Page 128 of Worth Every Penny

Matt stares at me, looking confused. “Martin Brooks, Gerard Lansen’s old business partner?”

“Exactly. He’s after the Knightsbridge spa project. Says he doesn’t want the Lansens getting any more glory. He’s pissed that we bought the company.”

Matt pinches his chin between his thumb and forefinger. “What the hell?”

“Shall I contact the police?” Elliot asks.

“Not yet,” I tell him. “If this has anything to do with Martin Brooks, I want to know before the police do. Keep me informed. I want everything done properly, so all evidence is admissible in court if needs be. Don’t fuck this up.”

Elliot nods and stands from the table, bids us farewell, and heads to the door.

After he’s gone, I call Jack. He answers on the second ring. “Your mum hasn’t called the police yet?”

“No. She’s sleeping. Kate’s on her way down here, too.”

A pinch of a beat occurs in my heart at her name. That better stop happening some time soon or I’m going to end up with an arrhythmia.

“Let me handle it,” I reassure him. “We’ve got a lead I want to follow up before we involve the police.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to have to get your hands dirty over this.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll sort it.”

“If you’re sure…”

“I’m sure. One more thing. Kate had a photo on her phone of a white van. Had a load of obscenities sprayed on it.”

“Oh yeah, the dick on the side of the van that dropped off Curtis’ shitty art collection.”

“Exactly. Was it the same van that picked up your dad’s stuff?”

“No idea. Kate and I weren’t there when Mum had it all collected from the house.”

“Hmm. I’ll find out. Just keep the police out of it until I’ve run a few checks. Oh, and Jack?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t mention it to Kate. Not yet.”

He agrees, and I hang up, feeling more settled than I have since Kate left. All the while, Matt is still sitting at the table, leaning back in his chair and staring at me. “You want to tell me what’s going on with you and Kate Lansen, then?”

I bury both my hands deep in my pockets and look at the floor, running my tongue over my bottom teeth.

“Oh, my God.” Matt’s jaw drops wide, and then a smile contorts his mouth. “You like her. I never thought I’d see the day that someone pinned you down.”

“She’s not even talking to me at the moment.”

“I’m sure she will. You’re Nico fucking Hawkston. We Hawkstons always get what we want in the end.”

39

KATE

Jack hands me a cup of tea, but I shake my head. I don’t want to take anything from him. We’re standing in Mum’s kitchen and morning light is blistering in the window, making the faux wood veneer of the cupboards gleam offensively.

“Listen, Kate. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Dad. Really.”

“Please don’t.” My joints lock, body stiffening. I can’t listen to his excuses. “I’m not a child. I could have managed the truth.”

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