Chapter 44
Chapter Forty-Four
The vinyl was on the desk in front of Fern and Daniel. ‘I don’t think we should risk taking the original with us. Shall I take some photographs instead?’ suggested Fern.
‘Smart. Yes, let’s take some photos. We don’t want anything to happen to it, and I don’t trust him.’
‘Me neither.’
Fern took the photos and locked the vinyl back in the safe. ‘Let’s go and catch that train.’
* * *
The train to London rattled through the countryside. Fern sat beside Daniel, half watching the hedgerows blur past, half mentally preparing herself to sit across from Alistair, smile politely and pretend she hadn’t spent the past week convinced he was hiding some deeply unsavoury secrets.
Daniel had bought coffee and almond croissants from the trolley, and they sat quietly, sharing breakfast.
When they pulled into Euston, Fern felt the shift immediately, London was so much noisier than Puffin Island. The platform was busy with people hurrying about their business and Fern stood and watched it all for a moment.
‘You okay?’
‘Yes, just thinking.’
They stepped off the train together, and as they headed through the station she heard a chorus of camera clicks, and people yelling.
‘It must be someone famous,’ she said to Daniel. She glanced over at the jostling press pack and that’s when she saw them.
Ella and Jax.
Jax carried his signature leather coat slung over one shoulder, and despite the lack of sun was wearing sunglasses.
His arm was wrapped around Ella, who was dressed in head-to-toe cream knitwear, large sunglasses, and a scarf arranged like she was about to pose for a Vogue winter editorial even though it was the middle of summer.
The paparazzi’s cameras flashed as they jostled and shouted things like ‘Over here, Jax!’ and ‘Ella! Give us a smile!’ Enjoying the attention, she turned towards the nearest camera, pushed her sunglasses down her nose in a playful, practised way and beamed.
Daniel noticed Fern’s tightened grip on his arm before she did.
‘Breathe,’ he said softly.
‘I’m okay,’ she murmured, though she wasn’t convinced.
They hadn’t seen her yet. It wasn’t until Jax said something and turned his head slightly.
And then, there it was, a flash of recognition.
He whispered something in Ella’s ear and she visibly tightened her hold on Jax’s arm.
Ella glanced at Fern and then just as quickly looked away.
No wave, not even a smile. She just turned her face back to the cameras, like Fern had never existed.
Ella, her best friend since school, the person who used to finish her sentences and knew every stupid in-joke, had blanked her.
Had she really changed that much? Or had Fern never really known her at all?
The thought lodged somewhere between anger and heartbreak, and for the first time Fern wasn’t sure which hurt more.
The newly married couple walked off in a flurry of flashing bulbs, laughter and chatter. Fern just watched them. Before Daniel could say anything, she turned towards him. ‘Have you ever suddenly realised someone wasn’t who you thought they were, and maybe never really was?’
He nodded. ‘I’m so sorry. That must have been awful for you, but at least you’ve seen the truth,’ he said gently, taking her hand.
‘Come on, let’s get out of here and see what Alistair has to say.’
Daniel nodded. ‘Let’s go meet the man who might’ve stolen a legacy.’