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Relief washes over me. “Thank you.”

“But he doesn’t think you’re a problem, you know that, right? He thinks he’s the problem. Always has.” He lifts the case from the bed and carries it through the door. I follow closely. The hallway is completely empty now. The final guests have gone, and there are faint sounds of car doors closing and engines starting as the last of the wait staff leave.

Even the lights on the huge Christmas tree have been turned off. The celebrations over before they even really began.

For a moment I hesitate. I look over my shoulder, past the tree, toward the office where Theo and his father are. Why does this hurt so much?

It’s a thousand times worse than when I found out about Patrick cheating on me. And yet I’ve known Theo for such a short time.

“Ready?” Caleb murmurs.

I nod.

Caleb pushes open the heavy front door and a rush of cold air sweeps into the hall.

And I step out into the night without looking back.

The country road that snakes its way from Ravensmere toward London feels spooky at this time of night. Shrubs shadow each side, silhouetted against the inky sky. We left the driveway about twenty minutes ago, but it already feels like a lifetime.

Apparently, Theo and his father were deep in conversation with their PR in London when Caleb went to tell him we were leaving, so he left a message with Barbara, who promised to pass it on.

I feel bad about not saying goodbye to her after she was so kind to me. I make a mental note to send her a thank you card when I get a chance.

“Are you cold?” Caleb asks. Before I can answer he leans forward and tweaks the heating, then sits back, his hands easy on the wheel, his eyes trained on the road ahead.

I take the opportunity to get my phone out of my overstuffed purse. I need to find a flight out of Heathrow as soon as possible. I already messaged Jennifer, giving her a few details but letting her know I’d be home sooner than later.

“Damn,” I mutter, after discovering every flight for the next two days turns out to be fully booked.

“What’s up?” he asks me.

“I’m trying to find an earlier flight to New York. Apparently everybody’s heading there for Christmas. There’s nothing available right now.”

He drums his fingers on the wheel. “When are you planning to leave?”

“As soon as possible.” I’m not sure I can breathe here. I need to be home.

Without replying, Caleb taps the phone icon on the console of his car, and hits the third contact listed.

For a second I assume he’s calling Theo. Finally moving to his friend’s side, and telling him everything.

I hold my breath as the line rings twice. But then a woman answers.

“Oh god, what now?” she says, like she’s already steadying herself for the worst.

“Lara, it’s Caleb.”

“I guessed that from the fact your name came up on my phone screen.” There’s a pause, then a creak of something metallic, like she’s rolling over in bed. “Oh, and the fact that nobody else would call at this hour.”

She sounds annoyed. And sleepy. Caleb bites down a smile like he’s enjoying her discomfort.

“I need a seat on a flight to New York tomorrow,” he tells her. “For Georgia Ingram. I’ll send through her details.”

There’s another pause. I wonder if she’s imagining his slow demise.

“A commercial flight?” she asks. I swear there’s a sigh in her voice.

“No, there’s none available. One of ours. Call up the pilots, tell them there’s a nice bonus in it. One of them will jump at the chance.”