‘Where you’ve been?’ I asked hurriedly. ‘Why didn’t you answer your phone?’
‘Daniel ... Olivia. What are you... doing here?’ she stuttered, hurriedly pulling her jacket back on.
I knew why. That skimpy top looked like last night’s clubbing outfit to me.
‘We’ve been so worried about you! I was imagining all—’
‘What are you on about?’ she asked defensively. ‘I was at... at Caroline’s last night.’
Her eyes didn’t meet mine, which suited me fine — my own guilt was probably plastered across my face.
‘Do you want to tell her, Olivia?’ asked Daniel looking stern.
‘It’s Peter,’ I explained. ‘He’s stalking you.’
‘What do you mean?’ Emily pulled a face, rolling her eyes at Daniel as if humouring me.
‘Here on this tape I got from Miriam, you can see Peter watching you at the premiere.’
Her eyes narrowed. ‘Are you absolutely sure it is him?’
‘Definitely.’
Emily’s eyes darted to Daniel.
‘I know all about it,’ he said dryly. She coloured and glared at me.
‘I hope you explained that it was all down to you,’ she snapped, her voice softening as she turned to Daniel. ‘I only went on the speed-date to keep her company — biggest mistake I ever made.’
Not, if she was with the man I suspected she’d been with last night. A certain someone she’d met at the speed-date. Someone who had access to tickets to thePhantom of the Opera, liked Japanese food and completed theTimescrossword every day.
‘Emily, I’m not interested,’ said Daniel wearily. ‘There’s a much bigger issue. Peter. He looks like he’s been here. Taking things. Like your scarf.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous! You’ve been listening to little Miss Paranoia.’ She rounded on me. ‘You lost my red scarf. Do you think I believe that? Honestly.’ She rolled her eyes at Daniel, trying to enlist his support.
‘Emily,’ I said as calmly as I could, my back teeth grating. ‘I’d show you. It’s quite clear on the video tape.’
‘Convenient, who uses video recorders these days?’
* * *
Daniel shook his head. ‘Emily, I promise you I’ve seen it. This guy was definitely at the premiere, watching you and wearing your red scarf.’
‘My God. That’s so creepy. How did he know I’d be there?’ Emily hugged herself and sank onto the sofa.
‘Dunno. But can you remember when the scarf went missing?’
‘It was . . .’ She went silent. ‘No, it couldn’t . . .’
‘What?’
‘You remember I lost my keys.’
‘Of course I do. I rang you in a panic when I thought there was someone downstairs.’
Daniel’s head shot up. ‘You never said anything about that before.’
‘Sorry, I didn’t . . .’
