Lonely Girl by Josephine Cox Page A

be for ever. But if they do put you in prison, you must understand I can’t visit, but I’ll be there when they let you go. I’ll be waiting at the gates, ready to take you home and start our new lives together, because I love you, Tom. I always have. I realise that now.’
    ‘That’s it! You tell them that he truly meant to kill me!’
    ‘I will!’ Molly pandered to his fears. ‘I’ll tell them that he had you at his mercy, and when you saw the spade, you had to grab your chance … I’ll stand by you, Tom, and no matter what it costs I promise I will get you the best lawyer available.’
    Turning her head, she stole a glance at her husband, so still and silent. It seemed wrong, that big strong man lying lifeless on the cold floor, and for one fleeting moment she felt the slightest stab of regret. But then she reminded herself of how she would come out of this awful business with money in the bank, a thriving farm, and – with luck – her freedom. Of course, the girl still had be to dealt with, but she would address that problem when the time came.
    ‘You need to call an ambulance, Molly!’ Tom called out, interrupting her wicked thoughts. ‘We’ve wasted enough time. Hurry!’
    Tom was growing increasingly nervous about the enormity of the sacrifice he was making, but however difficult it may prove to be, he did not have the heart to let Molly down. Besides, it was only right that he should shoulder a measure of blame for this good man’s lost life. John Tanner must have been devastated when he found his wife lying with another man, and worse, in a state of undress. But however hard it might be for Tom in prison, it would all be worth it to find Molly was waiting for him when he got out.
    There was no doubt in Tom’s mind that if Molly had not swung the spade at her husband, he himself would now be lying dead on the ground, instead of that unfortunate, innocent man. He thought now of how Molly had tried desperately to stop her husband’s savage attack on him, but when her frantic calls fell on deaf ears, the spade was her last resort.
    Molly had saved his life and there was no doubt in his own mind that he was doing the right and honourable thing in taking the blame upon himself, especially when he considered Molly’s young daughter, and the many other domestic and business responsibilities that would now fall on Molly’s shoulders.
    Moreover, he was convinced that taking the blame was definitely the preferred alternative to being alone but free, while the woman he adored was locked away from him.
    He anticipated suffering terrible loneliness without her by his side, although he realised that his difficulties were nothing compared to what Molly might suffer in prison. As a murderer she would stand out, and because of that, together with her fiery spirit, he could only imagine the conflict she might endure.
    His wandering thoughts came back to reality with a rush when he realised she was still there, staring down at her husband, and appearing to smile.
    ‘Molly! What are you doing? You need to call the ambulance now.’
    ‘Yes, yes, I know, but it’s just occurred to me, there will be my fingerprints on the spade handle. Clean them off while I’m gone, would you, love? Make a proper job of it, won’t you? I mean, we can’t be too careful, can we?’ Knowing how besotted he was with her, she had every confidence that he would be most careful.
    ‘Trust me, Molly. While I do my bit here, you must be quick as you can. Hurry now, love!’
    ‘All right, all right, I’m going.’
    Somewhat disgruntled at his panic, she lingered a moment longer to stare down at the cold, motionless remains of John Tanner. And she felt nothing. In the depths of her wickedness, there was no pity. No love. Not even the slightest shred of regret. What little love she had once felt for him had long since disappeared. Uppermost in her mind was that his untimely death would actually mean a far better life for her. In all