[scouse mac]

Whilst on the bungee ride job, there was an accident which resulted in the death of a teenage boy. The coroner had ruled it an accident but James knew he had not fitted the restraining strap correctly, and rather than take the blame, he lied during the inquest.

Daniel was at college during this time but was still in regular contact with James then, and on a visit to his friend, after a couple of drinks, James had confessed his crime.

This had put a strain on their friendship, hence the distance which grew between them although they did attempt to maintain normality through the exchange of cards and e-mails.

When life seemed to be getting along nicely for James and Judy, Daniel reappeared and approached his friend with how his job was poorly paid, crap house and rubbish life had driven him back home. He was so poor he didnt know what to do.

After Daniel had moved in with James and Judy, he waited for things to settle down before putting a plan into action. Waiting for Judy to be out of town for the weekend visiting relatives, he and James relived old times and got drunk together. During this time, Daniel got James onto the subject of the death on the ride. James obliged with a warts 'n all account, listing his culpability and subsequent lies at the inquest. Daniel, using his computer skills, had set up a hidden webcam and recorded the whole conversation.

With this a leverage, he began to blackmail James, small amounts first. As the months past and Daniel got with Caron, they began talking of setting up on their own, James began to hope this leech on his life may finally leave him alone.

They managed to buy the apartment across town with a large down payment thanks to the savings James and Judy were going to use for a college fund for their children further down the line. James kept all this secret form Judy. As it happened, Judy really got along with Caron (who knew about the blackmail) so the 'friendship' between James and Daniel was seen to be a strong one.

Several years pass and life had returned to normal for James, the college fund had been replenished, thanks over working himself at The Red Lobster, and Judy had never found out.

November 2nd, Daniel informs James that he and Caron need several thousands of dollars as they are skint. James refuses but the blackmail threat emerges again, threats of telling Judy everything, including all the lies he's told her, and destroying his family life. They agree to meet two days later at 15:00 in a car park adjacent to the gas station.

James, out of fear and desparation, has snapped. He refuses to allow Daniel and Caron to ruin his life. He arrives at the meet early and sees the two arrive and go into the gas station. Seizing his chance he casually strolls in and kills them both, along with the attendent for good measure.