“We should drink champagne like we did with the others,” Clara said.
“But it seems wrong without Ella,” Virginia replied.
“We were the Three Musketeers, but not without Ella,” Clara said. “Or Charlie’s angels.”
“We don’t have a Charlie,” Virginia pointed out.
“I have Charlie, loads of it.”
Virginia gave her a look. “Clara, when you told us you’d give it up, when you asked us to trust you, you lied.”
“But I was dealing with Johnny. And I did it well. I was trying to prove a point. If I was a drug addict I would never have been able to put such a good plan into action.”
“Clara, it was a mad plan and we were lucky. If it hadn’t been that Johnny is that way inclined, we could all have ended up in jail.”
“But we didn’t, and Johnny will never work in the City again. Just like the other two.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“The grapevine. Remember when we worked at SFH and the guys all got pulled up for Internet porn? E-mails went round the City like wildfire and I know that the same will happen here. Besides, his father and his uncle will probably disown him. They’re very traditional men from what I know of them. Johnny Rupfin’s life is over.”
“You don’t think it’s a bit harsh?”
“Not after what he did to Ella, and not after spending time with him myself. We’ve achieved what we set out to do. Doesn’t that mean something to you?”
“It means I’m not the failure I thought I was.”
“Good girl, because that’s exactly what it means to me.”
They succumbed to the champagne anyway, although the victory was not as sweet without Ella.
“Virginia, I’ve been thinking. Why don’t you move in here?” Clara said.
“What?” Virginia asked.
“You’ve been practically living here for the last few weeks anyway, and it’s such a big flat. Your place ... Well, really, your place is horrid. I’d like the company. You don’t need to pay rent, just keep it clean. I seem to have lost my cleaner so I need that and, actually, we almost get on well. What I’m trying to say is that I like you and I like having your company.”
Virginia coloured. “You really like me?”
“Yes I do, actually.”
“But you used to hate me.”
“I also hated Ella. And, well, you hated me.”
“We did.”
“So, friends?” Clara said.
“Friends,” Virginia answered, with tears in her eyes.
“Flatmates?” Clara asked.
“Oh, yes, please,” Virginia said. She pushed to the back of her mind that she would be thrown out when Clara found out about James. Now, though, she basked in the joy of having friends – excellent friends too.
***
Ella was feeling better. She had talked everything through with Jackie and now she knew that as she no longer had her job to hide behind, she no longer had the facade she had created for herself. She had faced up to the Tony situation and grasped that with no job, no obvious future, it was time for her to address the past.
As soon as she felt strong enough she was going to call Sam. The thought of hearing his voice made her feel happier. She would find out what had happened to Tony. If he was dead, she would not mourn. How could she mourn the man who had nearly destroyed her? If he was alive she would just ensure that she never saw him again. After all, he hadn’t found her in London, which had been one of her fears in her early days there. The chances were that he was either dead or not interested in her. She could deal with both those options.
The next issue she discussed with Jackie was that of Johnny. The plans for Isabelle and Tim had been wonderful. They had worked better than anyone could have imagined or hoped. Although Ella acknowledged that they had both been set up, they had still created their own downfalls. They had used the worst aspects of each person’s character to lure them into a trap. Both Isabelle and Tim had allowed themselves to be trapped. But the plan with Johnny was not only illegal but idiotic. Jackie had agreed with Ella then told her that when she had spoken to Clara before they had left, she had asked her to get Johnny. If the plan was activated in Ella’s absence, she would be absolved from any consequences. If they hadn’t done anything, Ella would be in a stronger position to deal with it when she got back.
The last issue was one that Ella had been refusing to face: her relationship with Virginia and Clara.
“Despite your flagrant attempts not to like them, you do and they like you. Without knowing it, you’re all friends now.”
“Jackie, those two girls are not my friends. We were together only to make a plan, and we’ve done, or almost done, just that. We’ve spent a lot of time together but as soon as this is all over that’s it.”
“I don’t believe that, and neither do you. Why do you think they called me the other day? They were worried about you, and it was a good job they were. You said that Virginia is nice now that she’s found a bit of confidence and Clara’s sweet when she’s not off her head. I think you should face up to the fact that you all care about each other.”
“Yes, but I still think it’s only because of the firing thing. If we’d been fired separately, I would never have met them. Sometimes I think it would have been better if I hadn’t.”
“You know when I told you to go through with the revenge thing? Well, that was because I believe everything in life happens for a reason. When I was fifteen and living with the pervert, I now know that although he almost finished me off, I needed to go through that. It was because of him I got the restaurant and my house, and now I’m able to go to college. You were meant to meet Clara and Virginia, you all needed each other and you still do. If it hadn’t been for them, you wouldn’t have worked through all this. God, Ella, I’ve known you for nearly four years and this is the first time you’ve been able to put the past behind you. That’s down to those two “losers”.”
“You’re not going all religious on me.”
“Just fatalistic. You’ve been healed and Virginia has had sex, which probably means she’ll be strong enough to face the future.”
“I’m not sure sex can do that for a person.”
“No, but being wanted can. You said that Virginia has no friends, her family sound like terrible people, and she’s never had anyone show any interest in her. Having this guy want her, Clara’s brother, who sounds like a complete babe, will give her the confidence to move on.”
“Do you always have to be right?”
“Yes, I do. Now, that leaves Clara.”
“Yes, Clara.”
“You’re going to get her off the cocaine.”
“I am?”
“You and Virginia. Don’t ask me how, but you will. And then she’ll be ready for the future and to face her life.”
“God, it’s all so corny. We’re complete fuck-ups and then we aren’t. Will we all live happily ever after?”
“Of course not. You know life isn’t that kind. But you’ll live, which I think at the moment is good enough.”
“And you?”
“Well, I’m going to get a degree and then I’m going to write your story and become a wealthy author.”
“You dare!” Ella laughed.
“Oh, well, just an idea. What if I change all the names?”
“No way.”
“I guess no one would believe it anyway.”
By Friday, they had taken the decision to go home on Sunday. Ella wanted to start putting things back into place. She didn’t even care about Johnny any more. After all that, she didn’t need revenge. They had all thought they needed it, but in fact they had just needed to do something. Revenge had been like a disguise and for a while it had proved effective. Ella no longer wanted or needed a disguise. She called Clara from her hotel room.
“Hello,” Clara said.
“It’s Ella.”
“Ella, where the fuck have you been? Why didn’t you call? We tried you
r mobile but it was switched off.”
“I left it at home. Clara, you know I had things to work out. Is everything all right?”
“All right? It’s fantastic. Since you’ve been working things out, we got Johnny.”
‘my God. You mean you went through with it?”
“Yes, and you can thank me later. Listen ...” and Clara told her the whole story. When Clara finally finished. Ella turned white.
“Ella, are you still there?” she said.
“Yes,” Ella squeaked.
“Well, we didn’t distribute the full sex show, just enough to humiliate Johnny. Liam said he left the building and no one’s seen him since. I wish I knew what his father said.”
“Clara, is this all true?”
“Of course.”
“But Liam?”
“Oh, God, you didn’t know. Well, I’d been talking to Liam for a while. He really likes you. He keeps saying you have to call him. I think he’s got a thing for you. Anyway, without him we couldn’t have done it. After, Virginia, my web expert e-mailed the thing to Johnny, Liam sent it all round the office. The best thing was that he sent it from Johnny’s e-mail. Liam was a star. We couldn’t have done it without him.”
“Clara, I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe you pulled it off.”
“Well, I told you I would. Mind you, I have to admit it was more luck than judgement.”
“I just don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’re coming back soon so we can celebrate properly. Virginia’s fine but she’s addicted to the Internet now and I think I need someone to help me stop her turning into a nerd again.”
“Send her my love. And my thanks. I’ll be back on Sunday, so I’ll come straight over.”
“Ella, are you better?”
“I am now. “Bye.”
Ella put the telephone down and went to tell Jackie what had happened. She could not believe it. The plan had worked well and, true to form, Johnny had helped in his own downfall. And now she knew for sure that she really did care about Clara and Virginia.
Chapter Forty-nine
On Saturday Virginia moved her belongings into Clara’s flat. Clara had even gone with her to help. She didn’t have much so it only took one taxi journey. She was giving notice to her landlord first thing on Monday morning.
Then they got ready for Ella’s arrival. Clara made sure they had enough champagne and Virginia was in charge of food. They were behaving like girls without a care in the world. Although Virginia knew they still had problems.
Although she no longer had to pay rent and she had the money from the newspaper story, she needed to go out and earn some. She had no idea what she was going to do. She also knew that Clara, despite her protestations, was still a heavy cocaine user. James was also a consideration: he had called the day before. Luckily Virginia had picked up the telephone and had begged him to leave it until Ella was back. Also, she had started to face the fact that since they had disposed of Isabelle, Tim and Johnny, their own situations hadn’t changed. Virginia was still out of work, Ella was still out of work and Clara was still a drug addict. They had come a long way, but they hadn’t come far enough.
***
When Ella arrived she was smiling and bearing gifts, champagne, chocolates and flowers.
“It’s so good to see you,” Virginia said, through tears.
“I never thought I’d hear either of you say that.” Ella laughed.
“Well, are you pleased to see us?” Clara asked.
“Yes, I have to admit I am. Jackie dropped me off here – I haven’t even unpacked yet, that’s how much I wanted to see you. And to thank you.”
“For what?” Virginia asked.
“For the way you saved me the other day. Shit, I really lost it.”
“But are you OK now?” Virginia asked.
“Yes, I am. I’m calling Sam tomorrow. I need to speak to him and I need to be alone when I do. Then I’m putting my flat on the market and selling my car. I’m going to live with Jackie. She’s going back to college, and I think I am too.”
“Christ, you’ve made all those decisions in the last couple of days,” Clara said.
“I want to put the past behind me and I need to do something. Apparently I can do an access course, get to college, and take a proper degree. With the money from my flat, I think I’ll be all right.”
“So we’ve got something to thank SFH for after all.” Clara giggled.
“And you. If it hadn’t been for that day we met and got drunk in the pub I don’t think I’d have found the strength to do anything,” Ella said.
“Let’s not get too corny,” Clara said, as she went to open the champagne.
“Does she know about James?” Ella asked, when Clara was out of the room.
“No. And I’ve moved in here, so I don’t want her to know yet.”
“When are you going to tell her?” Ella hissed.
“I don’t know. I was thinking never sounds good.”
“You have to.”
“But she’ll throw me out, Ella. I’ve never lived anywhere as lovely as here. I really want to stay and I don’t want to lose the friendship.”
Clara returned with three glasses of champagne. “Here’s to us.”
“To us,” they all chanted.
“Ella, there’s something you left off your list of things to do,” she said.
“What?” Ella asked.
“Call Liam. He only helped because I promised you’d have dinner with him.”
“I don’t believe that for a minute.”
“Well, it’s true, so you have to.”
Clara smiled, Virginia smiled and Ella smiled.
“I will, but I’ve only got his work number.”
“Voila. A mobile number.” Clara found it and passed it to her.
“OK, but let me have a drink first.”
“Well, there’s nothing left to do now but to get Virginia laid.” Clara said. Virginia went red. “I’m going to find you a man. That’ll be my next project.”
“Leave it,” Ella commanded.
“I will not. You’re sorted. Virginia is living with me, and I have a strictly no-virgin rule about who I live with.”
“What about you? You need to sort things out with Josh and give up cocaine,” Virginia shot back.
“Josh? I don’t think so, and you know now that I’m not a drug addict. I proved that.”
“Leave it, Virginia,” Ella said.
“After all this time we still fight,” Clara said.
“I think it’s part of the charm,” Virginia answered, and laughed.
***
Ella called Liam. He insisted they have dinner that week. Ella agreed to meet him on Tuesday. Monday was for Sam.
Virginia spoke to James and promised she was thinking of him, although he was getting impatient.
Clara took cocaine. They were so near, yet they were still so far.
PART SIX
THE AFTERMATH
Chapter Fifty
Ella’s hands shook as she dialled the number. As soon as she heard his voice she burst into tears.
“Eloise, is that you?” Sam said.
“Yes,” she squeaked.
“Fucking hell! Where? What? How?”
Ella took a deep breath and began to explain.
After she had finished, Sam was silent for a few moments. Then he said, “Ella, he lived. I wanted to tell you but I couldn’t. I even tried to get your bank to pass on a message but they thought I was a stalker or something. Anyway, he lived and he believed it was a robbery. He came round once to find out where you were but I made it plain that he’d never see you again. He’s married now and probably battering his wife.”
“What about Mum and Dad?”
“They haven’t changed. They still miss you. I’m so angry.”
“Sam, you said you’d understand.”
“I do, but I missed you. I do love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
/>
“I’m getting married.”
“No way! Who to?”
“She’s called Natalie and she’s put me on the straight and narrow. I love her and we’re getting married later this year. I prayed that you’d be there.”
“Well, I will.”
“You mean it? You’ll come home?”
“To visit, yes. This is my home now.”
“There’s so much I want to say to you, I don’t know where to start.”
“Me too.” Ella burst into tears again.
The call lasted for four hours. It was filled with tears and eventually laughter. Ella came off the telephone emotionally drained, but stronger than she had been in a long time.
She called Virginia, Clara and Jackie to tell them, and said she would be out of action that week; she needed to get everything else sorted out. Then she called an estate agent, and nearly fainted when he told her how much her flat was worth. As she’d been sensible and had paid off most of the mortgage, she was going to be rich. Well, rich to her. She put an advert in Loot for her car – she was really getting somewhere, she thought. She felt guilty fleetingly about Virginia and Clara, but she called them frequently and now the plans were finished there was no need for her to be with them so much.
Before she knew it, it was time for dinner with Liam. Ella smiled as she thought about how far she’d come. When the estate agent had measured her flat, Ella felt nothing. She was ready to say goodbye to “City Ella,” just as she’d said goodbye to Eloise.
Liam had booked a table at the Ivy and even came round in a taxi to pick her up.
“You look gorgeous,” he said, as soon as he saw her. Ella had put on a blue dress, which fell to just below her knees, and a cashmere shawl was wrapped around her shoulders.
“I see you haven’t lost your charm,” she replied, as she kissed his cheek. She looked at Liam, all smart in his suit with his hair neatly cut short, and saw for the first time that he was quite cute. They went into the restaurant and sat down.
“Your friend Clara’s a bit mad, isn’t she?” Liam said.
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