Page 104 of Choosing Hope

I summarize the rest of my speech as quickly as I can, taking only a few questions before handing back to Brendon James, the Govern Trust CEO.

As I leave the podium, Brendon’s assistant approaches me. Without giving her a chance to speak, I explain something has come up, and I need to leave urgently.

Rushing out onto the street, I see my dutiful driver, Tony, waiting for me, but cast my eyes around; there’s no sign of Sophie.

Where the fuck are you, Soph?

Striding toward the car with purpose, Tony steps out to open my door.

“Where’s Sophie?” I demand.

“Your wife said she’d gotten a call from the school and needed to collect Lily. She looked harassed. I told her I’d take her but she insisted I stay with you, and hailed a cab.”

I pull out my phone and dial Sophie’s number. No reply.

A horrible, sickly feeling creeps up my throat as I sink back into the plush leather of my car seat. As Tony pulls out into the traffic, toward Lily’s preschool, my phone buzzes in my hand.

Sophie:You need to speak to Kalie urgently. I think she might be pregnant.

Sophie:Give me some time, Spence. I need to get my head straight.

Not a fucking chance.

I scroll through my contacts. Three weeks ago, I deleted Kalie’s number and blocked her.

Shit!

With my mind racing, I do what I always do when I’m in a bind. I call Carlo.

“Compagno.”

“Carlo, Kalie’s cornered Sophie. I need her number urgently. Can you get it off the club’s records? Sophie’s gone AWOL. She thinks Kalie is pregnant.”

“Is she?” he demands.

“No.” I hesitate. “I don’t fucking know. That’s why I need her number,” I explain, exasperated.

My stomach rolls with nausea.

“Okay. Calm down. Sophie’s not stupid. She’s probably just in shock and needs some space. When you say she’s gone AWOL, what do you mean?”

His manner is calm but forceful, like a parent speaking to his child.

“We were at the Govern Trust. I was giving a speech on stage when I saw Kalie talking to Sophie. Then, the next time I looked, they’d both disappeared. Tony said she’s taken a cab to the school to pick up Lily. I’m on my way there now.”

“Right. I’ll text you Kalie’s number. When you’ve spoken to her, call me back. I’m at the club. I can be with you in half an hour.”

“Thanks, mate. Sophie won’t take my call,” I say, and even to my own ears I sound lost.

“Stay calm. I’ve got the number, sending it now. Let me know if you need anything.”

He ends the call, and within five seconds it beeps with Kalie’s mobile number. Borrowing Tony’s phone, I tap to record our exchange.

“Wow! That was quick,” she teases.

“What do you want, Kalie?” I bark.

“To see you.”