“I don’t think so,” said Eugene as everyone else looked on.
Steph thought for a moment and then cried, “Ah, I think it may have been Blackadder II times, later than medieval, Edwardian? No, Elizabeth the first was on the throne so obviously Elizabethan times and now that I think about it I may have confused ‘A’ level history with Blackadder II completely,” she said embarrassed enough to mutter a ‘sorry’ as she accepted another glass of wine.
Craig and Zelda laughed loudly as she explained her error and then Zelda asked, “Are you really an accountant?”
Steph nodded. “I am.”
“And a very good one too,” said Jon proudly.
“I hope so because I spoke to SuLyn Wright earlier and she has high hopes of your meeting tomorrow,” revealed Lucy which worried Steph slightly as she pondered the other woman’s needs.
“Talking of the Wrights,” interrupted Cameron, “I spoke to Angus earlier about a mutual patient and he was telling me about this afternoon, are you okay?” he asked Steph sounding concerned.
“Yes, fine, thank you.” With her eyes set on the older Brooker man, she hoped to avoid the weight of Jon’s stare she could feel bearing down on her intently and prayed that her voice sounded calm and even.
“Well it must have been very frightening for you, dear. Angus thought he must have been a psych patient on a walkabout, butso long as you’re okay, although I believe he gave security the slip,” said Cameron as the crème brûlée arrived.
Steph hoped that the sound of everyone breaking through the crispy top of dessert was loud enough to drown out the sound of Jon’s voice whispering, “This is a conversation we should have had.”
She didn’t even attempt to look up at him for fear of meeting what she knew would be a black look that she would never be able to hold for more than a second. Steph began to chat with Craig and then Zelda about her work and art likes and dislikes.
Once back inthe lounge Steph sat on a plush, green chair and when she was joined by Cameron she smiled at him warmly as he sat in the leather armchair next to her.
“I think I owe you an apology.”.
“Not that I am aware of.” She smiled.
“My son has inherited several things from me including his inability to hide his emotions, so as soon as I mentioned this afternoon’s incident I knew he was oblivious to it, so I do owe you an apology because you appear to be in trouble.”
Steph shrugged and smiled at the incredibly handsome older man of probably fifty-five and simply said, “Then apology accepted, but I think I’ll survive.”
Before either of them could say anymore Jon appeared at her side and said, “Alex, Eugene and the kids are leaving and we probably should be heading off too.”
“Is it late?” she asked, her eyes searching for a clock.
“It will be by the time we get back and we have work tomorrow,” he replied sounding like her dad rather than her boyfriend.
With a feeling of nervousness rising in her stomach, she rose to her feet.
Twenty-Two
Her front door had barely closed behind them when he raised the subject again, “Right then, Stephanie, you park your arse and I will grab us a drink and then you talk.”
“Maybe I could get changed while you get a drink sorted?” she asked and suggested all at the same time.
He nodded. “Tea or coffee?”
“I am guessing alcohol is out of the question,” she said only half joking.
“Completely, now tea or coffee?”
“Tea please,” she called as she slipped away to undress.
Steph had pulled out a duplicate white vest but omitted the knickers and settled for cropped track bottoms. She raked a brush through her hair and turned towards the mirror and was shocked at her reflection.
“Shit,” she muttered under her breath as she noticed the bruises around her shoulders, and taking a deep breath lifted the vest from her body to reveal her chest and abdomen. “Fuck!” cried Steph and jumped as Jon’s voice joined hers.
“What the fuck? Is this what you need to tell me?” he asked angrily.
