Was this a test?“His brain injury was mostly on the left side because that controls movement on the right. He’d have some paralysis on the right side, muscle weakness and impaired coordination. The left side would be less severely affected.”
Max nodded. “Physically, he’s improved a lot. He broke both arms, both legs, some ribs and suffered internal injuries. He’s managed to dispense with the crutches but still limps and has a weak right arm. Unfortunately, in addition to the physical issues, he has significant problems with speaking, listening, reading and writing.”
Newt winced. “Global aphasia?”
“Yes. He’s having to learn everything from scratch, and he behaves like a petulant child. He needs regular physiotherapy and speech therapy. But he’s not very patient. In fact, he’s a fucking nightmare. He’s sacked almost everyone who’s tried to help him, or they’ve given up. He dispensed with the first physio but I’m paying for the current one, so he’s stuck with him. My parents are currently living in his house but they’ve reached the limit of their ability to cope. Another reason that I’m desperate. I’ve promised them a holiday. I was going to take over for a while but now you can step in. I have other clients who need me.”
“How famous is he?”
“What do you think?”
“Very? That’s the reason for the NDA. You don’t want the press to find out how bad he is.”
“Not just the press. He doesn’t wantanyoneto know how bad he is. Not that he can directly tell me that, but it wasn’t difficult to work out. I also know he’s frightened and ashamed. He lashes out, throws things, breaks things. At times, he’s like a toddler having a tantrum, ranting and raving using words no one understands. At other times, he sinks into a depression and refuses to get out of bed.”
“Who is he?”
Max looked around to check there was no one listening. There wasn’t, but he still lowered his voice. “River Lawson.”
Newt let out a choked laugh. “I’ve never heard of him.”
Max’s jaw dropped. “What the fuck? Have I failed as an agent? Everyone should have heard of him.” Then he narrowed his eyes. “Why haven’t you heard of him?”
Newt saw his mistake and backtracked. “I’m kidding.”
Max let out a sigh of relief.
“I had you though.” Newt pushed to his feet. “I just need the loo.”
By the time he came back, he’d looked up River Lawson. He was a good-looking guy. A few years older than Newt. He hadn’t seen any of his films. It was pointless trying to pretend he had. But he did recognise the name of the guy’s girlfriend, Dila Fox, an American singer. Newt liked her music. She was pretty. So was River. And blond. The sort of dirty blond Newt liked.
“Want another coffee?” Max asked when he got back.
“No, thanks.”
“So is my trust in you well-placed?”
“I won’t let you down.”
“And you can really start now?”
“Once I’ve collected my stuff from the place where I’m staying.”
“Do you have a car?”
“No.”
“I’ll drive you, then take you to River’s house. You’ll be able to use one of his two cars. I think you’ll work out which when you see them. Let me copy your driver’s licence and I’ll put you on the insurance. Any accidents in the last five years?”
“No.”
While Max’s car lingered on double yellow lines outside the hostel, Newt hurried inside. It didn’t take long to grab everything. He handed in his key at the desk and came out with a holdall. A couple of weeks ago, he’d debated whether he needed to buy one, now he was glad he had.
Max got out of the car and opened the boot. “Is that everything?”
“Yes.”
Newt ignored Max’s raised eyebrows and climbed in. He could have lied and said he had stuff in storage but the fewer lies the better. He fastened his seat belt and quietly sighed. It had been a long while since he’d been in the front seat of an ordinary car. Well, this BMW wasn’t ordinary. It was probably top of the range.
