‘She died on Wednesday evening, May the first. I’m very sorry,’ he said.
The world seemed to grind to a halt. Liv rubbed the creases between her eyebrows. ‘No, that can’t be right. She was going to a spa or something. I saw her suitcase.’
‘She went into hospital for an operation. Things didn’t go as planned.’
A hot tear trickled down Liv’s cheek. Her heart felt it might burst out of her body. Why hadn’t Essie told her about the op when they had tea together? ‘N-no,’ she spluttered. ‘Thatcan’tbe true.’
Anthony shook out his handkerchief and passed it to her. The spots were actually tiny printed bees with gold wings. ‘After her operation, an infection took hold. The surgeon informed Essie that the outcome was precarious. She left an instruction for you, and I’m here to pass it on.’
Liv couldn’t see through the tears swimming in her eyes. She hurriedly wiped them with the handkerchief. ‘Instruction? We were going to talk about her writing.’
He bent down and took the yellow notebook out of his case and opened it. He stared at the page for a while as if bewildered. ‘Her request is brief and it’s crucial you follow it precisely. I will read her exact words to you.Dear Olivia, if Anthony is speaking to you now, the worst has most likely happened. If you need to take a little time out from this job and your others, you will be paid.’
Liv shook her head, unable to comprehend what she was hearing. ‘Isthather request?’ she said.
‘No, it’s a precursor. Her main one is more, ah, unusual.’
Liv choked back an unsuitable burst of laughter. How could things get any stranger than this?
Anthony looked down at the notebook and continued.
‘If I die, keep my passing a secret for six months. During this period, I want you to complete my latest novel.’
‘W-what?’ Liv stammered. She had never experienced vertigo properly before, not even from the heights of Essie’s flat. Her body swooned, as if she was a pheasant shot out of the sky by a hunter. ‘That can’t be right. It must be a plot for one of her books.’
‘It’s the precise message she left for you.’
‘But why doesn’t she want anyone to know? That’s crazy. How can something like that be kept quiet? And for six months, too.’
Essie had been married twice, in her twenties to Ted Mason, who was twice her age and a big name in the publishing industry, and in her thirties to American crime writer Hank Milligan.Surely, they’ll need to know, Liv thought.
‘What about Essie’s fans, and Marlon and Meg?’ she said, reaching out for the notebook. ‘Why on earth would Essie askmeto finish her book?’
Anthony moved the notebook away from her. His phone beeped and he took it from his pocket. He stared at it, then at her. ‘Only you and I can know about this. No one else. We need to abide by Essie’s request until the first of November.’
‘But why?’
He took a moment. ‘As you know, Essie was a very private person. Whilst her request is unconventional, it is possible. Now, I apologize profusely, but I have an emergency to deal with. May I have your mobile number?’
Liv told it to him. ‘We need to think about this,’ she said. ‘It’s ridiculous, and her book is finished anyway. I saw a draft copy…’
‘Please do as Essie instructs.’ Anthony snapped his briefcase shut. ‘Take time off, and keep everything confidential.’
Liv thought about Jake and the boys, and her mum. How could she hide something like this from them? How could she clean for Platinum and the Cardinals and pretend nothing had happened? ‘What if I can’t do it?’ she said.
He fixed her with a sympathetic gaze. ‘I understand that before she went into hospital, Essie asked for your help with her work?’
She nodded.
‘So, you’ll keep your employment for six months. Essie also asked me to increase your salary,to recognize your new contribution. I trust doubling your hourly rate is satisfactory?’
Liv swallowed hard and felt a creeping hotness under her skin. The extra money would help to pay for Johnny’s laptop, though she’d prefer to have Essie back instead. ‘What about a funeral?’ she asked, her voice cracking.
‘Essie has requested a private cremation. I’ll deal with the coroner, register her death and make the funeral arrangements. I’ll be in touch with more details soon.’ Anthony stood up. ‘And there is one other thing…’
Liv folded his handkerchief into the smallest square possible. ‘What is it?’
‘Essie said only you can do this,’ he said.
