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Taylor places two mugs on the coffee table and sits down. He seems better this morning.
‘Thanks. But I should have done that.’
‘What, because of this?’ He points to his head. ‘It was nothing. That guy just took me by surprise.’
‘So he didn’t say anything at all?’
‘Nope. Too busy smashing my head with something. I still have no idea what it was.’
‘You do know I can’t let you come with me to hand him the money.’
He falls silent. ‘I thought you’d say that.’ He lifts his mug.
‘I have to do this alone,’ I say. ‘Look what he’s already done to you. Twice now. It must have been him who stole your phone.’
‘Maybe. If he’s working for Max then it makes sense he’d try and get all the evidence. What worries me is how Max knew about the photo of him with Alice.’ He studies my face.
‘It wasn’t me. I know what you’ve said before, but you need to start trusting me, or we’ll never get through this. And I suppose I need to trust you too.’ I take his hand. His skin is warm and smooth. Different to Max’s. ‘There’s something else. Poppy and I need to move back home. Max isn’t there, and it makes no difference where I am. The driver of that Golf always knows where to find me. And this is the best thing for Poppy. She can’tsettle here – she’s barely been sleeping and this is all really affecting her. Being in her own home might lessen the pain of Max not being around. Whatever’s going on, Poppy comes first.’
Taylor nods. ‘Does she know he’s missing?’
I shake my head. ‘Not exactly. I don’t know how to tell her. But I will. Once we’re back home.’
Taylor sighs heavily. ‘You’re doing the right thing. But promise you’ll keep in touch. I need to know you’re okay.’ He looks around. ‘And actually, I miss this place. There’s nothing like home.’
‘I’ll bug you every hour of the day,’ I promise. ‘You might end up blocking me.’
‘That won’t happen,’ he says. ‘Oh, well. At least Sam will be happy to have his place back. So will his girlfriend.’ He chuckles, but there’s sadness behind his smile.
I’m in the shop by eight a.m.
All the way here, I checked the rear-view mirror, desperate to catch sight of the man who’s been following me. Yet still I lock the shop door behind me, pulling on it three times just to make sure it’s secure. I know I’ll see him today, but I need it to be on my terms.
In the office, I call Cole. ‘Take today off. To make up for yesterday. I insist. It’s quiet on Sundays and I’ll keep the coffee bar closed.’ I brace myself for the objection.
‘But I was just about to leave.’
‘Do something fun for yourself. See a friend. Relax. I’m covering the shop today by myself. I’ll see you on Monday.’
Cole doesn’t say anything.
‘Oh, how did it go with your niece?’
‘Ella can start next week. She’s just working on an assignment and doesn’t want to get distracted.’
‘Good. I look forward to meeting her. See you tomorrow, then.’
‘I’d prefer to come in,’ Cole says, just as I end the call.
All day I’m distracted, my head jolting up each time the door opens. It’s never him, and by five o’clock, I wonder if he’ll show at all.
With fifteen thousand pounds at stake, I’m confident that man will show up. Then it hits me that he could have gone back to Max and told him about my offer. Maybe he’s demanded more money and Max is willing to pay it. All I know is that I can’t afford to pay any more, and I’m not putting my business at risk.
That’s when panic sets in. I’m in a maze that has no exit.But I’ve got to find a way. For Poppy’s sake.
As soon as the last customer leaves, I lock the door. My phone pings – a WhatsApp message from Sarah asking if I’ve heard from Max yet. I put it in my pocket without replying, and stare through the doors. There’s still no sign of that man.
I turn off the lights and head upstairs to the staffroom. There’s a clearer view of the street outside from up there, and I’ll wait all night if I have to. Going home isn’t an option yet – I don’t want to take that money out of the shop.
