‘I can’t say a word,’ he repeats, this time more forcefully.
‘Spencer slept with his wife?’
‘No.’
‘It makes sense. Spencer sleeps with everyone.’ Including me, I don’t add.
‘January, it’s not my place to say, butpleasegive Ward a chance. We all have tough days when we lash out but I promise you he’s the right man for the job.’
Alone, I tidy up my desk. I can’t stop thinking about what Jeremy said. What is this secret? As I’m about to leave, Mrs Roberts returns my call. I hesitate, looking longingly at the front door.
‘That’s right,’ I say reassuringly to Mrs Roberts five minutes later on the telephone. ‘Your son would want you to move forward. No, he wouldn’t blame you. Your husband’s new job is a wonderful opportunity… Exactly, a fresh start.’ I listen. ‘Oh, that’s great, I’ll let them know their offer’s been accepted.’
We finish the conversation firm friends, and I’m touched she thanked me. I decide to make one more quick call. I want to let the buyers know. I freeze when I hear the front door opening. Quietly I hang up, hoping Ward will walk on by and head upstairs. I hold my breath, praying Spud won’t bark. But he does. He barks all right.
‘January.’ Ward stands at the door.
‘I was just leaving.’ I untie Spud, my heart beating fast. ‘We’ve had a good day, Mrs Roberts accepted the offer and…’
‘Don’t go.’
I pretend I didn’t hear him, walk past, wishing him a good weekend. He grabs my arm and keeps his hand firmly on it. ‘We need to talk.’
‘I’m running late.’
‘Give me five minutes.’
As Ward leads me upstairs and into his office I remain quiet, determined not to feel awkward. As Lizzie had said, he’s the one with the explaining to do.
‘I wanted to say sorry,’ he says at last. ‘Please sit down. Yesterday was, well, it was unforgiveable.’
‘It was frightening.’
‘I shouldn’t have let Spencer get to me, nor taken it out on Nadine, or you.’
‘Is that all it was about? Spencer getting to you?’
‘Yes.’ He’s a bad liar too.
‘Is there anything else going on, Ward?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You can trust me.’
‘No, there’s nothing. I saw red, that’s all. As I said, it won’t happen again.’
‘But…’
‘So, Mrs Roberts has agreed to the offer?’
‘Yep. I’ll call the buyers.’
‘I’m sure she appreciated—’
‘Ward, I really need to go.’ I get up to leave.
‘I thought I’d lost you.’
