“Yes,” Nelson replied once Gerry moved off.
Ashley stiffened, anger pumping through her veins. She detested this helplessness bearing down on her. None of this situation was fair, and it was impossible to fight an invisible villain who forced her to react instead of taking action. And Robert. What was up with his disappearing act? He was making himself appear guilty. She’d known Robert for years, and in that time, he’d never missed a day of work. She’d relied on him to run the office, and now everything was falling apart.
If Robert didn’t turn up soon, she’d have to replace him. The campaign manager might suggest a suitable candidate, but a replacement wouldn’t possess Robert’s knowledge or experience.
No!She couldn’t believe Robert was her stalker.
The car stopped, and she straightened. “Oh, we’re home.”
“Wait until Gerry checks around the house,” Josh murmured, his body tensing as his gaze swept the area the security lights illuminated.
After five minutes, Gerry returned and opened the vehicle door for her. The lights gleamed off his bald head. “Everything looks normal.”
“What, no parcels?” Ashley asked as she slid from the car.
Gerry offered a faint smile. “Not this evening.”
“Give me your keys,” Josh demanded, holding out her hand. “I’d prefer to enter your house first. Wait with Nelson and Gerry.”
“I hate this.” Ashley clenched her hands at her sides. “Have you checked with Robert’s parents? Last I heard, they still live in Taupo.”
Ashley’s shivers had ceased during the journey home, but now a chill prickled her limbs. A someone-walking-over-her-grave sensation, according to her grandmother.
“I’ll pass on the info,” Nelson said.
“Clear.” Josh stood in the doorway. “Let’s cook that dinner.”
“If Robert doesn’t turn up with credible explanations, I need help in the office. I don’t have time to vet a suitable candidate.”
“Won’t the party have someone who could help?”
Ashley set down her handbag. “Yes, but I have a certain way I prefer things done. I want a loyal assistant. Someone who can tell me to pull in my head if I need checking. The party candidate might be experienced, but they’ll be set in their ways.” She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t want traditional. I want someone younger with initiative. Gah! I’m not making sense.”
“Is it possible to do the work from home?” Josh asked.
“I don’t see why not. As long as the information remains secure. Some is sensitive.”
“Summer might help you on a short-term basis. At least get you through until election day. I mean, Robert might turn up with a reasonable excuse.”
“Summer… Hmm, that might work. Disappearing—this is unlike Robert. I mean, why would he do this? I thought Summer intended to visit your parents in Eketahuna?”
“Against my advice, she and Nikolai had a rethink and decided to stay. I’ll start dinner,” Josh said. “Why don’t you talk to Summer?”
Ashley wandered to her bedroom and rang Josh’s sister.
“I’d love to,” Summer said. “The library has received a funding cut, and they’ve decreased my hours to the point where the pay barely covers my fuel costs. What tasks did you have in mind for me? I’m happy to sign a non-disclosure document if you require one, but remember I intend to vote for the opposition.”
“I haven’t forgotten. It’s not as if you’ll have access to top secret info. I just need someone to keep me on track. I figure my future sister-in-law can do that.”
“And you’re paying me for my loyalty,” Summer said, her tone cheeky.
“There is that.” Ashley grinned as she explained Summer’s duties and ended the call, her mood more positive. She’d give Summer a chance, and if the situation didn’t work out, she could always get the campaign manager to suggest someone. She changed into an old pair of jeans and a T-shirt and removed the heavier studio makeup before joining Josh in the kitchen.
“Your omelet is served.” Josh slid a plate across the breakfast bar.
It held a perfect omelet and a side salad.
“But is it edible?”
