Page 20 of The Facilitator: Part 2
“I couldn’t be prosecuted, there’s no evidence it wasn’t an accident. There was a fault with the car, the crash was attributed to that, but I was high. Maybe if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have gotten behind the wheel in the firstplace.”
“So what are you worried he mightdo?”
“I sponsor lots of drug rehabilitation programmes in the U.S., Lauren. I’d look like a hypocrite if it came out and there am I telling these kids the dangers ofdrugs.”
“I disagree. You’d look like someone who understood them; you’ve been there. You’d look like someone who is talking from experience. Anyway, he covered it up, that implicates him aswell.”
“He doesn’t have as much to lose as Ido.”
Was that it? Was there more to why he was worried? It didn’t add up for me, but I could only go on what he wanted me to know, and it was clear by the pain etched on his face, telling me had beenhard.
I wasn’t sure how Addison teaming up with Jerry was connected to her father knowing what hedid.
“I think I need a cup of tea. Why don’t I make you a coffee?” I said. The coffee machine was about the only thing I could use in his high-techkitchen.
I didn’t wait for his answer but left the living room and crossed the hall. While I made tea, I battled the coffee machine into compliance. To me, it was a huge amount of effort for the tiniest cup of black tar, such was the thickness, but Mackenzie liked it. I took a deep breath before picking up both cups and headingback.
“I’m not sure how Addison and Jerry connect to her father,” I said, as I sat backdown.
“Addison thinks she can do what she likes, and I won’t interfere. She could be using her father’s knowledge to have me sit back and donothing.”
“How do you know this? And why now? She could have used that information anytime in thepast.”
“I don’t for sure, but I do know, in her texts to Daniel, she asked him to mention the car crash to me. As much as I don’t like him, even that baffled him. As for why now? No one other than her father and I knew I was high. Somehow, and I don’t know yet, she has obtainedinformation.”
“Could you speak to her father?” Iasked.
“I might do that. Maybe when we head back for Gabriella’swedding.”
“I’m not sure her wedding will be inAmerica.”
I welcomed, and I was sure he did too, the distraction of his problems by the conversation I’d had withGabriella.
“I don’t think Alex will care where they marry, as long as they do. I always thought it was every woman’s dream to have that big white wedding?” hesaid.
“Not always. For some it’s a private affair, for others they can’t afford it. You have any idea how much a wedding is nowadays?” I said, chuckling. “Enough talk of weddings. I feel the need for an early night,” Isaid.
“Is that a euphemismfor…?”
“No, I genuinely fancy an early night. You don’t have to join me if you’re not tired, but I feel whacked outtoday.”
“I’ll join you. To be honest, all this talk has given me a headache. I could do with some quiet and maybe finish mybook.”
Of course, we didn’t get the early night and Mackenzie didn’t finish his book. Instead, he made love to me. He was gentle and tender, and he held me in his arms after until I fell asleep to the sound of him telling me how much he lovedme.
