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‘That doesn’t mean he’s a murderer!’ I shout.
Taylor’s eyes widen and he holds up his hands. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean?—’
‘Forget it. This is all just…’
‘I know.’ He sighs. ‘But you’re focusing on the wrong thing. While Max is in hospital, isn’t it the perfect chance to get away from him?’
My head spins. ‘I need proof before I uproot Poppy. I can’t just walk away until I know. I owe that to my daughter. He’s Poppy’s dad. He’ll need a lot of care when he comes out. Even if you’re right – and I’m not saying I believe it – he’ll hardly be able to do anything to me while he’s so frail. And he can’t even remember.’
Again, Taylor sighs. ‘Suit yourself. I’ll just have to be here when you need my help. Because it will come to that. Look how Alice ended up. I can’t let that happen to someone else.’
‘There’s no proof Max did anything to her, though, is there? I need to be sure.’
Taylor nods. ‘Then we’ll get proof. I’m going to see Alice’s mum tomorrow. I don’t know what I’ll be able to find out, but I need to see her.’
‘Do you think she knows anything?’
My phone rings before he has a chance to answer. ‘Sorry, I need to get this.’ I walk into the kitchen. ‘Hi, Cole. Everything okay?’
‘Let’s just say this is your lucky day. My friend just called. He’s managed to get into your laptop.’
TEN
‘When do you think he’ll get here?’
It’s the third time I’ve asked Cole this since I got to his flat, and his patience is wearing thin.
‘I told you – Eddie’s not the most punctual of people. But if he says he’ll be somewhere, then he’ll be there. Remember he’s doing us a favour. It’s Sunday night – he’s not supposed to be working. Eddie’s very protective of his days off. That’s why he won’t open up the shop like we do.’
I stand and cross to the living room window. Outside, Upper Richmond Road is fairly quiet, and the only people I can see are two young men heading in the direction of the high street.
Cole joins me at the window. ‘Are you sure I can’t get you something? Water, even? You seem a bit…anxious. What exactly is it you need on that laptop?’ His hazel-brown eyes seem to pierce into me.
Instinctively, I want to tell him it’s none of his business, but Cole doesn’t deserve that after everything he’s done to help me.
‘It’s actually for Max. He was working on something important and his boss needs the document urgently.’
‘Oh. Isn’t it on the cloud? Most things are these days.’
‘Stefan couldn’t find it anywhere. That’s why I need to get into the laptop.’ I force myself to look directly at him.
Cole studies me, his eyes narrowing to slits. ‘Okay,’ he says, after a moment. ‘Well, it’s just a waiting game now. I’m sure Eddie will be here soon.’
It’s another hour before Cole’s friend shows up. He’s a short, stocky man with small hands. His hair is thinning on top and it’s flecked with grey.
Walking over to me, standing far too close, he hands me the laptop. ‘I’ve reset the password to, um,password. Just so you don’t forget it. I recommend you change it asap, though.’
‘Thanks for doing this,’ I say. ‘How much do I owe you?’
‘Nah, it’s okay. Did it for him.’ He jabs his finger towards Cole. ‘He’s a decent guy, that one. You could do a lot worse. I mean, I know some people don’t get him, but?—’
‘No, we’re not together.’ I hold up my hand and flash my platinum wedding band. One of the tiny diamonds fell out a couple of years ago and I still haven’t got it replaced. Perhaps it’s a sign.
Cole’s face reddens and he places his arm on Eddie’s shoulder. ‘Didn’t you have to be somewhere?’
Eddie glances at me. ‘Yeah. Okay. Nice to meet you, Hannah.’
I put the laptop into my bag while Cole walks his friend to the door. They talk in hushed voices for a moment, but I don’t have the energy to care about what they’re saying. No doubt Cole is admonishing him for embarrassing him like that.
