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Caroline showed me a couple of photos of a bald, middle-aged, paunchy guy who I recognised because he always smoked outside. I remembered the smokers because they often chatted with us.
I nodded. “He’s a regular.”
She looked at Declan, then showed me two more images. “And these men?”
“That’s Goran and Alec. They turned up at Crisp’s office when I was there, telling him that something had arrived.”
Again, she looked over at Declan. “You’re no longer working there, I believe.”
I shook my head. “His new terms were not something I could accept.”
Her perfectly shaped eyebrows moved slightly. “Do you mind elaborating?”
I shifted in my seat. Did I really want to tell them about Manon? It wasn’t a secret about us being together. “Well, he wants me to stop seeing Manon.” I paused for her response, but she remained quiet. “I had to reject his offer of employing me for round-the-clock security at his manor.”
“He requested your services at Pengilly?” she asked.
“I’m not sure of its title, but he described the estate as being close to Merivale.”
She rose and stood by the enormous marble fireplace. “I imagine it was a fair sum you rejected in order to continue seeing my granddaughter.”
Nodding, I took a deep breath. I couldn’t exactly tell her that, after a month of passionate sex, I’d fallen madly in love with Manon.
She returned to her desk and sat again. “Would you be prepared to return to your role at the casino?” I went to respond, when she added, “It would be just for a month. In return, you’ll no longer have a mortgage to worry about.”
I looked from her to Declan and back.
Could I do without Manon for a month?
As though reading my mind, Caroline added, “I’m sure my granddaughter will understand.”
Owning my apartment outright would enable me to use those fifty thousand pounds towards my mother’s new apartment.
“That sounds good to me. Only what do I say to Crisp?” I asked. “We didn’t exactly part on good terms.”
She reclined in her chair and intertwined her fingers, which ended in long, pointy red nails. “Tell him you’ve had second thoughts and would like to accept his generous offer, but only for working at the casino.”
“And if he refuses?”
“He won’t. Good security is difficult to find.”
“Why doesn’t he just bring in some of his heavies that I’ve seen hanging around there? I’m sure they’d be up to the task.”
She shrugged. “That’s a riddle. Any insights about these characters would be useful.”
“I can tell you that Alec and Goran are Natalia’s brothers.”
“Natalia’s the illegal who has taken over for Manon?” she asked.
I nodded. “I’ve heard that the venue is about to close, by the way.”
“Yes. Rey informed me. That’s some good news.”
“I noticed a van or two while I was working.”
“And did you see what was coming out of the van?” she asked.
“Girls. Really young. Natalia was directing them.”
