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“Mr. Nichols, there is an urgent call for you.” Harriet comes in searching for Piers.

“This is Scarlett.” I connect the call.

“Hello, this is Miranda calling from Mr. Barrington’s office, and I was calling to let you know that your presence is requested immediately for an emergency meeting in regards to BlackHouse.”

That’s odd.

“Has Piers Nichols been notified?” I ask her, as a feeling of unease washes over me.

“Yes, I believe Mr. Barrington is in the process of contacting him now.”

“Okay, thank you.” I end the call.

Looking up, I see Willow and Drew have followed Piers out, so I head to his office to find out what the bloody hell is going on.

“Knock, knock.” I stand at the threshold, not wanting to barge in, respecting the boundaries. “I just got a call from Mr. Barrington’s office.”

“Same here, I wonder what could be going on?” Piers paces back and forth while Willow occupies Drew with her mobile. “Scarlett, I hate to ask… but do you think this has something to do with Cohen?”

“He hasn’t said anything, he’s not in town right now. But I know he hasn’t visited James in a couple of weeks.” I inform him my tone getting a little defensive, but a bad feeling settles over me.

“Okay, okay. Just asking.” His hands fly up in defense.

I stand in the doorway, unsure of how to respond.

“Should we all ride together then?” He offers and I momentarily pause.

“Uh, sure. If that’s okay.” I glance between him and Willow, feeling trapped in a parallel universe.

“I figure that Willow should accompany us, since this could have to do with her and Drew, with the will.” He goes on to explain as we walk to the lift.

“That’s absolutely fine. Whatever you think, you don’t have to explain your actions to me.” I remind him, before rushing to grab my bag from my office.

As the car speeds, away from the office, I take out my mobile to call Cohen and it goes straight to voicemail. The feeling of dread grows, spilling into my veins like an icy fear. After everything we’ve been through it seem like things are finally on the right track, I can’t help but feel like something bad is about to happen.

#####

Cohen

A note. That’s all I found when I showed up at my mum’s place this morning.

Cohen,

Too late. I’ll handle this myself. You had a chance, but you became blinded by her. Infatuated with Scarlett, the same way James was with Wendy. I’ve still got contacts of my own in London, I know what you’ve been up to. A mother always knows.

The bad men are going come, we need to go. Pack a bag and wait for me. I’ve went to settle things.

Love,

Mum

That can only mean one thing, she’s gone to London. I don’t know how long that she’s been gone. She sent a message begging me to come for a visit two days ago, I told her I was flying in yesterday, then there was a delay due to rain. But her sending for me and then leaving lets me know that she set me up, I just pray that I can get back to Scarlett. before for my mom finds her. Luckily she doesn’t know much about her like, where she lives, only where she works.

A return call to my mum’s doctor lets me know, that she hasn’t been taking her meds properly and that she didn’t show up for her bi-weekly session. Which was the agreement for signing herself out of the facility. A place that she could have gotten more specialized care. She insisted she was fine, that she just needed a clear head and me to come home. Lies, all lies. She’s not fine.

What else has she been lying about?

I’ve called in a favor and chartered a plane, to get me back to London as soon as possible.

To protect Scarlett… from my mum.