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  “He seems to have hit it off with Suzy—my flat mate. They were up all night talking. And drinking.”

  “Hopefully the press will have forgotten all about this by tomorrow, and we can get him out of there.”

  “How did you manage to get the Spanish police to drop the charges?”

  “Do you want the official version or the truth?”

  “Both.”

  “Officially, the evidence on which their case hinged was contaminated and wouldn't have stood up in court.”

  “And unofficially?”

  “Money talks.”

  “You bribed someone?”

  “Bribery isn't the word I'd use.”

  “What word would you use?”

  “Engineered.”

  “Nice word. What does that mean exactly?”

  “Bribed.”

  Lacey chuckled. “What was Todd in there for anyway?”

  “He had a quantity of drugs on his person when he was arrested for disorderly conduct, or whatever the equivalent of that is in Spain.”

  “How small a quantity?”

  “Not small enough. Too much to pass off as being for personal use.”

  “Todd's a dealer?”

  “He's a class 'A' arse hole, but I can't see him peddling drugs. It's too much like hard work for one thing. And, for another, he doesn't need the money. His trust fund provides him with all the money he could ever need.”

  “Why was he in Spain?”

  “That's what I really don't understand. There must be more to this. Even if he was going to sell drugs, and there's no reason he should, but if he was, why go to Spain to do it? He doesn't even speak the language.”

  “Didn't Todd tell you why he was there?”

  “He said there was nothing to tell. He said he was just drunk and high, and that I should butt out. Whatever he's up to—he isn't going to tell me.”

  “What will he do now? Does he have somewhere to go?”

  “He owns at least two properties to my knowledge, but I'm not sure he spends much time at either. Todd will do whatever Todd wants to do. He always has and he always will.”

  “What about you? Are you sure you're okay?” Lacey asked.

  “Me? Yeah. I'm used to his bullshit.” Raw checked his watch. “I have to go. I have meetings scheduled for most of the day.”

  “Do you need me to come with you?”

  “Not today. There's no point. I'd like you to reschedule the conference call for Wednesday if you can, but make it mid-afternoon. You might get a bit of flack because of the last one.”

  “I can handle it.”

  “I know. Catch you later.” He started towards the lift. “Oh, and one other thing—can you call Lester Mason at head office? Tell him I'll need the quarterly figures this afternoon.”

  “Lester Mason?”

  “Yeah. He'll curse you black and blue, but don't take any notice. He's a sweet old goat really. He's our oldest employee—he worked with my dad.”

  “Will do.”

  Lacey worked her way through the same list she'd used previously to reschedule the conference call. By mid morning, she was three quarters of the way through. When she tried to contact Lester Mason, he wasn't at his desk, so she left a message for him to call her.

  She checked the next name on the list, and was about to make the call when the land-line rang. She was expecting Lester Mason, but it was a female voice. “Lacey Simpson?”

  “Speaking.”

  “This is Alice Jones. I'm Karen Montgomery's PA.”

  Lacey checked her conference call list—Karen Montgomery's name wasn't on it.

  “How can I help?”

  “Karen would like you to call in to head office—this morning if possible.”

  “I'm kind of busy right now. I have to arrange a conference call for Mr Westgrove.” She still couldn't bring herself to call him Raw when talking to people she didn't know.

  “How about this afternoon? It's rather urgent.”

  “I should be able to make it then. Can you tell me what it's about?”

  “Your contract of employment. We need to sort out a few details.”

  “Couldn't we do it over the phone or by email?”

  “We need your signature on a few documents.”

  “Okay then. How about two o' clock.”

  “That'll be fine,” Lacey said.

  “Just a minute. Karen Montgomery? What's her position with the company?”

  “Karen is head of HR.”

  “Okay. Thanks. I'll be there at two.”

  Lacey thought it strange that the head of HR would involve herself with something so trivial. Surely one of her minions could have dealt with the forms and got a couple of signatures. But then, Raw had said he'd had something of a run in with his HR people. Maybe that had something to do with it. At least it gave her an excuse to get out of the penthouse for an hour or so. She'd combine it with a late lunch.

  **********

  “Come on Suzy. Pick up.” Lacey shook her phone, as though that might somehow make her flatmate answer.

  She'd treated herself to sushi. It was an indulgence which she hadn't been able to afford for ages. When was the last time? Probably on her birthday while at university. Her mum had slipped some cash inside a birthday card.

  She tried Suzy's number again. Still no joy. It was very likely her flatmate was still asleep. She and Todd had got pretty hammered.

  Head office was within walking distance of the sushi bar—Lacey arrived at HR with five minutes to spare.

  “Lacey Simpson to see Karen Montgomery.”

  “Oh hi. I'm Alice—we spoke earlier. Just a second.” Alice picked up the phone. “I have Lacey Simpson here. Right. Okay.” She smiled at Lacey and said, “You can go through.”

  “Thanks.”

  For some reason, Lacey had pictured Karen Montgomery to be in her late forties or fifties. There was no good reason she should have jumped to that conclusion, and as it turned out, she couldn't have been more wrong. Karen Montgomery was in her late twenties—thirty at a push. She was tall—a good six inches taller than Lacey. She was pretty with a figure to die for. In short, she was everything Lacey wished she saw when she looked in the mirror.

  “Do come in.” Karen's voice was pure private school. “Thank you so much for coming over at such short notice.”

  “No problem.”

  “Take a seat.”

  “Thanks.”

  The office was all chrome, glass and leather. The full length window afforded a spectacular view over the city.

  “I assume Alice told you why I wanted to see you today?”

  “Something to do with my contract of employment.”

  “Hmmm. Yes. It's all a little tricky.”

  “Tricky?”

  “You're probably aware Mr Westgrove didn't go through the normal channels when he hired you.”

  There was something in her tone and manner that was beginning to annoy Lacey, but she guessed the woman was pissed off at being bypassed by Raw. Lacey waited for her to continue.

  “Anyway. We still have to conform to Employment Law. We wouldn't want any mishaps” She gave a little chuckle when she said the word. It was a strange almost scary noise. “It's in both parties' interest to ensure everything is documented and above board.”

  “Of course.”

  “I'd like to ask you a few questions, if I may? Just for our records.”

  “Sure. Fire away.”

  “Hmmm.”

  What was it with the hmmming all over the place?

  First of all if I could check your full name. Lacey Simpson? Is that correct?

  “Yes.”

  “Is Lacey short for something?”

  “No, it's my given name.”

  “And your address. Is this correct?” She slid a sheet of paper over to Lacey.

  “Yes. That's right.”

  “Weighley?”

  “Yes.”

  “An interesting area. I've only driven throu
gh it once. In need of some development I thought. And you share a flat?”

  “Yes.” Lacey wondered how she could know that, and why the hell it was any of her business.

  “Education.” Montgomery smiled. “I believe you have a degree in psychology?” She said the word with disdain.

  It was one thing for Lacey to diss her own degree, but something else entirely for this pompous arse to do it.

  “First?” Montgomery said.

  “Pardon?”

  “I assume you must have got a first in a subject like psychology?”

  “I got a two-one.” Lacey wasn't about to mention that, if she'd got three marks less, she'd have ended up with a two-two.”

  “Really? Hmmm. Employment experience?”

  Lacey's heart sank. She knew exactly what was coming.

  “I think I must have been given some incorrect information. It says here that your previous job was at Chipmunk Pizza. I assume that's wrong?”

  “No, that's correct.”

  “Oh?” Montgomery tried to look surprised, but it was obvious she already knew.

  “You were a sales assistant?”

  “No, I was counter crew. We didn't have sales assistants.”

  “Counter crew?”

  “That's what they called us at Chipmunk. There were kitchen crew, delivery crew and counter crew. I was counter crew.”

  “Oh?” Montgomery scribbled something on the form.

  “I assume this was a temporary position while you were between jobs? Where have you worked as a PA before?”

  Lacey was wise to her game now. This wasn't about information gathering—it was about humiliating her. Good luck with that.

  “I haven't had any experience. I've only ever worked at Chipmunk Pizza. Mr Westgrove—Raw offered me the job after I delivered a load of pizzas to his penthouse.”

  “Hmmm.” Montgomery had her head down and was frantically scribbling again. Lacey no longer cared about the interview, and her mind began to drift.

  Behind Montgomery, was a bookcase. The bottom three shelves were full of books which looked as though they'd never been touched let alone read. On the top two shelves were numerous framed photographs: Montgomery with friends on the ski slopes, Montgomery with friends on a river boat, Montgomery with friends at the races, Montgomery with—. Lacey sat forward in her seat, and did a double-take. Montgomery glanced up, and followed Lacey's gaze.

  “Raw and I were in a relationship,” Montgomery said. “I assume he mentioned that to you?”

  Lacey didn't reply. She was too busy staring at the photo of the couple. Raw had his arm around Karen Montgomery. His head was dipped slightly as they kissed. It wasn't a passionate kiss—no tongues thank God—just a peck on the lips.

  “It didn't work out,” Montgomery said. “But we're still close friends. Raw understood why I had to end it.”

  Lacey looked straight at her now. What had she just said? That she'd been the one who ended it? Was this what it was all about? Was she some kind of pawn in their stupid game?

  The rest of the interview was a blur. Lacey answered the questions as best she could, and signed the paperwork when asked.

  “Nice to meet you,” Montgomery called after her as Lacey walked out of the office.

  'Up yours, bitch' Lacey thought, but didn't say.

  The temperature had dropped by a couple of degrees, and there was a light drizzle. She could have taken a taxi, but Lacey needed to clear her head—needed time to think. Raw had told her about his frustration with HR, but he hadn't mentioned his relationship with the head of that department. Montgomery had said she'd dumped him—was that the real issue here? Was recruiting a bit of rough his twisted way to get back at his ex? It made sense. It certainly made more sense than anything else she could come up with. Why else would he have asked a pizza delivery girl to become his PA? He could have his choice of highly qualified candidates. All that bullshit he'd given her about HR not finding anyone suitable was a lie. This whole thing was one big lie. A sick joke. And the joke was on her.

  She tried Suzy's number again.

  “Suzy?”

  “Hi ya.”

  “I tried to call you earlier. Have you been in bed all morning?”

  “Course I haven't. Me and Todd decided to go out.”

  “Where?”

  “He says I can't tell you.”

  “Don't be daft. Where are you?”

  “Sorry babes. Gotta go. Catch you later.”

  “Suzy?”

  Not long after Lacey arrived back at the penthouse, Lester Mason called. He wasn't the least bit crotchety. In fact, he was an absolute darling—a bit of a flirt if anything. He said he'd email the quarterly figures over in an hour.

  The lift doors opened.

  “Hi.” Raw greeted her with a huge smile.

  “Hello.” She didn't return the smile. Instead, she looked down at the paperwork in front of her.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Any problems with the conference call?”

  “No.”

  “Can Lester get the figures to us today?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Any chance I can get a non-monosyllabic answer to a question?”

  She looked up—her arms folded—her face like thunder.

  “What's the matter?” he asked.

  “Nothing. Why would there be?”

  He put his suit jacket on the back of a chair, and walked over to Lacey. “Something obviously is.”

  “I had a call from head office. HR asked me to go over there to fill in a few forms.”

  “And?”

  “I met Karen Montgomery. She was the one who took me through the forms.”

  “Why would the head of HR get involved?”

  “Why do you think?”

  “I have no idea. I don't pay her to fill in routine paperwork.”

  “Come on Raw. I'm not stupid. I know what this is about.”

  “I'm glad someone does. Do you want to let me in on it?”

  “She made me feel about six inches tall. She had a great time—mocking my qualifications and work experience—or lack of it. But you knew that already didn't you? That's why you took me on—to get back at her.”

  He shook his head. “You're right. I was an idiot to give you the job.”

  His words took the wind out of her sails. She hadn't expected him to admit it so easily.

  “If you believe I'd do that, then maybe I have misjudged you.” There was anger in his voice. “I thought you were smarter than that.”

  “She dumped you, and this is your way of rubbing her face in it.”

  “Dumped me?” He began to laugh.

  “I'm glad you find this funny. This is my life not some stupid game.”

  “Dumped me?”

  “Is there an echo in here? Look—I get it. She dumped you, so you thought you'd undermine her by taking on some no-mark as your PA.”

  He stopped laughing. “First of all you aren't some no-mark. Taking you on was a gamble, but so far it's turned out to be the best bet I've ever made. Secondly, she didn't dump me because we were never an item.”

  “You'd better tell her that. She seems to think you're on a break.”

  “I'd like to break her neck. And yours for believing this horse shit.”

  “She has a photograph of the two of you on her bookcase. You have your arm around her. You're kissing her! I suppose you're going to tell me that she forged that?”

  “Haven't you ever kissed someone you weren't in a relationship with?”

  Lacey shrugged.

  “Karen is Carol's friend—her best friend. They were at school together. I've known her since we were all kids. She's always had a crush on me, but I was never interested. I'm still not interested.”

  “What about the photo?”

  “What about it? I have no idea what it is or when it was taken. Carol always invites Karen to parties and the likes. It was probably New Year's Eve or something. I w
as most likely drunk. I must have been to kiss her.”

  “Why did she say you were on a break?”

  “Because she's delusional. I've had enough of this. I should never have given her the job in the first place. Carol twisted my arm—I think she felt sorry for Karen. She's a bloody liability. This time, she's gone too far. I'm going to sack her sorry arse. Carol or no Carol.”

  “No! You can't!”

  “Watch me.” He began to walk to the lift.

  Lacey shot out of her chair, and rushed past him so she was blocking the lift doors.

  “Get out of my way.”

  “No. If you sack her, everyone will know it's because of me. I'm going to have a difficult enough time fitting in without being known as the bitch who got Karen Montgomery sacked.”

  “She has to go. Get out of my way.”

  “What about Carol? I don't want your sister to hate me too.”

  “Stand aside.”

  She put her hands on the back of his head, pulled him down to her level, and planted a kiss hard on his lips.

  “You kissed me.” He looked stunned.

  “That wasn't a kiss.”

  “It felt like a kiss.”

  “It was an apology.”

  “What for?”

  “Doubting you. I thought you'd been using me. That was unfair.”

  “It was. Very unfair. I think I need another apology.”

  “Don't push your luck.” She smiled. “Promise me you won't sack Karen.”

  He clenched his fists. “That woman is a complete waste of space.”

  “Promise or I resign.”

  “Okay, I promise”

  Chapter 14

  “Your handwriting is horrible,” Lacey said. She was working her way through a list of emails that Raw had asked her to send out, based on his hand-written notes.

  “I can read it,” Raw said. He was studying the quarterly figures which Lester Mason had sent over.

  “That doesn't help. Look at this.” She held up a small square of paper. “What's that supposed to say?”

  “Fiscal.”

  “How? There isn't an' F' anywhere in that word.

  “Yes there is. Look! There!”

  “That's an 'S'.”

  “If it was an 'S' it would say 'Sisal'. There's no such word.”