Sitting there, I don’t know what to say. What the hell is she talking about? I knew Isabelle spoke to a couple of women from Daniel’s past, but that was it. What else has she been doing? And why hasn’t she told me?
“She mentioned speaking to a woman or two who worked with him, but not much more,” I say with a shrug, wondering where she’s going with this.
“Then I suggest you have a long chat with your Isabelle. She’s quite something. Jen too, to be honest. They’ve spoken to several women who had dealings with
Alexandra Ravensbrook
Daniel and obtained three recorded statements supporting a disciplinary action that would absolutely result in dismissal. They’ve got your back, James. You’ll be fine.” She gives me a knowing look. “It’s admirable, throwing yourself on the sword, but a little foolish, don’t you think? Maybe you should trust Isabelle more than this.”
With that, she checks her phone and stands, brushing her hands down her skirt. She places her hand on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze.
“Take it we’re done with this nonsense now, then?”
A silent nod is all I give as I look up at her.
“Thank God for that. Because, quite frankly, I didn’t want the hassle of recruiting for your post and all that ridiculous paperwork!” She turns on her heel and strides out of the café, the scent of her perfume lingering in her wake.
Chuckling to myself, I think about her remark. Rebecca isn’t one for big emotions or heartfelt speeches, and she’s never spoken about her late husband before. Maybe she really did care about the whole situation.
I grab a coffee to go and walk along the lake, my phone buzzing multiple times already. If it’s Isabelle, I’m going to be in big trouble. But it’s trouble I’ll happily pay the price for. I take a seat on one of the benches, snapping a selfie and sending it to Iz, guilt gnawing away at me
Yes, Miss
that I haven’t at least let her know I’ve gone out. But I’ll make it up to her tonight and make a nice meal for her. I want to grill her on what she’s been up to and find out more.
A short while later, after contemplating Rebecca’s words, I finish my coffee and start to walk home. As I turn up to the main street, a chill runs through me. Standing outside a shop is Laura with another man, clearly someone else she’s lined up, the poor bastard.
Seems she’s aiming for cougar status, seeing as he seems a fair bit younger than her. The moment that thought finishes, I feel so ashamed, so hypocritical. Is that what others think of me and Isabelle? Will people see us together and think I’m a dirty old man, only after a young piece of ass?
Hoping to go unnoticed, I step between two cars, ready to cross the street.
“There goes the kiddy fiddler!” she shouts at me, her voice carrying over the noise of traffic, and my heart stops. Is she trying to get me killed, for fuck’s sake? I whirl round, seeing her standing a few feet from me now. Shit, is there no getting away from this nasty bitch and her venom?
“Nice to see you again, Laura, false accusations and all. Looks like you’re enjoying a younger model too, it seems,” I bite back, trying desperately to keep calm as my jaw ticks with anger.
Alexandra Ravensbrook
The man next to her starts laughing, his brown curls untamed and messy as he lifts a tattooed arm to rest around Laura’s shoulders.
“Mate, it’s a good job she did. At least now she’s satisfied,” the dickhead next to her shoots out, laughing at his own comment and revealing a missing front tooth. I notice he has a cut over his eyebrow and a fading bruise over his knuckles.
Clearly one of life’s winners right there.
As much as I despise Laura, I hope to God she hasn’t gotten herself into a violent relationship, not that she’d ever say anything to me.
I roll my eyes at his comment and look back to Laura, who places a hand on his chest and looks up at her boy toy.
“That I am, sweetheart. You’re all man, aren’t you! You know how to handle a woman,” she croons in a sickly sweet tone.
“I’m so very pleased for you both,” I reply dryly, wishing to move the conversation on. “Laura, can we please not make those kinds of comments in public? You know they aren’t true, and it’s a pretty dangerous game you’re trying to throw me into.”
Yes, Miss
I know she doesn’t like me, but calling me a paedophile in public is a surefire way of getting me badly beaten if not killed.
I can't fathom what I ever did to her to make her hate me this much.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Jamie!” She feigns shock, using my nickname that I hate, knowing it’ll annoy me. “I just hope you’re happy with that little slut you’ve always had your eye on.” Her voice is low and spiteful, spittle flying out of her mouth as she snarls the words.
