Page 75 of He's the One

“And didn’t win. What did you hit me with?”

“There was a bottle in my handbag. I’m sorry. I’ve not been thinking straight. When you fell and I saw the blood… Robert told me to run and I did.”

“Did you know Robert came to the hospital?”

“Well… He called an ambulance for you, didn’t he? I passed one as I drove away.”

“My friend did that. Did you and Robert have a fight?”

“No. Why?”

“Because he told my friend I’d hit him first. Robert turned up at the hospital with a cut on his face and a ripped shirt.”

“Oh. But…”

“He also said that you hadn’t been there. He was trying to protect you.”

She didn’t say anything.

“Look, Megan,” Col said. “I had no idea he was married or that he had kids. He fooled me. When I found out, I left him. He came onto me, not the other way around. If he’s said anything different, he’s lying. I’m with someone else now. Someone who isn’t married. I never want to see Robert again. He’ll be in trouble with the police if he comes anywhere near me. You know how bad that would be for his career.”

“Yes.”

“I didn’t want the police to pursue you or Robert about the assault. As far as they’re concerned, the case is closed, but if Robert won’t leave me alone, I’ll have no choice but to take further action.”

“I’m sorry. He’s just…”

“Manipulative and deceitful. Be careful.” Col ended the call.

He checked it had recorded and it had. Hopefully, he’d never need it as evidence.

At the end of the working day, Luis told them to clean tools and pack up. James came into the garden as Col was wiping dirt off his spade. He spoke to Luis, then came over to Col. “Luis says you’ve done a good job.”

Col looked at the area he’d cleared and dug over. His section was neat. No plant life remained, then a red maple leaf fluttered in and landed in the middle of the patch of earth. Coltskedand James chuckled.

“Tougher work than stonemasonry?”

“Different.” Both were physically demanding and Col’s back ached more than it usually did after a day’s work, but he was no more tired than usual. Though, he’d choose being a stonemason over being a gardener.

James handed him a bag. “Three pairs of trousers, three polo shirts and three fleece jackets. I know you can’t help getting dirty doing this job, but come in clean gear every day if you can. When the weather’s bad, we have waterproof jackets and trousers. If anything doesn’t fit, let me know.”

“Thanks.”

“There’s a form in the bag I need you to fill in. Mostly personal details. Address, bank details, next of kin, your doctor… Things like that. Bring it tomorrow with your P45.”

Col nodded.

Once he’d stored his tools with the others, he headed back to his car and texted Theo.

Just finished work. Are you tied up?

Ooh. Would you like me to be?Theo responded.

Col laughed and typedKinky!

5 mins by the stable block. I’ll find some rope.

Can I go home and shower first?

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