CHAPTER FOUR – FINN #2
“Her website is—” Mum stops, and just like what happened to Dad, recognition flitters across her face.
Except her reaction is much more violent.
All the colour drains from her face, leaving her deathly pale.
She takes an unsteady step backwards, and Oscar jumps to his feet, grabbing her arm to stop her staggering.
She knows her.
Who the fuck is this woman that she’s rendered my mother—The Queen—speechless?
I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen her like this. When her best friend’s daughter went missing; when her best friend died shortly after; and when the republican faction attacked the palace twenty-two years ago and I temporarily went missing.
“Oh.” Mum brings a shaky hand to her mouth. “What… What did you say her name was?”
“Hannah Porter,” I reply hesitantly.
“And you met her recently?”
“Last week. By chance. She was in the park with her camera and Michael thought she was photographing me,” I explain. “It was a misunderstanding.”
“Did she recognise you?”
“No, but I met her again two days ago in Greenwood Bay, and I think she was lying.”
Her bright blue gaze snaps to me. “She knew who you were?”
“She didn’t say. It’s a feeling.” I run my fingers through my hair. “Honestly, I really do admire her work, but I also feel as though we’ve met before. I cannot place her.”
Mum rests her hand on her chest and looks back at the photo. “Do you think she would come if you contact her?”
“She seemed unbothered about the prospect of signing a confidentiality agreement as part of a contract, so yes.”
“Good. That’ll make this easier.” She pats Oscar’s hand, still resting on her arm. “Get this young lady in my palace, Finley. Whether she comes willingly or not, whether you must beg, lie, steal, or even kidnap her, you make sure this girl steps foot in here where I can see her.”
I nod jerkily, a single bob of my head. “Mum… Who is she?”
Mum slides her arm from Oscar’s gentle grasp and steps back, smiling weakly at me. “If she’s who I think she is, then she’s a ghost, darling. She’s… a ghost.”
With those parting words that explain absolutely nothing, she turns, dipping her head, and walks out of the room.
Neither of us say a word until the door has clicked shut behind her and her footsteps have ceased in the hallway.
“What the fuck does that mean?” Oscar breathes out. “A ghost?”
“I don’t know,” I reply, leaning against the wall. “But I sure as shit want to.”
***
From: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
To: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
Subject: Services Required
Keeping my promise.
I need some photos. Sooner rather than later. Do you have any space in your schedule to fit me in, Miss Porter?
From: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
To: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
Subject: re: Services Required
Good day, Mr Flynn.
How soon is soon?
From: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
To: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
Subject: re: Services Required
As soon as humanly possible. Monday, perhaps?
From: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
To: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
Subject: re: Services Required
Ouch. Are you expecting me to clear my entire schedule for you?
From: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
To: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
Subject: re: Services Required
Not expecting, no. Although it would be greatly appreciated if you could. What if I sweeten the deal a little? I’ll pay double your usual rate and provide food and transportation to and from the shooting site.
From: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
To: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
Subject: re: Services Required
Double rate won’t be necessary. I have nothing planned. I can do 9am on Monday, but I will have to be gone by midday. Is that enough time for what you require?
And where will the shoot be? Do you have a location, or would you prefer I rent a studio? I also need more information on what kind of photos you’d like.
From: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
To: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
Subject: re: Services Required
More information will be provided when you get here. I have a location for the shoot, but I’m afraid it has to remain confidential until you’re on the way here.
A confidentiality agreement is attached.
From: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
To: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
Subject: re: Services Required
I’ll have my lawyer look it over this afternoon and get back to you.
If I cannot know the location, then how am I supposed to get to the shoot?
From: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
To: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
Subject: re: Services Required
A driver will come to collect you from your address.
And there’s no rush. As long as you have it signed before you get in the car, it’s fine.
From: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
To: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
Subject: re: Services Required
I’m afraid not. I would prefer to be collected from a neutral location, given the general secrecy. I’m uncomfortable sharing my address.
Don’t worry. You’ll have it back. I’ve attached a copy of my basic contract to this email; please read it over and let me know if there’s anything you’d like to negotiate.
From: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
To: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
Subject: re: Services Required
The fee.
You undercharge for your talents.
From: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
To: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
Subject: re: Services Required
I haven’t taken your photos yet. For all you know, you could look like an ogre in them.
If that’s all, I’ll await the signed contract.
Your driver can collect me from outside the KLS building on St Peter’s Square at 8:30am, if that’s enough time.
From: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
To: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
Subject: re: Services Required
Making me look like an ogre would be a talent in itself, Miss Porter.
The contract is attached. My driver will be there at 8:15, if you could make it. They’ll know who you are, so don’t worry.
From: Hannah Porter (hannah@)
To: Flynn (flynninaskurg@)
Subject: re: Services Required
I’m getting in an unknown car to be taken to an unknown location to take unknown photographs of a gentleman I’ve met twice.
Why on Earth would I be worried?