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“Somebody who used to work in the hospitality division. Libby pretended to ring from the hotel, liaising over security. Issues normally dealt with by Martinson’s team and not by anyone else. The list should not have been released.”
“You fired someone?”
“Yes. Protocols were not followed, Gemma. They were put in place for a reason, not just to protect you. There are others working for my charities who require protection from publicity.”
“Is that why they’re masks?” I asked.
Jason laughed. “No, babe. That’s just a gimmick. Some of the lawyers at the ball compile legal evidence against some nasty pieces of shit. I invite them and they don’t seek publicity for their pro bono work.”
“Oh. So, he used Libby. Nobody else?”
“Nobody else was involved. It’s over now, babe. You’re safe.”
“I get to drive my beamer again?” I perked up.
Jason chuckled.
“I’ll go to work tomorrow,” I said.
My mood was shifting upwards. I decided I needed a major distraction from the weekend.
“Is that wise?” his voice hardened.
“What else, I can’t sit here. I start to hear imaginary things. I’m physically alright. Your very nice Dr. Mead has given me the all clear,” I risked a dig.
“My very nice Dr. Mead. I see,” Jason’s lips curled up a little. He patted my leg and stood up.
“Oh, Thursday night are you up to a night out? Glamorous Miss Marshall is needed to go on show again.” He crossed his arms and looked down at me. I was intrigued.
“I’m yours, whatever you wish,” I said humbly as possible.
“I’m taking you to a movie premier. Red carpets, everything.” My mouth dropped open. I had no idea Jason was into the movies that much.
“Don’t go thinking Hollywood or anything. An old school friend of mine has been doing well as a director. Making small budget films that have received critical acclaim. I offered to invest in a new big budget movie for him, bigger stars and expensive sets. The effort has paid off. The studio and distributors are pushing it hard. I am a silent partner. I’ll get a cut from the ticket sales, so I am expected to be there for the opening night.”
Wow, this was going to be exciting. My mind raced as I thought of another new dress, a date with a hairdresser and high heels to go with the red carpet.
“Well, I can see that’s captured your imagination. I’m off to earn some more money.” He was about to leave when he caught sight of my face. An unpleasant thought had crossed my mind.
“What?” he snapped impatiently.
“The press will be there. My name, last Saturday ....” My voice trailed off. Suddenly Thursday evening did not sound as appealing.
“Don’t concern yourself. I’ve issued an injunction on Sunday preventing your name being published in the press. Most of the attention is around Libby anyway.” He picked up the newspaper and unfolded it. Reading a passage out to me, “‘Attempted abduction of an unnamed woman, which went wrong’ blah.” He folded the paper back up again and slotted it under his arm. He had no intention of letting me read it.
During the night, I woke myself up screaming. Jerking up in bed, I pressed my hands to my ears and tried to block out the encroaching sounds - metallic rattling sounds.
What am I hearing in my head?
“Babe?” Jason sat up alongside me and put an arm about me.
“Noises,” I said wiping the sweat from my upper lip. “Shit, nightmares. More fucking nightmares.”
“Do you want a sleeping pill?”
“No!” I exclaimed quickly.
Drugs did not appeal to me and I had to find my own way to deal with my fears. New fears.
