Chapter 23
It’s Friday, and I’m at Citizens Advice.
I’ve just finished helping a client draft a legal letter to a supplier who has failed to pay their bill when I spot Drew sitting on a bench in the waiting area.
He looks forlorn, his head dipped, his arms resting on his knees and his hands in prayer shape.
He’s got on heavy workboots and jeans and must be sweltering.
I feel sick when I remember I went to his house out of hours and we exchanged numbers. I’ve crossed a boundary with Drew and have become too involved. Susi could sack me if she finds out.
He looks up when I approach, and smiles.
‘Drew,’ I say brightly, whisking him into a side room before he says anything in front of Susi. ‘How are you?’ I indicate the seat facing my desk.
He sits down heavily. ‘Not great, I’m afraid, Lena. My dad took a turn for the worse last night.’ He rubs his shoulder. ‘I can’t stop thinking that SJ is in some kind of trouble.’
‘If you have concerns, Drew, I really think you should go to the police. Just tell them everything you’ve told me.’
‘I keep thinking Henry knows something. The classic car that was following her and the fact he knew her and lied about why she left the company so abruptly. And then the plan you heard them talking about. Did you say you had it on your phone?’
‘Only the first bit.’
‘Will you send it to me?’
I want to say no. I could be putting myself in danger.
Not to mention how Susi will react if she finds out.
I could lose my job and I need it more than ever if I want to keep the house.
But if the police find out that Henry has done something criminal, he’ll be arrested.
So it won’t matter that he knows I was the one who helped turn him in.
All of this gallops through my mind as I assess Drew sitting there, worry etched all over his handsome face.
I’m concerned for him. Does he have many mates?
Someone to go for a drink with? To vent to?
A girlfriend, perhaps? He’s never mentioned any, and I picture him at home on the farm with the boxes in the dark hallway and all the clutter, looking after his parents and their menagerie while worrying about a sister who may or may not be in danger. I wonder how he copes.
‘Will you send me the recording?’ he asks again. He sounds so desperate.
I can’t stand by and do nothing.
Not like I did before.
‘Okay,’ I say. ‘It’s not much. And it’s obviously out of context so it’s doubtful the police will take it seriously.’ I reach for my phone and text him the soundbite. ‘Here we go.’
His phone pings and he exhales in relief. ‘Thanks, Lena. I’ll go back to the police. Like you say, it’s not much to go on, but it’s worth a shot.’
‘It must be so tough, coping with it all by yourself.’ I clear my throat. ‘Listen, is there anyone you can talk to? Someone to help take the weight off?’
‘I have you to talk to, Lena. You’ve helped me more than you know.’
‘I’m here to help you professionally, but is there someone you’re … um … close to?’
Confusion shadows his eyes. ‘I thought we were friends.’
An uneasy feeling begins to simmer. ‘Well, I’m your adviser, Drew. And I’m worried about you, that’s all. I’m worried you’ve got a lot on your plate and nobody to help you.’
‘Why don’t you come over for dinner tomorrow? My mum liked you.’ His gaze grazes my wedding finger as he notices the absence of a ring.
‘That sounds lovely, Drew, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t be allowed to.’
‘What do you mean, “not allowed”?’
‘My boss. It’s against the rules because you’re a client.’
‘I’m not exactly a client, am I? I’m not paying you for your services. I’ve just come in here to ask for advice, but I don’t have to come again if it’s mixing business with pleasure. You’ve been so kind to me, Lena, the way you’ve helped me.’
‘That’s … well, that’s my job.’
He looks at me intently. ‘Is it your job to come and find me in the park? Is it your job to come over to my house? I think all that goes above and beyond, don’t you?’
The room shrinks in size and feels even more airless.
‘I …’ Is he right? Is there an attraction between us or is it just my obsession with the Morgans that propelled me to help him?
I assess him sitting there, watching me.
He is attractive, but I’m not ready to date anyone.
How can I, when I’m still not over Charlie?
And then another, less charitable, thought enters my mind.
Drew has a hold over me now. Is he using it to get what he wants?
‘I just really wanted to help you find your sister,’ I say feebly.
Drew doesn’t say anything for a moment or two and an awkward silence fills the room. Then he pushes back his chair and stands up. ‘Right. Well,’ he clears his throat, ‘I’ll let you know what happens.’ All the warmth has left his voice. Wil he report me to Susi?
I stand up, ready to escort him out, but he leaves the room, closing the door firmly behind him.