The Bonus Read online

  “I'll bet he is. He's probably walking around right now with a raging hard-on.”

  “There's no talking to you.”

  “Okay. I'm sorry. You're just work colleagues. No naughty-naughty here. I get it.”

  “That's right.” Lacey sighed. “I suppose I'll have to start looking for a new flat mate.”

  “Why? Are you kicking me out?”

  “You said you were moving in with Steve.”

  “Nah. That was only because I thought we were getting the boot. I'm staying here with you.”

  “What about Steve? Didn't you tell him you'd be moving in?”

  “Yeah, but I can soon un-tell him.”

  “You treat that poor guy like shit.”

  “Treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen. Besides, it's easier for me to see Daggers while I'm here.”

  Chapter 10

  When Lacey arrived at the penthouse the following morning, she found a note waiting for her on the boardroom table.

  Have to visit Dublin. Please call all of the names on the file named 'board' and tell them to be ready for a conference call at six pm today. I should be back around five.

  She soon located the file on the laptop computer which had been next to his note. The names appeared to be the main board members of Raw Trading. Lacey called the first number on the list—a female voice answered.

  “Hi. Can I speak to Jim Sanders please,” Lacey said.

  “Who's calling?” the female voice snapped.

  “This is Lacey Simpson.”

  “Who?”

  Lacey already didn't like this snotty cow,

  “Lacey Simpson. I'm Mr Westgrove's PA.” It sounded so strange when she said it. Lacey felt like she was there under false pretences.

  “Oh?” The voice on the other end was suddenly softer. “What did you say your name was again?”

  “Lacey Simpson.”

  “Right. I didn't realise Raw had a new PA. I'm Annie—Jim's secretary. I'm afraid he's out of the office at the moment. Can I help or take a message?”

  Lacey told her about the conference call; Annie said she'd make sure Jim was available.

  It was weird that everyone knew him as Raw. She'd expected the staff to address him as Mr Westgrove, but there was none of that. It took her most of the morning to work her way through the list. She only managed to speak to two of the board members in person. For the others, she was forced to make the arrangements with their secretaries. It was amazing to witness the difference in attitude they all displayed as soon as they knew she worked for Raw. Just like the guard on the car park barrier, everyone became deferential at his name.

  Lacey almost jumped out of her seat when her Iphone rang.

  “Have you managed to arrange the conference call?” Raw said.

  “Yes.”

  “Can everyone make it?”

  “As far as I know. I only managed to speak to two board members myself, but the others' secretaries said they'd sort it.”

  “Okay. See you later.”

  “Bye.”

  She'd done it. She'd set up the conference call. It probably wasn't such a big deal, but it sure felt like one. She might actually be good at this. She'd never been afraid of hard work. At least in this job, she didn't have to deal with drunks—that was a definite plus.

  Now she was in the zone, Lacey decided to take another look through the folder which Lulu had left for her. She also did some online research into Raw Trading. She was determined to find out everything there was to know about the company. She was going to be the best PA he'd ever had.

  By lunchtime, her head was spinning. There was so much more to Raw Trading than just Chipmunk Pizza. In fact, from what she'd been able to glean so far, Chipmunk Pizza was a small, almost inconsequential division. Why then did Raw seem to take such an interest in it? She guessed it was because that was where it had all begun. His father had started the business with a single shop. That had expanded slowly to a chain of outlets. By the time Raw's father had died, there had been thirty shops throughout the country. It was only after Raw took over the business that it began to expand exponentially. Through a strategy of aggressive acquisitions, the chain had grown rapidly at home and abroad. Raw Trading had also diversified into other fast-food outlets. But its main business today, and the one which seemed to generate most of the turnover and profits, was property development and management. One interesting fact that Lacey had uncovered during her research was that Raw Trading owned the Commodore. No wonder the staff treated him so well. Lacey wasn't too hot when it came to finances, but from what she'd read she'd discovered Raw Trading was a privately owned business which meant only limited financial information was readily available. It also meant Raw owned most of the company, and crucially did not have to answer to shareholders.

  Her stomach growled. It was almost one-thirty, and the only thing she'd eaten so far had been an apple. She'd planned on getting lunch at Subway or Yo Sushi. Raw had said she could use room service or go to the Commodore's restaurant, but it seemed so extravagant. The bill would go on his tab, but even so. She looked out of the window. It was blowing a gale and the rain was bucketing down. She saw two people's brollies blow inside out. Sod that for a game of soldiers.

  “Hello, room service.”

  “Hi. This is Lacey Simpson in the penthouse.”

  “Yes, madam. What can I get for you?”

  “I'd like sandwiches and a glass of orange.”

  “Certainly madam. What kind of sandwich?”

  “I don't suppose I could get—?” Her voice trailed off. What on Earth was she thinking?

  “Sorry, madam. I didn't catch that.”

  “I don't imagine you could do peanut butter?” She cringed, as she spoke the words.

  “Peanut butter?”

  “It doesn't matter if you can't—”

  “It isn't a problem. Smooth or crunchy?”

  “Crunchy, please.”

  “Certainly madam.”

  “Please call me Lacey.”

  “Of course. And did you want fresh orange juice, madam?”

  “Yes please.”

  “We'll be with you shortly. Thank you, madam.”

  What would the room service staff think? Peanut butter? She should have asked for smoked salmon or lobster, but she'd never had lobster and didn't like smoked salmon. Peanut butter on-the-other-hand, she could eat all day long.

  Her phone rang again.

  “Lacey. I need you to phone Carol, my sister,” Raw said. “She's been trying to contact me, but I was in a meeting. I've tried to call her back, but she isn't picking up. It's probably nothing, but I'd feel better if you checked in with her. I'm going back into a meeting now, but I should be done by mid afternoon. Okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Right. See you later.”

  “Raw! Wait! I don't have her number.”

  “Sorry. Just a second.”

  Lacey tapped the number into her contacts list under 'Carol (Raw's sister)'. When she pressed 'Call' it went straight to voice-mail.

  The lift doors opened, and an elderly waiter stepped out. He was balancing a silver tray on one hand.

  “Your sandwiches, madam.” He walked over to the table, and placed the tray in front of her. “Peanut butter—crunchy.”

  “Thank you.” She could feel the colour rise in her cheeks.

  “Will there be anything else?”

  “No thanks. That's great. Thanks.”

  “Very well, madam.”

  She waited until he'd left, and then tried Carol's number again. Voice-mail still. This time, Lacey left a brief message asking Carol to call her back.

  Two minutes later, she did—just as Lacey had taken a huge bite of peanut butter sandwich.

  “Hello?” Carol said. “You left a message for me to call you.”

  Lacey struggled to speak through a mouthful of bread and peanut butter.

  “Are you there?” Carol's tone gave away her impatience.

  Lacey swallowed�
��almost choking as she did.

  “It's Lacey. Sorry about that I was—”

  “I've been trying to get hold of Raw. Do you know where he is?”

  “He's in Dublin, but he's in meetings all day. He did try to return your call, but couldn't reach you. Can I take a message or do anything?”

  “I don't think so.” Carol hesitated as though unsure. “It's probably not important.”

  “He should be out of his meeting mid afternoon and back here by five.”

  “Do you know if Raw has heard from Todd?”

  “Todd was here yesterday.”

  “Has Todd been in contact with Raw today?”

  “I don't know, but I wouldn't have thought so because Raw's been tied up all day. Do you want me to try to get hold of Raw to check with him?”

  “No. It doesn't matter. It's probably nothing.” Her voice drifted off as though she was thinking out loud. “He left a weird message on my voice mail, but it's probably nothing I guess.”

  There was a long silence.

  “Carol?”

  “Sorry. I was just thinking. It's okay. I'll contact Raw later this afternoon. Thanks for calling.”

  “No problem.”

  Lacey finished off the sandwiches, and wondered if she should interrupt Raw's meeting. To tell him what? Carol couldn't have thought it was all that urgent or she'd have insisted Lacey do just that. If Carol was happy to wait until Raw was free then it wasn't her place to intervene.

  Even though she'd only been in the job for a few days, it was already obvious her role would involve more than just Raw Trading. She'd already met his brother and sister, and it seemed to Lacey there were some issues bubbling under the surface—particularly when it came to Todd.

  At three-thirty, Raw called again.

  “Did you speak to Carol?”

  “Yeah. She wanted to know if you'd heard from Todd today.”

  “No. Did she say why?”

  “She said he'd left a weird message on her voice mail.”

  “What did it say?”

  “She didn't tell me.

  “I'll call her now.”

  “Raw!”

  “What?”

  “She sounded worried. I asked if I should interrupt your meeting, but she said no.”

  “That's okay. I'll see you later.”

  Carol wasn't the only one who sounded concerned about Todd.

  By five thirty, Lacey was beginning to worry. The conference call had been scheduled for six, and there was still no sign of Raw. She'd tried to call him three times since five o' clock, but he wasn't answering. She'd even tried Carol, but she wasn't answering either. Lacey grabbed the folder, and found the phone number for the company from which Raw Trading leased the jet.

  “Hi. This is Lacey Simpson. I'm Mr Westgrove's PA. He was due to arrive back from Dublin around five o' clock. Can you check if his plane arrived on time?”

  She waited while the man on the other end checked.

  “According to our records, the plane is still in Dublin.”

  “Was it delayed by the storms?” The wind and rain had not let up all day.

  “No. The weather wasn’t the problem. It appears Mr Westgrove requested the delay.”

  What the hell was going on? Why hadn't Raw contacted her? She assumed it must be something to do with Todd. Lacey tried to call him again, but she couldn't even get his voice mail.

  It was almost five-forty five. There wasn't time to call around everyone to cancel the conference call. She'd just have to wait until six and explain what had happened.

  “Jim Sanders here.”

  “Les Moore here.”

  She waited as a roll call of the people she'd contacted earlier announced their presence. She assumed these would be the same people who had been seated around that very table when she'd delivered the pizza. Thank god it wasn't a video conference. What would they think if they could see the pizza delivery girl hosting the call?

  Lacey took a deep breath. “Hello everyone. Thank you for making yourselves available. This is Lacey Simpson—Raw's PA. I'm afraid the conference call is going to have to be rescheduled.”

  There wasn't really any point in her hanging around. There was nothing more that she could do until she heard from Raw. She had her phone with her so he'd be able to contact her on the road or back at the flat.

  **********

  “Wow! Look at you all dressed up like a proper PA,” Suzy said when Lacey walked in.

  Lacey managed a less than convincing smile.

  “What's up, babes?” Suzy grabbed her friend's hand and led her to the sofa. “You look worse than when you've done a shift at Chipmunk. Don't you like the job? Is Raw working you too hard?”

  “I like the job. It's much more interesting than serving pizzas.”

  “So what's up? You look like you've lost a fiver and found a quid.”

  Lacey was unsure how much she should say, but decided that telling Suzy couldn't do any harm.

  “Could it have something to do with his brother? Ted?”

  “Todd. It must do. His sister sounded concerned. I don't know for sure—I'm only guessing. I wish Raw would call.”

  “Why don't you take a shower, get changed and I'll make us both a nice cup of tea.”

  Lacey smiled. Suzy could be just like her mum sometimes—or at least how her mum used to be.

  Lacey put her phone on the sink next to the shower so she'd hear it if it rang. It didn't.

  “There you go. Two sugars. And a couple of Hobnobs.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You're really worried aren't you?” Suzy said.

  “I just wish I knew what had happened.”

  “It's only a day or so since you wanted nothing to do with this guy. I thought this was meant to be just a job. Employer/employee. That's what you said.”

  “That's all it is.”

  “Are you sure? You seem awfully upset just because you haven't heard from your boss for a few hours. Is there something going on between the two of you?”

  “No. There's nothing going on, and there never will be. Not like you mean anyway. He's my boss. That's all. That doesn't mean I can't be concerned about him. You have to admit, it's all a bit strange.

  “Okay. I'm sorry. Drink your tea. You can dunk your Hobnobs if you like.”

  Lacey smiled. Suzy hated Lacey to dunk biscuits in her tea. Everyone knew it was the best way to eat them.

  Lacey almost dropped the tea cup when the phone vibrated in her pocket.

  “Here. Give it to me.” Suzy took the cup from her.

  “Raw? Where are you?” Lacey walked through to her bedroom to take the call.

  “Well?” Suzy said when her flatmate came back into the room. “Is everything okay?”

  “He didn't tell me much—only that he's on his way back, and he wants me to meet him at the penthouse at eleven.”

  “In the morning? That's good. You get to have a lie-in.”

  “Eleven o' clock tonight.”

  “Bloody hell. I hope you get paid overtime. Did he mention his brother?”

  “No. He didn't tell me much of anything. What do you think I should wear?”

  “Not those.” Suzy gestured to the pyjamas which Lacey had thrown on.

  “Do you think he'll expect me to wear a suit?”

  “Nah. Not at eleven o' clock at night.”

  “Yeah—that's what I thought.”

  Chapter 11

  It was a different guard on duty at the Commodore car park. He was much pleasanter than the daytime guy, and greeted Lacey with a huge smile and a booming 'Good evening'. On her way to the lift, she spotted Raw's Jag, so she wasn't surprised to find him waiting for her in the penthouse. He'd changed into jeans and polo shirt, so she didn't feel bad about her own choice of wardrobe.

  “Lacey, thanks for coming in.” Raw was seated in a leather armchair next to the bar. “Help yourself to a drink.” He had a glass of what appeared to be whisky in his hand.

  “I'm o
kay thanks.” She was conscious that she had to drive home.

  “Quite a day,” he said. “Come and sit down.”

  She sat in the armchair facing his. He looked tired. “I'm sorry about all of this.”

  “It's okay.”

  “It's not okay. You shouldn't have to deal with this fallout on your first week in the job.”

  Had she messed up already? Hadn't she handled the cancelled conference call properly? Had there been complaints? The self-doubt began to set in.

  “Have I done something wrong?” she asked.

  “You? No. Of course not. It sounds as though you did a good job.”

  “Is your brother all right?”

  He gazed at her without speaking for what felt like forever.

  “Sorry. It's none of my business,” she said.

  “It's okay. You were in the middle of this. You have every right to ask.” He hesitated, and then said, “Todd's in prison.”

  “What did he do?”

  “I can't discuss it. Not yet anyway.”

  “Sure. I understand. Is it serious?”

  “It might be. I've got my legal people on it, but nothing happens very quickly over there. Carol has flown to Barcelona. She's going to keep me updated.”

  “What about you? Are you okay? You look exhausted.”

  “Me? I'm always okay.” His smile was unconvincing. “It's my job to be okay.”

  He finished his drink, stood up, and poured himself another. Lacey wanted to ask if that was a good idea, but thought better of it.

  “I should never have offered you the job.”

  His words came as a body-blow. Where was he going with this? Before she could react, he continued, “You must have realised I don't normally recruit key staff members in that way.”

  “So why did you?” Her voice betrayed the mix of emotions she was experiencing.

  “I'd been doing battle with my HR people. They kept sending me candidates who they insisted were ideal for the job.” He took a drink. “And they were—on paper, but they just didn't fit. I need someone I can work closely with. Someone I have a rapport with. Anyway, it was one of the issues we'd been discussing the day when you made the pizza delivery. I'd lost all confidence and patience with HR, so I told them I'd find my own PA. Then I saw you.”