‘I understand exactly what you’re doing,’ she said, turning to address the room as well as him. ‘You’re trying to shove everything under the carpet that doesn’t suit you. Anything that doesn’t fit your pretty picture gets ignored.’ She turned fully to the people gathered. ‘Take a good look and listen, because this is the man who wants to destroy the heart of our community.’
She pointed straight at him, fury in every line of her body.
Oliver clenched his jaw and refused to glance at the onlookers, though he could hear the murmurs starting.
‘This is ridiculous,’ he said. ‘I’m going. And unless you’re willing to seriously talk through options, our conversation is over.’
It was a risk, but a calculated one.
He ignored the calls from the front as he walked towards the back corridor. Brenda glared at him as he passed, arms folded, as if his very presence offended her. Out here, being the boss didn’t earn you respect; it made you the target.
Back in the library, he stood behind his desk and waited.
Lucy would come. She had to. Unless they found a way forward together, he’d proceed without her — and she knew that. He was calling her bluff. It was a question of who had more to lose. He hoped she believed she did.
But he knew the truth: it was him — he had more to lose. And he was gambling on Lucy not seeing that.
As the minutes ticked by, Oliver realised he’d got it wrong.
Chapter Ten
‘So, how was your meeting with Oliver?’ asked Jen as she cut and washed lettuces.
It seemed Jen really did like hanging out with her, thought Lucy. Either that or she enjoyed the grunt work.
‘Badly,’ said Lucy, briefly leaning her head against Jen’s shoulder. Jen gave her head a brisk pat with her wet hand.
Lucy straightened and wiped a drip off her shoulder, shooting Jen a dark look. Jen grinned. Lucy’s dark look faded. She loved how happy Jen was now.
‘I walked out,’ she added.
‘Again? Is that wise?’
‘No.’
Lucy picked at some food on the prep bench, nibbled it, then tossed it away. She’d thought the sick feeling in her stomach was hunger. Turned out to be worse than that. Emotions were so annoying.
‘Oh, Lucy!’ Jen looked worried. ‘Mind you, I’m not surprised Oliver is running rings around you —’
‘He’s not —’
‘Yes, he is. From what Sam says he’s had long practice at it. Apparently Oliver is used to getting his own way because he’s utterly ruthless.’
It confirmed Lucy’s thoughts. She sighed and sat down heavily.
‘He is running rings around me, isn’t he?’
Jen nodded. ‘I’m afraid so. Question is, what are we going to do about it? We can’t let him win.’
‘He isn’t about to win. He needs to consult the community, and that’s our biggest weapon. He needs me still. Not necessarily me, of course — just what I represent. Someone with influence.’
‘Ooh,’ said Jen. ‘That sounds fancy.’
‘Maybe. But it’s true.’
‘So, if he needs you, what’s he doing walking away from you?’
‘Because he’s testing me. He wants to know if I realise he needs me. With me walking away this second time, he knows I’ve got the upper hand. He’ll be in touch again. And soon. I know it. From what Dan’s said, the deadline this is all leading to is fast approaching.’
