Within minutes we were reminiscing about old times and what we were both up to now. I steered the conversation away from Emma, trying to focus on work.
‘So you don’t mind me being your boss then?’ I smiled, feeling my shoulders relax. Being in Leeds and chatting to friends was just the tonic I needed.
‘I’m made up,’ Roger said. ‘Besides, anyone’s an improvement on Hopkins.’
‘Thanks,’ I laughed, knowing he did not mean it the way it sounded.
‘Seriously,’ he said, flashing me a smile. ‘We have to call him Mister Hopkins. What a ponce. He’s only been in the game a few years.’
I grinned in response. ‘Not like us fresh-faced uni graduates hammering in our For Sale signs, then.’
‘Yup. And as for your secretary – you can thank Hopkins for her. Talk about perks of the job.’
I savoured my coffee as I sipped, the smell of freshly ground beans invigorating my senses. ‘I’m an old married man,’ I joked. ‘I don’t have the energy for that sort of carry-on any more.’
‘So that’s why you got rid of the whiskers? Too many grey hairs creeping in?’
Feeling the absence of my facial hair, I rubbed my bare jaw. ‘There might have been one or two. What can I say? All down to the pressures of work.’
Finishing his coffee, Roger threw me an envious glance. ‘Who would have thought it, us two ending up in the same office with you on that side of the desk. Fair play to you – maybe if I’d put in a few extra hours I would have made more of myself.’
For all Roger and I went back, I didn’t rush to tell him about the fact that I was Mr Second Choice, having applied but failed to get the job the first time round. I was pretty sure that if it weren’t for Theresa, I wouldn’t be sitting there at all. Despite her impending divorce from Charles, my boss in Colchester, she was still able to pull a few strings. Still, that was something Roger didn’t need to know. I would prove myself and make the team a huge success. I sank my coffee, filled with enthusiasm for what lay ahead. ‘I’ve seen your sales figures, Rog, you’re doing just fine. As long as you’re happy to be working for me . . .’
‘Like I said, goes without saying,’ Roger said, placing his empty cup back on my desk.
Our meeting was interrupted as Alice announced my predecessor was on his way in.
As our office door opened, Roger straightened, fixing his tie. He nodded sweetly at the man entering before giving me a knowing look. Hopkins had short-clipped grey hair and was in reasonable shape. I guessed him to be in his late forties, and had heard on the grapevine he was an ex-army man. He carried an air of authority as he approached. Straightening my shoulders, I held in my stomach as he reached his hand to shake mine.
‘So you’re my replacement. Congratulations. I’m sure you’ll get on better here than I did. This lot can’t wait to see the back of me, can you, Roger?’ He narrowed his eyes at my friend as he took his leave.
Roger coughed, giving him a sour smile. ‘Of course not. But it’s about time I got back to work. These properties won’t sell themselves.’
‘Who knows, maybe you’ll sell the big one this month. You might be able to buy yourself a decent car instead of that pile of shit you’re driving around.’
I winced. Roger’s wife got through money at a frightening rate, and his lack of a decent motor was a tender subject. I made a mental note that as soon as Hopkins left, I would make it my business to get Roger a company car.
As the door closed, Hopkins turned to face me. ‘I hear you can’t wait to get stuck in.’
I smiled. There was no point in getting mardy with my predecessor if he was leaving soon. ‘Yeah. I’m looking forward to working in Leeds again.’ It was true. It was a vibrant and welcoming city, and my heart remained firmly in my home town.
‘You’re a native aren’t you? What took you down to Essex?’ Hands in pockets, Hopkins walked to the window, his gaze firmly on the streets below.
‘The missus,’ I said. ‘But I’ve managed to persuade her Leeds is the best place to be. I’m looking forward to heading up the new team.’
‘Oh, that reminds me, I’ve got a message for you,’ Hopkins said, interrupted by the insistent strain of Queen’s ‘We are the Champions’ ringtone playing in his pocket. He frowned as he silenced the phone call. ‘Looks like I’m in demand. IT will sort you out with some passwords for the new system. Enjoy reacquainting yourself with the sights of Leeds.’
‘I will,’ I said, in an effort to be polite. ‘You said you had a message?’
He raised a palm in the air as he made his way out. ‘Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I’ve got the number of a potential client who insists that he’ll only deal with you.’
‘Me?’ I said, frowning. ‘I’ve not even started yet.’
‘I guess word’s gotten around. He said you and him go way back.’ Hopkins rummaged in his inside suit pocket and pulled out a slip of notepaper. ‘I tried to poach him, but he insisted he’d only speak to you.’
I raised an eyebrow at his shamelessness, curious as to the identity of my mystery client.
‘You can’t blame me for trying.’ Flashing me a smile, Hopkins handed me a folded slip of paper. ‘His name’s Luke Priestwood. Ring any bells?’
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
LUKE
2002
Morrissey sang a haunting melody from my car stereo system. The more someone ignored him, the closer he got. It was my favourite track from the playlist I had compiled. I loved nothing more than creeping into Emma’s thoughts. Had she battled with her conscience? Such a good, caring girl, lying to her father and sneaking out of her room. Had the thoughts of our secret meeting kept her awake at night? It was convenient, Emma living in such an isolated spot in the countryside. Far from the glare of CCTV and with her nearest neighbour a mile away, I could pretty much get up to anything I wanted. I was no stranger to subterfuge.
You couldn’t exactly call my new Ford Fiesta a passion wagon. The most exciting thing about it was the tinted windows I had insisted upon when it was ordered from the dealership. Sean Talbot, my friend and fellow teacher, called it the granny cruiser. It was all right for him to laugh; he owned a sportier motor far superior to mine. That’s what happens when your mum pays for your car. You end up with something solid and sensible. Still, for as long as she was willing to throw money at me, I was prepared to take it. I smiled as I reread the texts on my phone, glad to be making some progress at last.
Emma: About the other day, I meant what I said. Text me. Xxx
Emma: Is it something I’ve done? Have I upset you? If so, I’m sorry. Xxx
Emma: Need to talk. Xxx
Luke: Sorry, didn’t mean to upset you. That’s the last thing I want. ?
Emma: Can’t stop thinking about you. Please call. Xxx
Luke: I only want what’s best for you. Xxx
Emma: I’m almost 16. A grown woman. Please. Can we meet? Xxx
Emma: I’m free tonight. Are you about? Xxx
Emma: Please. Xxx
Luke: East Road on the junction of Ivy Lane at 9 tonight. Be discreet. X
Emma: I will. See you then xxx