“Exactly. I don’t condone what he did to Mum. But it was between them, and he deserves to know about his own son. Maybe he can help.”
“Help with what?”
I shrug. “Finding out who did it.”
“The police arrested someone already.”
“But Dad would know for certain if Isaac was involved with bad people.”
“Lee, how would he know? He’s been inside for years.”
“I know I sound crazy, but he hung out with shady people when we were kids. Those connections don’t just disappear.”
My mobile lights up, and a thrill shoots through me when I see Warren’s name on the screen. Courtney spots it too and grins. “Lover boy is calling,” she says. “Does he know his name is saved under Cunt?”
I laugh, picking the phone up and standing. “Brb,” I tell her, heading out into reception. “Hey,” I say, pressing it to my ear.
“Hey. How are you feeling?”
I smile, even though he can’t see it. “Better now you’re calling.”
“Oh yeah?” His throaty laugh lights something deep in my stomach. “I might be a little longer than expected. Will you be okay?”
“Yeah, take as long as you need.”
“I thought we could go for dinner later. Somewhere quiet. Just the two of us.”
“Like a date?” I tease.
His laugh fills the line again, and my heart skips a beat. “Yes, Leoni. A date. See you soon.” And he disconnects.
I can’t help the huge smile as I do a little happy dance.
When I go back inside, Courtney is chatting to a group of business type people. She’s got a natural way of attracting men from all walks of life. It’s why she makes so much as a dancer, her tips are crazy.
She glances my way, smiling as I slide into my seat. “Sorry boys, my date is back,” she says, her tongue running over her lower lip seductively. “But if you’re around later, you’ll see me up on the stage,” she adds, winking. They head off to the bar in a cloud of testosterone and jeers.
“That’s tonight tips sorted,” I tell her, staring after them.
“What did lover boy want?”
“I much preferred it when you referred to him as my boss,” I mutter. “He’s not a boy.”
She laughs hard, knocking the rest of her drink back. “What did he think to you defying him?”
I scoff, knocking my own back. “I didn’t defy him. I simply met with my friend. Which I’m allowed to do because I’m single.”
She signals to the barman. “That’s more like it.”
I’ve lost count of drinks. But I know my eyes are fuzzy and my speech is slurred. The two guys who keep buying us drinks are charming, and Courtney has them wrapped around her finger as she shows them how she can tie a cherry stalk using just her tongue.
My phone buzzes, and I pull it out, peering closer at the screen. I have ten missed calls from Warren and a text. I open it up, my stomach tying itself in knots.
Warren: Where are you, Leoni? Call me back. NOW.
I frown. What is his problem?
I push up from my chair, and everyone turns to me. I give a smirk, waving my mobile in the air. “Just gotta make a call,” I explain, staggering to the door.
