Page 93 of Tainted Love

‘Last night, when Nick Henshaw told me he’d gone into business with Francis, he said it like a threat.’

‘We’ve been over this.’

‘This morning, I had local counsel send the registration documents of the companies behind theBlack Diamondsregistrations, Gregory, and there’s one constant. Francis,Francesco, is a director of them all.’

‘Ja, so what does that mean?’ His South-African twang rolls off his tongue like he’s relaxed but I know I have his attention.

‘Why would Francis try to registerBlack Diamonds? He doesn’t have a vendetta against you, you said so. His new business partner on the other hand… Nick isn’t listed as a director but I just know, Gregory, from last night, from Nick’s knowledge of the gaming industry, ithasto be him. I don’t know what their financial arrangement is but I’m certain Francesco Benedetti and Nick Henshaw are in this together. They’re trying to stealBlack Diamonds.’

He’s silent for a second. ‘That’s not Francis’s way. He’s out for money but he’s not vindictive. He’s not into those kinds of battles. His reputation as an investor would be on the line and like you say, he doesn’t have an issue with me.’

‘So maybe he doesn’t know? He could think he’s investing in gaming software. Legitimate. Above board. He doesn’t need to know Nick’s motivation.Black Diamondshas only been on the market for a matter of weeks; it’s feasible that Nick could own the game and be registering the IP as any new owner would. That could be the story he’s told Francis at least.’

Gregory is quiet again, to the point that I start to wonder if he’s still on the line. Eventually, he snarls, ‘Fucking bastard.’

* * *

‘Ready lady? The only answer to that question is yes, by the way.’ Amanda stands, coat on, handbag over her wrist, at the door to my office.

‘In that case, yes.’

‘You seem distracted,’ she says as we walk towards the dim sum restaurant.

‘Sorry. I am but I won’t be. I’m really looking forward to lunch. Thanks for organising.’

‘You’re also a terrible liar.’

I know that. ‘It’s a failing I was born with.’

‘Is everything okay? Are you and Gregory okay?’

‘Oh, gosh, yes, fine. You remember the game Gregory acquired before St Lucia, and the intellectual property issues?’

‘Right, yep. That’s still going on?’

I pull open the heavy glass door to the restaurant. ‘After you. Yes, it’s still going on. Bit of a mess really.’

‘That’s all? You’re sure?’

I laugh internally at Amanda’s simplistic view of everything work-related. ‘Yes, that’s all.’

There are already ten others from my office seated at benches. We eat far too many dumplings on a long wooden table then I’m presented with spa vouchers for two as a leaving gift. From the look on Amanda’s face, I know the identity of my intended guest.

My phone vibrates for the second time in ten minutes and I’m desperate to answer but Amanda has gone to a lot of trouble, so instead, I watch Gregory’s name light up the screen before a message comes through.

Can you come here?

After saying my goodbyes and giving my final handover notes for Mr Ghurair’s transaction to Amanda, I leave. Jackson comes to my office and carries my box to the Mercedes as I take in the space one last time.

The end of an era.So much has happened in five months and it all started with one pitch. One boardroom. One glance. I roll my engagement ring between my fingers and close the door on old Scarlett Heath.

Daughter. Trainee. Associate. Senior Associate. Legal Director.

By the time I reach the lift, I realise a new door has opened, a new chapter has begun, and a new, stronger version of Scarlett Heath has been born.

* * *

Jackson takes my box, together with my wool coat and dripping-wet dome umbrella, to my new office whilst I head in search of Gregory.