Page 115 of Stanton Unconditional

I narrow my eyes at him.

Knock, knock. We both turn to the door and see two men in suits and a very attractive woman.

“Hello. We have just come to welcome you. I’m Paul and this is Alex and Tatiana.”

We both stand and shake hands with them and smile cordially. “Tatiana and Alex here will be in the office next to yours and will help you in any way they can.” Paul says, “Hopefully this reprogramming will run as smoothly as possible.”

Joshua frowns at the woman and she smiles broadly at him. “Oh my god,” Tatiana puts her hand on her chest. “It’s you,” she purrs.

He frowns again. “Have we met before?” he asks.

She laughs and nods. “Yes, we met at a wedding last year.

We were seated next to each other. Remember?”

He smiles and nods. “That’s right, I do. Yes, of course.”

My eyes flick between them as she blushes. Oh God, give me a break.

“We will be in the office next door if you need anything.” Alex smiles and they leave the room.

Joshua turns and smirks and raises his eyebrows. “Interesting morning, huh.” He smiles.

I sit back down in my seat. “You have no idea,” I sigh.

Natasha

I walk into the hospital and head straight upstairs to the palliative care unit. I have a bad feeling today. I just hope Gran is ok.

I run into Mum in the hallway. “Is everything okay?” I ask nervously.

She smiles warmly as she kisses me on the cheek. “Yes, she is doing really well. She has had us laughing all day.”

I put my hand on my chest. “Oh, thank goodness, I’ve been a bit nervy,” I sigh.

Mum smiles sympathetically as she walks past me down the hall. Bridget, Cameron and Will are sitting together on the seats. Bridget is seated opposite the boys and has her legs resting on Cameron’s legs who is oblivious and on his phone. She and Will are deep in conversation.

“Hi,” I smile as I put my bag on the seat next to them.

“Oh hi,” Bridget smiles. “Loving that Kate Middleton dress.” She raises her eyebrows at me. I smile. I love this dress too. It’s cream and fitted and hangs just below the knee. It’s very simple but beautifully cut and it hangs really nicely. I am in matching cream high-heel shoes. My hair is in a loose, low ponytail and I have my glasses on and minimal make up. I stand and stretch my back. I’ve been on my computer all day and it’s as tight as anything.

“You been at work?” Cameron asks, his eyes not rising from his phone.

“Ahuh,” I answer flatly. “You guys been in yet?” I ask as my eyes flick around, and I put my hands on my hips.

“Not yet,” Bridget answers. “She has a line up in front of us.”

She gestures to a group of oldies sitting in the other waiting room.

“Mmm, okay. I might go and get a coffee then,” I sigh. I pick up my bag and head back downstairs to the cafeteria.

I walk down to the cafeteria in a daydream as my security trails behind me. How is it I don’t even notice them with me anymore? Max has taken a week off to go away with his girls. I think Joshua has just pissed him off too much to be around, something he has denied of course. As I head down the hall to the cafeteria, I see two of Joshua’s bodyguards waiting outside, leaning up against the wall, and I get a rush of adrenaline. He’s here. I try to hold my idiocy to a minimum and not jump in the air. I enter the cafeteria as casually as I can, and my eyes scan the space. I see him. Joshua is sitting at the table closest to the door and his broad back is facing me. He is on the phone and has a notepad in front of him and is writing something down. I walk over behind him to say hello when my eyes glance at the notepad and I read the name Coby Allender written on it. He speaks down the phone unaware that I am here.

“I want a list of past offences and the evidence being

presented at the upcoming trial.”

He listens for a minute. “No, when is the trial?” He listens again. “I see.” He listens again. “Tell me, do the police think he is guilty?” My eyes widen, who is he talking too? I walk past him and straight to the counter.