MIDNIGHT - HarperCollins NZ

MIDNIGHT
along with the cash you stole from me trouser-pockets.
Oh, an’ don’t mek the mistake o’ shouting for help.’
To prove the point, he grabbed Eileen and held her
in a vicious grip, before abruptly releasing her when
she began to struggle.
As he took a step towards Libby, Eileen startled them
both by yelling obscenities. ‘You leave her alone!’ Rushing
forward, she clung to Libby with one hand, while with
the other, she feverishly plucked at her hair until she
resembled a wild thing.
‘I’m going nowhere, not without what’s mine!’
Grabbing Libby by the neck, he yanked her forward.
‘You’d best shut her up, or I will!’ With one mighty
thrust he sent her hurtling backwards.
Subdued, Eileen was sobbing. ‘Who is he?’ she whispered
hoarsely. ‘Why does he want to hurt us?’
‘Don’t worry, Mum. I won’t let him hurt you.’ Libby
realised that the quickest way to be rid of him would
be to offer whatever money they had. But since they
had so very little, that was not really an option.
Her voice trembling, Eileen said to Libby, ‘If he’s
here when your father gets home from work, there’ll
be the devil to pay!’ Glancing furtively at the door, she
half expected Libby’s father to burst in and protect
them.
‘You heard her,’ Libby said, squaring up to the
intruder. ‘My father will be home soon from the night
shift. So if you know what’s good for you, you’d best
make tracks!’ Keeping her mother safe, she added
firmly, ‘There’s nothing for you here.’
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