An Impossible Secret by J. B. Leigh Page B

surprise. For the longest moment, she hesitated.
    “Do you love him? It's a simple enough question.”
    “Yes.” Kerry's voice was little more than a whisper.
    “Does he love you?”
    “He did. At least, I think he did, but how can he now? How could anyone?”
    “If you love him, you can't give up on him.”
    “Is that what you think? That I just gave up on him?” There was venom in her voice now. “He met Lizzie! Don't you get it?”
    “It's you he loves—not Lizzie. You have to show him you still love him.”
    “She won't let me. She'll never let me. She wants me all to herself.”

 
    Chapter 55
     
     
     
    “Who are you playing today?” Jimmy had caught up with Brice, who was on his way to the sports ground.
    “Coventry,” Brice said.
    “Are they any good?”
    “They're mid table. We ought to kick their arses.”
    “Anyway, how are you doing?” Jimmy asked.
    “All right.”
    “Are you sure? You look like you've just lost a fiver.”
    “I'm okay.”
    “I've not seen much of you.”
    “Busy—lots of assignments.”
    “Have you been to Toppers this week?”
    “No.”
    “Courtney has been asking about you.”
    “So?”
    “So—I thought you might want—” Jimmy started.
    “I don't.”
    “Look. It's none of my business, but you shouldn't let Kerry get to you like this.”
    “You're right,” Brice said. “It is none of your business!”
     
    Westchester lost the match two goals to nil. Brice didn't need anyone to tell him he'd been at fault for the second goal.
    “What were you doing out there, Brice? You cost us the match,” Alec Weston said. He was still on crutches, and had been watching from the sidelines.
    “Get out of my face, Weston.”
    “My kid sister could have made the tackle to stop their second goal.”
    “Move!” Brice brushed past him.
    “There's no way you'll get picked for the next match.”
    “Since when have you been the coach? Do one before I do something you'll regret.”
    Weston could see Brice was riled. That was all the encouragement he needed.
    “You've not been the same since you shacked up with that little princess.” Weston sneered.
    “I'm not shacked up with anyone. Not that it's any of your business,” Brice snapped.
    “Sorry. I didn't realise she'd dumped you. I guess that leaves the path clear for me. I quite fancy a piece of Miss Prim and Proper.”
    Brice lurched forward, and grabbed Weston around the throat.
    “You go within a mile of Kerry, and I'll break your other leg.”
    Weston grinned—satisfied his words had had the desired effect.
    “Leave it Brice!” Jimmy grabbed his arm. “He's not worth it.”
    Brice released his grip, but his gaze never left Weston's face.
    “I seem to have hit a nerve.” Weston straightened his collar.
    “Come on.” Jimmy pulled Brice away. “Forget him.”
    “If he so much as talks to Kerry—”
    “You're the one who needs to talk to her,” Jimmy said.
    “She hasn't been at uni. I've tried the library every day.”
    “Maybe she's ill.”
     
    Jimmy was waiting for Brice outside the changing rooms.
    “Why are you still here?” Brice said. “I'm not good company.”
     Why don't we go to Toppers?” Jimmy said, as they made their way to the car park. “It will take your mind off—you know—off things.”
    “No. I'm not in the mood.”
    “It'll do you good.”
    “Maybe, next week.”
    Jimmy stopped dead in his tracks.
    “What's up?” Brice turned to face his friend.
    “Someone's waiting for you.” He pointed towards the car park.
    For the briefest moment. Brice's heart soared, but then he saw it wasn't Kerry; it was her mum. She was standing next to his car.
    “I'll get the bus,” Jimmy said.
    Brice didn't reply. Instead, he rushed over to her.
    “Is Kerry okay?”
    “She's disappeared,” her mum said.
    “When?”
    “Three days ago.”
    “Did she leave a note?”
    “Nothing. When I came in from visiting my sister, she'd gone.”
    “Have you reported her missing?”
    “No.