Free Evil Games by Angela Marsons Page A

Vicky Beckham jeans and high heels; he’d sacrifice his own nieces if you asked him to.’
    On cue, two girls zoomed past, catching Alex’s left thigh and she briefly considered putting that theory to the test.
    People were beginning to look their way. And Alex’s boredom threshold had been reached.
    Alex lowered her voice. ‘I did not persuade your brother to do anything. He is a fully grown man with a mind of his own.’
    ‘Aha, thought so. I know your game.’
    Alex seriously doubted that but she smiled tolerantly anyway. ‘And, what would that be?’
    ‘You’re after him. That’s what this is about.’
    Oh yes, of course that was it, Alex thought, almost laughing in the woman’s face.
    ‘You’re trying to get him all dependent on you so you can trap him into marriage.’ A drop of spittle from the woman’s mouth landed on her cheek. A step too far.
    She gently guided the woman into a corner and placed a smile on her face for the benefit of onlookers. She spoke quietly.
    ‘Okay, you stupid, ignorant bitch, I encouraged Malcolm to leave the police out of it and you should be fucking grateful that I did. Shane was making all kinds of accusations about Malcolm molesting your two little demons over there.
    ‘Any attending officer would have been obliged to investigate such claims, which would have resulted in painful, humiliating physical examinations for your little darlings – not to mention the distinct possibility of them being removed from your care.’
    Alex was gratified that the woman’s mouth had dropped open far enough to dry any remaining droplets of spittle.
    Alex continued to smile. ‘So, I suggest you keep your vicious little mouth shut and continue visiting with your brother and stay away from what doesn’t concern you.’
    A very slight nod was the response.
    Alex turned away and took a deep breath. Now, back to the real reason for her visit.

THIRTEEN
    Alex spied Barry sitting in the furthest corner reading a magazine, alone.
    She stood before him, the plate offered and her game face back on. ‘Apple turnover?’
    ‘Is that an offer or some kind of request?’
    ‘Take your pick.’ Alex took a seat beside him. ‘How are you doing?’
    He shrugged in response and returned his gaze to the magazine. His head was freshly shaved and his body more toned and muscular than she remembered. Barry had been a semi-professional boxer before going to prison; a fact that hadn’t helped him at trial.
    Alex stretched her legs before her and crossed them at the ankles. She chuckled tolerantly as the irritating little girls ran to the table, grabbed a cake and ran off again. Had she been on her own she would have raised a leg and sent them tumbling to the ground but she stopped herself.
    ‘Aren’t they adorable?’
    Barry didn’t look at them. ‘Are you still here?’
    ‘Yep. You appear to be the only person here without a visitor so you get the consolation prize of me.’
    ‘Woohoo.’
    ‘Now, now, contain your excitement. I can tell that you’re thrilled on the inside and you’re just choosing not to show it.’
    Honestly, these boys were so sensitive. First Shane had reacted badly to her rejection and now Barry was giving her the cold shoulder for the same thing. No matter. She’d get him back.
    ‘Yeah, that’ll be it.’
    She tipped her head. ‘Not in the mood to talk to me today?’
    Barry laughed out loud. ‘That’s rich. You haven’t spoken to me for months.’
    Alex worked the angle. ‘I know, Barry, and I’m sorry. But the thing is there are people that needed my help far more than you. You seem to be through the worst of it now.’
    He grunted and Alex stopped herself from smiling. She knew full well he wasn’t even close to being through the worst of it. Her plan depended on that fact.
    She nudged him sideways. ‘Come on, I thought we were friends. Why so pissed off?’
    ‘I’m sure David has already filled you in.’
    ‘No,’ she lied. ‘I’m not here in an official