53
There was never any doubt in Clive’s mind as to who should be the recipient of his allowed phone call. There was a good chance he wouldn’t be able to see either of them for a while, but the very least he wanted was to ensure they understood why.
He listened as the phone rang, and continued to ring. Just as he thought no-one might answer, the call connected.
‘Hello?’ came the familiar voice.
‘Aretha. It’s me. Listen, I don’t know how much time they’re going to give me. Is Jenny there?’
His wife stayed silent for a moment or two before speaking, her voice soft. ‘Yes. She’s here.’
‘Can I—’
‘She doesn’t want to speak to you.’
Those words pierced through Clive like a crossbow bolt. ‘Oh. Okay. Look, I need her to know why I did what I did. She might not be ready to hear it yet, but it
