One Moment At Sunrise

by Karen Aldous

  the parting of heaven.

  Say goodbye, as you go to hell.’

  In her sleep, Evie had fought him hard like a lioness and after many attempts, finally managed to lift her eyelids to escape. Her hair and face had been soaked with sweat, her heart thumping. She’d rolled from her bed, reaching down into the cot and nudging Charlotte until she moaned. Cally meanwhile was fast asleep on the top bunk. Evie had lain breathless back on the bed, desperate to rid herself of fright.

  They reached the top of the cliff and gazed around. ‘Wow,’ Cally wailed.

  ‘Stunning.’ Evie said, spinning, then she stepped back onto the path and pushed ahead.

  Cally skipped beside her. ‘I don’t know what to suggest but I can understand your fears. Seems his money is spent on protecting himself.’

  ‘Well he’s certainly not as hard-up as he makes out. The extravagance I witnessed in those weeks. Not just the island and the villa, I mean, you should see how luxurious it is. And the supplies he has stored would last Charlotte and me a lifetime. And then the fresh supplies he has dropped by helicopter weekly. He occupies another world, I swear. He then tells me he can’t increase my allowance to buy a few essential clothes for his daughter. Nor a phone, or a computer. It’s pretty ugly the more I think about it.’

  ‘It’s crazy. He’s crazy.’

  Evie clawed her hands, shaking them. ‘I know. He is such a liar. I bet his little spy got paid more than he paid Charlotte and me a month.’

  ‘So, have you no other way of contacting him or his management team?’

  ‘I don’t have any of their numbers.’

  ‘So what will you do about Ben?’

  ‘How can we know he’s not being followed or tagged? They must have some quite sophisticated tracking devices nowadays?’

  Cally raised a quizzical eyebrow. ‘Evie, try to be logical.’

  ‘I am, or I thought I was.’

  ‘Hmm. Do you remember Seb giving you anything…’ a necklace, bracelet, watch, anything odd? In your handbag, or on a keyring? You or Charlotte actually. That’s probably the only way he could have you tracked.’

  ‘No, my keys and handbag are still on the island so if he did, it’s actually something of a blessing we had an emergency getaway. At least he can’t track me.’

  ‘Exactly. Seb can’t know where we are.’

  ‘Unless he deposited a tag in my arm when he drugged me.’

  ‘A tag doesn’t have GPS. It only has a barcode to identify you.’

  ‘Oh. But he could have paid someone to track Ben.’

  ‘Your mind doesn’t stop,’ Cally chided. ‘I doubt he would worry where Ben goes. It’s you he is interested in. I think you’re worrying unduly.’

  ‘I really don’t know any more. I’m becoming as suspicious and paranoid as him, I reckon.’ Evie slipped her hand into her sister’s. ‘Thank God you cared enough to raise the alarm,’ she sniffed. ‘It’s… if Ben hadn’t got there at that moment…’ Her voice trailed.

  Immediately Cally flung her arms around her and pulled Evie into her shoulder. ‘I can’t imagine what you were going through. Come here.’

  After several minutes Evie stood back, wiping her eyes, and held up her head. ‘I’ll go to London. It’s the least I can do for Ben. I can’t let Seb spoil everyone’s existence. If you and Mum and Dad take care of Charlotte, I know she’s safe and unlikely to be harmed. Would you mind if I took your phone?’

  ‘No, not at all. I’m surprised at the sudden change.’ Cally smiled and gripped her sister’s fingers. ‘I mean; I admire this gritty determination in you. Go you. You can do it.’

  Evie turned as they continued with their ramble. ‘That’s exactly what Seb has done to me. He’s weakened me and I’m really trying to harden, I’ve got to reverse it.’ Evie stopped. She stood resolute, the weak magma of each muscle morphing to rock. ‘With you all giving me such love and support, my head is beginning to clear and, I can see now, I can do this.’

  Evie gazed around her. Maybe it was the walk which had pumped fresh blood and energy around her, but she definitely felt her volcano was bubbling. Now she had her family back, so much strength coiled inside and was gathering momentum. Her mind was able to filter the reality – that Seb had appeased and patronised her from day one. He never had any intention of forming a relationship with her or Charlotte. He could afford to simply compartmentalise his life. She imagined a whole enterprise of Seb Wilde Towers; investigation department, management and budget management, child management, property acquisitions, bank administration… present-buying department? She bounced her knuckles together, almost mocking herself at her imagination.

  ‘I really can do this.’

  ‘Do you want me to come with you?’

  Evie shook her head and grabbed her sister’s hand as they walked. ‘Thank you, but no. I need you to keep Charlotte safe. You know more than Mum and Dad. You’re not likely to get hoodwinked if somebody does turn up. And,’ Evie licked her lips, ‘it’s a big responsibility but, could you keep her away from nuts? I have a list. I’ll also show you how the adrenaline pen works too, in case you need to use it.’

  ‘No problem. Yay, good for you Evie Grant. I think you’re doing the right thing helping Ben. He needs that signature and he has done so much.’

  ‘It’s true. Where’s your phone? I’ll text Ben and ask for his address. Let’s walk back.’

  Evie threw an arm around her sister as she took her phone and briefly squeezed her. ‘God I wish Seb was here in front of me now. He might turn nasty but I’m ready. I’m not going to take any shit. I need to get this toxic bastard Seb Wilde out of my life,’ she said, trying to work the phone. ‘I don’t care what it takes, but I’ll think of something. I might even threaten him with his biggest fear, but, jeez, what have I got to lose. Oh bloody hell, your phone is complicated, where is the…?’

  ‘Here, I’ll get it up,’ Cally held out her hand.

  Evie spurted out a laugh. ‘You can tell I’m so out of touch with the world. Technology has moved on.’

  ‘Now just text the message,’ Cally said giving her back the phone. ‘And, don’t worry, you have lots of love and support to help you get rid of him.’

  Evie stepped off the busy London platform and traipsed down with the crowd to the ticket barrier. So many things had gone through her head on the journey. And Cally had been right. She had to keep her mind rational. Charlotte was beautiful and she was safe; wishing she had never met Seb was not an option. Living in France had given her a new perspective and maybe Cally was right. Things happen for a reason. At least she had got to meet Ben. Stumbling across the film set, even though she’d almost been killed, was the best thing that could have happened to her. Ben had opened the door to a latent talent, new discoveries and now hopefully, independence. He’d even unlocked her heart and saved her daughter’s life. Their connection felt so wonderfully fused. Although, her heart wasn’t and couldn’t be her priority right now. In fact, to be completely independent was best all round. To be a self-sufficient adult, not somebody’s puppet. She alone would bring up her child safely, make her own decisions and keep them away from scandals.

  Slipping her ticket into the flashing slot on the barrier, and hurtling through in a copycat manner with the other passengers, she suddenly halted on the other side, heaving her trolley-bag into her knees. She searched around her for signs. She needed the underground. She’d never been to Paddington Station and hadn’t a clue where to go now. Her eyes followed a mass of bodies, over which was emblazoned the familiar red and blue symbol. She released the handle of her case.

  ‘Aarghh, gotcha.’

  ‘Whaeet,’ she squealed, jumping forward as someone grabbed her waist. She let her case drop from her clasp and her handbag slid down her arm.

  Ben caught her just in time, wide eyes and a surprised grin painted his face. ‘Sorry, didn’t mean to spook you.’

  Evie grabbed the skin of her collarbone as he spun her round. ‘You scared the blo
ody life out of me,’ she shivered as he took her in his arms and she sank into them. Oh heaven help!

  ‘Yes, I did. It didn’t occur to me you’d jump like that. I didn’t grip you that hard, did I?’

  Letting out a deep breath while her heart thumped, she shook her head. ‘No, no.’ His arms slipped to her waist and within seconds his lips landed on her cheek and then his cheek met hers. He had her safe and in his strong arms and his familiar smell flowed welcomingly through her. ‘No. I’m a bit jittery, that’s all.’

  He rubbed his hand across her back. His touch was soothing and it settled her again. He leant back, searching her eyes. Evie instantly liquefied and tried to take a hold. He had the capacity to melt her so fast.

  ‘Let me carry this.’ He let her go and picked up her case.

  She toppled then staunchly recovered herself. ‘Thank you. Why didn’t you tell me you would be meeting me?’

  ‘I wanted to surprise you.’

  ‘Mission achieved,’ she said, gathering pace beside him.

  ‘I also thought, as you have taken the trouble to come all this way, it was the least I could do. I expect you’re hungry?’

  ‘Peckish.’

  ‘Your call. We shouldn’t risk going out, so I can cook or we could order a takeaway… Indian, Chinese, well anything?’

  ‘Indian takeaway sounds perfect. I haven’t had one in years.’

  ‘Excellent choice. We’ll get a cab to mine.’

  Evie pulled a face. ‘But that will cost a fortune.’

  ‘I’m only down the road in Notting Hill. Anyway, I’m so grateful you came. I was almost at the point of making my way down to Cornwall. I really need this form signed. It also means you get paid.’ Again, she tingled as his fingers brushed against her spine. ‘And the work you did was brilliant.’

  Evie allowed herself a little self-congratulatory smile before her attention gravitated back to her concerns. ‘Thanks but look, I’m worried. I shouldn’t be here. I know it sounds crazy but I’ve no idea if Seb is now tracking you. The last thing I want is to put either Charlotte or my family in any danger.’

  Ben’s jaw dropped. ‘What, no chance, how? And, anyway, he’ll be busy liaising with his lawyers and trying to dodge the police.’

  ‘Well, he’s obviously upset about something and wants me out of his way. I just don’t know what he would do. I was worried he might see us here. He also has a place in London and he’d freak if he saw us together.’ She turned to him, then forced a smile, ‘But I owe you.’

  Ben jolted his neck back in surprise. ‘You owe me nothing, do you hear. And he has nothing on us bar a few casual drinks or, more precisely, business meetings.’

  ‘Well clearly that’s not was he’d been informed.’

  They reached the taxi rank and heading for the first black cab. Ben opened the door and spoke to the driver as Evie slipped in. He followed.

  ‘Anyway,’ he said sliding next to her with her case between his legs, ‘any news on why he didn’t return?’

  ‘No, I don’t have my phone do I?’

  ‘So you’ve no contact at all?’

  ‘No. That’s the bit that’s so frustrating. I need so many answers. And, it occurred to me on the train, that maybe he has something to hide.’

  ‘Sure. Maybe he has. Why assume it’s you who’s guilty? It’s odd that he hasn’t left you a way of contacting him. You are absolutely right. He could be up to something himself.’

  She turned to face him. ‘It’s a thought!’

  Chapter 34

  Ben grabbed his knees and buried his chin momentarily. This was the dilemma he’d dreaded. Should he tell her what he saw? He didn’t know the facts and what purpose would it serve to divulge a fleeting glimpse of Seb with another woman? A woman who could be a sister, for all he knew. He thought it adequate just to plant the seed in her head’. Although, she was one step ahead already. He would hate to see her hurt, and what other conclusions would she jump to? He couldn’t risk her thinking he was creating trouble for his own benefit, he’d be accused of meddling and it could turn very ugly. No, he figured Seb Wilde had done enough damage on his own and this bright beautiful woman had already figured him out, it seemed.

  He met her gaze. Her eyes were sparkling with fight. ‘I don’t think you should harbour guilt when you have been nothing but honest and loyal to him.’

  Evie blew out her lips. ‘Brrr, I know, but he has a way of making me believe I’m always in the wrong. I can’t explain it exactly, but knowing he’s had me followed, talking with you is the only thing that I can comprehend. I can only think his intention is to stop it.’

  The car veered to the kerb. ‘Ah, here we are.’

  Ben followed Evie down the steps to his front door and put his key in the lock. ‘Nothing as grand as your place, but it is home.’ He stood back and waited for her to enter, watching her mouth drop as she stepped in to the hall.

  ‘This is so cool. I love these floorboards. Are they original?’

  He dropped her case by a door. ‘Yes, hard work but worth it. Go on through.’ He held out his palm for her to walk on. ‘That’s the bathroom if you need it,’ he said as she passed.

  ‘Thanks. And they run right into the living room. What a beautiful conversion. Love the exposed brick on the fireplace too. Did you do all this?’

  ‘Yes, I bought it at auction and have been doing it up gradually for a few years,’ he told her, believing her comments genuine. ‘Extended this out to make a larger sitting room-cum-kitchen.’

  ‘Simply gorgeous. And a small garden. Nicely done. I like it.’

  ‘Would you like a drink? Beer, wine or prosecco? Or would you prefer coffee or tea?’

  Facing him, she took her handbag off her arm and popped it on to a shiny black work surface. ‘Mmm, prosecco would be lovely, thanks. I’ll just text Cally. Let her know I’ve arrived ok.’

  ‘Fine. I’ve left your case outside the bedroom. Just make yourself at home,’ he said pointing to the bedroom door and watching blood drain from her face in panic.

  ‘Is it just one bedroom?’

  ‘Officially, but I have a spare bed here. The sofa-bed. However, I am staying over at Dan’s in Chiswick. I did tell Cally.’

  ‘Ah, right. I wouldn’t have put you to so much trouble had I known. Sorry. I should have checked.’

  ‘It’s no trouble and I wouldn’t have offered if it was. You’re doing me a huge favour.’ He popped the cork and tilted the glass flute, pouring in a rush of bubbles.

  Evie wandered off to the bedroom and Ben put down the flute, staring at the bubbles as they settled. He placed the bottle down. His mind was wandering, wishing things were different. Their attraction was fierce and this would be a great opportunity to get closer, just the two of them. But he couldn’t possibly take any risks. She trusted him and he had to maintain that trust. She wasn’t like anyone else. In fact, he now knew he’d never been so in love before in his life. Infatuated maybe, but not in love. Evie’s beauty and manner were exquisite and Seb Wilde really had no idea. The fool was blinkered. He, in the meantime, could only hope that, when Evie finally got Seb and his gruelling craziness out of her system, however long it took, they could share a future.

  Grabbing a beer from the fridge and twisting off the top, he bustled to his desk and lifted a plastic sleeve containing Evie’s contract. He had read it through and made sure her terms were more than fair. She really had no idea how much talent she had. Although the script was sparse, she had captured so much emotion with her words. He had rewritten what he could but how much more could she add? He just had to ask.

  Evie burst back into the living room and loped towards him. ‘Lovely bedroom and bathroom.’ She peered behind him. ‘Oh, do you have internet? Could I check my emails please?’

  ‘Yes, feel free, I’ll put in my password.’

  Sitting at the desk as Ben tapped the screen, she added, ‘I don’t know if he knows if I have an email account, but with all his contacts and lawyers
, surely he would have found it out, and just might have sent me one.’

  ‘Possibly.’

  As Evie leaned closer, he swiped his forehead as his blood pumped furiously. Her hair slid down his arm and then her honeyed cheeks drew so close as she watched the machine groan to life. It drove him insane not to touch that silky skin. As she typed into her webmail, he averted his eyes, resting them on an old chiffonier, stripped of its varnish and restyled in a light-grey paint in a French-country shabby-chic style. Collecting old furniture and creating something beautiful was a consuming passion when he wasn’t working. It reminded him that next time he had a chance, and back in France, he would search around for more.

  Hearing her gasp, he turned back.

  ‘Yes,’ she roared, ‘the two articles I sent to the in-flight magazine have been accepted. Oh, cool.’ Her eyes turned with a sparkle. ‘Don’t worry, they’re nothing to do with Riquet. Not a mention of Riquet. I’m saving all those.’

  ‘That’s brilliant news. This calls for a celebration.’

  Her eyelids closed then fluttered towards the plastic wallet. ‘Is this what you want me to sign?’

  ‘Yes. You’ll want to read through it. I’ll get your drink.’

  ‘Oh erm, this is going to sound in bad taste, un-spiked please?’

  Ben snorted ‘Of course.’

  He strutted to the kitchen. ‘I should have asked you to sign a contract from the outset, but you provided so much more with your script as well, I think we should definitely use it.’

  ‘Script?’ She gazed at the wall, confused. ‘What do you mean?

  ‘You sent it.’

  ‘Research you mean? I don’t remember sending you my script.’ Evie pinched her nose as she turned around, her face pinking. ‘I did write one though. I just couldn’t resist it. I just got to know Maria so intensely she was simply urging me on.’

  Ben crossed his brows. ‘Well I hope you don’t mind if I use it.’ He brought the bottle in and popped the cork, pouring the glasses of prosecco in front of her. Picking them up, he trailed back towards her. ‘It was attached with your research information. I loved it, you had some wonderful lines of dialogue and description, I used it on my rewrite.’