Page 57 of Heart of The Night

Robert’s brow furrowed. ‘You’re a corporate solicitor, not a barrister.’

‘True,’ I acknowledged, ‘but I do know my way around the employment law landscape. While I can’t represent you in an unfair dismissal case, I can refer you to a trusted employment law specialist who can handle your case directly.’

‘I appreciate that,’ he replied, though his expression revealed scepticism. His reservation was understandable, but the pull of justice, perhaps even vindication, could be potent. ‘But I’ve already considered it, and the legal fees, going against Gastronomy Group’s lawyers… It’s daunting.’

‘There might be a way to curb those fees, potentially to nil, especially if our combined evidence is strong enough,’ I said. ‘Consider this: if you have any information that could help – files, correspondences – it could be invaluable. If I’m able to prove their underhanded tactics, it would surely strengthen your case, as it would bolster your claim that they dismissed you for refusing to be complicit. Beyond just covering your legal costs, there’s a good chance you’d be entitled to compensation. This would not only offset any financial burdens but could in fact lead to a substantial financial gain for you.’

Sensing his hesitation, I leaned forward. ‘You’ve implied they treated you unfairly, and from what you’ve told me, I’m inclined to agree. Now you’ve got a chance to address it. I’ve got a friend, top-tier in employment law. She owes me a favour. I could introduce you, and we can see what she thinks about your situation.’

He looked dubious. ‘But squaring off against their legal team, Will? It feels like David versus Goliath.’

Feeling a rush of hope, I said, ‘Remember, David won. If you’ve got something, anything that could shine a light on Gastronomy’s practices, we could have a real chance.’

Robert pressed his lips together, studying me for a long time. Finally, he sighed.

‘I might have some information that could help – files and emails. Nothing classified, though.’

‘That would be incredibly useful,’ I said, seeing triumph glimmering on the horizon. ‘Is that an agreement, then? Shall we join forces?’

He leaned back, taking in the proposition. He was silent for a moment before a small smile surfaced on his lips.

‘Very well, Will,’ he said. ‘Introduce me to your contact, and I’ll do my part to help you expose Gastronomy’s tactics.’

‘Brilliant.’

Our glasses met in a firm clink, sealing the deal. The next phase beckoned, and I was primed for it.

13 | if only

WILLIAM

As I left the bistro, my mind was awhirl with Robert’s accounts from his tenure as Strategy Manager at Gastronomy Group. His narratives about their ruthless expansion tactics, particularly the episode where they had planted deceptive and damaging reviews on online platforms against a restaurant they targeted, convinced me that I had stumbled onto something monumental – a much bigger conspiracy than I had first imagined.

I had been momentarily worried I could do little about it when Robert mentioned he had signed a non-disparagement agreement with Gastronomy at the outset of his role. But, given the weight of the evidence he held and Gastronomy’s seemingly illicit activities, I felt confident he would qualify for whistle-blower protection under PIDA. This would shield him from any legal repercussions and retaliatory moves from Gastronomy. To be certain, I would consult Natalie, my trusted friend and authority in employment law.

As I entered my flat, I found Cara reclined on the sofa, her face illuminated by her laptop screen. The emptied containers of the Indian takeaway sat on the coffee table, a surprise I had arranged earlier, knowing it was her comfort food. She greeted me with a warm smile that seemed to lift the day’s weight from my shoulders, and I finally relaxed, soothed by her mere presence. It was this profound effect she had on me, this innate ability to anchor and comfort, that reminded me why she was the one for me; she was my peace.

‘Hi,’ I said, finally loosening my tie. ‘What are you up to?’

‘Just tying up some loose ends with regards to work. Thanks for the Indian, by the way.’ She glanced at the empty containers. ‘You didn’t have to do that.’

My smile grew as I moved closer. ‘I wanted to.’

‘How did the meeting go?’ Her eyes glinted with curiosity.

With my hands on my hips, I grinned. ‘Surprisingly well.’ Briefly, I recounted the salient details of my conversation with Robert. Cara’s eyes glimmered with admiration as I spoke, and I thrived on that feeling – that I was impressing her. It reassured me, making me feel that perhaps, just perhaps, I was worthy of her after all.

‘That sounds promising, Will,’ she said, her grin matching mine. ‘Hopefully Robert’s intel is the silver bullet you need.’

I nodded. ‘Let’s hope so.’

A fleeting glance from her directed my attention to the coffee table. My eyebrows shot up when I saw something I hadn’t intended to leave there – a few property particulars that I had been perusing last night.

‘Thinking of moving?’ she asked, her smile carrying a shrewd edge.

I hesitated. All the properties I had considered were in Notting Hill, near where she lived with Jason. While the idea of being closer to her was admittedly appealing, it wasn’t the primary reason. The central location of my current flat, with its noise and safety concerns on weekend nights, was becoming less attractive. I was approaching my thirties, and the allure of a quieter, more suburban setting grew daily. For three years, I had valued this flat for its convenience, especially during late nights out. But my partying days were behind me, and Notting Hill’s tranquillity, its proximity to my parents and to Jason, beckoned. I only hoped Cara wouldn’t misinterpret my motivations, thinking it was all about her.

‘I started looking before we even met,’ I said, trying to convey my sincerity. ‘But with work being so hectic, I haven’t had time for many viewings.’

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