Page 31 of One Month's Notice

“No, I’ve got a strong case. Listen to me. I have evidence to show they are exploiting their users and not safeguarding them properly. A number of coroner reports for recent suicides have shown the links between gambling, and in particular with this company. This isn’t just about people being made miserable—people are losing their lives, and these types of companies play a fundamental role in tipping them over the edge. They deliberately target the vulnerable and destroy them for profit.”

Simon paused again and Nat held her breath, not daring to move in case he heard her outside his office.

“But that’s exactly why we need to persuade them to take it one step further. Companies like Spinigma will stop at nothing to exploit people. Buying out social media companies to get access to their user base and aggressively marketing their products breaks so many—”

A cry came from Louis’ cot, drowning out what Nat could hear. She went to him and settled him back down, before returning to the doorway and tuning back into Simon’s conversation.

“We have to put effective sanctions in place to prevent any future investments, at least while I gather the final few pieces of evidence to put a stop to them for good. They have another deal lined up that they are trying to wrap up by the end of this month. If that deal goes ahead and the Gambling Commission don’t take action until later, that could signal the end of the company they are investing in. They will quickly break any contract as soon as they have got access to what they are really after. No company will survive the scandal of giving away their user information to a gambling company.”

Nat’s head was reeling from the conversation. Surely the deal Simon was talking about couldn’t be the one with HealthLink? But who else could it be with? There must be something she could do about it. She couldn’t let Simon know she had heard his conversation. He would be furious with her for eavesdropping, even if it was accidental. If his law firm found out, he could be in serious trouble and Nat would never forgive herself.

It was clear that Clara was set on the investment with Spinigma. She was definitely more interested in profit than company values. Strong values don’t buy Louboutin shoes. Nat would just have to work harder to ensure the deal with Ethica was given equal consideration, despite it not appearing to be a fair competition. She couldn’t let Michael’s years of hard work be taken away from him, not if she had any means to intervene. Friday the thirteenth had taken a darker turn than she had expected.

Chapter fifteen

Saturday 14th May

“Turn this one up. It’s my favourite!” Lexi shouted across to Nat from the stepladder. Nat followed her instructions and Lexi began working the paint roller in time with the dance beat, balancing a little more precariously than Nat would have liked. The last thing they needed at this stage of getting the shop ready was any kind of injury to delay progress.

“Well, with this music motivating you, we might stand a chance of being finished just in time for opening.” Nat wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead, leaving a trail of silvery paint in its place.

She stepped back and looked around the shop. It was coming together just as she had imagined it would. The red velvet drapes hung beautifully behind the retractable stage, as Mrs Thomson had promised. The perfect backdrop to make the performers feel special and add a touch of magic to their shows. That’s what true interior design was all about—bringing together carefully selected items and visuals that created an entire experience, not just a random collection of stuff that faded into the background, unnoticed.

“How soon until we can break for lunch? I’m starving!”

“Oh my goodness!” Nat checked her watch. “It’s midday now, and we’ve only been at this since eleven a.m. because of someone sleeping in this morning.”

“I know, my bad.” Lexi grinned sheepishly. “What can I say? I like my sleep!”

“We’ll keep going for a little while longer. How about I pop out and bring us back some sandwiches at one?”

“Eurgh, another hour!” Lexi stamped her foot on the metal step, the sound making them both flinch as it echoed around the shop. “You’re such a taskmaster!”

“If you want to launch this shop, you better stop moaning and get working!”

Lexi lifted the roller in reluctant agreement and got back to painting the walls.

“So, tell me the latest gossip,” Lexi said. “That will help the time pass by more quickly. How’s that gorgeous boss of yours? Have you found out if he’s single yet?”

“He’s fine, thank you. No, I don’t know if he is single, and I wouldn’t be bothered even if he was.”

“You are such a liar!” Lexi threw a knowing look at Nat. “I can tell by the colour of your cheeks.”

Nat brought her hands up to her face. “I’m just warm from all this decorating.”

“OK, you just keep telling yourself that!” Lexi smirked and turned back to the wall, singing along to the radio at the top of her voice.

The mention of Michael turned Nat’s thoughts to the conversation she had overheard last night. A tightness grew across her chest as she thought about the consequences if they chose the wrong investment partner. Michael’s company was his passion, and he would be devastated if he lost it all. His employees weren’t just members of staff, they all played their part in the success of the company. He did everything he could to make it a great place to work to reward them for their commitment. Nat knew she had to figure out a way to stop the deal from going through. She would have to talk to Jamie when she was next in the office. She was sure she could trust him, and there must be something he could do to help her.

Nat’s stomach rumbled, a timely reminder of her promise to pop out and get lunch. “OK, the hour’s up. I’ll get us some food now.”

“Finally! I was about to pass out!” Lexi lifted the back of her hand to her forehead with a dramatic flourish.

Nat slung her bag over her shoulder, laughing at Lexi as she pulled open the shop door. She turned to walk through, but found herself staring at the impressive chest of a tall man with broad shoulders blocking the exit. Broad shoulders encased in a perfectly fitted, spotless white t-shirt. Her eyes travelled upwards until they met a familiar blue pair looking down at her. Nat was sure she saw a trace of awkwardness on Michael’s face, but his expression quickly shifted as he held up a brown paper bag and smiled warmly.

“Hi! What are you doing here?” Nat asked, pleasantly surprised.

“I’ve brought lunch.” Michael shook the bag and then stepped aside. “I also brought reinforcement.”

---