Change of Harte (Harte, #2) (Harte Series)

by Harris, Brooke

  ‘Sponge Fucking Bob.’ Mickey choked on his own saliva. ‘Are you fucking with me, kid?’

  ‘Who says extortionists can’t have a little fun, eh?’ Julian sniggered. ‘No fucking, Da Luca. No me fucking you. And no you fucking Tamara. Ten million. Are we clear?’

  ‘We’re clear. But just so you know, I would have taken five.’

  ‘That’s your mistake, Da Luca. She’s priceless.’

  Mickey’s teeth grinding echoed over the line like thumb tacks digging into Julian’s exhausted head.

  Julian hung up and logged into his laptop to transfer funds into a dormant account. He pulled out the matching cheque book from his desk drawer and scribbled the word ‘Cash’ in block letters. Sponge Bob. Julian snorted, trying to think where the nearest toy store was so he could buy a kid’s duffle bag.

  Julian made a third and final call and when the line picked up, the person on the other end didn’t speak. There were only two words to say.

  ‘Sponge Bob.’

  ‘Game on,’ Sargent Hammond replied.

  ‘Game fucking on.’

  Julian followed the sound of laughter into the kitchen. Mrs. Cartwright and Eva were sitting at the island, bright smiles lighting up both their faces.

  ‘We saved you some,’ Eva smiled, sliding a plate toward Julian.

  Julian smiled back. ‘Thanks. Maybe later.’

  ‘You have to eat something, Julian. You’ll waste away,’ Mrs. Cartwright added.

  Julian shook his head at his housekeeper. He slipped his fingers through the back of Eva’s hair and pulled her lips onto his, leaving a soft, lingering kiss.

  He drew back and studied every perfect line of her face. He wanted to remember every detail…just in case…just in case.

  ‘I’ve got to go.’

  ‘Now?’ Eva protested and Julian didn’t miss the worry hiding in the lines around her face. She knew something wasn’t quite right.

  ‘Now,’ Julian repeated. ‘I’ll see you at the airport, okay?’

  ‘Promise me.’

  ‘Evangeline Andrews, I promise you.’

  Eva nodded. This time she asked no questions. Julian kissed her once more. Soft, warm, needing. He never wanted to stop; he never wanted to come up for air. But he did, of course he did, and he hoped she’d understand someday that he did it for her. He turned his back and walked to the front door. ‘Anthony, let’s go toy shopping.’

  Chapter 31

  It was cold. By far the coldest day of the year so far. By far the coldest day Eva could remember. The type of day where the wind grew claws and ripped against your face leaving icy scratches. She was still wearing the clothes she’d burst out of her apartment in last night, mortified that Julian hadn’t let her change. Her grubby outfit was hidden under the coat she’d borrowed from Mrs. Cartwright. And even though it was two or three sizes too big, it kept the wind out of her bones.

  Anthony waited patiently on the runway beside her. She was more than a little disappointed when he’d returned without Julian, whose meeting had dragged on, Anthony explained.

  ‘Can I get you a coffee, Eva? You look positively frozen,’ Anthony said cutting into a silence that had rested between them for almost an hour.

  ‘No thanks, Anthony. I’m just anxious. I hate flying,’ Eva lied.

  She didn’t hate flying, but she was anxious as hell. She’d tried calling Shelly at least twenty times since Julian left earlier, and Shelly’s phone went straight to voicemail without even ringing. She desperately needed to explain what was going on with her friend. Even though she doubted she’d know now. She wasn’t entirely sure herself what had happened in the last twelve hours. She was still reeling from the news of her father’s death, and she knew going back to Dublin with Julian now—right this moment—was running away. But she was okay with that. She even knew she deserved it. People did crazy things when they were grieving. And even though Eva wasn’t sure if grief was the horrible, all-consuming emotion eating away at her inside, she knew the only person she wanted to be around was Julian.

  ‘Do you know what time we’re supposed to leave, Anthony? Has Julian given you a rough idea? It’s just that if it’s going to be ages, I could just wait for him and we could fly out together. I don’t mind waiting, in fact, I’d prefer it. And it would give me a chance to swing by my apartment and pick up a few things. I feel really stupid wearing this.’

  ‘He didn’t say how long he’d be, Eva. But I know he’d like you to fly on ahead... I can’t make any changes to that plan. I don’t think Mr. Harte would be very happy if I tried. They’re just refuelling. It won’t be long now. In the meantime, let me get you that coffee, yeah?’

  Eva nodded reluctantly. She knew Anthony was only doing his job, but it didn’t help her feel any less apprehensive about the whole situation. It was all a bit clandestine, but in spite of her concerns, she had to smile. It had Julian written all over it.

  She really didn’t want coffee, but Anthony looked like he needed a distraction. She’d never seen him so disorientated or worried or something; it was the oddest thing. She wanted to ask him if he was okay, but she knew she’d get a generic answer. So it was a pointless exercise and she didn’t want to make either of them feel more uncomfortable than they already did.

  She was relieved when her phone vibrated in her pocket. Shelly’s name appeared on the screen and Eva sighed. Before she had time to answer, she heard Shelly’s voice shouting from behind her.

  ‘There you are. Jesus. What are you doing out here, it’s freezing!’

  Eva’s jaw twitched and her feet shuffled on the spot. ‘Just waiting.’

  ‘Waiting? Out here?’ Shelly squeaked.

  Eva pointed to a private jet waiting on the runway. Shelly shook her head and rolled her eyes.

  ‘Yeah, I see the plane. You know big, white, metal yokes are kind of hard to miss, but that doesn’t explain why you’re out here freezing your arse off.’

  ‘I’m going back to Dublin for a couple of weeks, Shell. I’m so sorry. It’s all come up so suddenly, and I tried to call you many times, but your phone wasn’t working or something. Please don’t be mad.’

  ‘What? Why would I be mad? I’m delighted you’re coming back for a while. I’m just a bit surprised that’s all. I hope you’re doing this for you and not just because Julian thinks he can tell you what to do.’

  Eva ignored the dig at her messed-up relationship. She was in no mood for a round of twenty questions. ‘You’re going back to Dublin, too? Now like? Like today?’

  Shelly nodded contently.

  ‘And Nathan is coming back, too?’

  Shelly rolled her eyes at the mention of his name, and Eva didn’t push it any further. ‘Now who’s the one doing what Julian tells them to.’

  ‘Haha. Well, he is my boss, you know.’

  ‘But you’re on vacation. You only just got here. God, I feel awful. Like I’ve ruined your break.’

  ‘Sure, I only came here for you. Going back early is no big deal.’ Shelly was beaming; her genuine excitement was dancing in her eyes. ‘It’s much better this way anyway. Especially the way things are with Nathan.’

  ‘You two still not talking, then?’

  Shelly scrunched her face. ‘He’s a total arse.’

  ‘Maybe that’s a good reason for you to stay. Time alone together to work on things?’

  Shelly shook her head hard. ‘Nah. It’s past that, I think. Anyway, I want to spend some time with you, you eejet.’ She knocked her shoulder playfully against Eva’s. ‘Especially now, with everything you’ve got going on.’

  ‘Julian told you, then?’

  ‘Yeah. Are you okay? I really thought you’d flip out, to be honest. I think I would have?’

  ‘I think I’m okay, yeah. It’s all just so weird. Not really sure how to feel. Think that’s why I’m just so desperate to get away from here now. Maybe I should never have come back.’

  ‘No. Coming back was a good thing. Maybe Julian wouldn’t have
found her if you weren’t here, too.’

  Eva’s mind was miles away. Her thoughts were already in the air, staring down at the clouds. It took her a few moments to realise that what Shelly had said made no sense.

  ‘What? Found who? Shelly, you’re talking about my father’s death, yeah?’

  Shelly’s face fell. ‘Oh God, Eva. I didn’t know. I’m so sorry to hear that... I know you had your problems and all, but he was still your dad. God, that’s shocking, just shocking. But at least you have Melissa again now.’

  Eva’s heart fell into her ankle. She swallowed hard, like the words might choke her. ‘Melissa. My sister, Melissa. Shelly…I…I…’

  ‘Christ, Eva, are you okay? You’ve gone really white. Anthony, Jesus, Anthony…help.’

  Eva saw Anthony’s blurred figure drop takeaway coffee cups and race toward her before everything faded to black.

  Eva opened her eyes slowly. She was staring at a dusty air vent in the ceiling overhead. Her vision was still a little blurry, but she could just about make out enough to know that they were in the VIP longue. The ringing in her ears had stopped and she could almost hear properly again. Shelly was berating Anthony over something. Poor Anthony was doing his best to pacify her. Julian’s name was mentioned a few times and Nathan. Eva sat up and rubbed her temples, hoping to ease her killer headache. Shelly came rushing toward her and sat her back into the chair, refusing to let her stand.

  ‘Here, take a sip.’ Shelly passed Eva a bottle of still water and she guzzled some.

  ‘Jesus, you went down like a tonne of bricks there, Eva. You okay now.’

  ‘Yeah. Yeah. I’m fine. Dunno what happened. I never faint, really. Just been a crazy few hours.’

  ‘Shock, I’d say. Do you know what happened to him?’

  Eva closed her eyes again. She hadn’t asked.

  ‘And I didn’t help with my big mouth. God, Eva. I’m so sorry.’

  ‘Shelly, do you know something that I don’t?

  Eva opened her eyes again and studied Shelly expression. Eva could smell shit. Shelly was terrible at keeping secrets. Her voice always raised an octave when she was bullshitting and she couldn’t make eye contact after for at least five minutes. Right now, Shelly was staring at her boots like the answer to world peace was engraved in the leather.

  ‘Okay, Shell. Forget about it,’ Eva said, still perplexed by the sudden mention of Melissa but it was outweighed by relief that Shelly didn’t want to dredge through her family history. Especially not today, of all days.

  ‘I didn’t realise we’d all be flying home together,’ Shelly said, and Eva was grateful for the change of subject.

  ‘It’s cool and all. I just wasn’t expecting it. Julian didn’t say anything in his text. Just a time to be at the airport. He didn’t even tell me about your dad. Typical.’

  Eva was desperate to set Shelly’s crossed wires straight and let her know Julian wasn’t coming yet, but she couldn’t take her eyes off Anthony. He was on the phone. Pacing. Worrying. Panicking. Something wasn’t right. It was Julian. Anthony was worried about him. No matter how much he tried to hide it with professional decorum, Eva could see the concern all over his face. She felt like she might be sick. Maybe it really did have something to do with Melissa. Maybe that was very, very wishful thinking.

  ‘Is everything okay,’ Eva called out as Anthony hung up and moved away.

  He turned back and smiled. ‘Yes, Eva. Everything is fine. I’m on my way to pick up Mr. Harte now. I won’t be long. You should get yourself on board in the meantime, love. You’ll be taking off soon. He’ll be right behind you. So, stop your worrying, okay?’

  Colour returned to Anthony’s cheeks and his eyes were brighter, too. Whatever it was, whatever Julian was up to, it was over now. Maybe Eva would ask Shelly about it on the plane. Or maybe she wouldn’t. Maybe she’d just curl up and sleep and look forward to being back in Dublin again. Back in Dublin with Julian.

  Chapter 32

  The VIP lounge looked smaller since Anthony left. Stuffier, too. Like the air inside was trying to be as drastically contrasting to the air outside as possible. Eva couldn’t stop thinking about what Shelly had said. It was all a little weird, bringing Melissa up so randomly. Her heart was telling her to pump Shelly for any information no matter how frivolous or useless, but her head was telling her not to torture herself. For once, she listened to her head.

  Shelly was watching every breath Eva took. It was beyond irritating. Shelly had attempted to strike up a conversation numerous times between mouthfuls of smoky bacon chips and fidgeting with her phone, but Eva ignored her. Eva’s brain was stewing, and talking about anything right now was like turning the heat in her head to boil. She found herself constantly checking her phone for word from Julian. There was none.

  ‘I’m sorry for putting my foot in it,’ Shelly said eventually when the silence was becoming unbearable. ‘Do you want to talk about it?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘But she’s your sister.’

  ‘I do know that, Shell. Thanks.’

  ‘But Eva. You just asked me if I know something.’

  ‘I did, and you said you didn’t. Let’s leave it at that, okay? Shell, please. I really don’t want to talk about this.’

  ‘That’s because I wasn’t supposed to say anything. He asked me not to.’

  Eva flicked her eyes to the ceiling. He? Julian. She knew Shelly was trying to spark a reaction, and unfortunately, it was working more than Eva wanted it to.

  ‘But what kind of a shit friend would that make me, eh?’ Shelly continued. ‘I have to tell you.’

  ‘So, what’s the first thing we’ll do when we get back to Dublin?’ Eva paced the room. ‘I’d love to go back to that little pub in Temple Bar. Do you remember the one with the great cocktails? I say we go straight there from the airport, yeah?’

  ‘Stop changing the subject. Eva, this is serious.’

  ‘I wonder if Nathan and Julian would like to come. Could be a good chance for you and Nathan to work things out.’

  ‘Why don’t you ask Nathan yourself? He’ll be here in a few minutes with something to tell you.’

  ‘I thought you weren’t talking to him,’ Eva snapped.

  ‘I’m not,’ Shelly snorted. ‘But he texted me there while you were giving me the silent treatment. Anyway, what does it matter? This is important, Eva. I’m okay with talking to him for your sake.’

  Eva dragged air through her nose and puffed out her chest. She didn’t like Shelly’s insinuation that Nathan, who she hadn’t even spoken to since he arrived in New York, was about to reunite her with her long lost sister. Her life wasn’t an episode of Jeremy Fucking Kyle. Thank you very much.

  ‘Look,’ Eva said, trying to hide her emotion as she turned to face Shelly. ‘I’ve tried to contact Melissa a few times since I’ve been back. I even thought we could maybe take the trip out to New Jersey together. But she was having none of it. Told me to stay the fuck away. She even got her creepy Latino boyfriend to warn me to stay away from her. He told me he’d happily strangle me if I called again. I took the not-so-subtle hint. There’s just too much water under the bridge. I’ve dealt with it, okay?’

  ‘I don’t think he’s her boyfriend, Eva.’

  ‘Well, whoever he is, he’s a creep.’

  ‘He’s her pimp, Eva,’ Nathan said, appearing in the doorway.

  Eva turned around to face Nathan. Her face soured and her eyes narrowed. ‘You could have started with hello.’

  ‘Sorry. That was a bit blunt but…’

  Eva snorted. ‘Yeah, just a bit.’

  Shelly looked like she wanted to gouge out Nathan’s eyes with the corner of her chips packet. The tension in the room was torturous.

  ‘I think you’ve picked this up wrong,’ Eva added. ‘Melissa is an exotic dancer. And yes, before you say anything, either of you, I know how bad a rep dancers have. But she’s not like that. She wouldn’t sell her body. Okay. See, Shelly. This is exactly w
hy I didn’t want to talk about this.’

  ‘A dancer in Vertigo?’ Nathan asked. Although it sounded a lot more like an accusation than a question.

  Eva nodded. ‘Yeah, yeah, I think that’s the place. Does it matter?’

  ‘And have you ever been in Vertigo, Eva?’ Nathan continued.

  ‘No. Nathan,’ Eva snapped, uncomfortable with this sudden twist in conversation, ‘why would I be in a place like that?’

  ‘A place like that. Exactly. A place where dirty old men take young, helpless girls upstairs and fuck them for a pay-by-the-hour rate.’

  ‘Nathan, stop it. That’s a disgusting way to say it,’ Shelly scolded. ‘Eva, are you okay?’

  Eva sat back down, chewing on her inside lip. She didn’t want to believe it but suddenly a lot of the pieces were fitting together.

  ‘Eva, you’ve gone very pale again, do you feel faint?’ Shelly asked wrapping her arm around Eva’s shoulders.

  ‘I’m fine. Okay. I’m fine.’ Eva shrugged herself free.

  ‘Are you only just finding all this out now, seriously?’

  Eva’s head hurt. Maybe she was going to faint again.

  ‘Did you really not know? I thought you just didn’t want to talk about it, to be honest. Kind of thought Julian would tell you, too. He was being all dickhead about it and didn’t want me to say anything. Typical Julian. But then when I saw you here and you said you were coming back to Dublin, well, I just thought he’d told you. Honestly, Eva. I wouldn’t have sprung it on you like this if I’d known. And especially with your dad and everything.’

  Julian. What did that have to do with Julian? Eva’s stomached heaved and she was sorry for sipping so much water as it swished around inside her stomach like a washing machine on spin cycle. More fucking games. Shelly was wrong. She had to be wrong. Please, please.

  ‘Vertigo. Vertigo.’ Eva ran the name over in her head, processing the new familiarity. ‘Actually, I know that place. I was near there yesterday. It’s really classy. It’s nice. It’s just a dance place. They wouldn’t have prostitutes in there.’ Eva looked at both her friends for reassurance. ‘They wouldn’t, Shell. Would they?’