by Anna Edwards
"Fish cakes. Mee...mee says that." Owen added his thoughts.
"You, little imp, are too smart for your own good. Come on. Let's get you to bed."
"No." He folded his arms across his chest and furrowed his brow. The terrible twos had started.
But they had not developed so badly that bribery no longer worked. "Not even if I read you 'Whatever Next'?"
This was his favourite book and guaranteed to get him speeding to the bedroom.
"Whoooshhhh." He jumped up, like the rocket in the book, and ran into the bedroom that he shared with her.
Owen wasn't hers, but she loved him just like he was. He'd never know his biological parents, but he had a place with her forever. It was the only thing that kept her going sometimes.
By the time she'd found the well-read book, Owen had climbed into bed.
"Do the voices Mee..mee"
She read the book in a full splendid performance with Owen joining in the sound effects. When finished, she placed it on the side and ensured he was tucked in properly, a quick kiss on his forehead, and he shut his eyes to sleep.
"Night Night."
When she emerged back in the lounge, Helen had left.
"You look tired, love." Her mum looked up at her with worry in her eyes.
"Just a long day. Mr North's wife had their baby last night, so I'd lots of appointments and things to rearrange for him. The next few days should be quieter, though."
"What did they have?"
"A boy, Thomas."
"Lovely."
"Yeah."
"Are you going to get your dinner?"
"I grabbed something in the office." A lie, she just didn't feel like eating. "I'll put it in the fridge and you can eat it tomorrow."
"Why don't you get me ready for bed now, and then you can just rest? There's nothing on the TV anyway. I can read."
"Ok, here, give me your right arm, and I'll help you up." Marie used all her weight to steady her mother and helped her to the bathroom. She supported her while they worked together to get her undressed, washed, go to the toilet and clean her teeth. Eventually, Annie was in her nightdress and tucked up in bed, the iPad James had given Marie for Christmas placed on a support tray so that the pages could be turned.
"I'll check on you before I go to bed and turn everything off. Just shout if you need me. I'm going to change and read for a bit as well."
"Night Mee."
"Night mum."
She turned all the lights off in the lounge and kitchen before disappearing into the small bathroom. They didn't have a bath but a walk-in disability shower that had taken her months of paperwork to get from the Council. She'd had to blanket bath her mother for months and months after the stroke. It didn't do either of them any good.
The small mirror in the badly-lit bathroom showed all her worry lines. They were getting deeper. She was only twenty-four and already looked much older than her years. No wonder James had preferred the carefree Amy to her. It was a foolish folly to even think that he'd have loved her and rescue her from the nightmare that was her life. Mind you, he didn't even know where she lived. He didn't know about her mum or Owen. In his eyes, she was a simple annoyance, fascinated with something she couldn't have.
She took a piece of cotton wool from out of the cupboard under the sink and ran it under the tap. She removed her clothes, stepped into the lukewarm shower, and washed the day's worries from her body. She was tired, probably hormonal. Resigned. The tears tumbled down her cheeks. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fucking fair.
She finished her shower and got dressed into PJ's. She still wasn't hungry, but maybe a hot chocolate? She'd been naughty with regards to the chocolate for the top, she loved the flavour of the one that she had in the office and had stolen one. She made up the chocolate, and when she started sprinkling the powder on the top, she remembered the heart Callum had done on her coffee. She chuckled. God, she'd been such a bitch to him, and he’d still given her fifty pounds to get herself home safely. What was she doing? She wasn't this person. She made a vow to herself to be nicer to him tomorrow. He hadn't been anything but a gentleman. No one else had ever given her money to get a taxi home because they were worried about her.
She finished making her drink and got into bed. Amy's book was on her dressing table. She flicked it open and started to read by the night light she had for Owen. She'd never have a happy ending, but she could always dream of one. Live vicariously through others.
CHAPTER THREE
Callum
"Good morning Mr Ashworth."
"Good morning Miss....." He stopped and peered through the open the door to where Marie had called him, "What is your surname? Nobody told me yesterday."
" Easton." She smiled.
He took a few steps into the room, stopping by her desk. "Well, good morning, Miss Easton."
"Marie, please."
"Marie." He laughed. "Did you get home alright to sort whatever problem it was you had?"
"I did. Thank you. I have a confession to make, though. I didn't use your fifty pounds. I walked. Please." She held out an envelope from her desk. "Have it back. It was kind of you."
"You were told to get a taxi. It was late." Did she just deliberately set out to disobey people?
"I know. I like to walk. I made sure I was safe."
"Keep the money, and get a taxi tonight."
"No, honestly."
His voice went dark and domineering, "Don't argue with me."
She lowered her head and placed the envelope back down on the desk. "Sorry."
His cock was doing that twitching thing again. This woman was stubborn, annoying, and rude at times, but his body still reacted to her.
"I better go see what Sam has lined up for me today."
"That's the real reason I stopped you. Sam was admitted to hospital last night with appendicitis."
"Is he alright?"
"His appendix was taken out during the night, but obviously, he is going to be out of action for at least a week, maybe two. We're trying to get you a temp, but she isn't answering her phone."
"That's ok. I'm sure I can muddle through till she does."
"Well." She bit her lip, "Mr Carter suggested that as Mr North is off and I supposedly don't have much to do, then I can transfer to you till Sam recovers."
"And?"
"I have some work to do for Mr North, but I do have time available to assist you. Just until we can find someone else."
"Then you can start by making me a coffee, and I wouldn't mind some fresh fruit either." He made a dash for his room before she could reply.
The morning flew by. He finally had the figures he needed from Rome, and he could see why they hadn't sent them over sooner. They were all over the place. Something wasn't right. He picked up his phone and dialled Matthew.
"Matthew Carter." He answered on the first ring, in the background he could hear a screaming baby.
"Matthew, it's Callum. You got a few moments?"
"If it gets me away from the baby noise, yes, I've more than a few minutes." The sound of the newborn quieted. "What's the matter?"
"I got the Rome figures. They don't add up. To be honest, they smack of fraud."
"Fuck. James suspected as much. I'll just get him." The phone went silent.
"Hi, Callum. Talk to me?" James’ voice, now, and he wasn't going to beat around the bush.
"The figures are off. They don't tally at all. I think we are looking at, well, at least half a million missing, but that is only for a few months. I am going to look back further."
"Any suspects?"
"Not yet. I am going to get Marie to pull up personal files."
"Marie?"
"Sam is in the hospital. She is covering."
“Right." James went silent.
"What are you thinking?"
“I think I should get on a plane and get out there now. Sort it in person."
"I agree. Stamp down on it. Find out who is responsible, and I will send Matth
ew out to deal with them. Take Marie with you. She is good at what she does and will be an asset."
"You sure?"
"You have my authority. Do what needs to be done. I've got to go. Keep Matthew informed."
"Will do. And congratulations."
"Thanks, Cal."
There was a scuffling as the phone was handed back to Matthew.
"Everything alright?"
"Yeah. I’ll call you when I get to Rome."
"Enjoy."
Matthew hung up. Callum grabbed the papers strewn over his desk and put them into his briefcase. He then called for Marie.
"Need more coffee?" She stood leaning against the door frame.
"I would love another coffee, but I need you to do something else urgently."
"Yes?"
"I'm not impressed with the figures in Rome. Can you book flights and hotel for two as soon as possible please?'
"Of course. What's the other name on the ticket?"
"Marie Easton."
Her mouth dropped open in shock. "I can't go to Rome."
"You haven't travelled for Mr North before?"
"I have, but not at short notice."
"Mr North has asked me to take you. He thinks you will be a great asset. Sit down." He motioned to the chair in front of his desk, and she obeyed. "I think I may have uncovered a theft and Mr North wants it sorted immediately."
"I can't believe someone has dared to do that."
"They won't get away with it."
"Can you give me a few hours to sort things?"
"I want to be there before end of day today. To freeze everything in the office but take as long as you need otherwise."
"Thank you." She got up and headed back towards the door
"I will head home now and pack. Text me details, and I will come and pick you up." She froze.
"Um...no it's alright. I will meet you back here, or I could come to you? Where do you live?"
I live in Mayfair. It's alright, I will come and get you."
"But I live in...in Islington. It seems silly for you to come all the way back."
"I insist."
Marie
What was it with that damn tone that made her do whatever he asked? She couldn't drop everything and go to Rome! She was sure as fuck not going to let him come and pick her up from Hoxton. Thankfully, she had said Islington. She could get him to get her from her aunt’s house. What was she doing even considering going? There was no way she could leave her mother and Owen on such short notice. What if her aunt couldn't help out? How long would they be away? Why was he staring at her? Did he want something else? Oh yes, he wanted an answer. She was panicking.
"I'll send you the details with the flight information." There, she had said it. She was going to give him an address, well her aunt’s. Now all she needed to do was sort out the flights and hotel, get home, pack up Owen and her mum, pack for herself, get everyone over to her aunt’s and settled in, and get to Rome before the offices there shut. What was the time? She looked at the clock? Nine forty-five. Seven hours. Okay, that was possible. Why was Callum still staring at her? What was his problem? Had there been something else that he had asked her? No, they had covered everything. Her inner monologue was going a bit insane.
"I should get the flights booked."
"Marie."
"Yes, Mr Ashworth."
"Breathe."
"Sorry."
"You look flustered."
He came over to her and turned her around. He put his hands on her shoulders and began to massage. God, he had strong hands. She leant backwards against him.
"Mr North values you highly. He said you'd be perfect to assist me with this job. I don't want you to feel forced, though."
"You're not. It'll be fun...well, the bit that isn't work. Nobody messes with Mr North's money and gets away with it." She gave a half-hearted laugh. Her heart was still thumping away with nerves.
"We can see sights while we're there. I've never been to Italy. We're definitely having a real Italian pizza." He let go of her shoulders, and she stepped back.
"I'll sort everything as quickly as I can." With that, she left. First she phoned Helen and checked it was alright for her mum and Owen to stay at her house. It was, thankfully. Next, she got on the phone and sorted the flights and hotels. She had access to the release codes for James' private jet in the case of emergencies. This was an emergency. She found a boutique hotel near the Pantheon that would suit them perfectly. She booked Callum into an executive room and her into a standard one. Even that would be luxury compared to what she was used to. Besides, it didn't feel right spending money for the sake of it. A standard room was just fine. She picked up her phone to text Callum.
M: Flights booked. Using the private jet from London City. Will leave at one.
C: Thank you. What's your address? I'll pick you up at eleven. Does that give you enough time?
She glanced at the clock. Ten. It was going to be really tight.
M: Can you give me an extra fifteen mins. Still in the office.
C: Get a taxi home. Now. Address?
She took a deep breath and replied back with her Aunt's address.
C: See you soon.
He really didn't take no for an answer. She grabbed her bag, shoved some papers into it, and sped out the door. She could do this. She didn't know how, but she could do it.
CHAPTER FOUR
Marie
It didn't take long to pack her small case, and put all of Owen and her mum's essential belongings in a black bin bag.
The taxi money Callum had given her came in handy and she was able to get everything and everyone to her aunt’s by ten forty-five. Luckily, Owen saw it all as an adventure. The second he was placed on the floor in Ned and Helen's house he was off exploring.
"Helen, Ned, I can't thank you enough for this. I'm so sorry it was such short notice."
"Mee, there is no need to apologise. Your cousin is at university, so the rooms are spare for now. Your mum and Owen will be spoilt rotten." Ned took her hand and held it tightly.
"I wish I could tell you how long it'll be, but I don't know. We need to find out about this fraud and take care of it."
"Go, enjoy yourself." Her aunt gave her a warm smile. It set her at ease, but only a little.
"I'll just help mum get sorted. I think the journey tired her out."
"No worries. We'll go play aeroplanes with Owen and show him his room." Ned wasn't actually looking too upset to be doing that.
Panicking suddenly gripped her, "He has never slept alone. He might be scared."
"There is another bed in there. If he is upset, one of us will stay in the room with him."
"Thank you." Why did she suddenly feel tearful? Everything was such a rush.
"Go settle your mum. I'll make her a cup of tea." Her aunt headed to the kitchen while her uncle scooped Owen up in his arms and flew him like a plane to his bedroom.
"Come on, mum. Let's get you settled and resting."
"Mee?" Her mother opened her eyes. She had been dozing on the sofa. "I'm okay, honey. You need to get ready. Your boss will be here in a few minutes."
"It's fine. I'll get you upstairs, and then you can rest. Uncle Ned can bring you down later."
"That would be nice. I am a little tired."
She helped her mother stand, and then climb the stairs to her bedroom.
"Do you want to get undressed?" She only had a jumper and loose tracksuit pants on, but she might be more comfortable in her nightdress.
"No, just help me into the bed please."
Marie manoeuvred her mother so that she was comfortably seated and then tucked her in.
"Aunt Helen is going to bring you up a cup of tea. Do you want the TV on?"
"Yes, please. I can watch some films."
Marie found the remote and placed it by her mum's right hand. She turned the TV on and gave her mum a kiss.
"Mee, there is a gentleman here for you." Her aunt’s voice called up fr
om downstairs.
Oh God, she had hoped to catch him before he got out of the car. Damn it! Damn it! There would be questions now. He would most likely ask about Owen. Maybe she could just pretend to fall asleep for the entire journey.
"I've got to go, mum. My lift is here. I'll call you when I get there."
"Nice man coming to get you. A real gentleman. Have fun little Mee."
"Bye mum."
Marie left the door slightly ajar. Chatter drifted upstairs and a squeal of laughter from Owen. She'd hoped to get changed, but there wasn't time. They needed to leave to make their flight time. She paused at the door when she saw Callum, dressed still in his suit, on his hands and knees pushing one of Owen's cars around the floor. Owen was copying him, and they were both making racing car noises. Her heart leapt at the beautiful sight. Owen had very few male role models in his life bar her uncle, so it was great to see him so free and easy around another man.
"Mee Mee. Man brooooommmmm."
"He is, Owen. You're a good boy for sharing your cars with him."
Callum got to his feet. He looked a little embarrassed at being caught playing with a child’s toy car.
"I've got to take your aunt Meemee to the airport now. I'll make sure we take that photo of the plane for you."
"Peas" That was Owen's version of please. Callum ruffled his hair and came to her side.
"Is that your case?" His eyes went to the luggage by the front door.
"Yes, it is."
"I'll put it in the car. We better get a move on."
"I've just got to grab my bag and coat."
Callum turned to her uncle and held his hand out to him. "Nice to meet you Mr West. I'll take good care of her." He kissed her aunt on the cheeks "And you, Mrs West." He picked up her case and disappeared out the door. No questions, nothing? Was he for real? Actually, he was probably saving it all for later when they were alone. She reluctantly got her belongings, kissed her aunt and uncle, and then gave Owen a big cuddle.
"I'll phone later when I'm at the hotel. Be good Owen."
