Chapter Thirty Two - Scarlett
We need proof.
We need a plan.
And we need to play the long game.
So, I text Caleb.
You’re right. About Asher. I shouldn’t have defended him. Let’s talk more soon—maybe we can set the record straight.
He replies within seconds.
Anytime. Whatever you need xo
The trap is set.
I walk into the big house to find Dad and Shell chatting over a coffee, a breakfast array of pastries—Shell no doubt picked up on the way here and her laptop.
“What have I told you about eating healthier old man?” I jive Dad, picking up a scone and tearing off a bite sized piece.
“The pastries are my stress management, you know how I get so close to the start of a season. I need to be in tip top shape.” he takes a bite of something chocolate filled and gives me a little wink.
“Alright but when you’re carb loaded and popping prescriptions for high everything, I’m not blaming Shell” she points at me and tisks.
“The boss man gets what the boss man wants, especially with the bonuses I’m on and the cheeky trip to Sydney with his hot shot daughter might I add.” She flashes her teeth at me and then gives me a knowing look, like she needs an update on whatever the hell is going on around here.
Quite frankly I do too, because Caleb can’t get away with this, but I don’t want to rock the boat so close to dad’s big game.
Shell follows me down the hall to the front door. She double checks that we are out of dad’s hearing range and lowers her voice.
“Okay fill me in then, what’s going on?” she says grabbing my arm with the full concern now of a mother hen.
“Well, I know in my bones, which have never let me down before that Caleb drugged Asher.” I lean forward as the words leave my train of thought and make it into reality for the first time, my eyes widen for added dramatic effect. It does sound a little too crazy.
Shell studies me “You better get some form of proof, but I don’t doubt it for a second, he’s hated Asher since before the crash, you know hot new property comes in hired to do your position surely that’s got to threaten a guy like Caleb, right?”
I nod matching her energy, we have both gone all Nancy Drew “exactly my thoughts, so I’m going to pretend Asher, and I are toast and give old lover boy exactly what he wants,”
I straighten out my plaid dress and fake tighten an invisible tie “Me.”
Her eyes widen now, and her lips turn up in a cheeky sultry smile “girl I know you know what you’re doing, but just be safe. If he can do that who knows what else he’s hiding. He’s a real wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
“Don’t worry about me, it’s him who should be worried.” I leave her with a wink and a shake of my booty as I take off out the door, ready for phase one of the plan to bring down Caleb’s lie.