‘Deep down Graham’s passionate about his work and he’s loyal to this company.’
‘Hmm.’
‘We will trust you, but you kind of need to trust us too.’
Ward looks at me curiously. ‘We got off to a rocky start, didn’t we?’ There’s a flicker of a smile between us. ‘Jeremy said I was lucky to have you on my team.’
I enjoy that compliment until I remind myself why I’m really here. But what if I’m wrong? Spencer loves to boast and tease. Yet there’s something clearly not right between Ward and Spencer.
Ward leans in closer towards me. ‘Is there something else, January?’
Tell him. ‘I’ve sent some flowers toMrs Lewis. Peonies.’
‘Right. Thanks.’ He waits. His telephone rings. ‘It’s my wife. I’d better…’
‘It’s Spencer,’ I say before he picks up.
He lets it ring.
‘He came in today.’
Ward notices me touching my locket. ‘I’ve told him he needs to make an appointment, but… Anyway, I think he saw your letter to Mrs Lewis. He read it and upped the value.’
‘How did he see it?’
‘Mrs Lewis must have left it lying around somewhere,’ I say, ‘and when he was out on the pitch…’
I can feel Ward’s fury envelop the room. ‘That man would sell his own Granny,’ he mutters.
‘I thought you should know.’
‘I’m glad you told me.’
I’m about to leave, but something preys on my mind. ‘Ward, I thought you two were friends?’
There’s rage in his eyes, yet he says so calmly, ‘We were.But we’re rivals now.’
‘Right.’ It’s clear he doesn’t wish to discuss it any further. Whatever happened between them remains between them.
As I’m heading out of his office I sense he’s watching me. I turn. His eyes are icy. ‘This is war,’ he says.
That evening, over sausages and mash, I broach the subject of Dan’s new girlfriend. Isla stops eating. ‘Do you want to meet her, Mum?’
I nod. ‘I’m sure we’ll become friends. So, what do you say? Can I call him and say we’re cool to meet this weekend?’
She thinks about it. ‘We will still go swimming, won’t we? Dad said he was going to take me on the slides.’
‘Of course.’
‘Why don’t you stay with Dad too?’
‘Don’t let your carrots get cold.’ Spud sits underneath Isla’s seat, waiting patiently for something to drop on to the floor.
‘You could come swimming with us.’
‘I can’t, sweetheart,’ I say, touched by Isla’s innocence and her protectiveness towards me.
‘Why not?’
