“I...I’m not into girls,” she tells me awkwardly.
I burst out laughing at her.“Me neither!”
Joe starts laughing too.“S-sorry Coral” she giggles, blushing again.
I shake my head at her as the laughter still ripples through me. Then the phone goes, she runs round the desk to answer it. I whisper ‘thanks again’ as I hold the package up so she knows what I mean, she gives me the thumbs up.
This has to be my package from the P.I company. Eager to see what they’ve come up with, I run up the stairs, and bypassing my desk completely, I go straight into Joyce’s office and lock the door behind me. I look up at the clock – 8.20am – I have time.
Putting down my handbag and sinking onto the leather sofa, I rip open the package, feeling very nervous about what I might find.When I requested as much information as possible about Susannah, I also asked if I could have the details of Tristan’s ex, I gave them the dates they were together so the information was easier to find. I know I shouldn’t have, but there’s something I want to ask her, yet another suspicion rattling around in my head.
With shaking hands, I pull out the paperwork, and lay it on my lap. I close my eyes and take a deep calming breath – Ok Coral, you wanted to know!
Feeling guilty for doing this behind Tristan’s back, I start scanning the first page. Tristan’s ex’s name is Olivia Logan, was Peters, but she’s now married with a couple of kids. I'm surprised to see that from the time they started dating, it was only a couple of months later that she moved in with Tristan, then she moved out of his registered address when he ended it.
My hearts sinks. I didn’t think they would have moved in together so quickly, just like us, does that mean there’s no distinction between us? Enough Coral get on with it!
I scan further down the page and I'm shocked when I see her Driving Licence picture.
Olivia is stunning. I mean really stunning, she reminds me of Penelope Cruz. Her dark hair is shoulder length and beautifully styled, her facial features are perfectly symmetrical, and her wide eyes are green and sparkling. I can really see why Tristan fell for her, and she for him.
My self-esteem goes down a few notches, not only is she beautiful – and no doubt normal – but they moved in together so quickly, just like Tristan and I. They must have really fell in love with one another – Crap!
Feeling guilty for doing this, I take a moment, wondering if I should continue – You have to Coral, she knows something!
Listening to my gut instinct, I take another breath and continue reading. I now have her husband’s name, her children, their address and most importantly, Olivia’s mobile number. I'm shocked at how easy it is to find this kind of information about someone. I'm about to continue reading, when a loud bang pulls my attention away. Shit!Joyce is at her door!
Flying up from the sofa, I unlock it and pull it open.
“Coral!” Joyce says in shock, rubbing her forehead.
“I...I’m sorry,” I squeak.
“What are you doing?” she asks as she walks through the door.
Feeling stumped with what to say, I pick up my package, my bag and head for the door.
“Coral!” Joyce booms. I turn and stare back at her but I don't know what to say.“I asked you a question,” she says firmly.
“Um...I was...I just wanted some privacy. I...”I rack my brains for an excuse. “I had some mortgage papers to look through,” I say hoping she’ll believe me.
“Oh, well you can stay in here if you like,” she tells me.
I shake my head at her.“No thanks Joyce. I can carry on reading it later, it’s not urgent,” I say hoping my voice doesn’t sound as shaky as it feels.Joyce frowns and stares back at me, her hands on her hips, scrutinizing me over the rim of her glasses – I’m squirming inside!
“Very well then,” she says, staring disbelievingly at me.
Without another word, I scuttle out of her office, close the door behind me and sit down at my desk. Whoa!
That was close, maybe I should wait until lunchtime to carry on, but my fingers are itching to turn the next page and read about Susannah. I have the information I want for Olivia, I just need to make the call, I really hope she will speak to me.Just as I'm about to carry on reading, Tristan comes wandering up to me. I keep my eyes locked on his and casually flip the pages over, so he can't see what’s on them.
“Tristan!” I swallow hard and fake a smile.
“For you,” he says passing me a small bag with Starbucks printed on it, and I'm presuming a Cappuccino to go with it.
“Thanks,”I squeak in reply.
“Open it,” he says sipping his drink. Opening the bag, my heart melts when I see there’s a chocolate swirl inside. Last night, I told him about my survival on these whilst he was away, he really does listen.
“Thank you baby,” I whisper in appreciation. They really are delicious.
“You’re welcome,” he smiles. “You ok?” he asks scrutinizing me like Joyce did.
“Uh-huh,” I keep my eyes fixed on his.
“You look a little nervous,” he assesses.
“Do I?” I squeak, laughing as I do.
Just at that moment, Joyce comes out of her office saving me from continuing.“Ah Tristan, just the man I wanted to see.”
I swallow hard and stare at my blank computer screen.
“Good to hear!” Tristan swoons, and smiles enigmatically at her.
Joyce blushes and titters at his reply.“Hold all calls Coral, be about an hour,” she says.
“Ok,” I squeak again. God damn it, I wish my voice wouldn’t do that!
Tristan follows Joyce into her office, looking back at me once before he closes the door, I can see he’s still assessing my behaviour. He can read you like a book Coral, hide what you’re feeling for god’s sake woman!
I smile up at him, then wink. Tristan chuckles at me then slowly shuts the door.
Tentatively, I pick up the information on Olivia, fold it over several times and stuff it inside an envelope.I decide it’s too risky to read through Susannah’s information at my desk, so I place it in the same envelope and stuff it inside my handbag.
I switch on my computer and sip my Cappuccino while I wait for it to fire up, when it does, I open my inbox, and get started on the letters Joyce sent across to me...
I AM ITCHING TO READ SUSANNAH’S information. I'm about to sneak off to the ladies when Joyce’s door is flung open – Uh-oh! – Tristan looks mad.
“Can I see you in here please?” he asks firmly. He does not look happy.
Frowning at him, I stand from my desk and walk into the office. Joyce is sat at the big mahogany desk she uses for meetings. I walk over and sit down next to her. Tristan almost slams the door shut, then takes a seat opposite us both, with a face like thunder. I’ve never seen him look like this before.
“Joyce has given me some…well, disturbing news,” he says, his voice flat. “Can you confirm that Susannah upset Joe?” he asks.
“Yes,” I whisper, swallowing hard, my eyes wide with fear.
“Why didn’t you tell me Coral?” he asks, finally meeting my gaze.
“It wasn’t my place to say Tristan, and Joyce told me not to, she said that she would talk to you about it,” I answer honestly.
He clenches his jaw and looks once at Joyce, then stares down at the paperwork in front of him. This feels really weird, he’s acting like…like a boss.
“I'm going to ask you a question, it is pivotal, so please be honest. Is there anything else Joyce and I should know about?” I look down at my hands.“Coral!” he admonishes.
I wonder if I should tell him everything, but the fear of losing him takes over. Besides, I want to read that report first, then I’ll tell him what I know.
“No,” I state firmly, locking eyes with him.
“There’s been no problem working with Susannah, nothing to report?”
“Tristan, you know I don’t”– I shake my head – “It’s not like w
e’re going to become best buddies,” I laugh nervously.
Tristan narrows his eyes at me – Shit!
I sigh heavily. “No. Nothing to report, well apart from what I told you on Saturday,” I say.
Tristan looks deep in thought as he stares at the paperwork.Joyce clasps my hand under the table. What’s that all about?
“Are you sure?” he questions, his head cocked to the side, his eyes narrowed, trying to read me.
“Yes,” I say narrowing my eyes back at him.Something’s going on! “What’s going on Tristan, why am I in here?” I question.
He sighs heavily, looks up at Joyce then his gaze rests on me.“Susannah has put in an official complaint about you. She said that you threatened her when she found out we were seeing each other, that you have repeatedly been un-co-operative with her, and that you threatened to get her sacked.”My mouth pops open, I silently stare wide eyed at Tristan.Is he joking?
Tristan continues. “I have no choice but to involve H.R, they will continue this complaint.” He looks mortified.
I blink three times trying to get my brain to fire.I look several times from him to Joyce, while the enormity of what Tristan’s just told me sinks in.An investigation? I threatened her?
I shake my head feeling totally bewildered.“That’s ludicrous!” I snort sarcastically.
His head snaps up, our eyes meet.“Were you difficult with her?” he asks. See, this is one of the reasons I didn’t want to get involved with my boss!
“No.” I bark, feeling angry that Tristan would even ask that question. “Tristan, I haven’t threatened her,” I tell him firmly.
I try to get my head around why she would say that.I stand up and start pacing the room, there’s no way I can say that it’s her that threatened me now, that’s just going to make me sound like I’m trying to save my own bacon; that I’m trying to turn the tables on her.
“Coral, please sit down.” I turn and look at Tristan, it’s written all over his face.
“You believe her,” I say, my voice barely audible.
“Coral, I can’t be seen to be taking sides. I have to pass it on to H.R.”
My head whips round to Joyce.“Do you believe me?” Joyce nods once.
I start pacing again. I can’t believe Tristan is choosing her over me.Then it hits me, she can get me sacked for this, and she wants to move here.
Holy crap!– This is her way of getting rid of me!
“Is she moving here?” I ask sharply.
Tristan frowns.“She’s asked for a transfer,” he states.
I can’t help laughing sarcastically at that answer.
“What?” he questions.
“You’re not going to need two P.A’s here are you?”
“No but’ – “So what is she going to do Tristan?” I narrow my eyes at him.
He glances across at Joyce, takes a deep breath then looks up at me.“Coral, Susannah’s been with the company a long time’ – “Six years,” I interrupt. “I’ve done fifteen,” I add.
I know where this is going, she’s going to get my job, well screw her!
My heart starts manically beating against my chest. I don't know why I think it or say it, but the moment the decision comes into my head, I know it’s the right one to make.
Taking a deep breath, I utter the words.“I quit.”Joyce gasps and Tristan looks up at me with wide eyes, then they narrow as he once again tries to read me.“You want Susannah here, you got it,”I snap then I turn and look at Joyce.“Joyce if it’s ok, I’d like to work with you till the end of the week, as long as Susannah’s not here,”I add between gritted teeth.
Joyce stands with tears in her eyes. “Coral, please…” she whimpers.
“Don't be upset. I think this is the best option anyway. I don't think I’d have liked it here once you’ve gone.”Joyce nods despondently, and sits back down in her chair.
I turn my glare on Tristan and silently shake my head at him.
He stands up and starts to walk around the table towards me.“Coral,” he says with his hand held out. “Don’t be rash.”
I shake my head at him and cross my arms. “Do you believe her?” I ask again.
Tristan stops about a foot away from me, clenches his jaw, sighs heavily and stares down at the floor. I guess that answers my question.
“Un-fucking believable!” I hiss.
“Coral’ – “Save it Tristan,” I snap holding my hand up to him.
Turning on my heel, I march out of Joyce’s office, slamming the door behind me. Stopping at my desk, I pick up my handbag and stomp down the corridor to the ladies….Holy hell, what have I just done?
Once inside, I lock myself inside one of the stalls. I close my eyes and lean my head back against the cubicle. I try to think clearly but my head just feels like its swimming.
What just happened? I can't work out if Tristan was on my side or not, and how dare Susannah flip everything around so I'm made out to be the bad one, the crazy one!
Putting the lid down on the toilet, I slowly sink down onto it, tears pooling in my eyes.
Holy crap,I just quit!
What the hell am I going to do now?Then I remember that I'm two hundred and fifty thousand pounds better off, at least I don't have to worry about money, and whether I can pay my mortgage, but I can't not work, it would drive me crazy.I decide to call Malcolm, see if he’s got anything going at the moment, unzipping my bag I go to find my mobile when I'm instantly side-tracked.There, sitting in my handbag is the information that may save me. Right!
Taking the envelope out and ripping it open, I pull the contents out and flatten them across my legs. I may have quit my job, but I haven’t quit Tristan. I love him too much to lose him, and I won't let her get between the two of us.So let her come here, let her have my job, see how she likes Tristan and I being an item…hopefully married!
Taking a deep breath, I begin reading…Oh this should be good!
On the first line is her name.
Mrs Susannah Johnson–So she is married.
Then I read the next line.
Spouse – Sgt Samuel Johnson - Deceased 19/4/07 – Helmand Province.
Her husband died!
I stop reading, andI can't help but cry a couple of tears, how awful, poor Susannah!
I check the date again, 07’ – So her husband dies a year before she started working for Tristan. Even though I feel heartbrokenly sorry for her, I also feel angry, she has lied to everyone, including Tristan –And she stole from me!
Reluctantly, I continue reading. It tells me all the kind of information I thought I would get like; D.O.B, her age, her parent’s names, and the schools she went to, her academic achievements, and a full employment record.I'm surprised to see that none of the places she’s worked at are office based. It’s mostly retail work; shoe shop, bakery and clothes store. Not one office job?
I find that very odd, but I don't have much time to be thinking this over, as I reach the end of the page and turn it over to the next, I'm shocked to see it says Medical History.
As I start reading it gets really scary…
7/5/07
Patient admitted to hospital. Failed suicide attempt. Anti-Depressant Paroxetine prescribed.
9/9/07
Patient admitted to hospital. Second suicide attempt. Patient grieving loss of husband and miscarried child. Patient placed in Psychiatric Ward for full evaluation.
Fuck - She lost her baby too! I swallow hard and carry on reading.
20/9/7
Patient receiving Psychological Treatment. Diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy implemented. Patient symptoms include – Severe Anxiety Attacks, Clinically Depressed, Emotionally Unstable – Patient showing signs of progression through treatment programme.
5/11/7
Patient released from programme due to greatly improved behavior. Patient to return home with follow up sessions with assigned therapists.
20/5/8
Patient sh
owing signs of increased behavioural difficulties. Sessions with therapists to be increased. Patient diagnosed with Chronic Obssesive Compulsive Neurosis.
Holy fuck!
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE! I MEAN I KNEW there wassomething iffy about her, but I wasn’t expecting this, I don't even know what Chronic Obsessive Compulsive Neurosis is, but it doesn’t sound good.I swallow hard. Jesus, on the one hand, what the poor woman has been through is just awful, losing her husband, then her baby, but on the other hand, she’s dangerous and my instincts were telling me from the very start.
I look back at the last paragraph May 2008 – Shit!
Tristan told me she started working for him by then –Shit! Shit! Shit!
I try not to freak out, but my heart is slamming against my chest, my stomach twisting with anxiety.
What if it’s not just love that she has for Tristan?
What if she’s turned obsessive about him?
I shake my head in denial, no way surely someone that sick wouldn’t function normally on a day to day basis, surely? I'm instantly reminded of the film Fatal Attraction, Glen Close’s character seemed pretty normal until she went loopy.
I suddenly feel really, really scared for Tristan.What if she’s been stalking him, keeping potential relationships away from him, what if I'm right, and she’s the one that told Tristan Olivia was cheating on him.
Karen’s words come into my head ‘she is so different with everyone when he’s around, the moment he leaves she goes back to being....I don’t know....just weird’’
My mouth goes completely dry. I think about her behaviour last week, she’s been up and down like a yo-yo, one minute she’s being nice, the next she’s not. The dream I had of her comes unbidden into my mind’s eye, and I know in that very instance why I had the dream about my mother – Oh my God!
I close my eyes and lean my head against the cubicle.
They have the same look in their eyes!
I knew it, I knew all along that something wasn’t right with her, I’d seen it before, I just never put two and two together.
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 84