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“They did. But some girls were willing to add extras off the books. Didn’t mind being slapped around. They protected the younger girls.”

By the time he’s finished, I rub my jaw to release the tension.

“April?”

“She stayed away from him. She’s savvy, our girl. Always was streetwise. If he’s gone after her now, it’s because he considers her forbidden fruit and perceives her as vulnerable or at least did. He may have been all bluster; see how easily she would roll over if at all. Sound like she didn’t, so only time will tell. But Caleb, don’t think you’ve got away with it. By being seen with you, Crawley is one of many, who might recognise her. You’ve placed her in their crosshairs. Don’t get me wrong, we are talking about a small number. Most of the patrons were decent guys, or so the girls told me. I may not have worked at the club, but when I wasn’t working, I would walk them home. April and I lived with five of them in a bedsit. I heard things.”

Shit.Who would have known? How many more of my parents’ friends do I need to watch out for?

“It won’t happen again,” I promise him

I hear a noise in the background.

“April has just turned up,” he says.

I’m unsure whether to be elated or worried. He is her best friend, and she needs to talk to him. He understands her better than I ever will.

“Call me,” I say before he rings off.

By the timeI make it into the office, my family is all but blowing up my phone. Funny how April has ingratiated herself into their lives and isn’t even aware of the impact she’s had. They appear to love her and are in a state of outrage.

When my phone pings again, I’m not surprised to see Gabriel’s name flash up.

GABRIEL:

What the hell’s going on?

So typically, Gabriel, straight to the point.

LEAH:

What he means is, are you both okay?

I smile at Leah’s message. We have our own little group chat. Leah, Gabriel and I.

ME:

I’m hoping we will be.

GABRIEL:

What’s that supposed to mean?

ME:

April has moved out, but not dumped my sorry ass.

LEAH:

She’s left? Why?

ME:

It’s complicated.

The messages remain silent until my phone rings. Leah’s number pinging up.

“Hey,” she says, her voicesoft.