In Jeopardy (26 page)

Richard deliberately married in order to maintain a respectable image. Christine was almost made to order: undemanding, independent and occupied enough with her work to not delve too much into his other life that was filled by an endless string of wild women. He pulled off the sordid life by virtue of his wealth and charm. It is likely when he tired of this life, he snapped up a younger, equally glamorous wife who proved to be violent, brutal and manipulative.

Finally he was drawn in by someone too like him, only a more ruthless player. This was no doubt a shock for Richard, to be on the receiving end. His situation was unlikely to elicit sympathy. More likely it became a subject for gossip. Had Richard become a laughing stock?

His recollection of the attack that brought him to hospital this time is sketchy.

He reduced his work load to four days a week enabling him to spend a full day with Wednesday before she starts school. Since his father passed away Richard either inherited his role on a number of boards of big business and various charities, or he had been nominated then voted in. On occasion when the board met during the day when he was home with Wednesday he was able to take her to the meetings or arrange for her to be supervised. Days ago a meeting was scheduled at seven in the evening and although an awkward time for Richard it had to go ahead as it had already been rescheduled several times.

Heaven was informed well in advance when she reluctantly agreed to remain home with Wednesday that evening. That morning Richard reminded her to collect their daughter from childcare. It was still dark outside and the child was still in bed when they met in the kitchen. Richard added they no longer shared the same bed and hadn’t since the previous attack.

His voice falters when he reveals that he has installed deadlocks to his and Wednesday’s bedroom doors.

Heaven claimed she had forgotten and made other arrangements. Not in the habit of elaborating, she impressed on Richard he had no business delving into her private affairs.

Apart from living in the same house they had become estranged. Their relationship played out and was defined by them either being enmeshed in heated scenes and argument or indifferent to each other. Richard claims that they remained together because it was mutually convenient and to maintain a respectable image to people who matter.

Richard wasn’t surprised by the predicament Heaven placed him in. What angered him was that she hadn’t bothered to inform him about her change of plans to enable him to make alternative arrangements. This meant he would have to call the nanny agency to collect Wednesday from childcare and stay with her until he returned. This wasn’t the first time he was placed in this position. This became the event that triggered an explosive exchange of words and Richard’s comment:
Couldn’t you for one evening put off your sex-fuelled indulgences with one of your boys? There’s always tomorrow night, the next night, then the next.

He pauses as if attempting to piece together events as they unfolded or hesitating, thinking how much to reveal, how much to keep secret.

He returns to the story. ‘Heaven’s eyes flashed anger, her body bristled with aggression. There was a long pause before she spoke uttering the single word,
Jealous
.

‘Why would I be – I could catch something nasty.

‘She threw the contents into the sink, stormed from the room, stomped out of the house and roared away in her Audi; one of the toys she uses to remind the world of who she is. We didn’t speak or cross paths until the weekend. She was unaccustomed to rising early, often emerging well after noon, following I suspect, wild nights on the town. Without knowing why I turned around. There she was, almost incidental and disconnected from the knife inches from my face before it slashed into the skin beneath my shoulder. I can only recall a fury of inarticulate sound as I attempted to block the next strike. Aside from the first strike I didn’t feel anything else. I have no recollection of how I
arrived here. Yesterday Heaven appeared with Wednesday civil, feigning concern for my condition; for Wednesday’s benefit.’

‘You’re in a tricky place then.’

He looks at her, his eyes shine, reflecting a double image of her. ‘It’s a shame you walked out on me Christine. Look what’s happened.’

These are those same words he fed his solicitor after making it clear his relationship with Christine was over. She doesn’t respond, turns her back and leaves the room.

Editing and typos

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