Page 25 of In Her Shadow

“I did, I was reading over an interview Emily did with the young fashion designer of the year. She’s only sixteen, can you believe that? Sixteen. I wasn’t even sure of what I wanted to do when I was her age.” I laugh nervously, tugging on the collar of my blouse when I realize how hot it is in here.

“Thank you, Eloise. What I particularly wanted to discuss with you is what happened when you and Mr. Connor were alone in his office together.”

“The office.” I look back out across the hall to the office door and remember the panic I felt from being crushed against it.

“He…erm…He asked me if I’d like to write an article of my own.” I can feel tears building in my eyes and have to do better at holding them in. “I was excited, it's a huge deal.”

“I can imagine.” DCI Harris nods as if he’s impressed. I know that I have to explain what happened next, I also know that it’s going to make me high on his suspect list, but I’m secure in the knowledge that I didn’t kill Mr. Connor. “Only…” I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “He asked me to impress him, and he didn't mean by my article ideas.” I wipe away the tears that start to fall; the last thing I want the detective to think is that they’re staged.

“Was he inappropriate with you, Miss Meadows?” The detective frowns.

“Eloise,” I correct him, massaging my temple when I feel a headache coming on.

“Was he inappropriate, Eloise?” he asks again.

“Yes. I realized he’d locked the door so that I couldn’t leave, and when I tried to escape, he pressed himself up against me,” I explain, furious that men like him think it’s okay to treat women the way they do. I know it’s not just me who attracts these creeps, but sometimes it feels as if it’s something I’m giving off. They say lightning never strikes twice, but that's a lie. I seem to always get struck.

“And how did you feel about that?” DCI Harris finishes scribbling something on his notepad.

“I was scared, angry. I don’t know… upset.” My voice comes out weak.

“We have the security footage of you leaving the office. You look very distressed.”

“My boss had just tried to–I just wanted to get out of there.” I shake my head, knowing where this is leading.

“Did you retaliate in any way to Mr. Connor’s advances?” he asks, his frown lines getting deeper.

“I kicked him in the balls if that's what you mean.” I look up innocently and feel slightly more relaxed when I see the hint of a snigger beneath his moustache.

“And what did you do after you left the building, Eloise?”

“I went home. I called a friend and I told her everything.”

“Did you not think to call the police?” he questions me.

“No, I was planning on reporting it to Human Resources today, but now this has happened.” I press my hand against my clammy forehead, feeling even more panicked.

“And this friend who you called, will she be able to confirm that she was with you last night?”

“Of course, she can. I don’t know what happened to Mr. Connor once I left, but I can promise that I had nothing to do with it,” I assure him.

“Thank you for your time,Eloise.” He stands up and opens the door for me. “I’m sure we’ll be in touch soon.” I worry about how that last part sounded, as I head back to join Mary-Ann and a few of the others by the shared desks. They’re all waiting for me to tell them what the detective said, and I can’t face explaining what happened last night all over again. Instead, I grab my purse and I rush out the door, heading for home so I can bury myself back under the duvet and pretend today and last night never happened.

My phone ringing wakes me up, and when I see Lance’s name instead of Ren’s, I’m a little disappointed, but I answer it anyway.

“Lance?”

“Hear you’ve gotten yourself into some trouble,” he teases.

“Good news spreads fast.” I lie back down, relieved that my headache’s gone. I don’t know how long I slept for, but I feel much better for it.

“Listen, I shouldn’t be doing this, but there are a few things I think you should be aware of, involving your boss. Can we meet somewhere?”

“Sounds serious.” I swallow nervously.

“How about that restaurant on the corner of your street? I get off at eight, I can meet you there at half past,” he suggests.

“Sure. I’ll see you there.” I nod my head and hang up the phone, starting to panic even more than I was before. It must be important for Lance to want to meet me, especially if he shouldn’t. What if the police really do see me as a suspect? I look at the clock, it’s only one-fifteen, I have hours before I have to meet Lance. I’ll have gone crazy by then.

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