‘A lot. You don’t tell me everything that’s said in those meetings you’re constantly being called to. I know you’re under pressure, Stephen, but you don’t usually keep things from me – especially when it comes to the SCU.’
‘I’m not going to pretend this job is easy because it bloody isn’t and there are times when I walk into our office and I see you and … trust that I always try and make the right decision for the SCU,’ Pellacia said. ‘But speaking of hiding things. When were you going to tell me about your secret investigation into Rhimes?’
Pellacia’s question hit Henley like a punch to her stomach. ‘What are you—’
‘Don’t. Don’t do that, Anj. You’ve never lied to me. Don’t start now.’
Henley looked away and faced the wall. ‘How did you find out?’ she asked.
‘How do you think? Eloise. She’s worried about you. You’re ignoring her calls and texts.’
‘It’s not like that. I’ve been busy.’
‘Don’t give me that. You’re not known for leaving people hanging. You left Eloise unread and now she’s got it into her head that digging into Rhimes’s death has triggered your PTSD.’
‘When did she tell you?’
‘A couple of weeks ago.’
‘A couple of weeks?!’ Henley exclaimed. ‘So, what were you waiting for? For me to have a complete breakdown at your front door?’
‘Don’t be ridiculous. Of course I wasn’t,’ Pellacia said, visibly hurt. ‘What I was waiting for was for Eloise to tell me that she’d put an end to it and was getting on with her life. When she called me last night I thought it was over but it’s not. You haven’t stopped, have you?’
Henley said nothing but walked away and opened the back door that led to the old custody suite.
Pellacia stepped in front of Henley and pushed the door shut. ‘Who’s helping you?’ he demanded.
‘What are you doing? Get out of my way,’ Henley voice was raised as she pulled on the handle.
‘Stanford? Eastie?’
‘Stephen! Let me through.’
‘You haven’t asked Ezra, have you?’ Pellacia placed his hands on Henley’s shoulders and turned her towards him.
‘It’s not what you think.’ Henley was unable to form a lie.
‘That’sexactlywhat I think, and I want you to stop.’
‘Stephen. He’s not—’
‘It’s like telling a kid not to touch the cooker because it’s hot. It’s obvious you won’t listen to me, so I’m going to have to tell Ezra myself. That he’s to stay out of it. ’
‘He’s not involved. Not anymore,’ Henley said with resignation. ‘Don’t say anything to him. It’s done.’
‘Why are you putting yourself through this?’
‘I’m not doing anything to myself. Eloise asked me to help her, so I’m helping her.’
‘But why keep it to yourself? Why not let me, Stanford or even Eastie help you?’
‘We don’t all need to be involved and distracted with Rhimes when we have this vigilante case going on. I’m protecting the SCUand I’m protecting you. You act as if you haven’t suffered too, when I know you have.’
Pellacia stared at Henley as though he was searching for the truth.
‘Remember what you said,’ said Henley. ‘I’ve never lied to you.’
‘I feel as though you enjoy manipulating me,’ Pellacia answered sadly.
