He takes his time walking to the door.
‘As you were.’
I can hear his low chuckle as he pushes the door shut behind him.
Ash stares at me, his face wracked with misery.
‘Get me out of here,’ I plead, my heart bolting, demanding escape.
Only once before have I felt this intimidated and frightened by another human being and I can’t leave that house fast enough. The quickest way to exit is via the narrow staircase and an understated side door, and as soon as I’m outside in the fresh air, I want to run.
That man holds too much power over me and I don’t doubt for a second that he’d wield it.
He evidently holds too much power over his son too.
Ash is mortified. ‘I’m so sorry.’ He sounds haunted as he hurries to keep up with me.
‘Just let me go,’ I warn. I need some space.
‘Ellie, please,’ he begs, pulling me to a stop by the walled garden.
I wrench my hand away and shake my head. ‘I didn’t like that.’
It’s the understatement of the century.
‘I know. I’m sorry.’
‘I didn’t like it at all, Ash.’
‘I know,’ he whispers, pained. ‘I hate him.’ His face contorts with rage, then regret. ‘He was supposed to be out tonight. I would never have subjected you to that.’
‘Did he ever do that to you and Beca?’ I ask with bewilderment. ‘Just walk in on you?’
He looks anguished as he shakes his head. ‘He left us alone.’
‘How did he even know I was in there?’
A shadow passes over his face. ‘Meredith, I imagine.’
‘Please let me go now,’ I plead, backing up a few steps. ‘I just want to go to bed.’
I don’t hear his footsteps the whole time I’m walking away.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Your job is safe, I swear, Ash texts me in the middle of the night.
I haven’t been able to sleep. He also seems to be suffering from insomnia.
How can you be sure?I reply.
My phone begins to ring. I pause a moment before answering.
‘How can you be sure?’ I repeat my question aloud, sounding ragged.
‘He has nothing to gain from firing you.’
‘He has nothing to gain from keeping me, either.’
