Depths of Deceit

by Kellie Wallace

  “What do you mean?”

  “Ava’s asked me to run an errand.”

  “Now? You’re off duty.”

  “I know, and unfortunately I’m on a time frame.” His stomach grumbled at the rustic aroma of his meal and he regretted saying yes to Ava. “I’ll be back soon.”

  Daisy sat back in her chair and pushed her plate aside, her jaw squared with disappointment. “Your meal will be cold when you get back. Where exactly are you going?”

  “I have to pick up a cheque from a client.”

  Daisy’s eyebrows snapped together. “How did Ava know you were in the city? Did you tell her where we were having dinner tonight?”

  “It was bought up in friendly conversation, Daisy. She is my boss. Look, I don’t want to argue. I’ll be back soon.” As soon as Elias departed the restaurant into the crisp night, he was certain that Ava would be the woman who would come between them.

  Chapter 5

  Ava drew a calming breath and wished the jug of ice water in front of her was filled with merlot. Her resentment for early-morning meetings was deep rooted from years of working with the same misogynists on the board. She was the only woman at the table, making it hard for her voice to be heard over the testosterone.

  She crossed her legs and waited for the chatter to die down. Sitting at the head of the table, she had the perfect view of everyone in the room. Lined on either side of her were pompous, overweight, and overpaid executives of the Blue Tail Media company. The board meeting was called to discuss the Day Break interview which had become viral on social media. The air buzzed with a coupling of excitement and concern.

  Ava picked up her empty water glass, striking the bottom against the table like a gavel. The entire room stilled. “Gentlemen, can we please get back to the matter at hand?” she said calmly. Once the grumbling had settled down, she continued. “I learned today that I’ve gained notoriety on Facebook after my interview on Day Break. As I don’t follow social media trends, can anyone tell me why my face is all over the Internet?”

  “You’re trending,” Gary Trope interjected, an executive who sat on her left. “The interview was a success. As they say, any publicity is good publicity. The aftermath of the scandal left a dark cloud over the company and no matter what we tried—advertisements, billboards, or radio ads—nothing seemed to remove the stink. But your appearance on Day Break worked.” He flipped open a folder in front of him. “Our stocks have gone up, magazine sales have increased by ten percent, and followers on all of our social media platforms have doubled.”

  “I was ridiculed and humiliated,” Ava pointed out. “If I had known they were going to attack me on live television, I would’ve told the producers to go screw themselves.”

  “The Australian people love the underdog,” Gary said. “I’ll admit the interview’s direction was unexpected but the viewers responded well to your appearance. You have humility and poise under pressure.”

  “I own two Fortune 500 companies, including this one,” Ava replied forcefully. “All the media wants to hear about is the scandal. Blue Tail has been brandished with a legacy of ill repute, deceit, and a CEO who couldn’t keep it in his pants. I don’t know about you, but Bobbie Hayes has a lot to answer for.”

  Gary glanced at the others around him. “We don’t regret appointing you CEO, Ava. You’ve achieved more for this company than Hayes ever did. As a women’s interest magazine, we had a certain reputation to uphold. We were compelled to offer Hayes a clean resignation before shit hit the fan. I don’t regret doing it.”

  “But shit did hit the fan,” Ava said. “Aren’t you forgetting Lily Harold’s lawsuit? Can you update me on the progress with that? I promised the public on live television that we are in negotiations.”

  Gary cleared his throat. “Our legal team has it under control.”

  “So what’s the result?” Ava persisted. “Am I going to be out of pocket hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep our name out of the mud again?”

  “Ms. Harolds insists on going to court to pursue her class action.” Gary put his hands up defensively when Ava’s shoulders stiffened. “But our lawyers are working on a deal to clear the waters.”

  “Look, I understand where she’s coming from,” Ava said. “She’s hurting and angry. She trusted her employer, who in turn, violated her body, ending in pregnancy. I would be after blood too if I was in her position.” Ava flicked a stray lock of copper hair from her face. “What about the other girls?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Do you think I’m a stupid woman, Gary? I know about Hayes’s other victims. How much did you pay them to keep them quiet?”

  “There was only one: Lily Harolds.”

  Ava blew out a breath of hot air and picked up a remote, activating the projector screen behind her head. As she spoke, she flicked through photographs of young women in the park, sitting at bus stops, at the store, or driving to work. “Bobbie Hayes was a womaniser and preferred pretty and fertile prey. What you see on the screen are the women caught in his web. Six working-class girls, barely out their teens were hired by Hayes to work as his PA. They were desperate for a career and a well-paying job so they were willing to do anything”—she switched off the projector—“anything for a dollar.” She poured herself a glass of water, relishing the stillness of the room. She reminded herself to rebuild her board one day with women. “In fact, I’m surprised they haven’t come forward. So, please enlighten me on how much money we’re paying these women to stay quiet.”

  A soft murmur rippled down the table and Gary grew incredibly uncomfortable, fidgeting in his seat. “After Lily came forward to the media, we were confronted by a handful of other women in the same situation. Before you were appointed, the company was in limbo. There was too much to lose if we let those girls to come forward.”

  “So, you concealed the victims from the new CEO?”

  “It was for the company’s protection, Ava. When you took over Blue Tail Media, we became profitable again for the first time in years. The board decided that we couldn’t risk the identities of the women getting out, destroying our reputation.” He inhaled a breath. “We settled with each woman outside of court quietly.”

  “How many children are involved?”

  “I believe there are five.”

  Ava shook her head in disbelief. She understood the gamble when buying a company drowning in scandal and, in hindsight, she probably should’ve listened to her solicitor. But Blue Tail Media was her responsibility and she wasn’t ready for the publishing giant to crumble into dust. Not yet.

  “Has anyone been in contact with Lily recently?” she asked. “Surely this girl knows what’s involved in pursuing a case like this. All her deep dark secrets would be exposed. She must think of her child.”

  “What are you proposing?” Gary asked tentatively.

  “I say we move forward and keep producing high-quality magazines. That’s what we’re here for, aren’t we? Our readers expect the best and despite the slump in sales, Blue Tail is still number one in the market. I’m relying on you and your legal team to ensure Ms. Harolds’s settlement is clean. I’m presuming the settlement will include a clause so she cannot discuss the case outside her legal team?”

  Gary nodded. “Ms. Harolds is prohibited from making public statements about the case. If she speaks to anyone in the company, we have the right to sue and force the money to be returned.”

  Ava gathered her things and slid them into her bag. “I’m happy to hear you have everything under control, Gary.” She checked her mobile, flicking her gaze upwards for a fleeting second. “That’s why I hired you. Now, I have a company to run.”

  Fuelled by a surge of confidence, Gary referred to his own notes, stopping Ava from leaving her chair. “If you’re so confident with moving on, what can you tell me about Elias Dorne? Yo
u’re paying him an eye-watering wage. What has he done specifically to boost our brand? As you said, our sales are poor for this time of year and the Day Break interview was the only appearance I’ve seen. The board wants answers. Why are we paying big dollars for someone who hasn’t shown his worth?”

  “It’s what I’m paying him,” Ava corrected. “Elias came very highly recommended. Do you remember the Manny Magpie scandal a few months back?”

  Gary nodded. “The ice addict who went berserk on a kid’s show. Yeah, I saw it.”

  “Do you recall how quickly it got swept underneath the rug? It was page one news for maybe a week or two. The studio was back on the air before anyone noticed it was off.” Ava smiled proudly. “That was Elias. It was his job to rebuild Manny Magpie’s reputation. You see, Elias is very skilled in dealing with scandals and getting a company back on its feet. I’m confident he will do the same for us.” She cocked her head to the side. “Does that answer your question, Gary?”

  He looked unsure but conceded, “Yes, Ava.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Elias watched the sun gradually sink behind the skyscrapers, bathing the sky in a rich palette of orange and fuchsia pink. He rubbed his eyes with the ball of his palms, hoping when he opened them, the stash of paperwork in front of him would mysteriously disappear.

  “I need to approve the updated testimonials from our advertisers.” Ava sat opposite him, a glass of sherry at arm’s reach, her emerald dress crinkle-free despite the late hour. “Do you have them?”

  Elias chewed at his bottom lip, eyeing Ava’s tumbler of alcohol greedily, wishing he was on a train heading home to watch the football. “Yes, I do. They were quite forthcoming in giving them to me.” He handed her a document buried underneath his empty coffee cup. “I’ve gathered ten testimonials from our biggest advertisers. With your approval, the IT team will put them on the website tonight.”

  “I knew I could rely on my loyal advertisers,” Ava said, reading the endorsements with a timid smile. “We lost a lot of clients when the Hayes scandal hit the media and the list is slowly rebuilding. When I was appointed, I bought a portfolio of clients over with me from my last company. They’re the ones that kept us afloat when the scandal became public.” She reached for her drink with cherry-red nails. “Elias, I want you to keep monitoring as much as you can. Search social media, hashtags, YouTube videos, and news outlets for any mention of our name. While customers may accept our apology, negative feedback can still cripple a company. I’m hoping these testimonials you’ve gathered will be another building block.”

  While Ava got up to refill her glass at the liquor cabinet built into the bookshelf, Elias stole a glance at his mobile. He had multiple texts from Daisy asking when he was coming home. He’d forgotten she planned a night in with a DVD and Chinese takeaway. His poor attempt of being a good boyfriend was yet another breakable facet in their relationship.

  “Am I keeping you from something?” Ava asked, returning to the table.

  Elias tucked his phone into his pocket hurriedly. “Just my girlfriend. We had a date tonight.”

  “You can go if you want to,” Ava offered as she checked her slim gold watch. “It’s seven-thirty. I never intended to keep you back this long, but I think we made some progress.”

  Elias nodded in agreement and pushed his chair back. “I think so too. Do you recommend any good florists that are open at this hour? If I’m one more minute late, I’ll have to beg for mercy from Daisy.”

  Interest piqued in Ava’s emerald eyes. “How long have you been together?”

  “Not long, but Daisy and I have known each other since we were kids. We went to school and university together. It took almost fifteen years for me to realise how I felt about her.”

  “Trust me, Elias, you will want to get back into her good graces right away. Petals on Margaret is my favourite florist,” Ava answered, downing her sherry. “They sell exotic flowers you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Call them before you leave so Jodie can stay open for you. I think the receptionist has the business card.” She got up from her chair and left the room, leaving the door ajar.

  As he watched Ava’s silhouette disappear into the dark office, Elias pulled out his phone and shot a quick text to Daisy.

  Elias: I’ll be home in thirty. I’m sorry.

  Not expecting a reply, he pocketed his mobile and waited for Ava to return, anxiously biting at his fingernails. An insistent buzzing sounded from underneath a pile of paperwork, attracting his gaze. Elias pushed everything aside to reveal Ava’s ringing mobile. The name Liam Heathcote appeared on the screen. Recognising the name as one of the company’s top advertisers, Elias wondered if he should answer it. Ava would often push her phone in his direction if she was too busy to take a call.

  He leaned over in his chair, unable to see her at reception. “Ava, your phone is ringing.”

  “Answer it,” she called from the front of the office. “I’ll be there soon.”

  Hesitantly, he obeyed, answering the vibrating mobile. “Ava Wolfe’s phone.”

  “I’m after Ava.”

  “She’s unable to take your call right now. Can I take a message?”

  “Who’s this?” demanded a strong male voice on the other end.

  “I’m the Director of Communications,” Elias repeated. “Can I take a message?”

  “Where is she?”

  “Not here.” Elias grimaced at his indirect response but he was tired and wasn’t in the mood for rude callers. “She’s away from her desk at the moment. May I ask who’s calling so she can ring you back?”

  “I’ll phone her later tonight.”

  Ava entered the room as the man hung up and handed Elias a business card. “I gave the florist a call. Jodie will remain open until eight so you better get going.”

  “That’s very nice of you. I’ll head off now.” Elias handed Ava her mobile. “A man named Liam Heathcote called. He said he’ll ring you back tonight. Is he the same Liam of Heathcote PR?”

  Ava blew out a breath and tossed the phone onto the desk “Yes, Liam is also my ex-husband.”

  Chapter 6

  Ava manoeuvred her Mercedes into the driveway and groaned with grievance at the sight of Liam’s black Audi parked outside the garage. The chandeliers in the foyer were on, throwing fractured light onto the stone entryway. Disembodied music spewed from the open windows.

  Ava bit back a curse as she gathered her things and shut the car door with her hip, regretting the day she gave Liam a spare key. She entered the house and charged for the kitchen where she found him at the stovetop, cooking a meal.

  “What are you doing here?” she demanded, throwing her handbag and keys onto the marble bench. “We’re not married anymore, remember?”

  Tapping the wooden spoon against the pot, Liam turned an eye at her. “Yeah, I remember, but the sex is better now than when we were married.”

  Ava perched a hand on her hip. “Is that why you’re here? Looking for a booty call?”

  Liam wandered to the fridge and helped himself to a bottle of wine. “I don’t know what I want anymore, Ava.” He filled two wineglasses and slid one across the bench towards her. “I wanted to surprise you with a nice home-cooked meal.” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “I saw the empty takeaway containers in the bin. Don’t you shop for real food anymore?”

  “I don’t have time to cook,” Ava replied, tossing back the glass of alcohol. “I work fourteen-hour days. I have companies to run.” She sat down on a bar stool and watched him dish out steaming stir fry into bowls. “Why did you call this afternoon? I was busy.”

  A sneer pulled at Liam’s lips. “Funny you should bring that up. Who’s the new boy toy answering your phone? I thought you only hired girls.”

  “I hired girls because you got jealous when I employed ma
les. You thought I was screwing them in my office.”

  Liam’s green eyes narrowed. “You did.”

  Ava slammed her palm down on the bench. “It was one time, Liam. A tiny indiscretion.”

  “An indiscretion that ruined our marriage.” Liam spooned a forkful of noodles into his mouth. “So what’s your new assistant’s name?”

  “Elias, and he's more than my assistant.”

  “Is that all you’re going to tell me? Am I forbidden to know his background or even his bloody surname?” Liam tossed his fork into the plate, the silver echoing painfully against the crockery. “Are you fucking him?”

  “I haven’t touched him!” Ava shouted, pushing her chair back. She glared at her ex-husband and welcomed a rush of disgust. “How dare you make assumptions. I’m not that kind of woman anymore.” She abandoned her dinner on the bench and stormed up the stairs towards her bedroom.

  Liam hastily followed, shouting after her, “Don’t you walk away from me, Ava. We haven’t finished talking.” He confronted her as she headed for the ensuite, grabbing her arm and jerking her body against his. “What’s going on with you?”

  Ava matched his stare with determined ferocity. “There’s nothing going on between my employee and me.”

  “That’s not what I meant,” Liam said. “What’s going with you? You used to like my unannounced visits.” He ran his hand through his short-cropped hair. “We used to be so deeply in love.”

  “Love doesn’t exist,” she spat, slipping from his grip. “We are divorced, Liam. Our relationship is over. We spend way too much time together for people who’re no longer in love.”

  “We can still be friends, can’t we?”

  “The friends with benefits clause you rely on so much is over.” Ava wandered to the bathroom but didn’t go inside, her fingers wrapped around the knob. “Why did you call me today? It couldn’t be for ad placement. Your agency is booked up for the rest of the year.”