‘I’mnotsleeping with her,’ he whispered harshly. ‘And you could take some accountability. That was a gross oversight on your part.’
‘Just stay away from her,’ said Elsa. ‘It’s only one more day. Do you think you can handle that?’
‘I can handle it. You just focus on Cushing and leave Kovalec to me.’
They exchanged angry looks and Elsa stormed off towards the staff quarters.
What the actual fucking fuck was going on?
Once he was alone, Tommy turned, seeming to look right at me. I ducked out of sight.
‘I can see you, Ally.’
I stayed perfectly still. Maybe he’d think he was mistaken and go away.
‘You’re wearing a stupid hat.’
‘Hey!’ I whispered, popping out of my hiding spot. ‘It’s not stupid.’
‘Will you just come out of there?’
I scrambled out of the bushes, swatting away branches – again wishing I had a machete.
When I made it out, Tommy was looking in the direction Elsa had gone. Maybe he was worried she’d come back and tell him off some more. I was about to ask when he turned and gave me a frosty look.
So, I gave him one back. ‘What’s that look for,Tom?I’mnot the one who’s been lying. So, Elsa’snotyour girlfriend then?’
‘I never said she was.’
‘You let me believe it.’
His frown deepened.
‘So, what is she to you, then? And don’t give me the just-a-colleague line– I heard you two talking about “the whole operation”.AndI caught her snooping in Julian’s office. Meanwhile, you’re trying to get me off the island.’ I paused, narrowing my eyes at him. ‘You’re not just a boat skipper, are you?’
‘Look, we shouldn’t be out here – together.’
‘Where should we be together then?’
‘You know what I mean.’
‘I really, truly don’t.’
Conflicted thoughts danced behind his eyes. But I had my own and Tommy and his non-girlfriend and whatever the hell this operation wasstillhadn’t made the top of the list. First, I had to sort this social-media mess. Tommy and his bullshit could wait.
I started to leave, but he put his hand out to stop me.
‘Tommy, I swear to god, if you grab me by the wrist again, I’ll employ every self-defence skill in my arsenal. And your testicles willnotbe happy.’
He dropped his hand. ‘Can I come and see you later?’ he asked.
‘You can come. I’m not certain I’ll let you in.’
And with that, I strode off, head high and so supremely pissed off that my entire body was trembling. I was a one-woman earthquake, and I pitied anyone who crossed my path.
* * *
Once I filled her in, it took Claude less than fifteen minutes to get the meeting scheduled. I didn’t care that it was after hours – Project Un-fuck Us All couldn’t wait until tomorrow.
