by HR Moore
*****
They arrived at the Archives and Marcus led Anita down the three flights of stairs. Half way to the back of the room, they bumped into Cleo, who looked a little shocked to see them there. ‘Hey,’ she said, giving Anita a quizzical look, ‘I don’t think you’ve come here more than twice in your entire life have you?’ she laughed, mocking her best friend, ‘what are you doing here?’
Marcus looked uncomfortable. ‘Nothing much,’ Anita replied. ‘Marcus spends so much time here I thought I’d come and see what all the fuss is about.’ Anita threw Cleo a look pleading her not to ask any more questions, and thankfully she took the hint.
Marcus relaxed a bit, realising this could in fact work in his favour. Cleo could keep Anita occupied whilst he unlocked the vault, that way she wouldn’t see the security, which meant he could downplay the extent of the family secrets contained within. ‘Anita, I’ll come and get you in a minute, there’s something I have to do.’
‘Ok,’ Anita agreed without hesitation, not wanting to put him off now they’d come this far.