Page 78 of The Stranger

“You’ve never attended one of them?”

“God no. I have to deal with these people on the daily. I have better things to do in my spare time.”

I chuckle into the phone. “Fair enough.”

“Why is there an issue? Did something happen?”

“No, nothing like that. Do you know what pub they go to?”

“It’s called the Royal something … I’m pretty sure it is on George Street.”

Ibalance the receiver between my shoulder and ear so I can do a quick Google search. The Royal George is on George Street, so that must be the one.

“Great. Thank you.”

“Are you planning on attending?”

“I’m thinking about it. My PR team is always telling me I should be more relatable. I thought this may be a good place to start.”

“This wouldn’t have anything to do with Delilah St. James, would it?”

“Why would you think that?”

“Excuse me if I’m speaking out of line, but I saw what happened between you, her, and your father the other day. You and Delilah seem close.”

“She has been through a rough time, is all. I’m very protective of her.”

“I thought as much. I could tell she was on the verge of tears when she came into my office earlier. It concerned me.”

I sit up straighter in my seat. “She was? Did something happen?”

“I’m not sure. She said she wasn’t feeling well and asked for the rest of the day off. I noticed she seemed more upset than sick, though.”

“She went home?”

“Yes, about an hour ago.”

“Thanks, Marcy.”

I hang up the receiver and reach for my mobile, pulling up Delilah’s number. The call goes straight to voicemail.Shit.I try Damien next.

“Good afternoon, Mr Prescott,” he says.

I skip the pleasantries because I don’t have time for that. “Did you take Delilah home earlier?”

“No, sir. I haven’t seen her since I dropped her off this morning.”

“Can you meet me downstairs?”

“Of course. I’ll be there in five.”

Fuck.Where could she be?

I try her number one more time, to no avail.

Standing, I reach for my suit jacket, and I’m sliding my arm into the sleeve as I exit my office. “Laura, I’m heading out. I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”

“Okay, Mr Prescott.”