Page 64 of Third Time’s a Charm

“Mhmm. So, um, how did you enjoy the trip?” As if she doesn’t already know. Although it’s clear she isn’t referring to our personal relationship.

“It was fabulous.” If only it could continue.

“And do you think my proposal is worthwhile? Do you think you might be prepared to implement it?”

It takes me longer than it should to answer, and I’m aware of Louise holding her breath. It must have taken some courage for her to ask me outright, given the impact it could have on more than the business.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea that has the potential to change the game.” My words are slow and measured.

I haven’t really answered her question. But she seems somewhat satisfied by my response.

“Well, that’s good.” She pauses, and I can sense her eyes searching my face as I concentrate on the road. “Are you okay?”

“Ah, yeah. All good. Just thinking about what I need to do tomorrow.”

She nods and silence descends, apart from the inappropriately cheerful pop playlist.

We decided this morning that we’d spend tonight at Louise’s place and I’d take off early to change for work at mine. But that’s no longer going to work.

“So, I don’t think it’s a good idea if I stay at your place tonight. I’ve got a … a whole lot of emails I need to get through before tomorrow.” I glance over at Louise, who is struggling valiantly not to look disappointed.

“Oh, yeah. Of course. Makes sense. You’ve got a lot on your plate. I’ll just see you at the office, then.” It’s no surprise she doesn’t voice an objection. Part of me wishes she would. But not today. Not until I’ve read that file.

Maybe, if it’s not as bad as Edward’s text implies, I can read it and then go round to Louise’s afterwards. But even now, I know that’s not how things are going to pan out.

Thank God there’s little more than an hour left in our journey. Because the tension mounts with every minute. Every kilometre. And it’s clear Louise is completely confused. Not to mention hurt. And anxious. I’m letting her down. Again. But hopefully, by this time tomorrow, I’ll be able to put all her doubts to rest.

“Thank you for organising the trip, Louise. It was very impressive,” I say as I lift her bag out of the boot of the car in front of her apartment. She shoots me a nervous smile, and I don’t miss the slight tremor in her lips.

Maybe I should pull back a little. But I can’t.

I wrap Louise in a hug. “I’ll miss you tonight,” I whisper into her hair.

The tension in her shoulders eases a little, and her arms snake around my waist.

“I’ll miss you too.”

I want to tell her everything is going to be alright, but some sixth sense has me holding back on promises I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep.

With a final kiss, I disentangle myself and climb back behind the wheel, watching as Louise rolls her suitcase up to the door. She turns and waves before disappearing, a falsely bright smile on her face.

And I head home to my soulless serviced apartment to read a file that has the potential to solve at least some of my problems. Or to derail everything.

My instincts were right, but not right enough. Because Tate and John are in cahoots.

Turns out the records I’d been given before coming here were heavily redacted. I don’t want to imagine what Edward had to do, or promise, to get this file, but the reason it took so long for him to winkle it out of UK HR becomes clear as soon as I start reading.

What I hadn’t anticipated was the depth of filth I’d have to wade through.

I’d been hoping there’d be something I could use as leverage over John, to ease him out, or at the very least keep him in line. Turns out I was sadly lacking in ambition. Because there’s enough here to bury not only Mackelden but also Tate Brown.

Which is a great thing.

But I need to proceed carefully. If I’m going to use this information, I need to be ready to follow through, because when he’s cornered, Tate will come out swinging. I need to take them both down in one move. Or at least convince them I’m prepared to.

No less than five sexual harassment accusations have been swept under the carpet in the twelve years Mackelden has been working for the company. None of which were filed by Louise. And none of which appear in the file I was originally given.

And I’d be willing to bet there are many more instances that have never come to light.