MIDNIGHT - HarperCollins NZ

MIDNIGHT
first time that Eileen Harrow had scoured the streets
for her missing husband, only to come across some
ne’er-do-well ready to use the situation to his own
advantage. ‘I’d like you to explain,’ she went on coolly.
‘And then I’d like you to leave!’
Scott laughed – a hollow, unnerving sound that sent
the older woman cowering against the wall. ‘Lah-dibloody-dah,
ain’t we?’ Irritated, and anxious to get
away, he pretended to search his pockets. ‘Yer thievin’
devils! Me money’s gone! I can see what yer up to
now! Con artists the pair of yer! And clever with it.
But not quite clever enough. It’s obvious that you set
out to rob me blind. And I ’ave to admit, yer took me
in good and proper at first, but now it’s clear as day
what yer after.’
Taking a step forward, he concentrated on Libby.
‘You’re the brains behind it, while this one’ – he
grinned at Eileen, who was still cowering against the
wall – ‘is the bait. And no doubt the police will see it
the same way after I’ve finished.’ He had to make them
out as villains, or the younger one would likely call the
police on him.
He outlined his interpretation of events. ‘So there I
was, minding me own business, when this woman
latched onto me, said she needed me to ‘come home’
with ’er. Enticed me back here, she did, and very
convincing it was too. I didn’t realise I was being set
up to be robbed.’ He congratulated himself on being
witty enough to turn the tables on them. ‘I can see it
all now. The two of you are in it together. Con-artists,
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