‘No, I’ve lent him some money and added a little clause to the contract at a later date.’
I’m appalled, but stupidly relieved. Jesse said my parents would never know, and he’s ensuring that he keeps his promise. ‘What about the surf school? And why haven’t you asked mum and dad? They would’ve lent you some money.’
‘We’re not talking a few quid, Ava. I’m up to my eyeballs. I’ve got myself a massive loan to fund my share of the business and my partner did a runner with it. I’m f**ked.’
I crumble. ‘Why didn’t you say anything?’
‘Why do you think?’ He looks truly humiliated. ‘I was turned over, Ava. I have nothing left.’
My sorry eyes fall back on Jesse, who’s remaining extremely quiet, but studying me closely. ‘How much?’ I ask. My question makes my husband look all uncomfortable, and Dan is shifting in his chair next to me, which can only mean one thing. I know we’re not talking about a couple of grand here. ‘Five thousand? Ten thousand? Tell me.’
‘Just a few.’ Dan interjects before Jesse can tell me himself. I don’t believe him for a moment.
‘Jesse?’ I push, holding him in place with a determined glare. I need to know how much trouble my brother’s in.
His eyes break from mine for a few moments and aim for Dan before he takes a deep breath and starts rubbing his temples. ‘I’m sorry, Dan. I’m not lying to her. Two hundred, baby.’ he says on a long exhale, continuing with the tension easing. I might need some temple rubs myself. I’m hoping by two hundred, he means pounds, but I know I’m hoping in vain. I stagger back a little in shock and Jesse is out of his chair in the blink of an eye. He looks mad.
‘Damn it, Ava.’ He holds me in place by my shoulders. ‘Are you okay? Are you dizzy? Do you want to sit down?’
‘Two hundred thousand!’ I yell. ‘What sort of bank lends two hundred thousand?’ I shrug a faffing Jesse away as my shock allows for the information to sink in, turning my disbelief into anger. ‘I’m fine!’
‘Don’t push me away, Ava!’ he yells back at me, taking my elbow and leading me around his desk. I’m pushed gently onto his massive office chair. ‘Don’t be getting your knickers in a twist, lady.’ It’s not healthy.’
‘My blood pressure is fine!’ I snap petulantly, but I suspect it’s probably just gone through the roof. ‘Two hundred thousand? No bank in their right mind would lend that sort of money for a surf school!’ Australian banks must work the same as British banks. They would laugh in anyone’s face if they rocked up with a request on that scale. How much can a few surf boards cost?
‘No, you’re right.’ Dan’s shrinking further into his chair, making himself smaller and smaller. It’s an indication of how he feels—small and stupid. ‘A loan shark would, though.’
‘Oh God!’ My hands fall into my palms. I know how they work, not that I’ve had the pleasure myself. ‘What were you thinking?’ I can feel Jesse’s palm rubbing soothing circles into my back, but it doesn’t soothe me at all.
‘I wasn’t thinking, Ava.’ he sighs.
I uncover my face, just so Dan can see the disappointment on it. I thought he was smart. ‘Is that the only reason you came home?’
‘They’re looking for me.’ Dan’s defeated face yanks at my heart strings. ‘You don’t get away with non-payment with these types.’
‘You said you were doing well,’ I remind him, but I get no explanation, just a shrug. ‘Just stay here.’ I sit forward in my chair. ‘Don’t go back.’ I hear Jesse’s quiet laugh and see Dan’s soft smile. Both reactions to my remedy are not being taken seriously. They are also a clue that both men find my naivety endearing. I don’t see a problem, though. Australia is on the other side of the planet.
‘Ava,’ Dan sits forward, too. ‘If I don’t go back, then they will come here. I’ve already been warned, and I believe it. I’m not putting mum, dad or you at risk and…’ Dan’s interrupted mid-sentence by a cough from over my shoulder, pulling his stare from me to Jesse. I don’t need to turn around to know what expression will be on my husband’s face. Dan continues. ‘These people are dangerous, Ava.’
My head hurts, and Jesse’s hand rubs are becoming firmer. I rest my head back on the chair and look up at Jesse. ‘You can’t just deposit that kind of money into a bank account. Isn’t it laundering? I don’t want you involved, Jesse.’ I feel terrible saying that, given my brother’s sorry situation and knowing Jesse is his only hope, but we have enough of our own issues, without Dan adding to them.
He smiles down at me. ‘Do you honestly think I’d do anything to put you and my babies at risk?’ He nods at my stomach. ‘I’m transferring enough money into Dan’s account to get him back to Australia. I have the details of an off-shore account where I’ll transfer the two hundred. They won’t know where the money has come from, baby. I wouldn’t do it otherwise.’