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“They want my help; they’re worried for their safety.” He sighs. “I told them I wasn’t alone, and they said to bring whoever I was with but to hurry. I’m guessing they know it’s you. I mean, they were expecting us anyway and mum sounded well, different somehow. Frightened even, which isn’t like her.”
Ordinarily, I would tell Robert to leave, and I would remain here, but this could be the break I need in my own job that appears to have been conveniently pushed to one side to make room for more pressing matters, so I say with determination. “We’ll all go but promise to maintain my cover. Until we understand what we’re dealing with, everyone’s a suspect.”
Brad looks up with interest. “What’s a suspect?”
I share a glance with Robert. “It’s um, well, I’ll tell you later.”
Turning my attention to the children who are looking a little tired now, I say quickly, “Who wants to go on an adventure?”
“Me!” Four arms shoot up and I say quickly, “Ok, grab your coats and your favourite toy. We’re going to visit some very important people who you must be quiet around.”
“Why?” Brad looks confused and I say briskly, “Because I said so. Now, this shouldn’t take long and if you’re good, I will allow you both a treat.”
“Can I stay up all night?”
“Can I eat chocolate in bed?”
“Can I have the day off school?”
“Can I join a circus?”
“Whoa.” Robert laughs as he holds up his hand. “We will see how good you are and then decide.”
He glances at me apologetically, and I note the worry in his eyes and sigh. Why is life so complicated? This morning we were both doing a job and had it all under control. At least it felt like that. Now things are spiralling fast and I’m unable to get a grip on the situation all the time I’m babysitting for my criminal sister and her husband.
As Robert helps the children back into their coats, I try my parents again in the vain hope they actually pick up and all I get is the voicemail, which I answer with a terse, “Call me the minute you get this. It’s an emergency.”
* * *
I lockup on my way out and am grateful that Robert has the kids in the car already and as we head off, Brad shouts, “Where are we going?”
“To my parents’ house.”
“Is it far?” He says, sounding interested and Robert shakes his head. “About thirty minutes.”
“I want my mummy.” Angelina whines and, turning around, I flash her my most maternal smile that I’m certain scares her because she stares at me in shock as I say lightly, “Shall we sing a Christmas song?”
Brad groans as Roberts chuckles beside me, but Angelina’s eyes light up and she shouts, “I want Elsa’s song from Frozen.”
Brad shouts, “No way, not again, I’m sick of that song.”
“Then you choose next.” I say with no nonsense as I frantically search for it on Spotify. As the familiar song begins, I am grateful for the moment’s respite as Angelina sings loudly along in the back, while Brad holds his hands over his ears.
Robert catches my eye, and we share a grin, and something stirs deep inside my frozen heart and perhaps, like Elsa’s magic, slowly but surely, the ice is melting.
* * *
It’s notthat far to Robert’s parent’s address and I stare in awe at the grand entrance of a house in one of the more affluent areas of Weybridge. Even though I know Robert has billions, I never expected his parents to be as well off as they appear to be and I say wistfully, “Wow.” The children are silent for once and I can see why, because if I thought my sister did Christmas well, it is nothing to how well Robert’s parents do it.
We drive past trees lit with fairy lights, lining the route up to a house that could star in a Christmas advert. Two potted trees dazzle with beautiful twinkling lights, either side of a white front door with the biggest wreath I have ever seen in my life. Uplighter’s cast the house in a magical light, picking out the windowsills that are dressed in poinsettias and some kind of projector makes it appear as if it’s snowing outside. The gasps from the children make me smile and I say in awe, “Your parents’ home is beautiful, Robert.”
“I suppose so.” He sounds gloomy and I wonder about his relationship with them. I realise his parents were hard on him growing up and yet his father was so loved by all the staff at Harvey’s. I wonder how one man can be so different with strangers and not extend it to his own flesh and blood. Then again, I need to wait and judge when I have all the facts and I am eager to discover exactly what the postman has been sending them.
CHAPTER22
ROBERT
Ihate that yet again I’ve put everything down and raced to accommodate my parent’s wishes. All my life they’ve controlled me, at least they tried and when we saw them today in the bistro, I recognised their need to continue when they invited us here tonight. Jessica was unaware that I texted them earlier to cancel, and I was a fool if I thought they would accept it.
