An Impossible Dilemma: A Psychological Thriller Novel, page 26
I could talk myself into believing they all deserved it, Shane, Hector, Alex, and even Frank—but I couldn’t justify Steph. She’d been totally innocent.
Michael cleared his throat, making me jump.
“Before everyone gets here, I want to make a toast,” he said as he popped the cork on the sparkling wine and poured three glasses.
I turned to face him, wiping my hands on a towel.
“Okay, now we all know it’s been a terrible year.”
I glanced away, unsure where he intended to go with this.
“I realise how difficult planning for tonight has been for you, Vicki, and I know I bullied you into it.”
I laughed and nodded, as tears filled my eyes.
“But I want to tell you how proud I am that you’re taking this step.”
“Hear! Hear!” Sally-Ann said.
I smiled and raised my glass towards him. Our eyes locked. Then he turned to face the far wall and the cluster of photo frames that adorned it.
“To loved ones, past and present,” Mike said.
“To loved ones,” Sally-Ann and I both repeated.
As we raised our glasses and drank, my eyes lingered on each image for a few seconds.
Jonathan, Frank, Steph and my beautiful Emily.”
The End
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Netta Newbound, originally from Manchester, England, now lives in New Zealand with her husband, Paul and their boxer dog Alfie. She has three grown-up children and two delicious grandchildren.
For more information or just to touch base with Netta you will find her at:
www.nettanewbound.com
For more books by Netta go to
Amazon
Amazon UK
Acknowledgements
I want to thank my family and friends for putting up with me during the writing of this novel, in fact for putting up with me full stop!
To my wonderful husband Paul, it’s corny but true – I couldn’t have done any of this without you.
To my eldest son Anthony, who after reading this book in its early draft, rang his dad to warn him never to buy any pigs!
To my middle son Jono, whose imagination is almost as sick as mine.
To my youngest son Adam for spurring me on and believing in me.
To my wonderful critique partners Sandra Toornstra, Linda Dawley, Serena Amadis and Jono Newbound—you’re the best.
My wonderful editor Iola Goulton.
And finally, to Tracey Alvarez and the BOCHOK Babes – my go-to group for anything from critiquing to formatting or just a good old moan. Where would I be without you?
Netta Newbound, An Impossible Dilemma: A Psychological Thriller Novel
