2. Stay
Chapter two
Stay
Eight Months later
Standing in my office, the shelving system I have that held all the law books, awards, and certificates, now sits empty; a vivid representation of what my life looks like right now. Taping another box shut, I add it to the pile that will go into storage for when I move.
Running my fingers over the smooth mixed tones of the dark walnut desk I’ve sat at for the last few years, it feels surreal. I never thought I would give up something I worked so hard for. It’s never been in me to quit anything, but now I’m here, packing it all away.
“Last day then?” Simon asks like it’s a question. He’s been trying to get me to change my mind about leaving as he wanted me on this case more than anything, but I can’t stand the looks that people give me anymore.
After Jess found and read what was inside that envelope, everyone seems to give me those looks, pitying me for what happened. I even had the odd comment that he had every right to do what he did. As a woman, I should have treated him better.
Misogynistic pigs, the fucking lot of them. It’s been difficult, but I lack the energy to care anymore.
Andy tried to make the divorce difficult for me, saying his infidelity was all my fault. Luckily for me, Simon’s a great boss, who has a fantastic divorce solicitor on staff. She dealt with it all, got me what was mine, and handed him his arse in court, leaving him with the small amount he put into the house. I think he really believed that he would come out better than he did. I almost laughed in his face. Anyway, he’s now living with his new girlfriend and baby girl.
I’m not that heartless. I do actually hope he can be a good dad and role model for her. That baby girl needs to be the good thing to come out of this, even if it still hurts to think about what he did, and how she came into the world.
“Yes, Simon, for the last time it’s my last day, and you know it.” I say as I place a picture of my brothers into the box of personal things. It’s the only box coming with me; the rest will be delivered by the movers in a few days’ time.
“I’ll keep trying, Charlotte. I want you to stay. You have one of the best research heads I have ever seen.” He means well; we make a good team.
Simon walks into the room fully and shuts the door behind him.
“I just wanted to say something.” Placing his hands on the back of one of the leather chairs that sit in front of my desk, he leans forwards. “Will you keep researching for me? We need you on this, Charlotte. Something’s not right here and I need to know I have someone in my corner.” This conversation feels like I am fighting a losing battle. There’s a shimmer of hope in his eyes— hope’s a dangerous thing —I hate it. I can’t give in. Not now.
“I’m in your corner, Simon, but I can’t work here anymore. Everyone knows what happened between me and Andy. Fuck, a few even saw the photos. I need a fresh start. I've given you almost eight months to get used to the idea while I settled my divorce. I've stayed longer than I should have. I need something different.”
“I understand, but you have been on this case from the start. Don’t you want to see it through?” I groan as he knows that’s the one thing I'm frustrated with. We should have gone to trial already, but our first witness retracted her statement and has not been seen since. It’s the only reason I have stayed as long as I have. I wanted to see this case go to court. I wanted this finished.
“Simon, don’t.” Sighing, I look at him properly. He looks tired. Rounding my desk, I come to stand next to him. When he turns to face me, I know he wants to tell me something. Placing my hand on his sleeve in encouragement, he spills what has obviously been on the tip of his tongue since he walked in.
“Our second witness disappeared last night. We are back to square one, again.” Dipping his head, he leans down but brings himself back up a little straighter.
“Shit, that’s…” I can’t even finish what I’m going to say.
“Yep, I’m beginning to think we have a mole, Charlotte. The way they seem to be one step ahead of us… goddamn it.”
“That can’t be right. You just need a good night's sleep, a few less wines and to get stuck back in.” I’m brushing over the seriousness of what’s happened; the last witness is presumed dead. It’s been almost a year since she went missing.
“You are using my own words against me, Charlotte. That's what I said to you about that arsehole ex-husband of yours, and you never took my advice then.”
I smirk, trying to lighten the mood. I know he thinks it’s ridiculous to give up everything I have here, but if I'm honest, I don't have anything other than Simon and Annie, my work bestie, here in London anymore.
My brothers moved down south years ago, starting up their own business with their best friend, and my parents work part-time and travel the rest of the time. Truly living their best life.
“I kind of took your advice. I got stuck back in but never gave up the wine,” I say, nudging his arm. The thickness of the situation dissolves a little, even if just for a few moments.
He laughs and pushes himself off the chair. He’s not a big guy; a little shorter than me, my dad’s age, greying hair, with a small middle-aged belly from too many nights eating and drinking the finest food he can find.
“Why would we give up the wine?” we both say together, chuckling. There's a double knock at the door and we put our professional faces back on.
“Come in,” I say. Josh, one of our associate solicitors, walks in carrying a huge stack of files and a small smile planted across his lips.
“Who are they for?” I ask as he dumps them on my desk.
“You. You need to sign them before you leave today. Standard NDAs and handovers from your cases.” He winks at me. He's great, but he can be a little creepy at times.
“Thanks, but don’t wink at me again. It’s weird.” He laughs, not taking any notice of me. Glancing over at Simon, I find him watching Josh with a look of suspicion.
“Well, after today, I won't see you again,” Josh mutters, his smile faltering a little before he masks it. Simon shakes his head, pointing at the door for Josh to leave. Pausing at the door, Josh adds, “Don’t worry, Simon, you have me now.” Simon grunts as Josh closes the door firmly behind him.
“Charlotte, please reconsider?”
There’s something I’m not understanding, but I don’t want to know. I need an out, and this is it. As of tonight, I’m no longer Charlotte James-Hudson, criminal prosecution solicitor, at Holland and Brooke. I’m Charlotte Hudson, florist. And I can’t wait.
“Simon, please, I need this. You know I do.” My voice comes out strong; what I feel underneath is anything but. “I'll be in touch. You know you can call me anytime. You are more than just my boss. You’re a friend, Simon.”
He replies with a nod before he leaves and I don't see him again for the rest of the day.
I take a moment to think about the place I’m moving to. It’s a beautiful place just by the coast. A small town is just what I need, and it’s close to my best friend, Millie. She needs me more than ever right now.
My house is sold and I've been down to check out the property I've bought—a beautiful shop with an apartment above. I will be doing it all up. Luckily, the shop needs more work than the apartment, so I can move straight in. I’ve not told Millie about Andy’s cheating or the divorce yet. Actually, I’ve not told anyone other than Simon and Annie, my work bestie. Oh, and the entire office building I’m leaving behind.
I don’t want the questions that will come with it all. My brothers are still on tour. I’ll tell them first, but I don’t know when they will be back. My parents, well, they live in their little bubble and I don’t want them fussing over me. There is no one else. Not anymore. I’m starting this next chapter of my life all on my own.