Page 25 of Leafpoint Lighthouse

“Nowhere. It’s in the same place as always.” Cale wasn’t demanding this time, meaning he was up to something.

“Where have you hidden it? This is a matter of confidentiality,” Cale threatened.

“Why is that my fault? The Sinclair file remains exactly where it has been for the past two years. If Serena is the one managing it, she knows where it is,” I replied.

Someone drew a breath. Ah, someone was listening. I hit record on my phone.

“This is being recorded,” I declared at the same time Cale spoke. I didn’t think he’d heard me. Oh well, I’d said it!

“Lyra, I realise you’re upset over Serena and me…”

“Grow up, Cale. You and Serena humiliated me in front of the entire office.”

“Lyra…”

“No! You don’t get to cut me off!” I snapped and felt Cale’s silence down the line. “Now, there’s footage proving what you did to me. I have it. Your friends and colleagues blasted that all over social media, including the vote on whether you should date a loser like me. You will not bully me any longer. Serena claims Sinclair was her file, her project, her research; then she knows where it is. Because in your and Serena’s opinion, I’m a lowly number cruncher. If Serena’s so damn special, she’ll be aware of the figures whether she has the file or not.

“I didn’t take it. Have security review the CCTV of me leaving work. I had my small handbag and nowhere to hide a file. The worrying thing is, I’ve nearly been gone a month, and this is the first time Serena’s looked for it? No, I won’t be bullied, embarrassed, or lied about any further. You two made your bed, lie in it. Don’t contact me again. If you do, I will send the footage to HR, instruct a solicitor, and sue you and the company! Now get lost!”

I hung up as my hands trembled in distress. Oh my God. I’d stood up to Cale, not once but twice. There’d been someone listening in on the conversation. Cale had tried to set me up. Well, that had backfired. I wished they would leave me alone.

I dropped my head into my palms and swallowed hot tears.

Ten to one, that had been his boss or HR staying silent. Now they’d been warned. I wouldn’t be bullied, not anymore.

I glanced toward the doorway, spotting William, who stood there staring at me.

“Rough day?” he asked almost gently.

“Why do you care?” I hissed bitterly, and William seemed taken aback. “Just like everyone else, you want to get rid of me. Well, tough! This is my home, mine, and I’m not handing it over to a ghost!” I cried as tears flooded my eyes.

William looked horrified and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket.

“Don’t you dare try to be nice! You’re like all of them. Mean, nasty, rude, you don’t care who you step on, and you want what belongs to me, just like them!” I accused.

William disappeared with a guilty look as I broke down and sobbed. “Why can’t life treat me nicely for once?”

I was so grateful that I had stocked up on medication. After crying myself to sleep, I woke up with a huge headache. As I wiped the sleep away from my eyes, I sat up and winced. My head hammered.

The painkillers were downstairs where I’d left them, and I needed headache tablets. As I walked down the stairs, I could smell something delicious. Frowning, I entered the kitchen and saw William standing at the range cooker.

“What are you doing now?” I asked wearily, heading over to the bags and opening them. I pulled out a pack of painkillers and removed two pills. William handed me a glass of water, and I swallowed the tablets before sinking onto a chair.

“Preparing a stew. I can cook that blindfolded,” William replied.

A howl came from outside, and I frowned, walking to the front door.

“I wouldn’t open it,” William advised, but I ignored him, and it blasted me backwards. William hurried over as I struggled to shut the door. Outdoors, a blizzard raged.

“It is only two o’clock,” I gasped, checking my phone as he helped close it. “It’s too dark out there.”

“The lantern is lit. Only a fool would venture out in this weather, but my duty is done.” William turned back to the stove and stirred the stew pot. “I hope you don’t mind, but I made enough for both of us for the next couple of days. It has been many years since I’ve consumed real food.”

“You’re able to eat?” I asked, dumbstruck.

“Before Christmas, my response would have been a resounding no. But after that, and I can now manifest, I’m guessing yes. We shall soon discover if I am capable.

“Why are you being nice?” I demanded suspiciously.