Chapter 172

Every light in the house was blaring when Barry pulled into the driveway. His house looked like a fucking Christmas tree, which didn’t bode well for the occupants. He took a couple of deep breaths before getting out of the car and walking up the stairs. The front door was unlocked and when he swung it open, noise assaulted him. He took off his jacket and slung it over the bench in the entryway before making his way into the front sitting room. The stereo was on and Abby and Freddie were running around screeching and barking, and neither of them saw him standing there. He stalked over and turned off the stereo and both child and dog froze, looking at him in surprise. He took in Abby’s bedraggled appearance and surmised that Heather hadn’t bathed her as yet. “Where’s mummy?” he asked, trying really hard to keep his voice pleasant. Abby shrugged. “Have you had your dinner?” he asked, feeling his control begin to fracture. “I had Fruit Loops,” she said and started running around in circles