Page 150 of Brighter Together

I expected something like it.

Still makes me want to put him through a wall.

I keep my voice level.

“This is because I will not enter into a commercial relationship with a company whose directors tried to interfere with a procurement process through pressure on one of my employees.”

Lee laughs without humour. “Your employee.” His eyes narrow. “Does spreading her legs for you form part of her job description?”

I take one step towards him.

Nick’s shoulder is suddenly level with mine.

A firm reminder. Stop there.

“Stay away from Ella.” I say slowly.

Lee’s expression flickers. “This is getting ridiculous.”

“No. What happened yesterday was ridiculous,” I growl.

The anger I’ve been holding down all morning pushes against my ribs.

I let some of it into my voice.

“If you go to her home again, threaten her again or put your hands on her again, I will encourage her to report you and I will give the police anything they need from me about what I witnessed afterwards.”

Lee’s father stands. “That sounds very much like a threat, Mr Atkinson.”

“It isn’t. It’s a boundary.”

His mouth tightens. “I think it would be best if you left.”

I look at him.

This is Ella’s father.

The man who is supposed to look out for her.

The man she spent years trying to please.

The man whose approval still has enough weight that she could barely say the word police yesterday without panicking.

“She’s your daughter.”

Something finally cracks in my control.

Not enough to shout.

Enough that every word comes out harder.

“You should have protected her.”

His expression doesn’t change.

I turn to Lee.

“And she is your sister. I cannot understand how you can put your hands around her throat and then walk into work the next day as though nothing happened.”