Three months. Five million, and I can say toodaloo to Mr. Cooper, and so long to Lucy Cook…again.
My phone buzzes from the bathroom countertop which runs along the bathroom wall. The large grey tiles and decor makes it feel like I’m in a hotel. The water that I’ve filled to the top sploshes over the huge bathtub as I sit up and wipe my hand on the towel propped on the toilet before grabbing my phone.
The caller displays Andrews.
“You’re ruining my Zen,” I say, sinking back into the water and closing my eyes.
“And how’s the bubbly bath?”
“Itwasgreat.”
I hear him moving around, and a light chuckle fills the receiver.
“Look, I won’t be long. Tomorrow night is the initial meet. Owen has some fundraising dinner; he’s giving a speech at it or something. It’s the perfect opportunity for you two to meet again.”
“Wonderful.”
“Do I sense a tone?”
“From me? Never,” I retort on an eye roll.
“All I get from you is a bloody tone. Anyway, it’s black tie. You’re going to need to get some supplies. Have you read the file?”
“Not yet.”
“What have you been doing?”
“Research.”
“You scoped out Parliament, didn’t you?” I can hear the smirk in his voice. “You can’t control everything, Kara.”
“No, but I can be prepared. Which I currently do not feel.”
“And what did you find out?”
Ergh, of course he ignores my jab.
“Weaknesses.” I pull the phone away from my ear and put it on speaker, propping it back onto the side of the bath where a small ledge sits with some toiletries I found in one of the cupboards.
“Isn’t there always? If there wasn’t, it would make our job harder.”
“More exciting you mean.”
He laughs at my response.
“Does the file have all the information I need?” I grab the razor from the side and start to shave my legs, as it would seem they will now be on show tomorrow.
Sodding Owen.
“It’s all the information that has been given.”
“Which means there are gaps. There’s always sodding gaps. I’m serious, Andrews, I can’t protect him if I don’t know everything.” I lean forward and feel where I have shaved, making sure the skin is smooth.
“You know more than most; you can ask him yourself tomorrow. You love an interrogation.”
“Yeah, but without the tools, it’s boring.” I start on the other leg.
“What the hell are you doing?”
