Chapter Thirty-Five
It had been a horrible day. After Gabe had left, Nick returned to the kitchen to find Ohana curled up in the polo shirt fast asleep. On the counter was his business card on which he’d scribbled a note to call him at any time. For a while she had thought there was something between them but ever since he had discovered who she was he had backed off, and now he knew she was being charged with financial misconduct his tone seemed to be more helpful than hopeful.
She had rung her solicitors back to tell them about her handwritten diaries, but their response had been predictably cautious. It was, after all, unlikely that she would have made a handwritten note saying she had done something illegal. Nick groaned – the evidence that proved she was innocent could also be used against her, showing the lengths she had gone to, to cover her tracks.
‘But what about the bank statements? If they won’t take my word for it, what about them? They show which account I was using that day.’
‘That certainly is a better piece of evidence and the diary can be used to show your extreme diligence. But the facts are that your own computer records show a different story. The opposition will argue that you moved the money around at an earlier date to cover your tracks. Leave it with us. We’ll run a forensic analysis of your bank accounts. I have no doubt the FCA are doing the same right now. I certainly feel happier with a plea of “not guilty” now, but the evidence is still damning. ’
As they hung up Nick rolled her eyes. Well, at least her solicitor felt happier. Then she chided herself for being sarcastic – that was hardly going to help.
Dismissing any of her own hopes, she started to call her clients. Ari had been in touch to say Davinia and her solicitors had issued a press release. It simply stated that she fully supported the FCA and looked forward to working with them to clear her name of all false accusations. The standard response of everyone facing an investigation.
No sooner had she hung up than her phone rang again. She was tempted to ignore it until she saw it was Paddy.
‘I’ve made your room up. When are you coming?’
Nick laughed, genuinely happy for the first time all day. ‘I’m not but thank you.’
‘You have to. Ari told me you’re being prosecuted and that you have the press outside your door. You can’t stay on your own.’
‘I can, and I am.’
‘Nicoletta!’ barked Paddy. ‘This is not one of those I-can-do-this-by-myself moments. If you won’t come down I’m coming up. Hal can have Elly.’
Nick was shocked; the idea of Paddy being parted from her child for any length of time was unheard of.
‘Absolutely not. Besides which Hal wouldn’t let you travel all that way with the pregnancy you’ve been having. And neither will I.’
‘Then come down here! Nick, how do you think I’m going to cope knowing you’re trying to do this all by yourself with the enemy banging on the door? It’s impossible.’
Nick paused, uncertain what to say .
‘Does that silence mean you’re coming?’ asked Paddy hopefully.
‘No, it doesn’t, but look – if it puts your mind at rest, I have had the offer of a private retreat where the press won’t follow me. I just don’t know if it’s a good idea?’
‘Of course it is,’ said Paddy incredulously. ‘Get out of London. The place is a cesspit and owes you nothing. The City should be on its hands and knees thanking you, not hounding you.’
Nick smiled; Paddy could be just as passionate as Clem when riled. The difference was that most things riled Clem, only family could upset Paddy’s equilibrium. Then God help anyone in her way.
‘So what’s the problem?’
‘It’s Gabe’s place.’
‘Gorgeous Gabe from Ireland. He got back in touch. Oh my God,’ yelled Paddy, ‘this is far more exciting. Tell me everything.’
Nick took a deep breath, she needed to confide in someone.
‘There’s quite a lot to tell.’ And she gradually explained the rather messy situation both she and Gabe were now in.
‘Right,’ said Paddy, ‘that is a mess. Okay. How do you feel about him?’
‘Confused. I really thought something was starting in Ireland, we were making plans. He’s funny and really quick-witted and I love being in his company. But since he found out who I was and now knows I’m being investigated for financial misconduct, he’s treating me like I’m a liability. ’
‘He’s offering you his home as a refuge. That doesn’t sound like he sees you as a liability at all.’
‘But that’s because he’s a genuinely nice person. And I do believe he likes me, but I think if he thought about me romantically then that’s been blown out the window.’
‘I don’t get it?’ said Paddy, confused.
‘He’s a barrister. He can’t be seen to be hanging out with felons.’
‘Oh, Nick, don’t be dumb. You’re not a felon and I bet he doesn’t think of you like that at all. Why else would he offer you his home?’
‘Because he feels guilty. He said as much; he and his brother feel bad for evicting me.’
Nick listened, waiting for Paddy to reassure her that he was clearly mad for her and that she was being an insecure idiot.
Instead, Paddy sighed. ‘It’s a bloody mess, right enough. And a Harrington to boot. What are the chances?’
‘Pretty high, seeing as he was actually in Cork to spy on me!’
‘Oh Nick, what are you going to do? Please come and stay.’
Nick hung up promising her sister she would sleep on it. Taking a moment she curled up on the sofa and played with Ohana – at least with her there were no complications. The little dog adored her and right now that felt pretty remarkable.