Page 45 of The Mission

“I’m just going to have a chat with Sean,” Rurik told Conrad, and took his drink and croissant to the far end of the table.

It wasn’t long before Mark turned up. The moment he spotted Conrad he put a smile on his face. “Morning, everyone,” Mark called, but didn’t look at anyone but Conrad. Maybe he didn’t even notice the lack of a response to his greeting.

“Deigned to grace us with your presence?” Mark went to get a coffee, then sat opposite Conrad, next to David, who decided to get up and go back to the buffet.

“I thought you might like to know that I’m still alive.” Conrad spoke quietly but knew everyone was listening.

Mark let out a choked laugh. “What are you talking about?”

“You changed rooms without telling me. I thought it was David asleep in the other bed, then you threw yourself on top of me.”

Conrad saw the moment Mark switched into attack mode. His eyes narrowed and his mouth tightened. “Don’t be ridiculous. This is not the place to have this discussion, but what happened last night was consensual.”

“No, it wasn’t. How could hitting me and strangling me be consensual? That was why I spoke to the police when I went to the hospital.”

No one at the table was speaking. Or eating. They were glued to the scene playing out in front of them.

“This is all a misunderstanding. I will admit I’d had a few too many, but nothing I did was without your consent.”

“You’re lying,” Conrad said quietly. “Well, not about being drunk. I was glad you were so drunk because you rushing off to throw up gave me the chance to get out of the room.”

“I didn’t fucking touch you. You fell into the wardrobe. You were drunk as well.”

“You pushed me. You stamped on me. You wrapped your hands around my neck. You assaulted me. I wasn’t drunk.” Conrad pushed to his feet. He felt as if he’d found his voice. Finally. “I regret ever going out with you. I’m glad you cheated on me with Ernesto because I finally saw the real you. You’re a guy who everyone loves, but youneedthat love in an unhealthy way. Youhaveto be adored. Youhaveto feel that you’re right all the time. You’re the heart of any party but you have no heart. The only person you’ve ever loved is yourself.”

Mark sneered. “Bitter much about me dumping you?”

“Not bitter. Relieved. And you didn’t dump me. I walked out on you when I found you in bed with Ernesto. I pity the next poor sod that you love-bomb, some guy who won’t see through you until you’ve sucked him dry. I don’t want to press charges for what you did last night. But if it had gone the way you wanted, I would have done. You’re not worth my time and energy in this case going to court, though maybe the Austrian police will feel differently. You don’t deserve another thought from me and you won’t get one.”

Mark slowly clapped his hands. “Drama Llama Conrad. You always have been. Fuck off then.”

“Not yet,” Rurik said from the end of the table.

When Rurik stood, Mark paled. Conrad had never seen Mark that colour before.

“I’d like a word with you, Mark. Now. Conrad, please wait here.”

Conrad sat down again and watched Mark and Rurik walk out.

“Bloody hell,” David whispered as he slunk back to his seat with a plate of food.

Bloody hell indeed.Conrad’s heart was galloping.

No one else said anything. Conrad managed to sip his coffee but couldn’t eat.

It wasn’t long before Rurik was back at his side. There was no sign of Mark. “Let’s get your ski equipment. We can’t get your other stuff until later today. I can find you a pair of gloves and a hat to wear under your helmet if you want to ski.”

“Is—?”

“We’ll talk when we’re in the car.”

Conrad’s stomach was churning. He was glad he’d not eaten anything.

Once they were in the car, Rurik turned to face him. “Well done. I know that was difficult but you needed to do it.”

He was right. Conrad had stayed quiet when he shouldn’t have. He felt…brighter, lighter somehow.

“He’s protesting his innocence but by the time the police have done with him, he’ll realise he’s in serious shit. Even if you don’t want to press charges, the police might. You can report the assault in the UK too if you want. How…far did he get?”

---