.’
    Charley gulped back her own tears as she watched her mother’s eyes fill. She stepped forward and was enveloped in a hug.
    ‘I’m sorry,’ she said, snuffling intoMaureen’s shoulder.
    ‘I know.’
    ‘And we will repay you. I don’t know how long it’ll take but we’ll get there, I promise.’
    Her mother smiled but didn’t reply, instead picking up the barely risen chocolate cake and leaving the kitchen.
    Charley knew her mother didn’t really believe her. That the whole family was expecting her to fail in her promises. But she was determined that every penny wouldbe returned to her parents. She just didn’t know as yet how it could be done.

Chapter Ten
    BY THE MIDDLE of March, the ground floor of the house was bare. From the lounge, nearly everything had been taken, including the TV, sofas, chairs, glass coffee table, fancy artwork, crystal vases, mirrors, and other pretty things she had picked up over the years. Charley had kept all the photographs, but had to relinquish their expensive silver frames.
    The study was now missing itsdesk, chair, bookcase and all the computer equipment. The den had been stripped of its games consoles, leather chairs and huge television. Even the hallway had lost its table, mirror and hat stand.
    The Wednesday night dinners with the girls had slipped whilst Charley’s life disintegrated. But as soon as the Sold sign went up outside, she insisted they came to her home. It was left unspoken, butthis was probably the last time they would meet there.
    The oak table and chairs in the kitchen were now missing so Julie suggested having a