by Kaylie Kay
Her mind wandered to the other half of her plan, to get rid of Sarah, and she looked around her for inspiration. So far she hadn’t been able to come up with anything that wouldn’t create an argument, and that would be counterproductive, but there must be something that would work.
She gazed absentmindedly at the hedgerows as they whizzed by her window, empty fields stretching behind them as far as the eye could see. A couple of houses, then more began to line the tracks, and she looked in interest at the gardens and windows, getting a glimpse into the lives of the strangers that lived there. Washing on lines, toys and trampolines, football flags hanging in windows, all belonging to people she would probably never meet, all with their own worlds to which they were central and Olivia was the stranger, the inanimate one.
That was it, she thought as the train slowed down, pulling into the next station. To get Sarah out she needed to know more about her. She realised in that moment that she really didn’t know her at all, and apart from Fiona’s brief introduction at the barbecue she had never asked much more. She thought back to Sarah’s social media page, with its lack of personal information. She mulled over the times in the office when she and Keira had been speaking openly about their pasts and realised how Sarah had never contributed, never offered anything up. She wondered if she was hiding anything, or perhaps she was just overthinking things now, but the suspicion was compelling. She suddenly wished she wasn’t going away for the week; she wanted to begin her detective work right away, but she would have to wait, she told herself firmly. The facts, if there were any, would still be there when she got back.
Chapter 42
Sarah was pleased with herself. She had suggested to Tom that since the contract was due for renewal in just a few short months that it may be prudent to build stronger relationships with the men at the council, particularly Ted Coulter, who was the one with the final say on who won the contracts there. Tom had been impressed, having not thought of that himself, and had given her the go-ahead to sort something, arrange a meal to thank him for his custom.
Of course, she hadn’t realised Olivia was away that week; she hadn’t really overheard his conversation with Pete about her going to her mum’s. She also wasn’t to know that Puccini’s was their special restaurant. Tom wouldn’t remember about the message he never got a couple of weeks back.
Dear Sarah,
My wife and I would be delighted to accept Tom’s very kind offer and very much look forward to the evening.
Regards
Ted
‘Tom, I have booked you all into Puccini’s Friday at seven. Ted and his wife are really looking forward to it, and meeting Olivia.’ She smiled, standing at the door to his office innocently.
‘Oh wow! That’s great, Sarah, well done.’ He looked nervous at the thought of it, out of his comfort zone entertaining powerful people. ‘I hope I can think of enough things to talk about.’ He looked up at her worriedly.
‘You’ll be fine, Olivia will be there to help you out.’ She waited for the penny to drop.
‘Oh shit.’ His jaw dropped and he looked from side to side. ‘She’s away until next week.’
‘Oh no.’ Sarah feigned a surprised look, and put her hand up to her mouth. ‘I’m so sorry, Tom, I didn’t realise.’
‘Oh it’s not your fault. I’ll have to go on my own I guess, but what the hell will I talk to his wife about? Shoes?’
She smirked at his sarcasm. ‘Shall I say you can’t make it now? Rearrange for another day?’
‘No, I can’t mess him around.’ She watched his face as he processed the options in his head. She could see the mental struggle he was having, knowing there was only one solution and knowing it was probably a bad idea, for him. ‘Sarah, would you mind coming with me? At least you can talk to both of them, and I know you’re good with this sort of thing.’
‘Of course, no problem. I did have plans for
Friday,’ she lied, ‘but nothing I can’t cancel.’
‘Are you sure?’ His forehead wrinkled as his smiled gratefully and raised his eyebrows at the same time.
‘Yeah, happy to help, kind of my fault anyway.’
‘No it’s not, but thank you Sarah, I really appreciate it.’
She could feel Tom watching her as she regaled Ted and his wife with humorous stories. They laughed at her animated recounts of work-related disasters and how some things were done so differently in her homeland. She had watched Tom struggle to make small talk, and once the subject of the current contract had been exhausted she had seen he needed her. She knew she was good. Olivia may have been able to talk about travelling but she would have been far out of her depth with any business talk. She knew that Tom was admiring her, she could feel it. His body language changed as the evening progressed and she instinctively knew that he was back within her reach.
By the time that Ted and his wife left the four of them bade farewell as if they were old friends. Tom was euphoric, knowing that Sarah had achieved untold things and he couldn’t hide his gratitude as he hugged her outside of the restaurant.
‘We need to celebrate,’ he declared in theatrical insobriety.
‘The next contract is in the bag,’ she declared, high fiving him.
The taxi journey was short, and their joviality didn’t diminish by the time it pulled up at Sarah’s.
‘One last drink to celebrate?’ She nudged him with her elbow and grinned enthusiastically.
Tom was still in his hedonistic state and sat forward quickly, handing a ten-pound note to the driver, cancelling the next stop on the journey which would have taken him home, alone.
As Tom made love to Sarah that night she knew that she had him. It wasn’t rushed and passionate, borne out of an argument with Olivia, this time he appreciated her. She had felt him all night, watching her, unable to control the attraction, the admiration, and he had finally succumbed. She was far more than Olivia could ever be to him; he needed her, and not only in that moment. As he had caressed every part of her body, they had bonded in ecstasy, lost in each other and afterwards his arms had felt so good around her as she drifted off to sleep, pleased with her accomplishment.
Chapter 43
Olivia loved being back with her mum, finding comfort in everything, from her childhood bedroom to the meals her mum was still cooking from those days. They watched soap operas together each evening and visited the family that were still living in the same houses they always had during the day, catching up with their lives and dramas. She spent time with her niece and nephew, marvelling at how big Oscar the gecko had grown on his diet of crickets. A week was enough though, she was beginning to feel like she was living in one of the soap operas they all watched, all thriving on the dramas that were an inherent part of village life. She boarded the train at Southampton Central, this time waving to the whole clan that had come to see her off. Her mum looked sad despite the smile and Olivia blew her a kiss, mouthing that she would ‘be back soon.’
She was keen to get home; she had struggled all week to hold back on the urge to start her investigations. She knew she needed to do things right, not rush in all guns blazing and become the pariah in it all. She had to be discreet and gather any facts that she may find before she made any noises. It was less than two weeks until her first flight back, and she had set herself the deadline that she was going by. Party at ours Friday, 7pm
She texted the message to Sam, Fiona and Lin. They hadn’t had a good party for a while. She knew without asking that Tom would be up for it, and since she didn’t have any flights it was the perfect opportunity. The fact that Fiona may know a thing or two about Sarah was just an added bonus. As they each texted back to confirm they would be coming Olivia felt things slotting into place.
Tom had been a bit quiet the past couple of days since she got back, but she had just put it down to work and pressure. After their meal she was still in the happy bubble waiting patiently for her promised future. She had been preoccupied herself by the anticipation of th
e party, busy making sure things were perfectly set up to ensure everyone enjoyed themselves.
As Tom let the last of their guests in Olivia descended down into the den carrying the canapés she had picked up that afternoon, placing them onto the bar. She had pretty much forgotten about her arm; the cast was just a bit of an annoyance now but she had become quite accomplished with her good arm and the limited use of her other hand.
The tray of champagne glasses were quickly filled with the Veuve that had been chilling in the ice bucket this past hour, and glasses were raised in toast to friends and good times. She was happy to see Tom
relax and enjoy himself, and as the music got louder Olivia topped up everyone’s glasses, playing the perfect host. No one seemed to notice that she was not topping her own up half as often as theirs.
As Fiona sat on the barstool, resting her feet after dancing to the last song, Olivia joined her, sensing her opportunity.
‘Do you hear much from Sarah now, Fiona?’
‘No, barely anything since she moved into her own flat. Is she still at Tom’s?’
‘Yeah, she’s been a godsend to him, what with all the experience with her dad. I should have invited her tonight, I just didn’t think. Remind me how you knew her again?’
‘My old school friend Melanie. She and her family emigrated when we were about eleven but we always stayed in touch. Her brother Bill was a bit older, and he settled down quite quick with an Australian girl. Sarah was their daughter.’
‘I wonder what made her come here. She doesn’t really talk about it much, only really mentions her dad’s firm but that’s all, she’s a bit of a closed book,’ Olivia said casually.
‘You’re right, she didn’t open up to us much either,’ Fiona agreed, obviously happy to continue with the line of conversation, much to Olivia’s pleasure. ‘I got the impression something had happened and she had needed a break, probably had a bit of a break-up or something maybe.’
Now this was exactly what Olivia had been hoping for, a bit of a lead. So something had happened. She doubted Sarah had had her heart broken though, doubted it very much.
‘Oh, the poor thing.’ Olivia hated being so fake but needs must. ‘Did Melanie not tell you anything?’
‘No, I didn’t ask her to be honest, so busy with kids and stuff I never gave it a thought.’
‘Maybe it would be good to know. I can’t help feeling she is lonely here, doesn’t really have any friends. Me and my friend have tried, taken her out, but it just seems like she doesn’t want to let anyone close, and don’t tell anyone but she was really throwing herself at the men. I’d love to help her out if there is anything I can do, she’s such a sweet girl.’
‘You’re so lovely Olivia,’ Fiona slurred as Olivia handed her a fresh drink from behind the bar. ‘You’re right, I’m supposed to be looking out for her but I’ve been so wrapped up in my own life I have just let her get on with it.’
‘Maybe next time you get a chance ask Melanie if Sarah is happy here, tell her we are a bit worried. I’m sure if she thinks you need to know anything she will tell you.’
‘Fab idea, I will definitely do that.’ Fiona raised her glass. Olivia poured herself a double measure of rum; her job for tonight was done, now time to enjoy herself.
‘Let’s dance!’ She pulled Fiona up from her seat as one of her favourite songs came on the jukebox.
Chapter 44
Well she hadn’t quite achieved what she had planned to in her time off, but at least she was making progress. Olivia sat on the bus from the car park to the terminal, and looked at her phone. She hadn’t heard from Fiona since the party; she had obviously forgotten their conversation, understandably after the amount of alcohol that had gone down that night. She hadn’t wanted to push things too quickly, but a week had passed now so it wouldn’t look too suspicious, she thought. She felt bad about lying to Fiona about her concern for Sarah, but they weren’t close enough friends for her to feel she could confide in her about it, and her loyalties may lay with Melanie.
Hi Fiona, just wondered if you had had a chance to speak to Melanie yet? Still keen to help Sarah out and can’t help feeling she’s sad at the moment. It was only 9am but she was sure Fiona would be up by now, probably just dropping the children to school.
Truth was Olivia hadn’t seen Sarah; she wouldn’t have known whether she was sad happy or whatever. The week had flown by between hospital appointments, getting her cast removed and being signed back fit to fly. She felt a little uneasy coming back to work after so long off, feeling almost new again, but she knew that by the time she landed into Washington it would be as if she had never been away. She rubbed her arm through her jacket sleeve – it felt strange without the cast that she had grown used to.
The bus pulled up outside Terminal 2 and she waited as all the security agents, engineers and various airport workers got off, before getting up and pulling her cabin bag down from the luggage rack.
‘Thank you,’ she called to the driver as she stepped down from the bus, and she smiled at the crew waiting to get on, recognising some of them. Despite them all still looking lovely in their uniforms she could always notice the slight paleness of the crew that had just flown through the night in their metal tube, deprived of natural light and sleep, and with less oxygen in their blood than others had.
As her belongings arrived out of the scanner in the staff security search ten minutes later she heard her phone ping.
Oh yes, completely forgot, sorry! Will definitely speak to her in the next few days xxx. Olivia could feel the anticipation, hoping her friend would unearth something she could use.
‘I’m really sorry Olivia but can you speak to the passengers in 56 and 57K please? I can’t deal with them any more.’ Paul looked drained. ‘It’s the usual seat recline issue.’
Olivia rolled her eyes and sighed. So many times she had had to say the same thing to passengers.
‘Madam, the lady is within her rights to recline her seat; you can recline your own to compensate for it.’ The lady in front of her sat with her eyes closed and seat fully reclined as the aggrieved shook her seat furiously. It was not possible that she was asleep, she was just refusing to communicate any further.
‘I want to complain.’
‘Certainly, madam, but what is your complaint and where would you like to address it?’
‘About her,’ she shook the seat in front of her again, ‘and to the airline of course.’
‘But the lady isn’t an employee, madam. The airline have no responsibility for her actions, and like I said, she is entitled to recline her seat.’ Olivia wished the flight wasn’t full and that she could move one of them to end the petty squabble. ‘Now I’m sure she is a reasonable lady and that if you talk to each other sensibly you can reach a compromise.’ The lady in front opened her eyes and nodded.
‘If she had asked me nicely in the first place rather than shaking my seat I would have put it up a bit,’ she said, looking at Olivia with a stern face.
‘Well I am sure she would greatly appreciate it if you could.’ Olivia looked at the other lady, who nodded but clearly couldn’t bring herself to say anything nice or polite.
As the seat moved forward Olivia stood up from her crouched position. ‘Lovely, thank you.’ She smiled at the one in front. ‘All sorted, I hope you are more comfortable now,’ she said sincerely to the one behind, who nodded sulkily. It wasn’t what she wanted to say to them, but in this job she often had to hold back what she truly wanted to say.
‘Give me strength.’ She walked back into the galley and Paul looked at her apologetically.
‘I’m so sorry, I couldn’t deal with them, they were like two children.’
‘It’s fine, hon, it’s what I’m here for. Flying does strange things to people.’ She wondered if the lady behind was perhaps a little anxious, claustrophobic maybe, and that was why she had acted that way; often there was more to it when people were extremely unreasonable. Olivia was always the first one
to give someone the benefit of the doubt, look for the good.
The plane wobbled, a little bit of mild turbulence, and Olivia’s heart raced. For a moment she felt anxious herself, and as the flight smoothed out moments later she noticed she was holding onto the galley side with all her strength. For a while she had forgotten about her last flight but it was obviously still on her mind and she would probably be nervous of turbulence for some time she thought.
‘Right, let’s get this last service ready.’ She shook herself off and focussed back on the task at hand.
Olivia felt amazing as she jogged steadily along the path that ran alongside the river and into the centre of Washington DC. She hadn’t run for the whole time she had been in plaster and it felt good to feel the breeze against her skin as her music pumped through her headphones. She smiled at strangers running past her in the opposite direction and she felt almost euphoric as the voice on her running app told her she had completed 5k. Now she just needed to get back, she thought, as she turned into West Potomac Park.
She sat on the steps of the Lincoln memorial, looking down along the reflecting pool and up to the Washington Monument obelisk that stood proudly at the far end. She loved the clarity she felt in her mind at times like this; no other job would give her the chance to sit peacefully at such an iconic place and just think. She mulled over the past few weeks, trying not to get hung up on Sarah, worrying for a moment that she was getting obsessed. Looking around her, breathing in the tranquillity of the place, she felt calm and contented. Her mind cleared and in that moment she hoped that Fiona wouldn’t unturn anything, that it would all just go away. She would let it all go, just avoid Sarah and stop obsessing. She didn’t like how she had been acting, it wasn’t the person she really was, and Sarah would move on eventually anyway, she was sure.
