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“She’s not answering her phone and school finishes soon.”
“Dad then.”
“I can’t ask him; you know how unsteady he is on his feet and so impatient with the kids. It would be carnage.”
As I picture my father, I’m inclined to agree with her because our father is a little on the angry side and even I wouldn’t inflict him on my sister’s children.
“What about Anton? He is their father.”
A fresh bout of sobs heads my way and I wonder what is going on, because it definitely involves him.
“I can’t ask him, he’s well…”
“Well, what?”
“He’s um, indisposed.”
“Indisposed!”
I’m sure I’m getting a migraine as my head spins, and I wonder if there is more to this arrest than she’s letting on.
“Please, Jess. Just this once, I promise you. I’ll arrange something long term, it’s just, well, I can’t ask anyone else because it would be all around the playground like lightning.”
She does have a point because even I know how vile the playground mum’s can be, so I say with a sigh, “Fine. Just this once. Remind me where they go to school.”
As she rattles off the address, I check my watch and note I have exactly one hour to get there and so I start walking fast as I talk.
“Listen Sally, have you got a solicitor?”
“They are getting me one.”
When I picture the usual ones drafted in for these cases, I huff, “Well, beggars can’t be choosers, I suppose. Leave it with me and I’ll try to call in a few favours.”
“You would do that?”
Sally sounds aghast, and I feel bad that she obviously has such a low opinion of me.
“Yes, I can think of a few who may be up for it, but in the meantime go with the one they offer you and I’ll see what I can do.”
I cut the call, and it takes me a few moments to get my mind back. I never expected that for one minute and as I head to Robert’s office, there is only one thing on my mind. How on earth can I get out of this?
I’m not good with children. I don’t even like them and Sally’s are unruly, spoilt and, well, children. Just picturing their noise and boisterous behaviour is making me ill already, and I now realise why my mum never answers her phone. Self-preservation is a powerful weapon and mum knows it’s close to that school bell ringing time. I am so cross with her because she is no doubt enjoying a session at the hairdressers or lunching with friends and isn’t there when I need her.
I quickly call incase she picks up and am connected to her voice message that makes her sound like a member of the royal family.
Please leave a message and I will add you to my to do list.
I’ll give her a to do list alright. I mean, what on earth is on it? Shopping for clothes, a little ironing perhaps. Flicking through a recipe book or trying to win at bowls for once down at the village centre. Some of us have actual jobs to do, which reminds me I need to tell Robert that I’m leaving and may be some time.
As I head to his office on the executive floor, I wonder if I should invent some great mystery that I am needed back at the station to solve. It would sound a lot better because I can only imagine the horror on his face when he learns of my criminal connections.
CHAPTER18
ROBERT
How long does it take to scale a few floors in this building? It’s been fifteen minutes already and I’m in dire need of a coffee that I have decided will be Jessica’s first task. I’m rather smug about how things have worked out and as I check some emails and sign a few letters, I am looking forward to a very pleasant working environment this side of Christmas.
When she finally storms through the door, I glance up with a blank expression and note the flush to her cheeks and the wild expression in her eye and momentarily feel a little afraid for my safety.
