Escape to the Northern Lights

Chapter One

One

‘Sara? Can you hear me?’

Unfortunately, I could, but I was mid-way through answering an email and determined to clear my inbox before the working day officially started.

‘Ignore me till nine,’ I said. ‘I’m a figment of your imagination.’

Bobby huffed loudly as he scribbled on a Post-it and slapped it on my screen:

Partner meeting moved to 2 p.m.

‘Has it? Why?’ I shouted after him as my mobile buzzed.

‘Ask me after nine,’ he drawled, flipping me the bird. Dickhead.

HIIT me up Group Chat

Abi: Just landed. Can’t wait to see you girls. Still on for dinner later?

Kat: YES. Always yes.

My desk phone started ringing and I could see it was reception.

For the love of God.

I cradled the handset to my ear as I typed. ‘Hey, Pete.’

‘Morning! The cab’s here to take you to court.’

‘Already? He’s early – can you ask him to wait?’

‘Will do.’

My stomach growled and I searched my drawers for snacks. Red Bull and coffee would only get me so far. I needed a proper, protein-rich breakfast, but had to settle for a packet of Frazzles and a loose Polo.

HIIT me up Group Chat

Me: Count me in. It’s Mark’s week for the dogs so I can stay out late. Promotion meeting later, so I might have good news.

I could barely acknowledge the possibility that it was within reach.

That today could mean the triple F: financial freedom forever.

The partners at CSH made more money in a year than most people earnt in a lifetime and this promotion would be like a lottery win if I got it.

After all the sacrifices I’d made, the weird jobs I’d worked through university, all the beans on toast and Super Noodles I’d eaten, the decision was now made, and it was either me or Bobby.

Heads or tails. If they chose me, I’d be the youngest appointed partner in the history of CSH and the second woman, after our HR partner, Cheryl.

I’d been on the promotion fast-track for two years now and had thrown everything I had at it.

First in each day, last out, working crazy hours and weekends; even more so since splitting up with Mark.

Work had been the obvious way to fill the void.

Criminal law was all-consuming, and I’d lose myself for hours, researching, preparing and scenario planning.

Spending time in other people’s messy lives, so I didn’t have to think about my own.

Then as soon as one case finished, I’d take another, sometimes two.

Filling my boots with as much work as I could handle.

Promotion to partner had been the only thing I’d ever dreamt of.

It was my living, breathing dream. And today it might finally happen.

I was ready for it. I craved the recognition and I’d more than earned it.

My career could at least have the decency to skyrocket if the rest of my life was going to fall apart.

*

‘Come in, both of you. Come in,’ Antony said, opening the boardroom door.

The partners were sat around the chic, concrete table, with Antony at the helm and Cheryl by his side.

Twelve pale faces with half-smiles and disinterested stares.

But they wouldn’t put me off. This was actually happening and I was going to enjoy every single second of it.

I flashed them a winning smile while Bobby cleared his throat.

‘Thank you for joining us at such short notice,’ Antony said, folding his hands in front of him. ‘We are mindful of you waiting to hear the partner promotion news and wanted to talk to you together.’ I leant forward, ready for the gold confetti to fall from the ceiling.

Cheryl nodded gently, as if Antony was reading off a script. Surely we weren’t both being promoted. Were we? I glanced at Bobby with excited eyes.

‘Due to a number of factors, we’ve unanimously voted not to add another partner to the board at this time.’

My stomach lurched. No.

‘I know this will be a huge disappointment to you both, but it isn’t a forever decision. It’s just for the time being.’ He smiled benevolently, as if he’d revealed a fabulous surprise, as opposed to handing the pair of us a double-ended shitty stick.

I’d officially been dumped by work and my husband in the same calendar year.

‘When will the next review be?’ I asked, deflated.

‘There’s no definitive timeline,’ Antony said. ‘It could be as soon as next quarter. We’d like to see you both land a high-profile win and then we can look at it again.’

It didn’t make sense. The boardroom was hot, and I zoned out as he carried on talking. I’d heard all I needed to hear. One more minute of Antony’s patronising pity and I’d be in tears.

My watch flashed to flag my blood pressure, then vibrated as another email came in.

‘Thank you, Sara, Bobby,’ Antony said, dismissing us. ‘We’ve got a couple more points on the agenda to discuss, so if you wouldn’t mind leaving us to it.’

I followed Bobby out, completely thrown. I had a banging headache and my eyes were fuzzy. I needed a cheese sandwich. We walked down the corridor in silence until it was safe to speak.

‘What the hell was that?’ I hissed, ready to scream.

Bobby was fuming. ‘This place is fucked. That promotion had my name all over it.’

‘Or mine, more likely.’

‘As if you’re ready to be a partner,’ Bobby sneered.

‘What would you know? You’ve been trying for five years and still no joy.’

He quickened his pace. ‘The timing’s always been off,’ he blustered. ‘It’s complicated being promoted to partner, you know.’ He pulled his trousers up over his gut and tucked in his tie.

‘Yeah, well, I don’t like to be on the losing side.

’ I flopped into my chair and turned to face my computer, frown already in place.

Just get through the day. Then get through next week.

And then I was off on annual leave. I hadn’t wanted to take it, but now I knew this was the situation, I was grateful it was booked.

*

My gilet fluttered in the wind as I made a beeline for Hicce to meet Abi and Kat.

Coal Drops Yard was buzzing with people, the fountains lit up in a rainbow of colours, and fairy lights strewn across the square.

King’s Cross had transformed in the two years I’d lived with Mark in Chelsea, but I still managed to orientate myself in the right direction, like a hungry homing pigeon.

The ma?tre d’ beamed as I walked in. ‘Good evening, Ms Pearson!’ he said, with an exaggerated bow.

Ouch. That was going to take some getting used to. I glanced at my wedding rings and faked a smile. I hadn’t taken them off yet, but this was the problem with being a regular – people got to know you, and it was difficult to pretend.

‘Hi Franz!’ I said, handing over my gilet. ‘Looking handsome, as always. I’m meeting some friends.’

‘Of course,’ he said, peeking through the blue feathers. ‘The ladies in the corner are waiting for one more.’ He pointed to the back of the restaurant, where Kat’s blonde locks glowed gold against Abi’s mahogany blowout. The LA lifestyle suited her.

‘That’s them,’ I said, waltzing over and giving Kat a kiss. ‘Evening, girls!’

‘Here she issss! How did it go?’ Abi asked, reaching for a hug and searching my face for good news.

I shook my head. ‘Not today. ’

Kat groaned. ‘Bastard. I’m so sorry, babes. Did he say why?’

‘Apparently I need another significant case under my belt.’

‘What?!’ Abi said with a frown. ‘There’s no more room under your belt.’

‘White wine?’ Kat asked, pouring me a glass. ‘It’s chardonnay I’m afraid. Sorry.’

‘It’s all I deserve.’ I laughed, then covered my glass. ‘Not too much. I’m taking it easy on the booze.’

‘Are you? Why?’ Abi’s frown deepened.

‘My blood pressure is off the charts,’ I said. ‘My nutritionist has put me on a strict regime of green powder and pomegranate seeds.’

‘Well, my nutritionist, AKA my mother, says one glass won’t hurt,’ Kat said, topping me up.

‘How long are you back, Abs?’ I pivoted. It was so lovely to see her smiley face.

‘Two whole months!’ she squealed. ‘Tony’s filming in Brazil and the neighbours are dog-sitting. I’m taking Mum to see Hamilton tomorrow, then I’m available for brunch, lunch and dunch for the foreseeable.’

‘LA ain’t all it’s cracked up to be, eh?’ Kat shimmied her shoulders. ‘Tottenham girl, back for a hit of the London Badlands.’

Abi giggled. ‘There’s just too much sun in California, you know?’

‘Uh-huh.’ Kat nodded. ‘I’ve heard it’s a hot mess.’

‘And the showbiz parties are tiresome. Swimming in the infinity pool, swanning around in the Jeep – it’s doing my head in. Give me the pissing-down rain any day.’

‘Stop it! Like we weren’t already jealous! I want to swan around,’ I groaned. ‘Even my watch is telling me to relax these days. Can we please do a life swap?’

‘Your watch is an idiot,’ Abi said. ‘Relaxed has never been your thing.’

‘Which is why you’re such a good barrister,’ Kat added. ‘If you were all chilled out, you wouldn’t be half as pernickety.’

I took a sip of vinegary wine and shuddered.

‘Particular,’ Abi covered quickly. ‘A woman who knows her own mind.’

‘If only I knew how to calm it down.’

‘You haven’t had a lot of time for calm recently,’ Kat said. ‘Defending half the criminal minds of London, a wedding in Greece, moving house – twice.’

‘And now the divorce…’ I whispered, forcing down more wine. ‘I’ve nearly gone full life cycle.’

Kat winced. ‘You have. No wonder you’re stressed. Anyone would be.’

‘The flat is a state as well,’ I said, thinking about the empty space waiting for me at home. I’d only been back in it a month, but it looked how I felt. Unloved and used up.

‘I can help with that,’ Abi said, clapping her hands together. ‘Me and my paintbrush! Let’s mood-board some ideas and choose some new colours.’

‘You’re a sweetheart, Abs, but you can’t waste your holidays painting my flat. I was going to ask your mate Jimbo to decorate it for me.’

‘Oh, well, he’ll do a great job. But I’m happy to help too. I love painting and I’d get to hang out with you. Win, win! I can even do you one of my murals.’