The Name of the Game

The Name of the Game Ashley believes her boss when he says his marriage is over. They enter into a steamy affair, and Ashley works her butt off preparing the company for amalgamation with a rival so that she and Matt can go public with their relationship. Her world falls apart when Matt's "estranged" wife appears at the office, clearly pregnant. Ashley breaks off the affair, but Matt won't let up on her. He convinces her that he isn't the father of the baby but must stand by Eve until the amalgamation goes through because she owns a vital five percent of the company's shares. Someone is trying to sabotage the amalgamation. Ashley delves deep, trying to find out who, and to rescue the man she loves from the brink of ruin, only to find that she's placed her own life on the line… Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense Length: 65,105 words

THE NAME OF THE GAME

Wendy Soliman

ROMANCE

www.BookStrand.com

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A SIREN-BOOKSTRAND TITLE IMPRINT: Romance

THE NAME OF THE GAME Copyright © 2012 by Wendy Soliman E-book ISBN: 1-61926-442-0 First E-book Publication: March 2012 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION For Penny, with love.

THE NAME OF THE GAME WENDY SOLIMAN Copyright © 2012

Chapter One “You obviously don’t want to have this conversation.” Ashley fixed the girl with a frosty glare. “The feeling’s mutual, I can assure you of that, but neither of us is going anywhere until we’ve thrashed this out. So, lose the attitude and let’s get it over with.” A brief flick of heavily mascaraed lashes and a contemptuous glower were the signs that the girl had registered Ashley’s words. In danger of losing her temper, Ashley briefly closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. The calm-inducing exercise she’d learnt at yoga was supposed to focus her mind, restore her inner peace, and quell the violent tendencies induced by her stressful working life. Faced with the girl’s blatant disinterest in her own transgressions, and unwillingness to offer any explanation for them, that premise was about to be severely tested. Somehow, Ashley kept her cool, suppressing the desire to strangle her recalcitrant employee, and switched tack. “Do you think you’re being fair to the others?” she asked. The girl shrugged, her eyes focused on the surface of Ashley’s desk. As truculent expression went, she had the market cornered. On a scale of one to ten, this one definitely rated a twelve. “Maria, talk to me.” Another shrug. “Dunno, do I.”

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“Every time you’re absent, it means the others have to shoulder your workload. That hardly does seem fair now, does it, especially when we’re so busy?” “I was ill, wasn’t I? Can’t help that.” Ashley pinioned her with a look. “Can’t you?” “What are you saying?” “This is the fourth time in as many weeks that you’ve been in this office.” Ashley’s gaze briefly skimmed the head-high partitioning that represented her personal space in this otherwise open-plan environment. It offered about as much privacy as a rush hour tube train, and considerably less comfort. “Some of your colleagues only ever get to see my inner sanctum once a year, at appraisal time. That’s because they pull their weight and don’t give me the slightest cause for concern. Why should you be any different?” Maria’s gaze shifted off to one side, but when she remained stubbornly silent, Ashley finally lost it. “Okay, you clearly don’t get the message, so I’m going to spell out a few facts of life.” Maria rolled her eyes, as though an authority figure telling her how to live her life was all she needed. Tough! Ashley had had just about enough of her attitude. “Firstly, I don’t believe you were unwell.” The belligerent girl leaned forward, her face stained with an ugly crimson flush. Ashley held up her hand to prevent her from interrupting. “I don’t know what’s eating you because you won’t tell me. If you’ve got problems that are preventing you from attending work, or from working properly when you do deign to put in an appearance, then I’d be happy to listen and see if I can help.” No response. Not having expected one, Ashley gritted her teeth and ploughed on. “But let me make myself crystal clear, Maria. I’ve run out of patience, and I’m not prepared to put up with your poor performance any more. Either shape up or get out.” “Here, you can’t talk to me like that!” At last, signs of animation.

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“There’re rules. I know my rights.” I’ll just bet you do! “If this is a disciplinary hearing, you should have given me notice. I’m allowed to have a Union rep with me. And,” she continued, looking nauseatingly smug, “you’re not supposed to interview me alone.” “Is that right?” Her attitude didn’t surprise Ashley. The lazy ones always knew exactly how to play the system. They just didn’t count on Ashley having a few tricks of her own up her sleeve. “Yeah, it is. Anyway, Human Resources have to give me written warnings before you can dismiss me.” Maria folded her arms across her torso. “I’ll tell them what you said.” “Really.” Ashley quirked a brow, her tone rife with indifference. “Help me out here. What did I say, exactly?” “Don’t try to backpedal.” “Oh, I can assure you that I’m not. But the thing is, I don’t see anyone in this office other than you and me. If it came to it, whose account do you think would be accepted?” Ashley paused and fixed the hapless Maria with a gimlet gaze. “Human Resources will have to issue you with written warnings, that much is true, but who in this office has ultimate responsibility for your activities in the meantime?” “Yeah, but—” “Who could assign you to the Filing Unit for the foreseeable future, if she felt so inclined?” Ashley leaned back in her chair and made a few notes on the pad in front of her, determined not to be the one who broke the uncomfortable silence that now stretched between them. Her ploy worked, and eventually Maria, with obvious reluctance, spoke. “You,” she muttered, canting her head defiantly. “Got it in one.” Ashley took a moment to let that sink in. “Now, I’ll ask you again, but this is your last chance to come clean. Do you have any problems that are preventing you from doing your work that you’d like to share with me?” “It’s me boyfriend,” Maria muttered in a barely audible tone. “He

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wants to take a year out and go backpacking round India.” “And you want to go, too, I assume.” “Yeah.” Alleluia! “So what’s the problem?” “The problem is that he don’t want me to go.” She paused and met Ashley’s eye for the first time. “Well, not like I am now.” Eye contact proved to be a transitory affair since Maria’s gaze was now squarely focused on her folded hands. Her next words came out as a reluctant whisper. “I’m pregnant, and he wants me to have an abortion.” “I’m sorry,” Ashley said quietly. “That’s a tough choice to make.” Ashley’s heart jolted at this reminder of her own, childless condition. She waited for the guilt to kick in, as it always did when she was forced to confront the selfishness that was entirely to blame for her circumstances, but she was distracted from her introspective thoughts when Maria spoke again. “Yeah, so am I.” “What will you do?” Ashley somehow managed to keep the longing out of her voice. How anyone, no matter how difficult their circumstances, could consider killing off the life they carried inside them simply because it was an inconvenience, was a mystery to her. “I don’t know.” To Ashley’s dismay, the girl started to sob quietly. A quarter of an hour later, Ashley despatched Maria back to her desk, having promised to set up an interview for her with the company’s counsellor. It probably wouldn’t do much good, but feeling a spark of sympathy for the girl’s predicament, Ashley would do what she could to help her. Martin, Ashley’s second-in-command, stuck his head over the partition. “Sorted?” he asked, pulling a face. Ashley rolled her eyes. “As if! The stupid kid’s is in the club.” “Really?” His face lit up. “Does that mean we’ll be able to

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dispense with her services?” “Doubt it. That one’s better acquainted with the rules of the game than ACAS. She’ll screw the company for every penny she entitled to, and then some.” Ashley’s phone rang, Martin’s head disappeared, and the rest of the morning passed in a blur of meetings, dictation, rapid-fire decisions, and thinking on her feet. A day that had started badly suddenly seemed a lot brighter when she managed to track Matt’s missing reassurance claims to a document exchange sorting office in Hounslow. She called in a few favours, cut through the usual red tape, and got them quickly on their way to their intended destination. Slowly but surely, organisation was emerging from the chaos. Under Ashley’s exacting direction, the chrysalis that was the company’s new head office had gradually developed into a life form in its own right. In spite of the Marias of this world, Ashley loved every second of the demanding, often frustrating, but immensely rewarding work. Just before lunch, her internal phone rang. Recognizing the extension number, she smiled as she picked up the receiver and muttered quietly, “Ashley Wilde, how can I be of service to you today?” A distinctly masculine, velvety smooth chuckle echoed down the line. “Get yourself up here and I’ll see if I can think of something whilst I’m waiting for you to arrive.” “You mean you don’t already have a game plan?” “That’s for me to know and you to find out.” “Sounds intriguing. I’m on my way.” Ashley unclipped her hair, ran a brush through her dishevelled red mane, and pinned it back in place. She renewed her lip gloss, picked up a few files as cover, and made her way through the half-empty lunchtime office. Ignoring the lift, she tripped lightly up two flights of stairs and found herself in the hallowed reaches of the directors’ suite on the top floor. Ashley waved to her boss’s secretary.

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“Hi, Ashley. Go right on in. He’s expecting you.” “Thanks, Lorraine.” She tapped on his door. “Come.” “If only!” she said, sighing as she closed the door behind her and smiled innocently at her boss, Matt Templeton, CEO of Interactive Insurance. “Stop putting ideas into my head, hussy!” “I find it hard to believe that any ideas of mine won’t already be firmly lodged in that head.” “You have no idea what I’m thinking right now,” he murmured, sucking in a deep breath. He then surprised her by walking up behind her, wrapping his arms round her waist, and kissing the nape of her neck. “Oh, I think I can hazard a pretty astute guess.” “Think you’re smart, don’t you?” “That’s why you employ me, sir.” Ashley squirmed against him, almost purring with pleasure as his tongue rasped the length of her neck. “For my incisive brain.” “Hmm, is that why it is? I’d been trying to think.” “Need any reminders of my diverse talents?” Matt chuckled. “Behave yourself!” “You’re a fine one to talk. You started this.” “And you look frazzled,” he said, turning her in his arms until she was facing him. “Hard morning?” “Oh, nothing worse than usual. Maria Spendlove’s playing up again.” “Then you’d better start down the disciplinary route this time. It’s time consuming, I know, but you can’t keep letting her get away with it.” “Not that easy. She’s pregnant.” Matt guffawed. “Foolish child.” “Hmm, what? Oh, that’s nice. Do it again.” Matt obliged. “Since

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you’re being so amenable, and doing such extraordinary things with that tongue of yours, you deserve a reward.” “Couldn’t agree more.” His tongue worked its way across the erogenous zone beneath her left ear.” What sort of reward did you have in mind?” “Not that sort, unfortunately. We’re at work.” He sighed. “Like I could forget.” “You might like this almost as much, though.” Matt shook his head, sending a thick lock of curly brown hair tumbling across his brow. “Doubt that very much.” “I’ve located your missing files.” “You have?” Matt ran his hands over her ass. “I knew you would. Where were they?” “Hounslow.” “Hounslow! How the hell did they finish up there?” “God knows, but I’ve cut a few corners, and they’ll be on their way again today.” She smiled up at him and pushed his wayward hair back into place. “Thanks, babe. By the way,” he said, continuing to fondle her rear. “Have I ever told you what a gorgeous ass you have?” “Not for at least a couple of days.” “Hmm, well, I’d tell you again, but unfortunately now’s not the time.” He clearly had other things on his mind, but he didn’t release her immediately. Instead, he dropped a lingering kiss on her lips. “Do you have any idea how much I want you? How much time I spend thinking about you, and what I’d like to do to you, when I ought to be working my fingers to the bone?” “You think about me?” She pretended to be surprised. “Only all the time. You have a lot to answer for, Ms. Wilde.” Empowered by the obvious passion underlying his words, and the frustration he was making no attempt to conceal, Ashley offered him a sultry smile. “Remind me again what it is that you do want to do to me.”

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“Later!” He shook his head, ran his finger gently along her jawline and resumed his seat with obvious reluctance. Ashley took the visitor’s chair on the other side of his desk. She had known that mentioning the missing files would bring his mind back to his growing business worries and wished now that she’d delayed the moment. They were obsessively careful about concealing the true nature of their relationship, and Ashley was fairly certain that no one had guessed. So far, at least. They almost never so much as touched one another during the working day, even if they were practically assured of privacy, and Ashley was surprised by Matt’s impulsive actions of a few moments ago. She was also cheered by all that they implied. The strain of watching her every move was starting to tell on her. Perhaps Matt was feeling it, too? Maybe, at last, he was ready to leave his loveless marriage and set up home with her? “Did you wish to see me about anything in particular, sir?” “Yes, gorgeous, I want to know where you’d like to go for dinner this evening.” Ashley didn’t attempt to hide her surprise, or her elation. They hardly ever dined out together, just in case they were seen. If they did, it was always in small, out of the way places of Matt’s choosing. “Anywhere I like?” He smiled that alluringly sexy smile of his, the one that never failed to make her feel weak at the knees, and nodded. “Anywhere at all.” “And what are we supposed to be celebrating?” Ashley held her breath, instinctively understanding that they’d reached a defining moment in their relationship. She said nothing more though, determined to make him put into words exactly what was in his mind. “Well—” He paused, the expression in his silver-gray eyes meltingly gentle, full of tender affection. “There’s a certain event that we should be celebrating on Thursday, but since I have to be in Southampton for the rest of the week, we’ll just have to bring things

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forward by a day.” Ashley dropped thick curling lashes over her eyes as she attempted to disguise her disappointment. She had allowed herself to hope that he had something far more life-changing in mind that her thirty-fifth birthday. But now wasn’t the time to broach that particular subject. It was enough that he was prepared to risk being seen in public with her—a huge step forward. “Why, Mr Templeton, I do believe you’ve remembered by birthday.” “How could I forget?” He chuckled, a soft throaty sound that was so uniquely him. “And good girls can expect to receive special presents.” “Ah, but therein lies a problem.” She chewed pensively at her lower lip. “You don’t like me when I’m good.” “That depends upon your definition of good. I don’t, for instance, much care for girls who have good-looking young men in and out of their office all the morning, asking needless questions.” His eyes bored into her profile. “Are you going to tell me who he is?” “What?” she asked, with wide-eyed innocence. “Surely you don’t mean Gordon, the new dispatcher I just employed? The one with the deep blue eyes, a cute dimple, sexy smile, and hunky body.” Matt growled at her. “Is he good-looking? Can’t say I noticed. Anyway,” she added, enjoying the sexual buzz she got just from flirting with him, “I’m almost old enough to be his mother.” Matt fixed her with a disbelieving gaze. “Baby, the way he was looking at you when I walked past this morning sure ain’t the way a guy looks at his mother.” “Isn’t it?” She could detect tension beneath his flirtatiousness. “What is it, Matt?” she asked, her smile fading. “Has something happened?” He sighed. “Yes, another iffy death claim.” “No, that makes three now.” She shook her head. “Same pattern as the others?”

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“Yes, I asked claims to contact me direct if another one came up. I heard just now. A woman in her early sixties. She didn’t disclose any pre-existing conditions, but died from a heart attack.” “And let me guess, it wasn’t her first.” “It was, but she suffered from hypertension and took blood pressure medication for some years.” “Oh hell!” “My sentiments entirely.” Matt’s phone buzzed. “Damn, Excuse me, Ashley.” Matt pushed the speaker button. “What is it, Lorraine?” “Your wife’s here to see you, Matt.” His expression of concern for the business gave way to a wild look of panic. He stared at Ashley without speaking. Although she was seated directly in front of him, he didn’t appear to see her, causing a frisson of alarm to spiral through her. It was awkward, but Matt’s reaction seemed way over the top. Ashley was well able to maintain a professional stance in front of his wife. Did he imagine that she’d go all girly on him and drop him in it by giving herself away? Really, he ought to know her better than that. Before she could ask any questions, the door opened, and Ashley was treated to her first ever sight of the woman she’d heard so much about over the past eighteen months but had so far managed to avoid meeting. She examined her critically, disguising her acute interest beneath a cordial smile, and ruthlessly suppressed the gut-wrenching jealousy that wormed its way through her insides. Matt’s wife was petite, well groomed, and extremely pretty. He’d got that bit right. Oddly enough though, there was one tiny little insignificant detail he’d forgotten to impart. Eve Templeton, the woman Matt claimed not to have slept with for over a year, had to be at least five months pregnant.

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Chapter Two “Matt, I …oh, sorry, darling, I didn’t realize you were engaged.” That couldn’t be true. Ashley knew Lorraine would have told her. Eve turned toward to Ashley and smiled. “Hello, I’m Eve, Matt’s wife.” She offered Ashley her hand. Somehow, Ashley forced herself to take it, but the lump in her throat prevented her from saying a word. Matt’s miniscule wife had a viscous grip, strong and firm enough to make Ashley’s eyes water. Strange that. Matt had frequently told her how helpless she was. He’d persuaded Ashley that she’d have trouble managing without him and so, for the benefit of his sons, they’d had to keep their affair secret. He kept promising that eventually he’d extricate himself from the clutches of his needy wife and they’d be together. Ashley had long ago accepted that was unlikely to happen until the company amalgamated with Stevenson’s. That knowledge had motivated her to work as hard as she had to establish their new head office. Even in her state of abject disbelief, something of the steely determination in the other woman’s demeanour got through to Ashley. She felt as though the heart had been ripped out of her. She’d believed every word that Matt had said, idiot that she was, because she wanted them to be true. She’d been lonely for too long, but Matt had brought her alive again in ways that she’d forgotten were possible. He’d made the long wait for a man who could satisfy her worthwhile, and she actually thought that his marriage really was in its death throes. “This is Ashley Wilde, my Office Manager,” Matt said, stepping in to cover what was in danger of becoming a pregnant silence.

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Ashley almost laughed hysterically. A pregnant silence, a pregnant office junior, and now a pregnant “estranged” wife. Pregnancy seemed to be all the rage. “Well hello, Ashley,” Eve gushed. “It’s good to meet you at last. Matt’s told me a lot about you.” “Oh, has he?” “I didn’t mean to interrupt, darling,” she said to Matt, “but I’ve got such good news about that house in Warlingham. You know, silly,” she prompted, when Matt looked at her in confusion. “The one that was supposed to be under offer to someone else. I had a call from the agents this morning, saying the sale had fallen through, so dashed up to see it again. As I was here, I just had to come and tell you the good news in person.” She turned to look at Ashley again. “We’ve been having such trouble finding the right house to move to. Obviously, once the amalgamation goes through, Matt will want to be here in Reigate in the new head office. I’ve spent days looking and want to get just the right place before number three puts in an appearance.” She patted her protruding belly. “It’s so important to find something within range of decent schools,” she continued, with a further significant glance at Ashley. “But now I think we’ve managed to do just that.” “Just a minute, Evie, what the hell are you talking about?” Matt asked, looking perplexed. As Ashley absorbed this incredible display of arrogance, so her feelings underwent a marked alteration. The devastating damage sustained by her heart a few minutes previously was halted in its tracks, replaced by a fulminating anger she could scarce contain. Having recovered from the shock of his wife’s unexpected visit, it seemed as though Matt actually thought he could excuse the inexcusable by pretending he didn’t know what his wife was talking about. He still believed that he could have his cake and eat it, too. So sure of his hold over her was he that he actually thought she’d be prepared to continue with their affair. Well, if that really was the case,

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it just went to show how little he actually understood her. The blinders had come off, and she could see the man she’d loved devotedly for the past eighteen months in an entirely different light. And what she saw did nothing to gladden her battered heart. Just what sort of woman did he think she was? In spite of all his lies and deceit —so obvious she now could kick herself for her gullibility—did he seriously think that she could ignore something as precious as a new life? Did he honestly think that she could carry on with the baby’s father as though nothing had changed? “Darling, don’t be silly!” Eve chided. “You know very well what I’m talking about.” “I’ll leave you two alone,” Ashley said with as much decorum as she could muster, somehow dredging up a tight little smile for good measure. “We can finish up later, Matt.” Ashley scooped up her files, ignored the distraught-looking Matt, and walked from the office with head held high. She could feel Eve’s eyes burning into her retreating back and wondered if she’d just reached an unspoken understanding with her erstwhile lover’s wife. That Eve suspected there was a relationship between her and Matt was fairly obvious. That she had effectively laid it to rest with her dramatic appearance today was beyond doubt. Even in her devastated condition, Ashley couldn’t fail to appreciate just how neatly she’d been outmanoeuvred. How she managed to concentrate on a full afternoon’s meetings, one of them chaired by Matt himself, she couldn’t afterward remember. She constantly told herself that she still had her pride and refused to give the feckless bastard the satisfaction of seeing her upset. She ignored his increasingly concerned glances, and as soon as the meeting he chaired finished, she was the first to leave the room. She pretended not to hear him when he asked her to remain behind. Her internal phone rang even before she reached her cubbyhole. Knowing who it would be, she left it unanswered. Matt had to attend a directors’ meeting in a few minutes time and would have no further

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opportunity to contact her that afternoon. Even so, she was close to breaking point, her emotions stretched beyond their limit. Telling Martin she had a dental appointment, Ashley grabbed her jacket and fled. She staggered down the stairs to the basement car park as though drunk. Somehow managing to let herself into her car, Ashley drove the short distance home, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes, blurring her vision. Her flat was on the top floor of a three-storey Victorian house in the pretty village of Godstone, overlooking the green. It benefited from lofty, well-proportioned rooms that Ashley had painstakingly restored to their former glory. She also had the benefit of a roof terrace that had played host to many a boozy Sunday afternoon lunch in the five years that she’d owned the flat. Ashley’s long-time friend Sandy, a single mother, lived on the first floor. An aspiring artist, she worked from home and cared for her precocious four-year-old daughter, Callie. She also took Freckles, Ashley’s shaggy mongrel dog, under her wing when Ashley was at work. In return, Ashley delighted in acting as unpaid baby-sitter, big sister, and agony aunt, all rolled into one. Without knocking, Ashley entered Sandy’s flat. “It’s only me,” she called out. Sandy was in her studio, so Ashley helped herself to a healthy measure of vodka, sin tonic, and downed it in one. Sandy appeared in the doorway wearing a paint-spattered tunic, just in time to see the vodka disappear down Ashley’s throat. “Tough day at the office, dear?” “Sorry, Sandy.” Ashley slammed her empty glass down. “I should have asked before helping myself to your booze.” Sandy waved her apology aside. Stepping into the room, she looked at Ashley’s face, did a double take, and frowned. “What’s happened?” she asked. “You look terrible.” Ashley, greeting the wildly wagging Freckles, didn’t immediately respond. Instead, she took a moment to rein in her oscillating

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emotions and control the overwhelming urge to burst into tears. Much good it did her, though. She looked up from her dog, took in Sandy’s expression of deep concern, and the tears that had temporarily dried up went into free fall once again. Ashley was vaguely aware of Sandy leading her to the settee. She plonked herself down next to her, pulled her into her arms, and let her sob on her shoulder. “How could he do it to me?” Ashley spluttered, when she trusted herself to speak. She blew her nose on the tissue Sandy handed her, staring despairingly at her friend. “How could he be so insensitive?” “Ah, I assume the he in question is Matt?” Sandy was the only person whom Ashley and Matt had trusted with knowledge of their affair. Not being emotionally involved, she’d been unable to foresee a happy conclusion. “What’s he done this time?” Slowly, amid further bouts of tears and angry tirades, Ashley related the events of the day. “I’m so sorry.” Sandy stroked Ashley’s hand, genuine regret in her voice. “I know how much you love him.” “Loved! I loved him. Note the deliberate use of the past tense, please. It’s all over now.” “What was his explanation? I assume he had one prepared, just in case this situation arose?” “Probably, but I don’t want to hear it. What’s the point? He’s been lying to me all along. He obviously still sleeps with her and has no intention of leaving. You’ve been right all along, Sandy, but if you dare to say so, the way I feel right now, I’ll crown you with that vodka bottle. Talking of which—” “Okay, I get the message.” Sandy got up and poured them both healthy measures, taking the precaution of adding tonic to them both. “I’ve been a blind idiot,” Ashley said morosely as the alcohol worked its way through her system and loosened her tongue. She hadn’t eaten anything all day, so it probably wasn’t a good idea to

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drink, but right now she didn’t give a toss. “He was so convincing. I really did think he meant what he said.” “Of course you did. I’d be the first person to agree that he’s hunk material of the first order, and I could see exactly why you fell for him. He’s charming, sexy as hell, exudes power and authority, and all the other damned things that make him so attractive. But, honey, men in his position, married to their work, won’t ever leave the little woman. It’s too distracting, too expensive, too…well, too everything.” “It was easier for him just to keep me as a bit on the side.” “Yep, and get you working all the hours God sent to get his bloody office organized for him.” Ashley summoned up the ghost of a smile. “I wish I could think of a reason to say you’re wrong.” She sighed. “I feel like such a fool.” “Yeah well, put it down to experience and move on.” Ashley looked at her as though she’d spouted a second head. “Just like that?” “Don’t let him see that he’s got to you. That’s the only weapon you have left.” “I suppose.” Ashley plucked sullenly at the arm of the settee. “Where’s Callie?” “At her friend Kitty’s birthday party. Kitty’s mum’ll bring her back later.” “Ah yes, I remember her being excited about it.” Ashley sighed, fought down fresh tears, and swallowed a large gulp of her drink. “Sandy, what am I going to do now?” “It’s a bit of a bummer, isn’t it?” Sandy looked thoughtful. “You know what I’ve always thought of him, even if I could still see why you fell for him. Those rugged good looks and smouldering eyes.” She sighed dramatically. “When he turned on that disgustingly compelling charm, you didn’t stand an earthly. Working so closely together for so long, and with his wife safely down in Southampton, he was bound to make a move on you sooner or later.”

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“Well, he didn’t, not really.” “Bullshit! He played you like a Stradivarius. You’re a real babe, Ash. You’d been celibate for far too long when he came into the picture, and he would have picked up on that. I’ve tried to tell you before, you represent the sort of challenge a man like him can’t resist.” Sandy was a founder-member of the “all men are bastards” club, having been unceremoniously dumped by her live-in lover the moment she fell pregnant. His parting shot had been to clear out their joint bank account and leave her destitute. “You have a reputation at the office for keeping men at arm’s length, and he would have heard about it. It was always going to end like this,” she finished gently. “All that work, all the hours I put in to help with the amalgamation, thinking we’d be together at the end of it. All the hiding and deception I put up with, never questioning the need for it. How could I have been such a fool?” “You’re not the first to fall for such a line, darling, and certainly won’t be the last.” “I really believed him, Sandy.” Ashley dropped her head in her hands and sobbed. “I really thought he loved me.” “He probably did, in his way. He’s just not the monogamous type.” “I still can’t get my mind round the extent of his lies. He assured me he had no intention of moving Eve to Reigate when he relocates here himself, but it’s clear now that they’ve been house-hunting for ages.” Sandy grimaced. “Yeah, that must be a tough one to stomach.” “And, just think, I was so pathetically grateful ’cos he wanted to take me somewhere smart tonight. I really thought we were making progress. But all the time Eve was here in his flat.” “Are you sure? You said he wasn’t expecting her.” “Well, he did seem surprised, and she said her trip was impromptu, but I don’t believe anything that either of them said.” “Atagirl!” Sandy gave Ashley’s shoulders a squeeze. “So he

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would have wined and dined you, showered you with expensive presents, come back here to have his fun, and then gone home to the little wife.” “No wonder he’s never taken me to his place.” Ashley snorted. “And I believed it was because it was too central and there was too much chance of me being seen there.” “So, what happens now?” “I can’t work there anymore,” Ashley said forcefully. “But you’ve been with that company for seventeen years. Don’t let yourself be pushed out just because he can’t keep his pecker in his pants.” “If I stay, I’d have to see him every day and work with him.” She shook her head. “I don’t think I can do it. I’m furious with him for using me. I’m even more furious with myself for falling for his lies, but I still love him so much that it’s like a physical ache.” “I know, but in time—” “Yeah, time. That’s what the experts say in these situations, but it’s bullshit. I don’t know how to work through it, but I do know I’ll never be able to try if I have to see him every day.” “Then what will you do instead?” “I don’t know exactly, I haven’t had time to think. But when the amalgamation takes place—if it does—they’ll be asking for voluntary redundancies. I’ll make Matt put my name forward. God alone knows, he owes me at least that much.” “What do you mean, if the amalgamation goes ahead? I thought it was all but a done deal.” “It was. It is, but we’ve got a few problems. Three iffy death claims in as many months.” “You’re a life assurance company.” Sandy shrugged. “Of course you get death claims.” “Yes, but not disputed ones, and certainly not three on top of each other. We usually get perhaps one a year. Now we have three.” Ashley sighed. “Matt had just told me about the third one when Eve arrived.

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The families of the first two are threatening to go to the ombudsman. If they get wind of this third one, they’ll probably all band together and—” “I can’t believe you’re still beating yourself up over work problems after what Matt’s done to you.” “I only am because I care about Interactive. It will do our image no good at all if this leaks out. It might even mean that Stevenson’s get the upper hand in the negotiations.” “Why should you care? You just said that you plan to get out. What will you do instead?” “I’ll get a decent redundancy pay out, so I’ll be able to please myself. Do whatever I like, without worrying about money. I could take a part-time job, pulling pints in the local perhaps, and concentrate on training Lucius for advanced dressage and one-day events.” “Ashley, don’t do anything hasty. Give yourself time to get over this. You can’t go from being the office manager for a large company to working in a pub. You’d be bored out of your skull within a month. And you spend all your spare time on horseback, anyway. There’s only so much more you can do to prepare Lucius.” Ashley shrugged. “I’ve tried being the high-flying executive, obediently toeing the company line, and look where it’s landed me. Perhaps it’s time to be an underachiever instead. There’s plenty of room at the bottom and, who knows, maybe I’ll prefer a life with no responsibility.” Sandy groaned. “Why couldn’t Mr. Matt-bloody-Templeton have stayed safely tucked away in Southampton. This never would have happened then. You were quite happy with your life before he came on the scene.” It was true. Until two years ago, the head office of Interactive Assurance had been in Southampton and Matt had been an infrequent visitor to their branch office in Reigate, run by Ashley. Interactive owned the entire Reigate building, renting most of it out. When the other tenants decided not to renew their lease, Matt and his fellow

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directors took advantage of the empty space in such a prime location and moved their centre of operations to the market town. From supervising fifty employees, Ashley suddenly found herself in overall charge of more than two hundred. Simultaneously, she was thrown into a close working relationship with Matt. Separated from his family and friends, he appeared to take pleasure in her company. Ashley soon discovered that they had much more in common that just Interactive. They shared the same sense of humour, liked the same quirky films, enjoyed jazz, appreciated good wines, and read books by similar authors that they discussed at length. Most importantly of all, they were both dedicated equestrians. Over the long working days, and subsequent working dinners, Ashley sensed a gradual shift in the bedrock of their relationship. She learned more about Matt’s personal life—notably that his marriage was unsatisfactory but that he stayed for the sake of his two teenage sons, both of whom were currently at boarding school. He relished the prospect of moving to Reigate since it provided the perfect opportunity to make a clean break of it. Eve would stay in Southampton. Although Matt would still have to spend some time in their office there, he’d mostly be in Reigate, or staying with his mother in nearby Lingfield, where his horse was still kept. Ashley had at first thought he was simply spinning an all too familiar line. “My wife doesn’t understand me” surely went out with the dark ages? Did he really expect her to fall for that? But when he didn’t make a move on her, seeming instead to value her friendship, she started questioning her cynical view. He openly praised her intelligence and professional approach toward her job, her nononsense take on emotive staff issues, and her innovative plans for the new organisation. But nothing more than that. It was six months into his time in Reigate before they finally ended up in Ashley’s bed. By that time, she was so desperate for their light flirtation to develop into something physical that she was unsure who made the first move. Probably her, she was honest enough to

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concede, for she was already a little in love with him. For the first time ever, when he dropped her at home after one of their working dinners, she invited him in for coffee. She knew what she was really offering him, and so evidently did he. He looked her squarely in the eye and asked her if she was sure. When she nodded, he expelled a long breath and then flashed a smile that could have melted stone. “I thought you’d never ask,” he said, pulling her into his arms and kissing her with a hunger that it left her feeling completely boneless. And that was before they’d even left his car. Having taken that monumental step, Ashley was lost to all reason. Matt was a considerate and accomplished lover, and Ashley, who’d had little experience of such matters since the death of her husband ten years previously, came truly alive again beneath his skilful hands. There would be no turning back for her now, she realized, and from that point on, she gave herself to him unreservedly. He awoke in her an inexorable need she’d been unaware she possessed, heightening her perceptions and robbing her of the ability to think of anything except his marauding hands as they drifted seductively across her sensitized skin. Sometimes, in a meeting, their eyes would clash, and she was ashamed of her acute awareness of him. Her feelings for him sent everything else out of her mind. She had total faith in him and would have followed him to the ends of the earth. For the first time since becoming widowed, Ashley was prepared to commit to another man. That he was a married man with children troubled her conscience, but there was simply no help for it. She was desperately in love and believed that her feelings were reciprocated, accepting as gospel all that he told her about the unsatisfactory state of his marriage. That he had never openly criticized his wife and was less than forthcoming about the reasons for the failure of his marriage was something that hadn’t, until now, troubled Ashley’s mind. Ashley and Sandy continued to discuss her predicament in a desultory, progressively drunken manner. The vodka had taken the edge off the worst of Ashley’s pain. It would probably take the rest of

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the bottle to expunge it completely. Whatever. She no longer card. “At least he’ll be in Southampton for the rest of the week so I won’t have to face him again until Monday,” Ashley muttered. “That’ll give you a little breathing room.” “He called her “Evie.” Ashley appeared determined to subject every excruciating second of that disastrous meeting to microscopic attention. “How sweet is that?” “Yes, very cosy, but—” The doorbell rang. “That’ll be Kitty’s mum returning Callie,” Sandy said, the grin that sprang to her lips lending a lie to her martyred expression. Sandy headed for her front door, preceded by Freckles. But it wasn’t Kitty’s mum. Ashley’s stomach lurched when Matt’s dulcet tones penetrated her vodka-sodden brain. She could hear Freckles squealing with excitement and knew he’d be jumping all over his friend Matt. She’d deal with her traitorous dog later, but first, unable to pretend detached indifference, she eavesdropped blatantly. “If she here, Sandy?” “Do you think I’d tell you if she was?” Sandy asked, belligerently. “She wouldn’t answer the phone at work, when I ring the flat all I get is her answer-phone, and her mobile’s switched off.” “Well, that ought to tell you something.” “I know what she must be thinking, but she’s wrong.” “Oh, of course she is. What a little idiot she is.” “I don’t expect you to understand, but—” “Good, because I don’t. All I know is that you’ve destroyed her, and if I had my way you’d—” “Just let me talk to her for five minutes. That’s all I ask.” “She doesn’t want to see you.” “But she must. I need to explain.” “I doubt there’s anything you can say that she’d care to hear right now. You’ve done enough damage.” “Please, Sandy, I’m begging you.” “Matt, it won’t do any good.” Sandy’s voice had lost its hard edge.

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“But don’t worry. At least she still has a conscience. She won’t leave you in the lurch until the takeover’s a done deal.” “Is that all you think I care about?” “Isn’t it?” “Right now I couldn’t give a shit about the business. All I care about is Ashley.” Ashley sprang to her feet, hope flaring and as quickly receding. He sounded so genuine. Perhaps there really was an explanation, some way out of this mess for both of them. A moment’s reflection and she fell back into her seat, defeated. She couldn’t, wouldn’t let herself be played for a fool ever again. “Too little, too late, Matt.” “Oh, God, what have I done to her?” He sighed loud enough for Ashley to hear. “Tell her I was here, Sandy. Tell her I love her and that nothing’s changed.” He sounded choked. Ashley could imagine him running his hand through his thick hair, pushing it back from his face, just as he always did whenever he was preoccupied. She ached to do it for him. In spite of everything, she still ached, simply for him. Something that had felt so right couldn’t possibly be wrong. Could it? “Get a grip,” she muttered, disgusted with her lack of self-respect. Had it been anything else, she might have listened to him, given him a chance to explain, but how could he explain away that pregnancy? It was the worst kind of deceit, especially since he knew how much Ashley would have loved a child of her own. Not only had he misled her about his relationship with his wife, he’d also flaunted Eve’s pregnancy in front of her. He may not have intended for her to find out that way. She’d seen just how shocked he’d been when Eve arrived at the office, but perhaps that had been because he was aware the game was up and he could no longer have both of them. “Just go, Matt,” Sandy said. When Sandy returned to her living room, Ashley was curled up in a foetal ball in the corner of the settee, sobbing her heart out.

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Chapter Three “Oh, Freckles, will you look at the state of me?” Ashley’s dog cocked his head to one side, regarding his mistress from beneath his shaggy fringe as he licked her hand and wagged. It was the morning of her thirty-fifth birthday. Hungover and brokenhearted, she examined her face in the mirror, groaning aloud at the sight that greeted her. She ruffled Freckles’s head, continuing her onesided conversation with him. “You’re biased,” she said affectionately, glad of his uncomplicated, unconditional devotion. “So I guess I can’t expect an honest opinion from you.” She returned her attention to the disaster that was her face. Unnaturally pale, her features were drawn, and there were heavy circles under her eyes. She wasn’t sure what else she could have expected. A largely sleepless night had played host to regular bouts of tears, frustrated pillow thumping, and futile railings against men in general, Matt Templeton in particular. With a heavy sigh, she repaired the damage as best she could with concealing makeup. In no mood to even acknowledge her birthday, much less celebrate it, she ignored the pile of birthday cards on her doormat and prepared to leave for work. The phone rang for the sixth time since she’d got up, but she ignored that, too. Unfortunately, the colleagues who’d worked with her since before the influx of staff from Southampton all knew it was her birthday, and her cubbyhole had been decked out with garish decorations. A large “Happy Birthday” banner draped over the door made it necessary for her to duck her head to reach her desk. She smiled and thanked

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everyone for the cards and presents, made a passable attempt at looking both surprised and pleased, and agreed to buy them all a drink at lunchtime. In the middle of dolling out the obligatory cream cakes, Ashley was interrupted by a commissionaire clutching two-dozen red roses, wrapped in cellophane and adorned with a huge ribbon. Ribald comments and lively speculation greeted this delivery, the overall opinion being that it was high time Ashley got herself a life. Her heart lurched at the sight of the flowers, even as she pretended ignorance as to the identity of her admirer. “Open the card, then,” one of her colleagues urged. “Don’t you want to know?” “I certainly don’t want you lot to,” she said, trying for a casual tone. “No surer way to kill off a romance than to share the gory details with your colleagues,” Martine said, holding Ashley’s gaze like he knew more about her turmoil than he was letting on. The crowd lingered, making a poor pretence at concealing their collective curiosity. Their presence prevented Ashley from letting rip with the choice words that sprang to mind regarding this flamboyant and very public gesture on Matt’s part. Calmly, she asked the commissionaire if he could rustle up a vase large enough to contain the flowers, but still refused to open the card in front of anyone else. Eventually they got the message and let the subject drop. Still gathered round her desk, literally making a meal of the cream cakes and squabbling over the leftovers, the conversation drifted toward the unexpected appearance of Matt’s pretty wife in the office the previous day. As Eve had doubtless intended, her arrival caused quite a stir, especially since Matt hadn’t told anyone that he was to be a father again. Those that had transferred from Southampton, and who knew Eve reasonably well, found that situation particularly tantalizing. Ashley heard it all in a state of detached misery, assuring her

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colleagues it was news to her, too, trying to appear as interested as they were. She caught Martin’s concerned gaze. She worked as closely with him as she did with Matt and, from his actions today, was now convinced that he’d guessed the truth about her relationship with their boss. “Are you all right?” he asked softly. She shrugged. “I’ve had better days.” He touched her shoulder and said nothing more, for which she was grateful. She was holding herself together on willpower alone. The slightest kind word or gesture was probably all it would take to tip her over the edge. Ashley was determined to tear up the card that accompanied the flowers and consign it, unopened, to the bin. The last of her friends had hardly left her desk before she ripped it open, curiosity winning out over good sense. Her resolve wobbled when she recognized, not the impersonal hand of a florist, but Matt’s own distinctive script. Instead of spending two minutes phoning his order through, he’d obviously taken the trouble to visit a florist in person. Ashley told herself that it didn’t change anything and steeled herself to read his words. Ashley, I’m sorrier than you’ll ever know for ruining your day, darling. Unlikely as it might seem, there is an explanation, and you’ll hear it when I get back to Reigate. Trust me on that. Nothing’s changed. I loved you as much as ever. The card was signed simply with a flourishing, M. Nothing had changed! Ashley’s face heated at his downright nerve. Even so, the card never did make it to the bin and finished up securely zipped into her bag. The day seemed never-ending, but Ashley, calling upon reserves of strength she didn’t know she possessed, got through it without revealing to anyone the depths of her despondency. Matt, she noticed

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dispassionately, gave up easily. Not once had he attempted to ring her from Southampton. Not that she would have taken his call—she’d been screening her incoming ones suspiciously all day for that very purpose—but that wasn’t the point. When she returned home she was cheered by the sight of little Callie, leaping up and down in excitement, Freckles at her side, wagging up a storm. “Come on, Auntie Ashley,” she said impatiently. “We’ve been waiting for you for ages! Mummy’s got a surprise for you. It’s a birthday cake and a present,” she confided in a theatrical whisper. “Can I help you blow out your candles?” “Of course you can, sweetheart.” Ashley kissed her on top of her silky head and took her hand. “There must be lots of candles, so I’ll need your help. Can you blow really hard?” “Yes, of course.” She sucked in a massive breath, pursed her lips, and let it out in an exaggerated whoosh. “See?” “That should do it,” Ashley said, smiling. “Are you very old, Auntie Ashley?” “Ancient, darling, at least a hundred.” “A hundred!” The child’s eyes grew as large as saucers. “Wow, that really is old.” It was the only part of the day that Ashley really enjoyed. Callie was a typically energetic, well-adjusted four-year-old, full of questions and apt to take the answers she received literally. Thus, Ashley was obliged to give her full attention to the little girl. She actually laughed at Callie’s perspicacity, not to mention her devious attempts to distract her mother’s attention whilst she snaffled a third slice of cake. For the first time that day, Ashley could dismiss the image that had thus far haunted her every conscious moment—one of piercing silver-gray eyes concentrated disarmingly on her face—and the surging tide of emotions that vision induced. Ashley spent the evening at the stables, which she and Freckles could reach by walking across the fields behind their house. She was

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training Lucius, her eight-year-old Irish Draft gelding, in advanced dressage. There was a competition in a week’s time that she needed to prepare for. And so she celebrated her birthday alone, losing herself in the only pursuit guaranteed to dismiss Matt from her mind. She practised the seven-minute routine in the indoor school, with only Freckles for company, and managed to concentrate every part of her mind exclusively on the job in hand. She and Lucius understood one another instinctively and blended together so well that they almost became as a single unit. Ashley had been told that her long legs, encased in tight-fitting jodhpurs and top boots, appeared not to move at all as they firmly guided Lucius into the complicated manoeuvres. Lucius’s mastery of the half-pirouette, the only movement he hadn’t properly got the hang of, was improving steadily, and by the end of their session, she was delighted with his progress. He was as ready as he’d ever be and they had a good chance of finishing in the top five. If by some miracle they finished first or second, then they would automatically qualify for the regional finals later in the season. But Ashley, knowing how tough the competition was likely to be, wasn’t holding her breath. Refusing an invitation from some of the others at the stables to go to the local, Ashley went home instead and spent a long time under a hot shower. She had lit the fire in the sitting room earlier and threw another log on it now, watching distractedly as a flurry of sparks flew up the chimney. Although it was still only October the evenings were chilly and, anyway, she loved the homely smell of burning wood. The eerie shadows the flames cast over the walls of the otherwise unlit room suited her mood perfectly. Freckles clearly agreed with her and stretched out in front of the blaze, his eyes dropping as he sighed and rested his head on his front paws. Ashley ate a slice of toast in lieu of dinner and opened a bottle of wine. Her breath caught when she observed the label. It was a favourite burgundy that Matt had given her. Suppressing all thoughts of her errant lover, Ashley settled on the sofa and curled her feet

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comfortably beneath her. She sat in contemplative silence, sipping her wine, her mood reflective, as she waited for Sandy, who had agreed to come up and share the wine once Callie was asleep. Ashley was snapped out of her reverie by the sound of the doorbell. Surprised that her friend hadn’t let herself in with her own key, she got up to answer it. Matt filled the opening with his musculature, the smile on his lips both determined and slightly apprehensive. Ashley’s own smile, dredged up for Sandy’s benefit, froze on her lips. Just for a moment, she was unsure what to do. Her treacherous heart leapt at the sight of Matt. Unprepared as she’d been to find him at her door, pleasure must have shown in her eyes. She struggled to amend that situation. “What are you doing here?” “Did you really think I’d give up that easily?” He bent to stroke the clambering Freckles, but his eyes didn’t once leave her face. “I thought you were in Southampton.” Now why had she said that? Why give the impression that it mattered to her where he was, or that she’d given the situation any thought? “I was. I drove back especially to see you.” The smile he offered her heated the air between them. Ashley, determined not to fall victim to his mesmerizing charm, pretended not to notice. “Happy birthday, darling. Can I come in? I’ve been in meetings all day, so I couldn’t phone. Anyway, I knew that even if I did you probably wouldn’t take the call.” “You got that dead right.” “So I came back to see you in person.” He paused, but when she said nothing, he spoke again. “We need to talk.” He looked, and obviously was, exhausted. It heartened Ashley to imagine that he’d slept little better than her, but she wasn’t about to let that knowledge influence her. “I’m expecting someone.” “Please, Ashley. We can’t leave things like this. I’ve driven all this way and have to go back again tonight, so I—”

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“Back to Evie?” Ashley stiffened her spine, trying to disguise the hurt she felt beneath a veneer of indifference. “Of course you do.” “Ashley, please, just give me ten minutes.” Reluctantly, she backed away from the door. “Thank you.” He walked into the sitting room, just as he’d done on so many occasions in the past. She saw his surprise at the lack of lighting from any source other than the fire, but he made no comment on it. Seeing the open bottle of wine and two glasses, a momentary shadow passed across his face. His obvious jealousy cheered Ashley. “Drink?” she asked him sweetly, proffering the bottle. “Although, if you’ve got to drive all the way back to Southampton, you probably shouldn’t indulge.” “The hell with that.” He took the glass from her hand and settled himself at one end of the settee. She took the armchair opposite, as far away from physical contact with him as possible. She was suddenly grateful for the lack of light. She absolutely didn’t want to look at him or for him to read her expression. “Happy birthday,” he said again, raising his glass in her direction. “Oh, and I have something for you.” Putting his glass down, he reached into his jacket pocket and produced a small, wrapped package. “It’s hardly appropriate now,” she told him in a cold tone. “Ashley, please!” He placed the package on a side table and took up his glass again. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am about Eve turning up yesterday.” “Oh, you don’t need to. I’m sure I can imagine your feelings perfectly well,” she said scathingly. “After all, her visit has effectively put paid to your bit on the side.” “Is that what you really think? After everything we’ve been to each other, how can you —” “Grow up, Matt! You’ve had your fun. But now you’ve been caught out and it’s over.”

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He shook his head. “There’s an explanation.” “Really! You can explain how your ‘estranged’ wife is pregnant. Go right ahead. What’s stopping you?” She folded her arms beneath her breasts and glared a challenge at him, willing herself not to cry. “That’s one I’d love to hear.” “Unfortunately, it’s not straightforward.” He ran a hand through his hair, offering her a beseeching look she pretended not to see. “I can’t tell you yet, much as I’d like to. There are other considerations involved. Vitally important ones. I just need you to trust me. I swear to you that everything I’ve said about my feelings for you, about our future together, are the gospel truth.” “For God’s sake, what sort of idiot do you take me for?” She stood and paced the room, furious that he seemed to think she’d believe him and fall into his arms. “No, don’t bother to answer that. I think I can work it out without your help.” He dropped his voice to a persuasive whisper. “If only you knew what I’m going through.” Ashley lost it then. He’d broken her heart, and she was supposed to feel sorry for him! As fury gripped her, so her voice became icily calm. “What you’re going through? Sorry, Matt, you must forgive me, but somehow I hadn’t got round to seeing it in that light.” The look she threw him, full of withering contempt, would have quelled a less determined man. “I was ecstatic yesterday when you said we could eat out anywhere we liked, do you realize that?” She didn’t give him a chance to respond. “I really thought you were as fed up as I am with skulking around, never doing anything together.” “I am. That’s why I—” “Matt, we both ride, but you haven’t even been with me to see Lucius, just in case you’re recognized. I’ve never been to Lingfield to see your horse, presumably for the same reason. Or perhaps because your mother might ask questions about me that you’d prefer not to answer. Hell if I know which, nor do I much care anymore. I thought

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it was all because of your sons, to protect their feelings, and that eventually it would all be worked out.” She paused in her pacing to shake her head. “I realize now just how gullible I’ve been.” He stood as well and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Ashley, don’t!” She shook his hands away and continued to pace. “At last I thought we were getting somewhere. We’d dine out together and spend the night here. But that wouldn’t have happened, would it?” She shot him a loaded glance. “You would have had to get back to your flat to be with Evie.” She turned her back on him and stared out the window. “Were you planning a double whammy, Matt, me and her both on the same night? Does something for your male ego, does it, still being virile enough to take on two women, practically at once?” “Ashley.” He stood directly behind her. She felt his breath peppering her neck and wondered how she’d react if he tried to touch her, furious that she still wanted him to. “Don’t do this to yourself.” “I don’t need to do anything to myself, Matt,” she said quietly, her tone laced with a combination of bitterness and defeat. “You’ve done a very good job of destroying me all on your own.” She turned, not caring now if he saw how devastated she was. He looked stricken, but still hadn’t offered her the famous explanation he was trying to convince her existed. An explanation that would, he wanted her to believe, straighten matters out. “It isn’t like that. Trust me, darling.” “Trust you? Oh yes, you’d like that, wouldn’t you? You’ve lied to me from beginning to end and I was stupid enough to fall for every word. God, what a fool I’ve been! Sandy warned me how it would be. I should have listened to her. You lied about moving Eve to Reigate, you lied about her never coming up to your flat, you lied about not loving her anymore, but, worst of all, you lied about sleeping with her. When did you plan to tell me about the baby, Matt?” Her anger had been replaced with an overwhelming melancholy. “You know how I feel about children, how desperately I’ve always wanted one of my

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own. Did you imagine that I’d just pretend it hadn’t happened and carry on as we had been?” “Ashley, it isn’t how it seems.” She whirled away from him, furious yet close to tears. “Don’t make matters worse by insulting my intelligence.” “No, really.” He ran a hand across his chin. He needed a shave, she noticed, wondering how her brain could notice something so insignificant at such a time. He looked down at her, his gaze compelling, his eyes begging her to believe him. And, just for a moment, she was tempted to forget everything and fall into his arms. So comprehensively did she still love him that the compulsion to do so was almost overwhelming. Seeming to realize it, Matt attempted to pull her against him. It took a superhuman effort on Ashley’s part to wrench herself away. “Ashley, do you think I’d be here if what I’m telling you isn’t true. Isn’t what we have together worth fighting for?” He appeared so intensely sincere that the overwhelming urge she’d just experienced to believe him returned with interest. But how could she? He obviously only wanted to calm her down so that she wouldn’t be tempted to leave the company. He still needed her help to coordinate the new head office. “I think you’d better go,” she said in an indifferent tone. “Go back to your cosy little nest and leave me to pick up the pieces of my life.” When he didn’t move, her temper bubbled up again. “You’ve had the best of both worlds for a while now, but all good things come to an end. You know where the door is. Use it.” “Ashley!” He grabbed her by the shoulders again, a tormented expression in his eyes. Ignoring her struggles, he forced a drugging kiss upon her lips. “I love you! There is an explanation, and if I could tell you now, then I would.” He shook his head. “But I can’t. You’ll hear it just as soon as I’m in a position to tell you more. I’m working night and day to bring that date forward.”

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“You say you love me, Matt,” she countered, pulling away from him. Her lips, where his had covered them, felt as though they were on fire. “But you don’t know the meaning of the word. I loved you with a passion that I didn’t know was possible—” “Loved?” “Yes,” she said decisively. “Loved.” “You can turn your feelings off just like that?” “I would have done anything for you,” she said, ignoring the question. “But you wife effectively killed that love off yesterday when she showed me what an idiot I’ve been.” Ashley sighed. “Perhaps I should be grateful to her?” Matt groaned, fixing her with a gaze of naked longing. “You don’t know the half of it, but you will, soon. I promise you, we’ll eventually be together, just as we planned.” “And the baby? We just pretend it doesn’t exist, I suppose.” She offered him an icy glare. “You don’t know me at all, Matt. If you did, you’d realize that there’re many things I’m capable of forgiving, but treating an innocent child like an insignificant inconvenience definitely isn’t one of them.” She moved into the hall, compelling him to follow her, and opened the door. “Good night,” she said, anticipating that he’d try to touch her and moving out of range before he could. It was only after he’d left, and she was fighting back the tears, determined not to shed any more on a lost cause, that she noticed the package he’d left for her on the side table. In the midst of their fight, she’d forgotten to return it to him. It was undoubtedly a jewellery box, and Ashley tried not to imagine how she’d have felt, had things been different. In all their time together, Matt’s gifts to her had been impersonal. He favored flowers, perfume, lingerie—the usual safe things that a man, lacking originality, tended to buy for a woman. But this time? Furious with herself for even thinking about it, she threw it unopened into the nearest drawer and slammed it shut.

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Chapter Four “No, it can’t wait. What part of we need it now don’t you understand? Just sort it!” Ashley slammed her phone down. “Bloody incompetent idiot,” she muttered. “Problem?” Martin’s head appeared over the partitioning. “Nothing more than usual. Sorry, was I shouting?” Martin flashed a brief smile. “Just a bit.” His smiled faded as quickly as it had appeared and was replaced with an expression of concern. “Actually, in case you didn’t realize it, you’ve done a lot of shouting this week. It’s not like you. Are you okay?” No, she bloody well wasn’t okay. The week had been living hell, and Ashley felt completely wiped out. “Sorry,” she said. “I’ve got a lot on my mind.” “Wanna grab a pint at lunchtime and talk about it?” The one thing Ashley was absolutely certainty about was that she didn’t want to talk about it, especially not to any of her colleagues. Not even Martin. “Best not,” she said, “thanks all the same.” She indicated her cluttered desk with her hands. “I’ve got a ton of stuff to get through.” “Sure, no worries.” He looked a bit wounded by the brush-off, making Ashley feel guilty for being short with him when he was only trying to help. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings—he was a good friend to her—but her emotions were still too raw to risk talking about personal things to anyone right now. Whoever decreed that time was a great healer must live on a different planet. She’d buried herself in her work, but the pain just refused to go away, her mind flashing back to what might

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have been with every glimpse she caught of Matt. He continued to flit, almost on a daily basis, between Reigate and Southampton. Mercifully, she saw him only as he dashed through the office or if they happened to be in the same meeting—never on a oneto-one basis. Whenever their paths did cross, he looked increasingly drawn. She knew what stress he was living under and ached to share his burden. In spite of the way he’d lied to her, she’d been blindsided by the love she felt for him, and there didn’t seem to be a damned thing she could do about it. Negotiations for the amalgamation had picked up pace, and the lion’s share of the responsibility for their successful conclusion fell upon Matt’s broad shoulders. They were keeping him on the hop, and Ashley couldn’t decide if she was more relieved or insulted that he’d given up on her so easily. He treated her with professional courtesy now. Sometimes she caught him looking at her for protracted periods when they were in the same meeting, but she was incapable of interpreting his expression. Common sense told her he was simply dealing with a fraught situation in the only way open to them if they were to continue working together. But still, she couldn’t help regretting that he hadn’t made at least one more effort to offer her the mysterious explanation for his conduct that he’d assured her existed. Ashley made a renewed effort to focus her attention upon Peter Templeton, Matt’s uncle and the company’s accountant. It wasn’t easy because he was the sort of pedantic person who could make the most interesting of subjects sound dull. And accountancy wasn’t a riveting subject at the best of times. He droned on, giving a tedious breakdown of the organisation’s current financial situation and the need for additional economies. He stressed repeatedly how vital it was for the company to approach the amalgamation with Stevenson’s from a position of fiscal strength. Ashley hid a yawn behind her hand, suspecting that everyone else in the conference room was as bored as she was. Her mind wandered yet again, only to be jolted back to the present when she realized that Peter had stopped speaking and

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everyone was looking at her. “Ashley,” Peter said, presumably for the second time. “Perhaps you’d outline your plans for cost-cutting in the general office.” Ever the professional, she launched smoothly into her presentation, not once looking in Matt’s direction. Even so, she was acutely aware of his penetrating gaze fixed on her as she stood in front of a flip chart and started on her spiel. By Friday, the strain was really starting to tell upon Ashley. It was with a mixture of resignation and dread that she prepared herself for the dinner she was obliged to attend that evening. It was to be the first ever meeting between the directors and senior personnel of both Interactive and Stevenson’s. Not only a chance for a little intercompany bonding, but also a sure-fired opportunity to dig the dirt on one another, as Charlie Templeton, Matt’s brash cousin, had put it. It was nine days now since that fateful meeting with Matt’s wife and the first occasion since then when Ashley would spend time with him socially, albeit in a crowded private dining room in an up-market hotel. Upward of thirty people would be present, but she would be one of only five ladies there. No one was bringing their other-halves—this was strictly a business occasion. For that, if nothing else, Ashley was grateful. Had there been the slightest possibility of Eve putting in an appearance, she would have cried off. Anything else would, quite simply, have been several steps too far above and beyond the call of duty. Ashley dressed carefully for the event. If she had to attend, then she might as well flaunt herself in front of Matt. Petty perhaps, but she’d be less than human if she didn’t want to throw just a little of the almost unbearable burden of hurt she’d been lugging around all week back in his face. She’d bought a new dress for the occasion, an emerald green shot silk sleeveless sheath. The colour matched her eyes, and she knew it was one that Matt enjoyed seeing her wear. The dress had a respectably high neckline but clung to her body, outlining her figure in

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a more sophisticated manner than a plunging neckline would have managed. It finished just above her knee. She wasn’t in her dotage yet, and at five foot eight, she knew her long legs and slender thighs, toned to perfection from all those hours in the saddle, were her best feature. They looked pretty good clad in ultra-fine stockings, boosted by threeinch spiky heels, even if she did say so herself. She examined her reflection critically in her full-length mirror and decided she’d do. She was proud of her hair. Thick, naturally curly, the colour of burnished bronze, it was cut in layers that finished halfway down her back. She usually put it up for work but knew Matt preferred to see it in its natural state. She compromised by pulling the shorter layers at the top back and securing them with a clip at the back of her head. The rest hung where it fell, a riot of curls tumbling over her shoulders and warming her back. Next, she applied makeup sparingly, outlining her eyes with black pencil and adding mascara and lip gloss. Diamond studs in her ears and a delicate gold wristwatch, bought for her by her late husband, were the only adornments she deemed necessary. She picked up her bag, conscious of the horde of butterflies that had taken up residence in her stomach, refusing to remain dormant. “Bugger off!” she said aloud, swiping a hand at her abdomen as though the butterflies really existed. “I am not nervous. I can do this. I am not the wilting violet type, and just so that we’re clear, I no longer give a shit about Matt bloody Templeton.” Holding that thought, she squared her shoulders when the doorbell rang, announcing the arrival of her cab. With a final glance in the mirror, she flicked her hair over her shoulders and stepped forth to do battle. Not given to making dramatic entrances, Ashley arrived on time, assuming that everyone else would be late because people always are. She’d blend into the background and let others take centre stage. Some hope! The room was already full of suited men. The drone of a dozen stilted conversations filled the air. As she walked in, there was a decided lessening in the noise level. She saw Matt immediately,

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presumably because her eyes sought him out without her permission. Damn it, this was not an auspicious start. But she couldn’t drop her gaze. The expression of acute longing on his face as he looked at her so identically mirrored her own feelings that, just for a moment, it was as though no one else existed in the crowded room. She felt sure Matt had intended to approach her, but his cousin Charlie beat him to it. He greeted her with an egregious smile, his gaze raking her body in obvious approval before sliding off challengingly in Matt’s direction. Ashley experienced a moment’s panic. Why did he look at Matt like that? Did he know? Did he suspect? Or was he just behaving like a randy bloke? Ashley had no idea, but had a bad feeling about it. Charlie passed her a flute of champagne. She’d thought he’d then move on, but instead he took her elbow and guided her about the room, behaving as though they were a couple. He was an outrageous flirt, touching her far more than was strictly necessary as he introduced her to various people from Stevenson’s. Ashley had never much cared for Charlie. He was the company’s Sales Director, a position that suited his exuberant personality. Intelligent he might be, good-looking, certainly—what with his artfully arranged blond hair and the Templeton rugged features. He had quicksilver charm by the bucket load, but there was something about the way he presented himself—the swagger, the overconfidence and the slightly scathing attitude he adopted toward others, especially Matt—that disquieted Ashley. On this occasion, however, she was happy to let him take her over. Happy because she was conscious of Matt’s gaze frequently resting on her since she’d entered the room. She knew him well enough to guess what he was thinking, too. Although they’d never discussed the volcanic nature of his relationship with his cousin, there was a tacit agreement between them that Charlie was not entirely trustworthy. Matt wouldn’t like what he was seeing. Tough! Let him see how it felt to be on the receiving end for a

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change. She threw back her shoulders, looked up at Charlie, placed her hand on his arm, and laughed at whatever it was he’d just said to her. She had no idea what it was. Another man joined them. “Ah, Philip, how’s it going?” Before the other man could speak, Charlie cut him off. “Let me introduce you to Ashley Wilde, our office manager here in Reigate. Ashley, this is Philip Roker, Marketing Director for Stevenson’s.” Ashley shook hands with him. “Nice to meet you,” she said, resisting the urge to wipe the hand that had touched his on the side of her dress. “Likewise. I’ve heard good things about you,” he said. Ashley knew of Roker by reputation but had never met him before. He had to be approaching fifty, with slicked back silver hair, angular features, and a rake thin body. But it was his opaque eyes that unsettled her. They examined her for far too long and, frankly, gave her the creeps. It was as though he could see inside her head and read her thoughts. “Phil is almost a member of the family,” Charlie said. “He worked for Interactive for years before decamping to the opposition.” Ashley thought she saw a shadow pass across Roker’s face at this rather crass but typically Charlie-like reference to Roker’s employment history. Before the situation could become embarrassing, dinner was announced, saving Ashley the trouble of thinking up something diplomatic to say. Charlie pulled out all the stops, and when they took their seats, Ashley, who’d been hoping to get rid of him, found that she had been placed on his right. Deliberately, or by some deft rearrangement of place cards? Surely she should have been seated between two of the Stevenson’s lot? Still, it wasn’t her problem. Matt was on the other side of the table, several places down from her. She hadn’t spoken one word to him since entering the room, nor did she intend to. He was seated next to Giles Yardley, Stevenson’s

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CEO. On his left was an attractive woman, who had earlier been introduced to Ashley as Stella Rawlings, her opposite number at Stevenson’s. Matt chatted with Giles but bestowed an equal amount of attention on Stella, apparently engrossed by whatever she had to say for herself. Ashley reminded herself that shining in social situations was second nature to Matt. She watched as he treated Stella to that full on look of his, probably making her feel like the only person that mattered on the entire plant. She was certainly eating up the attention. Ashley felt a bolt of raw jealousy streak through her, even though she knew that beneath those polished manners Matt would be sparing less than one-tenth of his attention for his dinner companions. The diamond hard gleam in his eye, the smouldering anger he couldn’t entirely conceal from someone who knew him as well as she did, told her all she needed to know. She caught him watching her on several occasions, impotent to do anything about the way she responded, quite deliberately, to Charlie’s flirtatious banter. Matt, she suspected, was quietly seething. Ashley ought to be pleased to have extracted such an extreme reaction. Instead, she felt spiteful and cheap. Revenge, she was fast discovering, was not always as sweet as people would have you believe. Charlie refilled her glass yet again, and she knocked back its contents without a thought for the consequences. She was competing in the most important dressage competition of her life the following day, but that didn’t prevent her from getting progressively tipsy. It was the only way to quell the overwhelming desire she still felt for the formidably smooth, disconcertingly angry male sitting just across from her, the planes of his handsome face locked in a combination of helplessness and disgust whenever he looked her way. The meal finally came to an end, and the representatives of the two firms left the table to mingle at the bar. Charlie still didn’t leave Ashley’s side, which was odd. He ought to be up there networking, and she told him so.

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“I’ve done my bit,” he said. “There’s such a thing as overkill.” “Well, I ought to make a move.” “Not yet, surely. The night is young.” He whispered outrageous suggestions that would, under normal circumstances, have earned him a swift elbow in the ribs. But not tonight. She laughed freely, pretending not to notice that he continued to dart challenging looks at Matt, eyebrows raised in innocent triumph. Half an hour later, steering her toward some people she hadn’t yet spoken to, Charlie’s guiding hand slid from the small of Ashley’s back to the top of her buttocks—and remained there. It was the final straw. She excused herself on the pretext of visiting the lavatory. She remained in the bathroom for a long time, pondering her predicament. Surely Charlie didn’t seriously expect to take things with her any further? He’d just married for the second time, some sort of photographic model quite a bit younger than him, by all accounts. But if even half of what she’d heard about his reputation was true, she doubted that something as insignificant as the acquisition of another wife would prevent him from trying to add another notch to his bedpost. Ashley didn’t know what to do. She had no interest in Charlie. In fact, she didn’t like him much and definitely mistrusted him. But she’d deliberately egged him on all evening and could hardly blame him if he thought his luck was in. In her own defence, the agony of separation from Matt had guided her actions. She’d gone with the flow, without thinking about the consequences. The trauma of spending an evening, so tantalisingly close to the man she still loved but who was now denied to her, was enough to make anyone act out of character. The excess of wine and Charlie’s outrageous flattery hadn’t made things any easier. Whatever, she couldn’t remain skulking in the loo forever. She’d created this situation and somehow would have to extricate herself. Applying fresh lip gloss and perfume, she prepared to return to the

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bar, vowing to keep Charlie at arm’s length for the rest of the evening. She also planned to escape as soon as was politely possible and endeavour to sober up before tomorrow’s competition. She left the lavatory, which was situated in a narrow, dimly lit corridor behind the dining room, and walked straight into an outstretched arm. She cried out, half-afraid that it might be Charlie. She knew immediately that it wasn’t. She’d recognize that touch anywhere. She lifted her gaze to Matt’s face, half-concealed in an alcove. He didn’t look happy. “Just what the hell do you think you’re playing at?” he asked savagely. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Oh, I think you do.” His arm was still stretched across in front of her, braced against the opposite wall, preventing her from passing him. She attempted to brush it away, but his taut muscles didn’t relax. He effectively held her captive. “Let me through, Matt.” “Why, so you can continue to show yourself up with that bastard?” “It’s nothing to do with you how I behave.” A fleeting smile graced his lips, clearly not driven by humour. Ashley knew him well enough to realize just how close to losing his temper he actually was. She’d never seen this side of him before, and it frightened her. The assumption that he could still control her actions made her want to strike him. The subliminal sexuality, the bruised vulnerability, the expression of naked longing that broke through his anger, filled her with an overwhelming urge to fall into his arms and forget everything that had gone before. “You know better than that. Nothing’s changed.” He moved so swiftly then that she had no time to react or to realize what he intended. His arms closed around her, forcing her against him in an embrace too tight for her to even attempt breaking

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it. He captured her mouth possessively, kissing her with crushing brutality, forcing her lips apart with his tongue and plundering her mouth with savage disregard for her wishes. She struggled violently, pushing against his chest with her hands and, when that made no difference, beating against it with clenched fists. How dare he do this to her! How dare he attempt to overpower her with this brutish display of ownership? How dare he make her yearn for what was no longer hers to take? Her fists abruptly stilled as passion overcame righteous indignation. God help her, she could already feel desire spiralling through her at a disgusting rate. If he didn’t stop this straight away, she’d finish up responding and all the agony of the past nine days would have been for nothing. Fortunately, he did break the kiss, but not his hold on her. “You’re mine, Ashley,” he said, his eyes gleaning possessively, his breath coming in short gasps. “We both know that, but it seems like you need reminding.” Holding her against him with just one hand, he ran the other down the length of her body. She inhaled sharply. His hand reversed its journey and slowly came to rest on one of her breasts. He squeezed it through the silk of her dress. “I could take you right here and now in this corridor,” he breathed into her ear, his voice husky and several octaves lower than usual, “and you wouldn’t do a thing to stop me because you want me as much as I want you. Admit it, Ash. Go on, I want to hear you tell me it’s true.” “Not anymore,” she managed to say, her voice far from convincing even to her own ears. She could feel her pulse racing out of control and looked up at him, helplessly aroused. Matt, of course, knew precisely what he’d done to her. His lupine smile made that much evident. Ashley despised herself for capitulating so easily but, overcome by the effervescent passion lancing through her veins, was powerless to do anything else. “No?” He was mocking her, his smile now a tight and brittle challenge. “Are you sure about that?”

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He kissed her again, grinding his erection into her stomach, his desperate need to possess her never more evident. One hand still gouged at her breast, and Ashley, hating her weakness more with every second that passed, moved her hips against him, responding to his kiss. She simply couldn’t help herself, aware of the dampness between her legs, embarrassed by the extent of her need for him. More than that, she was ashamed by her shallowness, her inability to control her desires. When Matt broke the kiss this time, the tension had left his face and the smile he offered her heated the already sizzling temperature between them. His hands moved to her forearms, and he shook her gently. “You have to tell me, Ashley. I want to hear you say it.” “No!” The word came out on a tormented sigh. “No, is it?” One hand left her arm and drifted beneath the hem of her dress. As it crept up her thigh, it left every nerve end tingling with a kaleidoscope of glorious sensations. Caught up in the sort of pleasure she’d only ever known with him, she was powerless to stop him. He slipped two fingers inside her panties and delved into her wetness. His eyes, hooded now and heavy with passion, bored into hers. “Liar!” “Matt, don’t do this to me,” she sobbed. “Don’t make me want you. What is it you want me to say?” “You know.” “It’s too late for that.” His fingers were still inside her, and he moved them in a slow, provocative dance, his eyes never leaving her face. “You look beautiful tonight, Ashley.” He sighed and brushed her lips with his, lightly this time, tantalizing and teasing until she thought she might very well lose her mind. “You’re driving me crazy.” She was driving him crazy? “I can’t stand much more of this.” “Stop it!” Her head fell forward on his shoulder. She trembled with the vortex of desire, overwhelming and intense, that cascaded

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through her. Tears trickled from the corners of her eyes. “Just stop it. You’ve already done enough damage.” Matt immediately removed his fingers. “I’m sorry, Ashley. Did I hurt you?” “No, it’s all right.” She was too emotionally overwrought to say anything more. He placed a finger beneath her chin, forcing her to look up at him. Even in the dim light of the corridor, he must have been able to see the tears streaming down her face. She had vowed never to reveal to him the extent of her devastation, but his tenderness was almost her undoing. He wiped the tears away so gently with his thumb that it was enough to set her off again. “Forgive me, babe, I wouldn’t have upset you like this for the world. I thought I was prepared for tonight.” He exhaled loudly. “But clearly I was wrong. I hadn’t counted on that bastard,” he said vehemently. “Seeing him deliberately flirting with you just made me so jealous I thought I’d explode. Keep away from Charlie. He’s bad news.” “I intend to keep away from you both. Nothing’s changed.” He sighed and released his hold on her. “I give in,” he said, shaking his head. “I wanted to protect you. That’s why I haven’t told you what’s really going on, but I can’t take any more of this. We’ve got to sort things out.” “I agree,” she told him, in control of herself again, after a fashion. “I’ll stay with the company and see the amalgamation through, but after that, I intend to leave. I want redundancy.” “What! You’re not serious?” He laughed. Actually laughed. “You don’t think I’d let you go, do you?” “It’s not a case of what you want any more. In case it’s escaped your notice, I still love you, in spite of everything, and I’ll never be able to get over that if I see you every day.” The sound of footsteps echoing on the tiled floor made them spring apart. Matt kissed her briefly, told her to hang on in there and

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that things would sort themselves out. With a swift backward glance, he returned to the dining room. Ashley, more confused than ever, grabbed her coat and went to reception to call a cab. She didn’t return to the fray and say good-bye to anyone. She was beyond that, and they would just have to think of her what the hell they liked. Ashley’s key was still in her front door when the phone rang. This time she answered it. “I wanted to make sure you got home safely.” Matt’s voice echoed down the line. He was clearly on his mobile and still at the hotel. She could hear the hum of conversation and a loud bark of laughter in the background. “Yes, I’ve just walked in.” She paused, before adding, “Alone.” “I didn’t doubt that, and I wasn’t checking up on you. I accept that I’ve forfeited that right.” The silence that preceded his next words was long and ominous. Ashley wondered if it was possible to sense the gravitas beneath a silence over something as impersonal as a telephone line. “For now, at least,” he told her, in a tone so possessive, underlined with such a sense of loss, that her heart lifted. “I suppose I just wanted to hear the sound of your voice again. And to apologise. I shouldn’t have reacted like I did earlier.” Ashley didn’t know what to say. “Good night, Matt,” was all she could manage. “Good night, darling, sleep well. And good luck tomorrow. I’ll be thinking of you.” “The dressage?” She found herself smiling. “You remembered.” “I never forget anything you tell me, especially something as important to you as that.” She heard someone calling his name in the background. “I have to go.” His voice dropped another octave. “I love you.” Ashley smiled when he said the words. She couldn’t help it, even though she knew the situation was hopeless. She was still smiling as she went back down the stairs to accompany Freckles on his late night constitutional.

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Chapter Five “There you go, baby.” Nine o’clock Saturday morning, Ashley patted Lucius’s gleaming flank and stood back to admire her handiwork. His dapple-gray coat gleamed, his mane and tail were neatly plaited, and everything ready to go. She helped to load Lucius, along with the two other horses competing in the competition, into the yard’s lorry and climbed into the cab. Patrick McMann, owner of the yard and dressage expert of some renown, drove. Ashley and her co-competitors hid their nervousness by chatting in a dilatory fashion for the duration of the short journey to the neighbouring village of Woldingham. The advanced class was the last on the programme. Ashley spent the hours that preceded it on tenterhooks, supporting the others from the yard as they competed in the lower classes. Finally, it was her turn. Dressed in pristine white breeches, long black leather boots, and black jacket, her unruly hair neatly confined within a net, Ashley and Lucius entered the arena at a collected canter. They came to a perfectly straight halt, remaining immobile for a few seconds before Ashley offered the judges the obligatory salute. Now that she was riding at last, Ashley’s nerves melted away. A sense of calm enveloped her as she applied herself to completing the test. It was her first season at advanced level, the competition was keen, and she was determined not to be found wanting. Even her fear that Lucius would flounder when it came to the half pirouette proved unfounded. She should have had more faith in her horse. He seemed to grasp that this was important and was as focused as Ashley herself,

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perhaps because he enjoyed being the centre of attention. Not once did he try to look around to see what was going on—a common fault with horses at all levels of the discipline. Instead, they moved together as one highly polished unit. Lucius’s neck remained beautifully arched as he propelled himself smoothly forward from his quarters, maintaining a pristine outline throughout. Ashley couldn’t have done any better and was delighted when they were placed third. So tantalisingly close to automatic qualification for the regionals, and far better than she’d dared to hope. Busy removing Lucius’s tack, telling him how clever he was and feeding him sneaky titbits, Ashley was interrupted by a light tap on her shoulder. She turned and found herself face-to-face with an older lady whom she didn’t recognize. “Please excuse me, my dear, but I just had to congratulate you,” the woman said with a pleasant smile. “That was a splendid ride.” “Why, thank you. I’m pleased with the way it went.” Ashley returned her smile, instinctively liking her. She was elegantly but casually dressed and, from the expert way she cast her eye over Lucius, well versed in matters equine. There was something vaguely familiar about her, too. Something about her eyes perhaps, even though Ashley was convinced they were unacquainted. “I’m sorry, but have we met?” Before the lady could answer, Freckles came bounding up to them, Callie stumbling along at the other end of his leash. She was red-faced and out of breath, just about managing to hold on. “I couldn’t stop him, Auntie Ashley,” the child complained. “He wanted to see you.” “It’s all right, darling, he knows the competition’s over and thinks it’s time to play.” Ashley stooped to pat the child and dog simultaneously. “He’s very clever like that.” “Did Lucius win a rosette?” “Yes, he did. He’s very clever, too.” “I’m sorry,” the mystery lady said. “You’ve got your hands full,

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and I’m intruding.” “Hello,” Callie said, peering up at the woman from beneath her thick fringe. “Did you come to see Lucius?” “Yes, and Freckles, too,” she said, bending to tickle the dog’s ears. Ashley frowned. This woman appeared to know an awful lot about them. She was sure Freckles’s name hadn’t been mentioned in her hearing. Not that it really mattered. She was hardly the horse-napping or axe-murdering type. Sandy joined them, and when Ashley looked round again, the woman had gone. It was late afternoon before Ashley and Freckles finally got home. Ashley, exhausted but ebullient, collapsed in the bath and promptly fell asleep. She only roused herself when the water cooled and her skin was in danger of wrinkling like a prune. Dressed casually in jeans and T-shirt, she wandered into the kitchen and cooked herself a light supper. Wine glass in hand, she and Freckles then made themselves comfortable in front of the log fire. The doorbell sounded half an hour later. Ashley hadn’t been expecting him but wasn’t surprised to see Matt standing there, dressed as casually as she was. Her heart lifted, even though no good could possibly come out of this visit. “It’s time to talk,” he said almost aggressively, striding past her into the sitting room without waiting to be invited. There was something about the set to his features that stopped Ashley from objecting. Instead, she waved the wine bottle in front of him. “Drink?” “Please.” Not making the mistake of trying to touch her, Matt seated himself in the same place as on the night of her birthday, at one end of the settee. Ashley took the chair opposite and stole furtive glances at his face. Much of the tension of the previous evening had gone. Instead, she could read resolution there—determination to say whatever it was he’d come to tell her. Ashley’s stomach fluttered with anticipation,

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but she schooled her features into a neutral expression, careful not to let her true feelings show. She made the silence work to her advantage by waiting it out. This was his party, so the first move was down to him. He drank half a glass of wine before speaking. “I should have trusted you enough to tell what’s been going on long ago,” he said, suddenly sounding tired and fraught. “What, tell me you’re to be a father again?” “That’s just the point.” He met her gaze and held it. “I’m not. The baby isn’t mine.” Ashley gasped. Whatever explanation she’d thought he might dream up, that he might deny responsibility for his wife’s condition hadn’t once occurred to her. The Matt she knew simply wasn’t that shallow. Just for a moment, she allowed herself to believe this improbable explanation. Then common sense kicked in, and she berated herself for being so pathetic. “It’s true, Ashley.” She threw a scornful glance his way. “I had a vasectomy three months after Ross was born. I’m incapable of impregnating anyone.” Ashley drew in a sharp breath. She’d anticipated that he’d try to explain away the pregnancy by saying it was the result of a one-off accidental tryst, or something equally trite. Denying culpability had well and truly taken the wind out of her sails, and it was a moment before she trusted herself to speak. “If that’s the case, why is your wife parading around, leading everyone to suppose that you’re the baby’s father?” Ashley skewered him with a withering glare. “And more to the point, why are you allowing it?” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “That’s where it gets complicated.” He stood to top off their glasses, more of a delaying tactic than through necessity, Ashley suspected. She’d seen him in this mood several times before. In meetings when he had tricky situations to

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address and it was important to adopt just the right approach. Was that how he viewed her? An awkward problem that needed skilful handling? She hardened her faltering heart and regarded him dispassionately. “I’m listening.” “First and foremost, you need to appreciate that everything I’ve told you is the truth.” He looked straight into her eyes with such apparent sincerity that Ashley desperately wanting to believe him. “Eve and I haven’t shared the same bed, at home at least, since before you and I got together. If we stay with friends, they allocate us the same room, but we never do anything in that room, except sleep.” “In that case, how can she expect you to believe that she’s carrying your child?” “For you to understand that, I need to tell you a bit more about the setup at Interactive.” “Why?” Ashley’s frowned, wondering what that had to do with anything. Matt waved a placating hand in her direction. “Bear with me, darling, it’s relevant, I promise you.” “All right,” she said. “I’m still listening.” “As you know, the company was established by my grandfather and his brother before the war.” Ashley nodded. “Upon my grandfather’s death, his fifty percent share in the company was left to my father. My great uncle’s fifty percent was split equally between his two sons. Charlie’s parents were killed in a car crash when he was eight, and his father’s twenty-five percent was held in trust for him until he was twenty-one. “Now, this is where it gets complicated.” He smiled at her, but his focus was distant, his mind clearly dwelling somewhere in the past. “My Uncle Peter, our accountant, kept his twenty-five percent intact. What you may not know is that he was a bit of a lady’s man in his day. His first marriage ended in divorce, and his wife named Eve’s mother, Stephanie, when she sued for that divorce on the grounds of adultery. Eve was Stephanie’s daughter from a previous marriage.

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Anyway, to cut a long story short, when his marriage to Stephanie came to an end, Stephanie wisely asked for shares in the company as part of her settlement. When Eve and I married, Stephanie passed the five percent she’d managed to obtain on to her daughter as a wedding present.” Ashley listened in rapt silence. She’d known that Eve was a nominal director of the company, but she didn’t play any active part in its running. “In the true manner of a woman scorned, Stephanie violently detested and bitterly resented Peter and hoped, by passing those shares to Eve, to exact further revenge by giving me extra power within the company.” “I didn’t realize that there was a power struggle between you. I know you and Charlie don’t always see eye to eye, but I thought you still got along okay.” Matt harrumphed. “Not exactly.” “You hide it well.” “Years of practise.” He smiled at her and took a long sip of wine. “When my father died, I received forty percent of his shares. The other ten percent went to my mother for the residue of her life, at the end of which they revert to me. But in the meantime, we’re stuck with a bit of an impasse. I have forty percent plus my mother’s voting rights, giving me exactly fifty percent. Peter has his twenty and Charlie twenty-five, and so—” “And so Eve’s five percent represents the balance of power.” “Exactly. It’s vitally important to any decisions about the company’s future, and everyone knows it.” Matt grimaced. “Especially Eve. Charlie’s very gung-ho and wants to push ahead with expansion plans on our own. I don’t think we’re in a strong enough position to do that, but that’s not what he wants to hear.” “Can’t you get Peter to side with you?” “No, I gave up on that long ago. Peter doesn’t want anything to change.”

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“But it has to.” Ashley wrinkled her brow. “We can do so much better if we amalgamate with another local company and combine the business on our respective books. Surely he can see that?” “Afraid not. He’s still stuck in the past, but if there has to be change, then he’ll do whatever Charlie suggests, simply because he associates me, though Eve, with Stephanie.” Matt expelled a long breath. “There’s always been competition between Charlie and me.” Matt shrugged. “If I said black was white, then Charlie would disagree on principle.” “I can see your difficulties with family squabbles over the company but don’t understand about the baby. If you haven’t slept with Eve, then whose is it?” “I’m getting to that. But first you need to understand a bit more about my relationship with Charlie.” Ashley glanced at his features, twisted with bitterness, and realized how much it was costing him to reveal the sordid details of the family’s soft underbelly, even to her. “You don’t have to tell me, Matt,” she said softly. “Yeah, I do. It’s relevant.” He drained his glass, refilled both, and strode about the room, presumably to assemble his thoughts. “When his parents died, Charlie came to live with us. I was ten at the time, and he was eight. My mother had had several miscarriages after she had me and eventually accepted that she wouldn’t have any more children. And so being “gifted” another son was a dream come true for her. And for me. The strain of being an only child in a family where I was expected by my father to excel at absolutely everything I did was already beginning to tell. I welcomed Charlie with open arms, and at first we got along fine. Charlie joined me at Winchester, where I was already a boarder—” “Where your boys are now?” “Yes, but that’s when I started to realize just what a competitive streak Charlie possesses. He wanted to beat everyone at everything, both academically and, where he excelled most, on the sports field.

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The trouble was, although he had a good brain, he was too lazy to use it and resorted to cheating so that his results always trumped mine. I did well academically, through sheer hard work, but Charlie did better by using his wits to beat the system.” “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me,” Ashley said, a wry twist to her lips. “As the years went on, that’s all that seemed to matter to him. It was a compulsion that I never understood. I’d never been unpleasant to him, helped him to settle at school, and tried to be his friend.” Matt sighed. “It was a long time before I realized it was my father he was trying to impress, and to do that, he felt the need to trump everything I did.” Ashley was totally fascinated by what Matt’s account. “What compelled him?” she asked. “Why did it matter to him so much?” “I never found that out. I guess it’s just the way he was. And still is.” “Go on,” she said when Matt paused for a little too long. “When it came to university time, I managed to win a place at Oxbridge to read Law. Charlie was unable to cheat with his A-level exams, the system had been tightened up by then, and his grades weren’t good enough to get him into a decent college. Instead, he went straight into the business, doing what he does best, using his charm to get new business on the books. I was happy for him because it took the pressure off me. I knew my father wanted me to follow in his footsteps, and we’d disagreed about it. I wanted to be a barrister, you see.” Ashley, chin propped in her hand, offered him the ghost of a smile. “Then why didn’t you do that?” “I was in my final year at Oxford, doing well. My father was delighted about that and kept banging on about it. I subsequently discovered that it drove Charlie demented. I’ve often thought that was the real start of the rift between us.” Ashley blew air through her lips. “It’s too ridiculous for words.”

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“Yes, but that was just the start of it. It got a damned sight worse when Peter married Stephanie and Eve burst on the scene.” Matt stared off into the distance. “She was just sixteen and the most beautiful thing either of us had ever seen. Charlie was instantly smitten, I could tell that much because I was, too. Young as she was, Eve knew the power her looks afforded her, even then. She went out with us separately, and together, forcing us to be civil to one another.” “Playing you off against each other?” “Yes, she enjoyed the power she wielded over us, I can see that now. Anyway, it went on for over a year. Charlie had her to himself whilst I was at college, but as soon as I came home for the holidays she latched on to me. In retrospect, that was the worst possible thing she could have done from Charlie’s perspective. I know he begged her to marry him, but she wouldn’t give him an answer. I thought she was being unnecessarily cruel, started to see through her, and backed off a bit. I was dating other girls at college and didn’t want to get tied down. She obviously sensed that I was losing interest, which only made her more determined to get her claws into me.” “Charming!” “Not quite the word I’d use.” Matt offered her a tender smile. “Still, my approach is the one Charlie should have taken. I tried to tell him that, but he wasn’t about to take advice from me. The more she backed off, the more he pursued her.” “I’ll bet she just loved that.” “Oh, she lapped it up,” Matt said, rolling his eyes. “One evening we’d been to a concert and a party afterward. When I took her home, neither of us was exactly sober. Her mum and Peter were out, and well, one thing led to another, and the next thing I know, she’s telling me she’s carrying my baby.” Ashley’s soft heart went out to him. “Oh, Matt, what a thing for her to have done.” “Well, it takes two, and I wasn’t about to shirk my responsibilities. Looking back on it, I think it was a deliberate ploy to

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trap me. She told me she was on the pill, you see, and I didn’t query it. I mean,” he said, lifting his shoulder, “why would she lie about it? Anyway, I did the right thing and married her.” He looked so forlorn that Ashley wanted to get up and hug him. Instead, she clasped her hands together and hardened her heart. Eve was conniving, but Matt had yet to convince her that the baby really wasn’t his. “It was the first time that I actually felt sorry for Charlie,” he said. “He genuinely loved her, I knew that, and once again I’d usurped him. What’s more, he was forced to act as my best man, which really must have rubbed salt into the wound. My father expected it of him, and he wasn’t about to do anything to upset his relationship with the old man.” “What happened after that? Did you go back to college?” “Initially. Jack was born, and at first, Eve played the part of the devoted mother. But, as with everything she does, the novelty soon wore off. We were living in a tiny flat, I was studying all the hours God sent for finals, working part-time jobs to bring in the bacon, and sleeping no more than four hours a night. Then Eve got ‘ill,’ and I found myself changing nappies and getting up at night to feed the baby because she was too unwell to cope.” “That should have told you something.” “Yeah, it probably should have. I guess I was just too tired to piece it all together. I just lived for one day at a time.” He sat down, then stood again, too agitated to settle. “Six months after Jack was born, my father had his first stroke, and it was obvious he wasn’t going to be able to carry on with the company until he recovered. Charlie thought his day had come, but my father was adamant that he wanted me to take over.” “But what about your studies?” Ashley could hear the indignation in her own voice. “You wanted to be a barrister. You’d worked so hard.” “Yes, but we were all on emotional overload, especially my

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mother. She begged me not to upset Dad when he was so ill. It would only be a temporary measure, and when Dad recovered, I’d be able to finish my degree and go my own may.” Matt shrugged. “What choice did I have? Philip Roker worked there, so did Charlie. They both knew the business backward, so they didn’t really need me. I’d just stay for a few months to put Dad’s mind at rest. At least the salary meant that we could move somewhere better and get help with the baby. I worried about him, left all day in Eve’s unpredictable care, and felt a lot better once we had a reliable au pair. It was the final nail in the coffin as far as my relationship with Charlie went, though. He was full of anger and resentment, even though I tried to convince him that I didn’t plan to stay with the company for long.” “You’d taken the woman he loved and the job he wanted.” “That’s the way he saw it.” Matt sat down again. “Eve remained close friends with Charlie, knowing he’d do anything she asked of him. Looking back, I suspect she ran to him all the time with tales of my neglect. You see, Eve was never happy unless she was the centre of attention, but I rapidly ran out of patience with her when she started to neglect our home and baby.” “Why did she do that?” “She said she was too young for motherhood, that I was always working and she never got to have any fun.” Ashley opened her mouth to say what she thought about that, remembered that Eve was still Matt’s wife, and closed it again. “It’s okay,” he said, offering her a lilting smile. “I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right.” “So why did you stay?” “For Jack’s sake, at first, anyway. Then, about two years into our marriage, I came across her at a party in an intimate clinch with Charlie. I seriously thought about leaving. Dad wouldn’t have liked it—” “You were still working for the company?” “Yes, every time I talked about going back to what I wanted to do,

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Dad persuaded me to stay just a little longer. He was still frail, I knew a serious argument would set him back, and to be honest, I had a family to support and couldn’t afford to go back to college life.” “That’s sad.” “Yeah well, it was my own mess. We all have to take responsibility for our own actions and make the best of things. I’d been forced to give up the career I really wanted and had married a girl I didn’t love, who now appeared to be playing fast and loose. I wasn’t happy and confronted Eve about her behaviour, threatening to leave if she carried on the way she was. She denied doing anything more than flirting.” “Did you believe her?” “No, but she must have sensed the change in me because, hey presto, she did it again. She forgot her birth control pills and got pregnant.” Matt turned to fully face Ashley, a grimace replacing his earlier smile. “Hence the vasectomy,” he said quietly. “She’d outmanoeuvred me for the last time.” “Why was she so desperate to hold on to you if she was fooling about with other men?” “Because Eve always wants what isn’t available to her,” Matt said, a cynical twist to his lips. “I wasn’t dancing to her tune anymore.” “You haven’t explained why you stayed with the company. I thought it was a temporary measure.” “It was a condition of my father’s will. He had another massive stroke that killed him just after Ross was born. He left me forty percent of the company on the understanding that I remained in charge. I suppose by then he’d started to see through Charlie, and Philip had already left to take up a position at Stevenson’s.” “Roker resented you as well, then?” “No, not at all. It was very all amicable. He knew that Charlie and I would always be ahead of him, simply because it was a family firm. He got another offer but continued to be a friend of the family. It was

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him who first suggested the amalgamation, as a matter of fact.” “Oh, I see.” Matt looked at her askance. “You don’t like Philip?” “I only met him briefly for the first time the other night,” she said evasively. “Anyway, returning to my father, I couldn’t afford to turn my back on that bloody will. I had a wife and two children to support. There was no way I could afford to finish my degree. My mother would probably have financed me, but I would have been uneasy about leaving Charlie in charge of Interactive.” “You’d got involved with the business in spite of yourself?” “I suppose so. It was the final straw for Charlie, though. He’s still full of resentment, and our relationship has never recovered.” The smile her directed at her, so full of entreaty, tugged at places she had no control over. “But don’t feel too sorry for me, darling,” he said softly. “For a year or two, things improved. I took overall control of the company, with the help of Eve’s vital five percent, and got on with life as best I could. If nothing else, I had the boys and was determined they would have as normal a family life as possible, in spite of their mother’s instability. They’ll eventually choose their own careers without any influence from me.” “So you’ve spent your life doing what everyone else wanted you to do.” She released the smile she could no longer hold in check. “What about your own aspirations?” “They were fulfilled when I met you.” “Matt, don’t.” She shook her head, confused, irresolute, but still determined not to come between him and his new baby. If he so much as touched her, that resolve would crumble. “I’m sorry, Ashley, but you did ask.” “Tell me more. There is more, isn’t there?” He cocked a brow. “Sure you want to hear it? It’s not pretty.” “Now I’m really intrigued.” “Okay, don’t say you haven’t been warned.” Matt propped his

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buttocks against the windowsill and looked directly at her. “In those early days, I had my mother to use as a sounding board when things got rough and, of course, the horses at Lingfield. I stopped pining for what might have been and decided to make the best use I could of the hand life had dealt me. After all, I was in a far better position than most, and if not happy, I was at least content. The boys have adjusted well to life at school and received encouraging reports. On their holidays, I always make time to be with them and we go off doing things together that exclude Eve.” “She doesn’t mind?” “She barely mentions it. We really do lead separate lives. She has a ton of friends and also spends a lot of time in the West Country with her mother and stepfather. I don’t often go with her. Stephanie and I don’t see eye to eye.” “Like mother, like daughter?” “Something like that. Eve goes off doing whatever she does whilst the boys and I ride, go sailing, stuff like that. They even somehow persuaded me to go white-water rafting with them recently.” He raised his eyes to heaven, but Ashley wasn’t fooled. He was as big a child as his sons were. “The boys are used to the way their mother behaves and treat her with offhand affection. But they aren’t particularly keen to spend much time with her in the holidays and prefer to be with their grandmother.” He looked up at her and the smile he offered her melted her already vulnerable heart. “And then, Ms. Wilde, I met you and you turned my whole well-organized world on its head. I stopped being satisfied with what I had and began wanting so much more. I wanted you. I still want you so much that it hurts like hell. And I give you due warning, it might have taken me a long time to find you, but now that I have, I’ve no intention of ever letting you go.” “Matt,” she said, ignoring the surging tide of emotion his possessiveness stirred deep within her core. “You still haven’t explained about the baby. Whose it is, I mean.”

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“Haven’t you guessed?” She shook her head. “I should have thought it would be obvious. It’s Charlie’s, of course.”

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Chapter Six “What!” After everything Matt had just told her, it shouldn’t have come as any great surprise, but she still had trouble getting her head round something so tawdry. “Surely he didn’t tell you so?” “No, but think about, it would be his ultimate revenge.” Matt suddenly looked bone weary and every one of his forty-one years. Ashley desperately wanted to comfort him, but her emotions were too raw, she still didn’t totally believe him, and so she didn’t move. “Not only has he finally had the woman he’s loved for years,” Matt said with a derisive little shrug, “but he also thinks he’s put me in the position of having to bring up his child as my own, and that I won’t realize I’ve been duped. He’d get a real buzz out of that.” “But Eve must know you can’t father any more children.” “No, actually she doesn’t. I never told her about the vasectomy.” “You didn’t tell me, either.” “It’s not something I talk about. When we first got together, you told me you couldn’t have children and not to worry about condoms. When our relationship got more serious, it didn’t seem to matter.” “Yes, I suppose I can see that, but why didn’t you tell Eve?” “I didn’t see the need since we don’t sleep together anymore.” Ashley mulled over what he’d said. “I don’t think she’s as indifferent to your lack of interest in her as you want to think.” “Why do you say that?” “Her visit to the office the other day. What prompted that, do you suppose? She’s never put in an appearance here before, not in all the years I’ve worked here. She never even comes to the company dos. Well, not the ones in Reigate, anyway. That’s why I’ve never met her

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before.” “Perhaps she really did come up on a whim to look at a house.” He shrugged. “Who knows? I don’t think she knows about you and me, well, not for sure, anyway. I guess I must have changed since we’ve been together, and she will have sensed that. I don’t spend a lot of time in the Southampton house, but even so, she must have noticed a difference.” “But why does she care if she plays around, I mean?” “Because she hates to be sidelined. Everything has to be on her terms. I’d had enough of it, and when we decided to move the head office to Reigate, I saw an opportunity to distance myself from her even more.” “Wasn’t that Charlie’s suggestion? The move, I mean.” “Yes, and one of the few he’s come up with that I supported wholeheartedly, and not just because it means I can spend even less time in Southampton. As the boys are now old enough to understand, I saw it as an ideal opportunity to make the break. Not that I told her so. Until the amalgamation’s in the bag, I need her five percent. So I procrastinated, I’m afraid, let her get estate agents leaflets for houses in this area.” “Isn’t that rather playing into her hands?” “Perhaps, but what else could I do?” He scowled at some private memory. “She knows that right now the balance of power lies with her, and she’s loving every minute of it.” “Do you think she really knows about us?” Ashley shook her head. “How could she? We’ve been excessively careful.” “She would have run straight to Charlie with her suspicions, and dutiful lover that he is, he’d have moved heaven and earth to find out.” His scathing tone caused Ashley to shiver. Mistaking her reaction for being cold, Matt threw another log on the fire, pushing it into place with the heel of his shoe. “It would suit him admirably to catch me out.” “Yes, but I still don’t see—”

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“He could have had someone follow me, I suppose. I know I always put my car in your garage overnight, but I have to admit I’ve never thought that I might actually be tailed here.” “That would explain why Charlie was being so charming to me last night,” she said with the ghost of a smile. “And why it upset you so much.” He exhaled sharply. “You have no idea!” “But you still haven’t told me how Charlie and Eve could possibly imagine you’d think the baby is yours if you don’t sleep with her.” “Well, Charlie can be an inventive sod, when it suits him. We were invited to spend the weekend with Peter, Charlie, and Charlie’s new wife about four months ago now. Thankfully I was supposed to be away on business, which was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute, so I had no excuse not to go with her.” “I remember you complaining about it at the time.” “Yes, and matters got worse when it turned out that Charlie’s wife was away on a photo shoot.” “He thought you’d be away as well and hoped to get Eve there alone?” “Exactly. He was less than pleased to see me, and the feeling was entirely mutual. I drank more than usual on the Saturday night, just to drown out their irritating flirting. I didn’t, however, drink enough to make me literally legless, which is how I finished up. I remember Eve and Charlie between them having to put me to bed.” He fixed her with a penetrating gaze. “And that’s all I can remember until the morning when I woke up next to Eve.” “So what happened?” “I can only surmise that Charlie put something in my drink. It’s just the sort of thing it would amuse him to do. Rohypnol, perhaps? Otherwise known as the date-rape drug,” he said in response to Ashley’s blank gaze. “He wouldn’t have forced himself on Eve. If she turned him down, he’d have accepted her decision. She obviously didn’t, though, and he took advantage of me being there to get one

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over on me. To do that, he needed me to be out of it.” Matt scowled. “I vaguely recall some activity, but it’s all pretty hazy.” Grimacing, Ashley covered her mouth with her hand. “They made love with you in the same room?” She shuddered. “That’s gross.” “Yes, but shagging my wife in my presence, whilst I was virtually out cold and in no position to do anything about it, would appeal to Charlie’s warped mind.” “Is Eve so depraved that she’d allow that to happen?” “Trust me, he’d only have to flatter her a bit, tell her how despicable I am to neglect her, and she’d be putty in his hands.” “Oh, Matt!” Ashley’s heart literally melted. She no longer doubted the validity of his story. Matt would never make up anything so perverted. “You’ve not exactly had it easy, have you?” “Perhaps not,” he conceded, his eyes alight with love as he reached across the distance that separated them and finally touched her. He picked up her hand and bestowed lingering kisses on the inside of her wrist. “But I found you, didn’t I? You’re the love of my life, Ashley, and everything that’s happened has been worth it, so long as I can have you at the end of it all.” Ashley’s insides were reduced to jelly. “Why didn’t you tell me the truth before? Why have we had to live with this agony for the past weeks?” “I wanted to protect you. There’s still more involved, and I didn’t think it was fair to involve you.” “To do with the business?” “Yes.” “Then I’m already involved.” “I know, but even so—” “What made you decide to tell me now?” “Apart from Charlie making a play for you?” he asked with a mordant smile. “Apart from that.” “I went to Lingfield after the dinner last night. Mum was still up,

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and I found myself telling her everything.” Ashley’s spirits soared. “What, about us?” “Yes. She said she’d sensed there was someone who’d been making me happy for the past year or so and that she was glad. She never liked Eve, you see, right from the start. She was the only one who could see through her, and she advised me not to marry her, even though she was carrying my child.” “Then why did you?” “The problem was that Dad adored her. He was a stickler for protocol, and the consequences for his health would have been severe if I hadn’t done the right thing.” “So you’ve spent your entire adult life doing what others wanted you to do?” She sighed. “Poor Matt.” “Until now.” “No, Matt,” she said, sighing. “Even now Charlie’s got you running round in circles.” Matt curled his upper lip. “He might think that he has, but I still have a few tricks on my own up my sleeve.” “Good.” “Mum said that if I loved and trusted you so much then you deserved to know the truth. She said that if you truly loved me in return then you’d cope with all our nasty little family secrets.” He caressed her with his gaze. “After meeting you today, she was convinced that you’d understand.” “Meeting me?” Ashley frowned. “Today?” “Yes.” Matt smiled. “At the dressage. Congratulations, by the way. I gather you did really well.” “The dressage? What do you…oh, of course, the lady who spoke to me? I knew there was something familiar about her eyes. She’s your mother?” “Yes, and she likes you.” Matt grinned. “A lot. She’s a great believer in first impressions, and apart from anything else, she thinks you’re a superb horsewoman. That would have influenced her opinion

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if she was in any doubt, but apparently she took to you at once.” Ashley smiled in spite of herself. “So we have her to thank for all this.” “Indeed we do.” “What other problems do you have then? You may as well tell me it all.” “They concern the amalgamation. Independent auditors will assess the value of the business on both companies’ books and shareholding in the new business will be apportioned accordingly.” Ashley nodded. She knew that very well. “As things stand, we hold approximately five to ten percent more business than Stevenson’s, and so we’d have overall control of the new company. Giles Yardley is close to retirement age. He has no interest in being CEO of the amalgamated company.” “So you would be?” “Only if we’re the controlling partner. If not, it would be one of the Stevenson’s directors. Philip, perhaps. I’m not sure, but it would probably be him. He’s Giles’s protégée. Anyway, my plan was to establish the new enterprise and, after about a year, move aside for someone else. I would then sell my shares, get out, and set up somewhere with you, doing something I really want to for the first time in my adult life.” He paused. “With horses, perhaps.” “You never told me that,” she said cautiously, a flutter of excitement causing her voice to wobble. “I didn’t want to tempt fate.” He grimaced. “With good reason, as it turns out.” “Those suspicious death claims?” “Right.” He thumped his thigh in frustration. “Three of them in three months. Something isn’t right, but I just can’t figure it out.” “Can’t you do a bit of digging? Talk to the actuaries, see if there’s a pattern?” “No, because I have a feeling that the pot’s being stirred from within. Besides, if Charlie got wind of what I was doing, he’d think

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I’d lost the plot, dabbling in mundane death claims.” “It’s hardly losing the plot if the business is being mismanaged. You are its CEO.” “You don’t know Charlie.” “No, but I’m starting to understand the way he works.” “If things carry on the way they’re going at such a crucial point in the negotiations, it’ll swing the balance in favour of Stevenson’s.” “Who’d want to do that?” “That’s the question I’ve been grappling with for the past few weeks.” “That’s why you’ve been up and down to Southampton so much recently? That’s where the claims are settled.” “Exactly. I thought at first that Stevenson’s might have bribed someone senior in claims settlements, but there are too many safeguards in place for that to be possible.” “Set up to avoid any rogue underwriters doing what’s apparently happened anyway.” Ashley frowned. “Unless it really is just a coincidence.” “I doubt that.” Matt rubbed his jaw. “I’ve been trying for this last week to push ahead with the audit and get the agreement signed before these disputed claims queer our pitch.” “No luck?” “No, these things proceed at the pace the lawyers set. There’s no getting round that. It’s the name of the game.” He sighed. “Trust me, I know.” “If you and Charlie are at loggerheads, could he be behind the claims debacle?” “Yes, I suppose he could, but why would he want to weaken his own position? Unless he’s done a deal with someone at Stevenson’s, of course.” “Philip Roker?” “No.” Matt shook his head emphatically. “Phil’s honourable. He wouldn’t.”

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“I know he’s your friend, but I thought he was creepy.” Matt laughed. “He comes across that way, but really, he’s one of the good guys. As for Charlie, perhaps he’s somehow negotiated a high-ranking position on the new board when Stevenson’s get the upper hand. He might even finish up as CEO if Giles retires and doesn’t nominate Philip as his successor.” “He’d have a high-ranking position on the board if Interactive have the upper hand.” “Yes, but this way I’d have to leave in disgrace and he’d finish up outsmarting me once and for all, which is all he’s ever really wanted to do. He’d be willing to sacrifice everything for that.” “I can’t begin to imagine living for so long with so much pent-up resentment. He needs professional help.” Ashley pondered for a moment. “It does make sense though, him being behind the bogus claims, if you look at it from his warped point of view. But how’s he doing it?” “That’s just the problem.” Matt spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness. “I don’t know, and what’s more I don’t know how to find out, or how to stop it, without highlighting the problem and making Stevenson’s aware of it.” “No wonder you’ve been so fraught.” She reached out to touch his arm. “You should have told me before now. I might be able to help.” “I wanted to, I was about to, but then Eve sprung the baby business on me. Believe it or not, I’ve only known about it myself for three weeks. I haven’t had time to get over the shock, much less share it with you.” “How could she keep it secret for so long?” “Well, she didn’t show at first. Then I was away with the boys, and she obviously avoided telling me until she had no choice.” “What are we going to do now?” A suggestive smile, somnolent and sexy, was his only answer. “Matt?” She tried for a quelling glance, which had no discernible effect, other than to produce a sybaritic chuckle.

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“Dare I hope the we part of that question means you believe me?” “Yes, Matt,” she said quietly, “I believe you.” “Thank God for that! If you hadn’t, then I don’t think I could have—” His smile was a sinful challenge. “Then, in that case, there’s only one thing we can possibly do. Come here!” He reached for her hand and pulled her onto his knee. His kiss was slow, sensuous, and extremely exacting. Spangles of pleasure cascaded through her body as his hands drifted beneath her T-shirt and expertly caressed her breasts. Ashley emptied her mind of everything and simply lost herself in the intensity of the moment. She knew from delicious past experience that it would be the work of a moment for him to bring her to a pinnacle of desperate need. Once he did, he’d tease her by backing off again, forcing her to wait. “I really did think,” he said, burying his face in her neck, “that you wouldn’t take me back, even if you did believe me.” His voice sounded frantic. “I didn’t think you’d want to get mired in all the familial mess, which is partly why I delayed telling you. If that had happened, I—” “Shush!” She ran her fingers through his hair, soothing him as though he was Callie’s age. “It’s okay. You’re stuck with me. Get used to it.” “I was so frightened, Ash. I really thought I’d lost you.” And then he cried. Ashley was at a loss to know what to do. Matt was always so strong, always in control. She’d never seen him show any form of weakness before. She hesitated for a prolonged second then acted on impulse. Kneeling in front of him, she wrapped her arms round his neck, pulled his head toward her shoulder, and simply let him sob. “It’s all right,” she said, stroking his back, choked with emotion and close to tears herself. “I’m not going anywhere.” He lifted his head and captured her gaze. “I can’t do it without you, baby. I didn’t realize how much I needed you until you weren’t

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there.” “I guess I know that now.” He regained his composure, stood up, and pulled her to her feet. “Come on,” he said. Hand in hand, they went to her bedroom. As soon as they were inside the room, he closed his arms around her, holding her so tight that she could hardly breathe. But she didn’t complain. She needed to feel…well, needed. Matt had never before been so open about his feelings for her. She didn’t doubt that everything he’d just told her was true, even the extraordinary circumstances leading up to Eve’s pregnancy. Especially that. His lips claimed hers in a searing kiss of deep intensity. It wasn’t enough. She struggled out of his arms, pulled her top over her head, and then started on his, yanking it free from the waistband of his jeans. “Hey,” he said, laughing. “Where’s the fire?” “I need to feel your skin against mine. I can’t seem to—” But Matt could. And he did. He undressed them both, carried her to the bed, making love to her body with eyes burning with passion. He caressed every inch of her with hands that tantalized and teased, driving her wild, making her feel alive. His erection pressed against her thigh as he lay beside her, directing operations, making her wait. “Matt,” she said, squirming against his fingers. “You’re killing me.” His throaty chuckle was decidedly predatory. “Patience!” Her head thrashed against the pillows. “Easy for you to say.” “Keep still or I’ll tie you down.” It was her turn to smile. “You think that sort of threat will make me keep still?” “I sure as hell hope not.” His fingers continued to work their magic. His lips explored every crevice whilst his tongue lapped and probed, causing an electric

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current to whip through her bloodstream. Matt always took his sweet time in bed, but on this occasion his commitment to the moment was beyond anything they’d ever done before. Drifting on an endless wave of pleasure, Ashley was dimly aware that he was trying to tell her something without using words. His need was as desperate as hers, but it was more than just that. The physical alchemy between them had never been as strong, or more intense. By the time he thrust into her, his movements assured and decisive, Ashley was on fire, her turbulent emotions off the scale. She wrapped her legs round his torso and rose up to meet him, taking every glorious inch of him inside her, deep and deeper still. She groaned as exquisite shards of intense sensation built deep within her core. She was close, so close, but fought to delay the moment, knowing it would be so much more intense if she could just hold back. But it was no good. She needed it so badly, she was on the brink. “Matt, I can’t—” “Let it go, baby.” He picked up the rhythm, thrusting deeper still, watching her with an expression of naked longing, the fine tremor in the muscles of his arms indicating what a tough time he was having holding back himself. With a wild cry, Ashley’s world exploded. Matt’s gaze was fixed on her face as she trembled and arched, exorcising the endless ache that she’d lived with since Eve had dropped her bombshell on that dreadful day that changed her life . Matt followed her over the edge, groaning and pulsating for what seemed like an eternity, kissing her like he never intended to stop. Spent, they collapsed in a sweaty heap, panting, laughing, both a little shell-shocked by the depth of their emotion. Held in Matt’s strong arms, Ashley fell asleep almost immediately. Her last conscious thought was that she had Matt back and together they would somehow sort out the problems in the office. Absolutely nothing else mattered.

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Chapter Seven When Ashley woke the following morning, it took her a moment to remember why she felt so good. Smiling, she stretched, as supple and sensuous as a cat. She reached out a hand to the other side of the bed. It was empty. Panic crept up on her. Had she dreamed it all? Was the sensational reconciliation all a figment of her imagination? No, the tenderness on the inside of her thighs, her overall feeling of contentment, quickly dispelled that idea. Besides, the sheets were still warm where Matt had been. There was the indentation in the pillows where his head had lain and his distinctive aroma lingered. The sound of the front door opening brought her fully awake. She smiled. Matt had obviously taken Freckles for his morning run. Reassured, she drifted back into a light sleep. The next time she woke, the aroma of frying bacon and freshly brewed coffee reminded her that she hadn’t eaten the previous evening. Her stomach rumbled when Matt re-entered the bedroom, wielding a laden tray. “Morning, sleepyhead.” He leaned precariously over the tray to kiss her. “Sleep well?” “Hmm, I don’t remember getting that much sleep, as it happens.” Matt chuckled. “I hope that’s not a complaint.” He placed the tray by the side of the bed and poured coffee for them both. “Hungry?” “Famished, for some reason.” She pushed herself into a halfsitting position and leaned back on her elbows. “What’s the time?” “After ten.”

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“What! You should have woken me.” Ashley pushed the covers back. “Poor Lucius. I should have turned him out an hour ago.” Matt distracted her with a kiss. “It won’t hurt him to wait a little longer. Someone will have fed him, won’t they?” Ashley nodded. “Okay then, first things first. Your room service breakfast awaits, madam.” He placed the tray on her knees. There was freshly squeezed orange juice, the bacon she’d smelt cooking, scrambled eggs, and toast. Enough of it to feed a small army. “Are you trying to make me fat?” “Just thought you might need to recharge your batteries.” He winked at her. “Sex always gives you an appetite, if memory serves.” “Yes,” Ashley mumbled round a mouthful of eggs. “I guess it’s just as well that my hunger doesn’t increase in direct proportion to the number of times we indulged. I’d look like the side of a house in no time if it did.” Matt grinned. “We had lost time to make up for.” “I guess we did.” “Speaking of which, have you any idea how sexy you look right now? You’re still half asleep, gloriously dishevelled, and if you carry on looking at me like that—” “Like what?” she asked innocently, canting her head and regarding him through the locks of hair that had fallen across her face. They never did finish their breakfast, Matt taking the arbitrary decision that they had other appetites in greater need of satisfaction. He relegated the tray to the floor. Freckles, forgotten by them both, made short work of the remnants. “Hey, where’s the birthday present I got you?” Matt asked, holding a now boneless Ashley in his arms, frowning as he examined her naked fingers. “I haven’t seen you wearing it.” “Oh, I’d forgotten all about it. It’s still in the drawer in the sitting room.” He quirked a brow. “You mean you haven’t even opened it?”

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“Your timing was lousy.” “Yeah, I guess.” Matt disappeared and return quickly, package in hand. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.” He presented the box to her with an extravagant bow. Given his naked condition, it should have looked ridiculous. Instead, it was elegant and sexy as hell. Ashamed of the strength of her desire for him, she averted her eyes and concentrated on opening the package. Lifting the lid of the small velvet jeweller’s box, she felt her eyes widen when its contents were revealed. “Matt, what is it? I can’t—” Standing beside the bed, as excited and expectant as a schoolboy, he bent his head to kiss her. “The stone reminded me of the colour of your eyes,” he said in a low, gravelly drawl. Matt removed the exquisite emerald and diamond ring from the box and slipped it onto the ring finger of her right hand. It was a perfect fit. “I measured your finger with a piece of string when you were asleep,” he explained, looking inordinately pleased with himself. “It’s beautiful,” she said, her voice choked with emotion. “Thank you.” She threw her arms round his neck, almost strangling him in the process. “No more beautiful than you deserve,” he told her, gently extricating himself from her death grip. “And, just so you know, the next ring I buy for you won’t be for that hand.” “You’re moving too fast for me. We have several obstacles to overcome before we start thinking like that. Besides, I don’t want to tempt fate by planning too far ahead.” “Okay, let’s just think about today and put everything else on hold. We deserve a break.” Ashley wasn’t going to argue with that. “What shall we do with ourselves?” “Well, first off I need to go to the yard, check Lucius, and make

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sure he didn’t pick up any little injuries that I didn’t detect when we got home yesterday. I also like to do my own mucking out at the weekends. The girls have too many to do, so I take the time to do a more thorough job when I can.” “I’ll come and help.” “What!” Ashley thought she’d misheard him. “You’re kidding, right?” He kissed the end of her nose. “It’s high time I met this horse of yours.” “Okay,” she said, aware of the doubt in her voice. “If you’re sure.” “And afterward, you and I, and Freckles of course, are invited to my mother’s for lunch.” Ashley shook her head. “No, not that. I don’t think I’m ready to—” “Nonsense.” He cut her protests short with a kiss that instantly distracted. “I’ve told her all about you, and she wants to get to know you.” “But—” “I’m sure you’ll like her, and besides, I want to show you off. I’ve had enough of hiding.” “Well, I suppose, if that’s how you feel.” Ashley felt elated and, at the same time, terrified. What if she didn’t pass muster? “Matt, are you absolutely sure about this?” “Sure I’m sure. Now come on lazy-bones, let’s go and sort that horse of yours.” Two hours later, Ashley was freshly showered and had changed into clean jeans and a casual white top. She now sat beside Matt in his top-of-the-range Jaguar, plagued by nerves. Freckles regally occupied the backseat as Matt drove them to Lingfield. “Stop worrying!” he said, removing one hand from the wheel and placing it on Ashley’s thigh. “She’s very easy going and will love you almost as much as I do. I guarantee it.” Ashley screwed up her features. “That’s easy for you to say.” “I know how her mind works.”

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“Mothers don’t encourage women who entice their sons away from their families, Matt. It doesn’t work that way.” He chuckled. “You don’t know my mother.” He turned the car into a sweeping gravel drive, and a short time later, an old but fastidiously restored rambling farmhouse came into view. It was surrounded by open paddocks in all directions. Ashley gasped. “Matt, it’s gorgeous! You grew up here?” “Yeap, I guess I was pretty lucky.” “And some.” The house was surrounded on all sides by overflowing flower borders, and lawns that led to the obviously well-maintained paddocks she’d already noticed, enclosed by neatly painted post-and-rail fencing. “How much land is there?” “Over twenty acres. It’s currently the sole preserve of the four thoroughly indulged horses kept here. Oh, and a few of a neighbour’s sheep. Mother borrows them from time to time to clean up the paddocks.” “Sensible lady.” Matt rolled his eyes. “You have no idea.” It was far grander than Ashley had anticipated. She was conscious of her casual clothing and hair, still damp from the shower. She wished now that she’d taken the time to do something with it, and to have dressed more carefully, too, even though Matt was as casually clothed as she was. Doting mothers probably didn’t apply the same standards to their sons as they did to that son’s home-wrecking girlfriend. Butterflies danced inside her stomach. She chewed her lower lip and winced. It was swollen from Matt’s protracted kisses. Worse, her face had suffered from prolonged proximity to his morning stubble. Ashley’s appearance would leave his mother in no doubt about how they’d occupied their recent hours. She flushed with less embarrassment than the memory deserved when she recalled that

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their activities had even extended into the hay barn at Lucius’s yard and, less surprisingly, to the shower when they returned to Ashley’s flat. Matt gave her hand a final squeeze before the front door opened and the lady Ashley had met the day before walked toward them, hand extended in greeting. Freckles, unfettered by Ashley’s growing embarrassment, jumped from the car as soon as Matt opened the door and bounded up to her first, tail spiralling with excitement. Two wiry terriers tottered behind Mrs. Templeton, and Freckles wagged a goodnatured greeting to them as well. “Ah, there you are at last.” Mrs. Templeton kissed her son’s cheek, turned to Ashley, and greeted her in a similar fashion. “How nice to meet you again, my dear,” she said. Her warmth and friendliness caused Ashley’s nerves to dissipate. “Mrs. Templeton, I—” “Oh, please, call me Sophie. Now come on into the house. I’m sure you could do with some coffee.” She linked her arm through Ashley’s and left Matt and the dogs to follow behind. The sitting room was tastefully furnished with what Ashley recognized as quality antiques. There was an impressive brick fireplace, and the mantelshelf above it was littered with pictures of Matt’s sons. In all of them they were either alone or with their father. None, Ashley noticed, included their mother. The boys sported identical grins to their father, displaying perfectly even white teeth, the same curly thatches of brown hair and intelligent silver eyes. They had inherited few of their mother’s features. Ashley had never met either boy, nor had she seen any pictures of them before, so naturally she was curious. “My grandchildren,” Sophie said, pride in her voice. “Now, let’s have our coffee in the conservatory. Best make the most of this unexpected sunshine. It helps to warm it.” The conservatory was home to an abundance of plants climbing haphazardly in all directions. No attempt had been made to regiment

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them into any kind of order. The heady scent of jasmine competed with the sweeter, more discreet perfume given off by a range of miniature roses. Late begonias and freesias supplied a riot of colour and a splendid rubber plant reigned supreme in one corner, its upper branches spreading chaotically across the inside of the roof. Sunshine poured in through the glass ceiling and the door was open to admit a pleasant view of well-manicured lawns, dominated by an ornamental pond. “It’s charming,” Ashley said. “I can see why you enjoy sitting in here.” “I’m glad you like it.” Sophie poured coffee for them all from a splendid silver pot. “Now drink up, Matt, and then go away and shave that dreadful stubble off,” she said, smiling as she looked significantly in the direction of Ashley’s face. “I want to talk to Ashley on her own.” “Evidently,” Matt said, chuckling. “I know when I’m not wanted.” He drained his cup, blew Ashley a kiss, and obediently left the room. Sophie smiled at his retreating back whilst Ashley mentally prepared for a maternal grilling. “It’s so much easier to talk without the men around, don’t you find?” Before Ashley could formulate a reply, Sophie forged on. “Now, tell me all about yourself. Matt tells me you’re a widow.” “Yes, my husband died more than fifteen years ago.” “Oh, I’m sorry. But you never remarried?” “No.” “Did you never want children?” “Oh yes, I wanted them.” The pathos in her tone clearly struck a chord with the older woman, who reached forward to touch her hand. Ashley thought afterward that she’d sensed even then the beginnings of a strong bond forming between them. Perhaps that’s why she felt the need to explain that which she seldom mentioned to anyone. Matt was trusted with her secret, of course, as was Sandy. “I first met Jeremy by fighting with him,” she said, smiling.

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Sophie’s eyebrows shot upward. “Now that does sound intriguing,” she said, refilling both their cups. “Do tell me more.” “He was a flying instructor at Redhill Airport, and I was furious because he’d been doing low exercises in a helicopter over a field full of brood mares. I was so annoyed that I stormed into his office, intending to tell him precisely what I thought of him.” Ashley could still recall the scene as clearly as though it were yesterday. “The trouble was, he was so good-looking and so incredibly charming that it quite took the wind out of my sails. I wasn’t expecting an Adonis, but he was obviously used to the impression he made on women, and my hesitation allowed him to gain the upper hand. He promised very contritely to avoid the mares’ field in future, and so instead of giving him the tongue-lashing I’d rehearsed, I finished up agreeing to have dinner with him.” “Sounds very romantic.” “It was, in many ways. He literally swept me off my feet and into his wretched helicopter.” Sophie laughed. “Can’t blame him for that.” “We were married a year later. Jerry had hoped to secure a pilot’s job with a major airline by then and was bitterly disappointed not to have managed it. It was his dream, you see. He was a man in a hurry to conquer the world, too impatient to handle delays well.” “Did he get his job eventually?” “Yes, a year after that, but by then I was twenty and anxious to start a family. Jerry wanted children, too, but he wasn’t as enthusiastic as me to have them immediately. He was more concerned with buying a bigger house because image was everything to him. He was an upand-coming airline captain, and that had to be reflected by stylish living.” “Sounds rather shallow, if you don’t mind my saying so.” “What can I say?” Ashley spread her hands, feeling the need to defend her dead husband. “He was young and ambitious. He persuaded me to put off becoming pregnant.”

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“That must have been difficult for you.” Sophie’s smile was full of sympathetic understanding. “It’s obvious to me, even now, how desperately you wanted to be a mother.” “Well yes, but Jerry could be so persuasive. He made me feel selfish for holding him back in his career.” Sophie tutted. “You were hardly doing that.” “Anyway, against my better judgment, we purchased a barn of a place in Godstone and started restoring it. By then the family issue was becoming contentious. I was no longer willing to delay having a baby, even if it did mean giving up work. I didn’t want to be middleaged before I became a parent, nor did I intend to be a working mother, relegating child care to a stranger.” Ashley shrugged. “It wasn’t a very modern ambition, I suppose, only wanting to be a wife and mother, but it would have been enough for me.” “I know how you feel. It was enough for me, too.” “I don’t know why I’m telling you all this,” Ashley said, wondering if she’d been too candid. “I don’t tell many people because…well, because it’s too personal. I don’t suppose they’d see my point of view if I did, and anyway, why should I have to justify myself?” “There’s no reason in the world why you should.” Sophie smiled. “And thank you for telling me. I shall guard your confidence well.” She clapped her hands. “Now, tell me what happened next.” “I fell pregnant almost immediately, but Jerry wasn’t nearly as happy about it as I was. We’d overreached ourselves with the size of our mortgage, and to make ends meet, Jerry started moonlighting, flying trips for his old employers in his spare time. Golfers to Le Touquet, day trippers for lunch in France, stuff like that.” Ashley stared into the middle-distance, lost in the past. Sophie said nothing, waiting for her to collect herself. “It was one of those trips that killed him,” she said in a barely audible whisper. “He finished an early return run to Spain for his airline and then flew passengers from Redhill to France. He should have stayed overnight and brought them

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back the following day. Instead, he flew back to England when he’d already exceeded the number of hours he was permitted to fly in one day. He only did that because I’d persuaded him to come back and accompany me on a hospital appointment. His plane went down somewhere over the Channel,” she added bleakly. “No one survived, and it was my fault. I killed them all.” “That’s just ridiculous!” Sophie said briskly. “You can’t be held responsible for his actions.” “But I can, don’t you see? I insisted upon having a baby before he was ready for fatherhood. I was only twenty-one and still had plenty of time, but I was too selfish to wait. So I forced him into working when he knew he shouldn’t because we needed the money.” “You didn’t force him into buying a house you couldn’t afford.” “We could have afforded it if I’d carried on working.” “But he knew you wanted a family. You’d agreed upon it.” “Yes, but we could have waited longer. The shock of his death caused me to miscarry, and so I killed not only him and his passengers but my child as well.” Ashley stared at the older woman, twisting Matt’s ring round and round on her finger in some agitation as the past came streaming back to her. “And I can’t have any more.” “I’m so sorry, my dear.” “And now, when I see Eve flaunting her pregnancy and Matt agonizing about what he should do, it almost breaks my heart.” She flapped a hand in lieu of an apology. “Pregnancy is a very sensitive subject for me. He should have told me before,” she said, almost to herself. “He shouldn’t have let me find out like that.” “No, he shouldn’t. I’m not trying to defend the indefensible, but Matt has a lot on his plate right now.” She smiled at Ashley. “He only recently told me about the baby. I’ve never seen him quite so desolate as he’s been over the past couple of weeks. I’m glad he finally decided to confide in me.” She paused. “About the baby and about you.” “I was so afraid to meet you,” Ashley admitted. “I thought you’d hate me and blame me for the failure in Matt’s marriage.”

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“Oh, my dear!” Sophie moved across and embraced Ashley. “You’re the best thing to happen to Matt in years.” “Thank you.” Ashley wiped tears from her eyes. “Anyway,” Sophie said briskly. “After what you’ve just told me, I can only begin to imagine how you felt when you saw Eve’s condition. What else were you supposed to think?” “Yes, it felt like the ultimate betrayal.” Ashley offered Sophie a watery smile. “He should have had the courage to confide in you immediately, and I told him as much in no uncertain terms.” She sighed. “Matt’s too much like his father. They were both ones for keeping their problems to themselves.” Sophie bestowed a transfiguring smile upon Ashley. “It gives me so much pleasure to see how happy you make him. He has given up a lot for the sake of his family’s needs, and it’s high time he thought about himself for a change.” “Yes, I know. I didn’t intend to complicate his life by coming between him and his wife. Knowing how I feel about children, I hope you can at least believe that much.” “My dear, his marriage has been over for years.” “Perhaps, but I don’t approve of women who have associations with married men, especially when they work with them.” Ashley struggled to articulate her thoughts. Having the opportunity to discuss her position with someone else at last, she was determined to give it a full airing. Perhaps that way she’d understand it better herself. “I’m sorry if that sounded prudish, but I have strong principles in that respect. Matt and I worked together so closely for so long that it was impossible not to get to know him better.” Ashley sighed and smiled simultaneously. “He seemed a little lost, very obviously not happy and, well…” She shrugged. “I suppose it was inevitable and, in spite of my reservations, I just didn’t have the strength to prevent it.” “It was meant to be.” “Exactly! It felt so right that it couldn’t possibly be tawdry and self-indulgent, as I’d always imagined such liaisons to be. It was as

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though I’d been waiting for him all my life.” She let out an embarrassed little laugh. “Does that sound like sentimental rot?” “Not at all. Besides, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. I’ve watched Matt tearing himself apart over the years, trying to be all things to all people. He tried to live up to his father’s expectations, and to be a decent husband and father in his own right. If you want the truth, he bent over backward to support a scheming woman who wasn’t worthy of him.” Ashley blinked back her surprise at Sophie’s harsh words. “And yet he stayed with her.” “Yes, he did. I wish now that I’d been firmer and insisted upon Matt finishing his legal degree, but things weren’t straightforward at the time. Anyway,” she said, appearing to shake off her introspective mood, “hindsight is vastly overrated, in my opinion.” A freshly shaven Matt stood in the doorway, watching them chatting away as though they’d known one another for years. “What are you two scheming about?” he asked, smiling and plonking himself on the arm of Ashley’s chair. “Like we’re going to tell you,” Ashley said, laughing with Sophie. “Why don’t you show Ashley the horses,” Sophie said, “whilst I see to lunch.” “Oh, can’t I help you?” “Certainly not. Now, off you go, both of you.” Out in the grounds, Matt took Ashley’s hand and led her toward the paddocks. Before they even reached them, his arm had snaked its way around her waist. He pulled her toward him so forcefully that her body crashed against his. Ashley responded to his kiss with passionate fervour, vaguely ashamed that her body could still react with such enthusiasm after their long night of lovemaking. “Still worried about meeting my mother?” he asked when he finally broke the kiss. “Matt, she’s lovely. You should have said.” He chuckled. “I seem to recall that I did. Several times.”

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“Well, you can’t have been very convincing.” The horses trotted up to the fence. Matt produced a packet of mints and distributed them. “They’re all magnificent,” Ashley said, casting an expert eye over them as they jostled Matt for the mints. “Which one is yours?” “The black with the white blaze. He’s getting on a bit now, aren’t you, Satan,” he said, patting the horse’s neck. “He’s fifteen.” Ashley rubbed his muzzle. “Still plenty of life left in him by the looks of things.” “Oh yes.” “What’s that building over there?” she asked, pointing to a structure beyond the line of modern loose boxes. “A cottage,” he said. “I think it was originally planned as a groom’s residence. It’s been vacant for years. The boys loved playing in it when they were little.” “I can imagine.” “Come on. Let’s get some lunch. I’m starved.” “Wonder why?” They laughed and kissed their way back to the house. Lunch was as traditional as their surroundings. Roast beef and all the trimmings, superbly cooked. Matt opened one and then a second bottle of decent claret, and they all overindulged. Ashley had never seen him half so relaxed before, so in control and very obviously happy, and was glad she had agreed to meet his mother. They were finishing coffee when the phone rang. Matt stiffened when he heard his mother’s responses. “Eve,” he said with a grimace, stepping out into the hall to take the call. When he returned to the table, Ashley knew the relaxed mood of earlier had been broken by the spectre of Eve. “I think,” Ashley said later as they sat in the drawing room together, “that I’m going to apply for a new job.” “What!” Matt half rose from his chair, his expression quizzical.

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“But I thought we’d—” “Calm down and hear me out. You both think Charlie’s behind the disputed death claims, right?” They nodded. “I can’t believe it of the young lad I took in all those years ago,” Sophie said, shaking her head. “He was such an amenable child.” “He grew up,” Matt said shortly. “And if you don’t stop his little game soon, Matt,” Ashley pointed out, “it will weaken your position with the amalgamation?” “Yes, but I don’t see how—” “Well then, we need to find out how he’s doing it,” she said, with irrefutable logic. “Obviously, and that’s precisely what I’m trying to do.” “Yes, and he knows it. I hate to dent your manly pride by pointing this out, but he’s been one step ahead of you all the way.” “Possibly but I still think I can—” “No, you can’t.” Ashley pinioned him with a look. “And time’s running out.” “I was thinking of confronting him. If he knows that I know—” “Oh, Matt, he won’t tell you a thing. He’ll deny it all, you can’t prove it, and all you’ll manage is to cause further deterioration in your relationship.” “She’s right, Matt,” Sophie said when he didn’t immediately respond. “Okay, gang up on me, why don’t you.” He let out a long sigh. “What’s your plan then, Ash?” “Well, I noticed the other day that Charlie’s advertising internally for someone on my grade to help at the Southampton end with the amalgamation.” “Yes, he’s running things down there, now that I’m based in Reigate. But you’ve got your hands full up here. What reason would you give for applying?” “I’m the prefect candidate. I’ve worked for the company forever

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and have experience of just about every department. There isn’t much about the workings of Interactive that I don’t understand or couldn’t soon brush up on.” “Even so, they know how vital you are to me in Reigate.” “I’ll tell Charlie and Peter that for personal reasons I need a change of location for a while. Charlie will think you and I have fallen out.” “But, like Matt just said, you’re pivotal to the setting up of the new head office,” Sophie said, frowning. “I was, but things are well on course now and my deputy could easily take over for a while.” “I don’t like it,” Matt said obdurately. “I’m not ecstatic about the idea myself, but if we’re going to get the better of Charlie in the short amount of time available, I don’t see any other way. Working under his auspices, I’d have virtually limitless access to all departments. What’s more, I’d be able to get people to talk to me in a way that you never could, Matt.” “That’s true,” Sophie agreed. Matt groaned. “I should have known you two would join forces against me.” “Hardly that,” Ashley assured him breezily. “It’s your interests we’re trying to protect here, remember. Not that you seem the least little bit grateful.” Matt tapped her thigh, not altogether playfully. “This isn’t a game, Ashley. Charlie’s dangerous.” “Nonsense! You saw for yourself how he was with me on Friday night. If he thinks I’ve fallen out with you, then he won’t be able to resist rubbing it in by having me working out of the same office as him.” “Oh, no!” Matt was no his feet now. “He won’t be content to leave it at that. When it comes to getting one over on me, he always has to have the last word. He’ll try and get you into bed, and if you say no—” “If?”

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“All right, when you turn him down, it will make him more determined than ever, and he doesn’t fight fair.” “Matt, I won’t be there long enough for that. No more than a month is my guess. If I can’t find out anything in that time, it’ll be too late anyway. Besides, I’ll commute. I’ll go down on a Monday morning and come back here on a Friday afternoon. I’m sure Sandy will have Freckles for me.” “Or I would,” Sophie said. “Thanks, but it’s probably safer if I don’t have any discernible connections with you.” “That’s true, I suppose.” “Where would you stay?” Sophie asked. “Does the company still have courtesy flats on the wharf?” “Yes,” Matt said, with transparent reluctance. “Well, that’s settled then. I’ll contact Charlie first thing tomorrow.” Matt pulled Ashley against him, mindless of his mother’s presence. “I don’t like it. This isn’t your fight.” She matched his worried gaze with one of single-minded determination. “It is if we want to have any sort of future together.”

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Chapter Eight Just two days later Ashley reported to Charlie’s office in Southampton. The speed with which her temporary transfer had been approved took them all by surprise. “Ashley.” He stood to greet her as she was shown into his office. “Welcome to Southampton.” “Thanks, Charlie.” She took the seat that he ushered her to—not at his desk but on a leather sofa in front of a low, glass-topped coffee table. “Well, here we are,” he said, smiling like he knew something she didn’t. “Yes, here we are.” Ashley tried not to show how insecure she felt. “And I’m raring to go. Where do I start?” “All in good time. I have to say that your request for a transfer took me by surprise.” He held up a hand. “Don’t get me wrong. It was a pleasant surprise, but I’m curious to know what brought it about.” I’ll just be you are! “Well, it’s like I said to when you and Peter interviewed me—” “Yeah, I heard what you said, but I thought you were wedded to the Reigate office. You certainly didn’t make any mention of wanting a move the other night, so it’s all a bit sudden.” “Can’t a girl act on impulse?” “Come to think of it, you didn’t say very much to me at all after dinner and disappeared without even saying good night.” His tone was lightly accusatory, as though women didn’t make a habit of ducking out on him. Ashley remained impassive as he furrowed his brow and regarded her with a quizzical expression. “What happened?”

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“Sorry about that. I suddenly realized I’d had a little too much to drink and remembered I had an important dressage competition the next day. If I’d returned to the bar, it would have taken forever to get away again.” She shrugged. “Anyway, I didn’t think anyone would notice that I’d slipped away.” “I noticed.” “Clearly, and I apologize again if I was rude. But to answer your other question, I hadn’t decided that I wanted to move when we spoke the other night. But the things you told me about the amalgamation interested me. Stevenson’s is based down here, so this is where most of the horse trading happens.” She made a gesture with her right hand. “Stands to reason, really. If I want to be in amongst it all, this is the place to be.” Charlie nodded, looking less than convinced. “I see,” he said. “When I saw your ad for a temporary assistant, I figured I had all the necessary qualifications. After all, it’s what I’ve been doing in Reigate for the past eighteen months.” She expelled a long breath. “Anyway, I could do with putting some space between me and Reigate for a while.” “For personal reasons? Isn’t that what you said?” “Yes, there’s obviously nothing wrong with your memory.” He raised a brow, clearly expecting her to elucidate. “And that’s precisely what they are,” she said emphatically. “Personal.” “Okay.” He conceded defeat with a grin that came close to being smug. “Some bastard’s broken your heart, I dare say. But fear not, my lovely, consolation is always at hand, you need but say the word.” “I’m off men for good.” “Oh, I do hope not.” He shook his head, offering her a raffish grin that was probably meant to be sexy. Instead, it repelled her. “That would be such a waste.” “Tell me more about the job,” she said, steering him back to safer waters. His smile slipped, and she felt the first stirrings of alarm. Matt

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had been right. Charlie wasn’t the type who’d easily take no for an answer. He clearly thought that no woman could possibly be immune to his charm and that the rules of sexual harassment didn’t apply to him. “Where do you want me to start?” Charlie spent the next half-hour outlining the areas of common interest between the two firms. “There’s bound to be a lot of duplication of staff, and that’s where we’ll be looking to make cost savings. I need you to organize time and motion studies here and liaise with Philip Roker at Stevenson’s. He’s doing the same thing there.” “He’s the guy you introduced me to the other night?” she asked, pretending not to remember. “That’s the one.” “Isn’t he rather senior to be carrying out such a comparatively mundane task? I’d have thought that I’d be liaising with Stella. I already was on the Reigate end.” Charlie shrugged. “Phil likes to be hands on.” “Okay then, I’ll contact him.” Ashley paused, her suspicions on high alert. “What about systems?” “What about them?” “Well, if the deal goes ahead, which will we use here in Southampton, ours or Stevenson’s?” “Probably some of both. The computer geeks are looking into that and will tell us, when they get round to it, if they’re suitable for amalgamation. We’ll probably have to run both at first, side by side, and let the programmers get their teeth into a new system.” “But if I’m to recommend economies, I’ll need to know which departments here are to continue with our system so I—” “Steer clear of systems,” Charlie said firmly. His languid attitude gave way to one of firm authority, causing Ashley’s antenna to twitch. She sat up a little straighter, wondering if she’d stumbled onto an area of significance already. “I don’t know much about systems, but I don’t see how I can do a

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proper appraisal of staff requirements if I don’t know which programmes—” “There’s plenty for you to be getting on with. As soon as the systems guys let me have their recommendations, I’ll share them with you.” “Yes, okay.” She backed off before she aroused his suspicions. “It’s just that I didn’t have this problem in Reigate because it’s already been decided to stick with our system there.” “Yeah, so I gather.” He stretched his arms above his head and offered her another killer grin. “Have you settled into the flat okay?” “I only had time to dump my bags there this morning, but it seems fine.” “Well, if there’s anything you need—” “Oh, I doubt if there will be. I’ll only be there four nights a week anyway. I’ll be going back home for the weekends.” “But I thought you wanted to steer clear of Reigate?” “I do, but I still have a horse and a dog to think about.” “I see.” He paused, subjecting her to close scrutiny. “I hope you don’t have intransigent plans for the nights when you are down here.” “Not really. Why?” “There are a number of issues still to be thrashed out with the Stevenson’s lot, and I find it easier to do that over dinner. People are less territorial when they’ve had a few jars to loosen them up. You’d be required to attend some of those dinners.” “Oh, I didn’t know that.” He hitched a brow. “Problem?” She shrugged. “No, I guess not.” “Right, well, I think that’s enough for you to be getting on with. Come on, I’ll show you your office. It’s right here, next door to mine, so if you get lonely or need any help, any help at all,” he added with a loaded glance, “then you only have to yell.” Ashley got right down to it, trying not to think about Matt and the problems he was grappling with. The best favour she could do him

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was to find out how Charlie was sabotaging the claims system. She immersed herself in this latest challenge, getting to know the people she’d be working the most closely with. She wisely made a friend of Charlie’s glamorous but territorial young secretary, offering to buy her lunch later in the week so she could pick her brains. She renewed her acquaintanceship with people she’d known for years and got them on side by asking their advice about the best place to start her daunting task. She wasn’t going to be popular because everyone knew there would be redundancies if the merger went ahead. In such straightened times, no one wanted to lose their jobs. Ashley already realized that it would be impossible, in the short time available, to look everywhere for signs of Charlie’s machinations. He was too clever to leave a trail, so she attempted to put herself in his shoes. If someone wanted to covertly sabotage several different areas of the operation simultaneously, what aspect of the business did all those operations have in common? And how could one person—even one as senior in the company as Charlie—access it without arousing suspicion? Thus far she didn’t have a clue. By six that first evening, Ashley was exhausted and decided to call it a night. The prospect of returning to the impersonal company flat didn’t exactly fill her with joy, and she longed for the comfort of her own apartment. Chiding herself for already feeling homesick, she perked up when she recalled that once she was safely inside the flat she’d at least be able to call Matt. They’d already agreed that he couldn’t risk making contact and that any conversations between them would have to be initiated by her, using their mobiles only. They couldn’t chance leaving traces of their conversations on the company’s phone records. Ashley thought this was taking things a little too far and giggled as she walked to the flat, feeling rather like an extra in a low budget espionage film. As soon as she opened the door, Ashley sensed she wasn’t alone. Just for a moment her heart leapt. It couldn’t be anyone other than Matt because no one else except Charlie knew where she was living.

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He must be missing her already and had broken his own self-imposed rules by coming to see her on her very first night. When not Matt, but his wife, appeared in the doorway to the kitchen, a cold shiver passed down Ashley’s spine. “Eve,” she managed to say. “What on earth are you doing here?” “Hello, Ashley. Matt told me you’d be coming down today.” “Did he?” “Oh yes, we have no secrets from each other.” You could have fooled me, lady. “I know how lonely it can be in a strange place, so I thought I’d come and help you settle in.” “How did you know I was in this flat? And how did you get in?” Eve smiled and carried on talking as though she hadn’t heard the questions. “I’ve done a little shopping for you,” she said, opening the door to the fridge and displaying the neatly packed shelves. “I suspected you wouldn’t have had time to get to the shops yourself. I hope I’ve chosen the right things. Somehow I feel we share the same tastes.” Ashley’s feelings of unease increased. They both knew Eve wasn’t referring to food. “Thank you,” she said, “that was kind of you. What do I owe you?” “Oh, nothing, I’ll charge it to the company. And I’ve unpacked your things.” “You what!” “Hanging things up immediately saves getting them creased and then having to iron them. I hate ironing myself, but Matt is so fussy about his shirts. He gets into the most terrible funk if they aren’t just the way he likes them. Still,” she added with a self-conscious little laugh that made Ashley want to throttle her, “that’s what wives are for.” “You shouldn’t have put yourself to so much trouble,” Ashley said, containing her temper with difficulty. How dare this woman pry through her personal belongings! Thank God she’d left her favourite picture of Matt at home in Reigate and always carried her address

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book and other personal stuff in her handbag. “Not in your condition.” “Nonsense! Pregnancy fills me with energy. Well, that’s what Matt always says, and he should know. Now come on, why don’t you take a shower and change into something casual whilst I prepare dinner for us both. You must be exhausted. You certainly look it.” “Thanks.” “I didn’t mean that as an insult.” Like hell you didn’t. “First days in a new job are always tiring.” “I will take that shower, but I couldn’t ask you to cook for me. You must have a hundred more pressing things to see to.” “Not at all!” Her smile was full of steely resolve. “I’m so glad you’re here, Ashley. You and I are going to be such good friends, I just know it. Oh, and do you prefer red wine or white? I’ve got both, but somehow I think red is more your style.” Ashley was speechless. No way did she want this woman in her flat, much less cooking dinner for her and offering her a chummy glass of wine, but she couldn’t think how to get rid of her. When Matt had described his wife as a woman of singular determination, he obviously hadn’t exaggerated. She was doing everything she possibly could to discomfort Ashley, all under the auspices of friendliness. She only answered those questions that suited her and had already made it clear that she had access to Ashley’s private space and personal possession. Ashley could scarcely complain without seeming churlish. Ashley locked herself in the bathroom, the only place safe from Eve’s prying ears, and pulled her mobile phone from her bag. She had promised to call Matt no later than six o’clock, and it was now sixthirty. Their conversation would have to be a brief, whispered explanation, but it would put his mind, well … if not at rest, at least he’d understand her predicament. He might even have some idea as to Eve’s true purpose. She couldn’t get a signal. Thumping the side of the bath in frustration, feeling more than a little apprehensive, Ashley washed away the grime of the day under a

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hot shower. She stood there for a long time, wishing she could wash away the unease she felt at Eve’s presence as easily. Her mind worked furiously. Matt would be frantic by now. They’d agreed that she would ring him, but when he didn’t hear from her, she wouldn’t put it past him to ring anyway. That would be a disaster. Eve was so assertive that she might even grab her phone and answer it before Ashley could get to it. Ashley emerged from the shower and switched her mobile off, trusting to luck that Matt wouldn’t risk ringing the landline at the flat. Searching for something to wear, Ashley felt a fresh wave of anger wash over her as she discovered that Eve really had unpacked her bags and hung all of her work clothes in an orderly row in the wardrobe. Her sweaters were neatly folded on a shelf, and her underwear—some of it purchased for her by Matt—had been matched up, bras and knickers folded together in drawers. Ashley never folded her lingerie, and certainly never took the time to match the respective pieces. She tended to throw them from the dryer straight back into the appropriate drawers without giving much thought to tidiness. Didn’t everyone? The thought of Matt’s wife touching her most intimate garments was particularly unnerving. Was she trying to tell Ashley that she was one step ahead of her all the way? Damn it, what was it that she wanted? Uncomfortably aware that she was being manipulated, Ashley forced herself to return to the sitting room. “Ah, there you are,” Eve said, poking her head round the kitchen door. “I expect you feel tons better for that. The wine’s open. Why don’t you pour us both a glass? Dinner’s almost ready.” “Should you be drinking in your condition?” “Oh, a glass or two won’t do any harm.” She moved into the dining niche, bearing a serving dish of vegetables. “I drank my way through my last two pregnancies and produced two strapping boys. They don’t appear to have inherited the need to get plastered at every opportunity.”

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“Oh well, I suppose it’s all right then.” But Ashley knew it was very much not all right. Was Eve punishing the innocent baby she was carrying just to score some obscure point with Ashley? “This is going to be such fun!” Eve said. “I just know that you and I are going to be really good friends. We must have lots in common.” Ashley’s smile felt strained. “Perhaps,” she said neutrally. “Oh, I’m sure of it. I can always sense these things. I’m never wrong about people.” “Eve.” Ashley followed her back into the kitchen. “This is very kind of you, but you really didn’t need to do this, you know. Just a microwaved meal and slumping in front of the tele would have been fine for me. I’ve had a busy day, a lot of new things to absorb, and I’m tired.” “All the more reason to eat properly,” Eve said, sounding much older than she actually was. “Besides,” she added in an over-bright voice, “I enjoy cooking, and I’m good at it. With Matt in Reigate so much and the boys away at school, I don’t bother just for myself. You being here gives me the perfect opportunity to keep my hand in. Come on now, it’s ready.” Reluctantly, feeling as though her willpower had been sapped away, Ashley sat across from Eve and pushed food round her plate. She’d been starving when she arrived home but now felt that anything she tried to eat would choke her. Eve, totally unaware of Ashley’s dilemma—or was she?—ate heartily. “You’re not eating, Ashley.” Eve frowned. “Is there something wrong with it?” “No, not at all.” Ashley forced a mouthful of breaded veal into her mouth and chewed, finding it almost impossible to swallow. It tasted like cardboard, and she hastily took a swig of wine to help it on its way. “I’m just not used to eating much in the evenings.” “Oh, did you have lunch?” “Yes, a working lunch with Charlie.”

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“Ah, Charlie.” She smiled. “Such a charmer. Probably wanted to make you feel at home.” “That must be it.” The meal eventually came to an end. It was after nine o’clock, but Eve said nothing about leaving. Ashley’s mind was in turmoil, focused on Matt and the anxiety he must be suffering, not knowing what was happening to her. Ashley let out several ostentatious yawns, but Eve appeared not to notice. “You know, this flat could do with brightening up with a coat of paint,” she said, frowning at the dull beige walls. “It doesn’t matter,” said Ashley hastily. She was now so paranoid that she half-suspected Eve to magic up a tin of magnolia and a roller. “I’ll only be using the place to sleep. Talking of which, if you don’t mind, Eve, it’s been a long day and I could use an early night.” “Oh no, you’ll never sleep if you go to bed this early. And there’s a detective programme that’s just starting,” she added, reaching for the remote control, “that I would hate to miss. Do you mind?” What could Ashley say? At least with the television on she wouldn’t have to make conversation. But that didn’t work either. For someone who desperately wanted to watch the programme, Eve chattered the whole way through it, blithely indifferent to the fact that a pregnant woman had just been found murdered on waste ground somewhere in the north. Ashley, putting all thoughts of subjecting Eve to a similar fate out of her mind, was forced to pay attention to what Matt’s scary wife said and dream up suitable responses. By the time Eve finally took her leave at ten o’clock, Ashley was totally drained. Watching from the window until she was assured that her nemesis really had driven away, Ashley switched her mobile back on. Mercifully she could get a signal from the lounge, and she pressed the button that had Matt’s number pre-programmed into it. He answered on the first ring. “Ashley, where the hell are you? Are you all right? I’ve been going out of my mind.”

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“It’s okay, I’ve been—” “Let me guess. Charlie forced you to have dinner with him?” “No, much worse than that.” Matt groaned when Ashley related the events of the evening. She could picture him, running a hand through his hair and frowning. “What the hell does she think she’s playing at? It must have been intolerable for you, darling. We’ll have to get you out of there.” “No,” she said wearily. “If I run away now, it would only confirm her suspicions about us.” “You really think she does suspect?” “I’m sure she suspects, but isn’t absolutely certain.” “And she thinks if you hang out together and get all pally, you’ll actually tell her.” “I don’t know what she thinks. She’s very clever at hiding her true feelings.” “Tell me about it!” “Anyway, I can’t leave now. If I do, we’ll never stop Charlie.” Ashley paused. “Do you think Charlie sent her round just to unsettle me?” “It’s possible, I suppose. I never expected anything like this, so I can’t really say.” “Well, if he did, then he succeeded.” Ashley shuddered. “It was creepy.” “I can imagine. I knew what Eve’s like when she decides to do something. It would take a ten-ton truck to stop her.” “I’ve had Charlie on my coattails all day.” Matt let out a long sigh. “I did warn you to expect that.” “Yes.” Ashley tried to sound upbeat, already more in control now that she had Matt on the other end of the line. “What I want to know is how your wife knew I was here, how she knew which flat I’m staying in, and how she got into it. She said you told her but—” “Course I didn’t. Charlie would have told her you were coming, and why. Charlie might think that you and I have broken up, but I

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doubt whether he’s told Eve that.” “Why not? I thought he cared about her.” “He does. Divide and conquer, that’s Charlie’s way.” “Ah, I see.” But she didn’t. Not really. “She would have asked at the porter’s lodge which flat you were in and taken the spare key from them. It would seem perfectly natural for the boss’s wife to look after you, given that you officially work for me.” “I suppose so.” Ashley hesitated. “The only thing I can’t stand is the thought of finding her here again when I come home, or worse, her letting herself in and going through my things when I’m not here. Can I change the lock?” “Yes, but you’d need to give a reason for doing so, and a spare key to the porters, which she could easily take from them again. They’d never think to question anything she might want to do. Don’t forget that as far as they’re concerned she’s entitled to go wherever she wishes.” “I hadn’t forgotten, as it happens.” “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded, babe. I’m just out of my mind with worry about you.” “There’s no need to be,” she said, smiling in spite of her growing anxiety. “Let me tell you what Charlie had to say today.” Ashley hung up ten minutes later, reassured by the sound of Matt’s voice and his loving words. She was totally exhausted and fell straight into bed. What seemed like five minutes later, something woke Ashley from a deep sleep. Disorientated, she caught sight of the illuminated face of her alarm clock. It was almost two in the morning. Still dazed, it took her a moment to realize a phone was ringing. Not the landline, her mobile. She switched on the bedside light and groped in her bag for her phone, expecting it to be Matt. “Hello,” she said cautiously, not recognizing the number on the display.

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Her blood ran cold as Eve’s voice sang down the line. “I just wanted to make sure that you’re all right and to say good night again. It was such fun this evening, wasn’t it?” “Eve, do you know what time it is?” “No, oh sorry, is it late? I don’t tend to need much sleep myself.” “Where did you get my number from?” Just as she’d done that evening when Ashley asked her awkward questions, Eve didn’t provide an answer. Instead, she changed the subject. “Shall we have lunch tomorrow?” “I’m sorry, Eve,” she said firmly, “but I’ll be too busy.” “Nonsense, I’ll clear it with Charlie.” “Not tomorrow, Eve.” In her sleep-disorientated state, it was difficult to be firm, but Ashley gave it her best shot. “I really have got too much on.” She hung up before Eve could protest or dream up another scheme to cement their non-existent friendship.

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Chapter Nine “I really can’t believe the nerve of the woman,” Ashley said aloud. An unnatural fear rippled through her as she lay staring at the shadows dancing across the ceiling in this unfamiliar room. She spent the rest of the night tossing and turning in the narrow, uncomfortable bed, her mind too active for sleep. Matt’s wife was either the most naïve person on the planet, or she was downright calculating, doing her best to undermine Ashley and send her scurrying. Did she but know it, she was doing a damned fine job. Only when it was time to get up did she finally drift into a deep sleep, which was interrupted once again by her phone ringing. With some trepidation, she reached for it, vowing not to answer if she didn’t recognize the caller’s number. Her heart lifted at the sight of Matt’s name. She pushed the green button. “Hi, gorgeous.” His velvety brown voice echoed down the line. “Sleep well?” “You disturbed an erotic dream, as it happens.” “Missing me that much, huh?” “Hey, I’m an independent career woman, in case you’d forgotten. I’m married to my work.” “What’s wrong, baby?” So much for trying to fool him. “It’s nothing really.” “How could nothing make you sound so edgy? Come on, Ashley, give.” “Well, all right, I wasn’t going to tell you this—” “You have to tell me everything, especially if it upsets you. I need to know.”

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“I was woken up at two this morning by my mobile ringing.” “Good heavens.” She could hear concern in his voice. “Who’d ring you at that hour?” “Your wife, actually.” This admission was greeted by a penetrating silence. “Say something, Matt.” “I didn’t trust myself to speak for a moment.” He sighed. “What did she want?” “She said she wanted to make sure I was all right. Well, actually I think she just wanted to chat. I pointed out what time it was, but she pretended she hadn’t realized it was so late. Said she doesn’t sleep much herself.” “Bullshit!” Anger resonated in Matt’s tone. “She goes to bed and dies. I don’t like this, Ashley. She’s obviously got some warped agenda of her own, and you’re in the direct firing line.” “Very possibly. Presumably she thinks she can make me feel guilty by befriending me and by flaunting her pregnancy. Either that or she really doesn’t know anything about you and me and is just being kind.” “Doubtful. Eve doesn’t do good deeds unless it suits her purpose.” “Where did she get my mobile number from? I haven’t given it to anyone down here yet, not even Charlie. I asked her, but she didn’t answer. She appears to be very good at evading anything she doesn’t want to confront.” “You’re right about that. And as for the number, I guess she must have taken it from my diary. I’m so sorry, darling. I don’t know what she thinks she’s about. I’ll talk to her.” “No, don’t do that. It would look like I’d run straight to you, and that would only convince her that she’s right about us. Don’t worry.” Ashley tried to sound upbeat. “I’ll immerse myself in work and keep out of her way. The weekend will be here before we know it. Besides, I’ve got a vague theory about how Charlie’s fixing the claims.” “Already.” He imbued the one word with a wealth of surprise.

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“You didn’t waste any time. How’s he doing it?” “I don’t want to talk about it until I’ve had more of a chance to look into it. It’s just a theory right now. I need to delve a bit deeper.” “Okay. I’ve got to dash off now to an early meeting, but I’ll ring you tonight.” “No, I’ll call you. After last night, we don’t know what to expect, and I don’t want to risk blowing it now.” “Okay, but I’ll be thinking about you every second. Just remember that I love you.” “That’s good to know,” she said lightly. “And if that insignificant little fact should slip my memory, I’ve got your emerald on my finger to remind me.” “Hmm, have you thought of any ingenious ways to thank me for it yet?” She smiled, even though he couldn’t see her. “Perhaps.” “Go on then. Give me a hint. Does it involve whips and sexy underwear?” “Well…” “Ashley, you’re killing me.” He growled down the line. “Now I shall have to sit here and think about dead cats, or the starving millions in Africa, before I can go to that bloody meeting.” She chuckled. “You brought the subject up.” “That’s not all that’s up.” She was still smiling when she hung up. **** Ashley emerged from the shower, glanced in the mirror, and winced. The ravages of a largely sleepless night were evident on her face. Even the skilful application of base makeup couldn’t completely disguise the damage. Her confidence wasn’t boosted when an impeccably turned-out, fresh-looking Charlie stopped by her desk at ten o’clock, did a double take when he looked at her, and elevated one

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brow. “You should see the other guy,” she quipped. Charlie laughed. “Rough night?” “No, not really, I just don’t sleep well in strange beds.” “Perhaps you were in need of company?” “I had some,” countered Ashley, deliberately misinterpreting. “Eve was at the flat when I got home, and she cooked dinner for me.” Charlie showed no surprise, leading Ashley to suppose that she’d been right to tell him what he already knew. It would have appeared strange if she hadn’t. “Eve always thinks of others before herself,” he said. “Doesn’t she have a social life?” “Oh yes, she’s very popular. Has a ton of friends. Just as well really because Matt’s never here and the boys are away at school.” “That’s hardly his fault,” Ashley said, regretting impulsively jumping to his defence when she was supposed to be conveying the impression that she’d fallen out with Matt. “Still,” she added reflectively, “I can see that it must be hard for Eve, especially in her current condition.” “Indeed. Now then, my lovely, where are you going to start today?” “I thought I’d go first with what I know best and sit in the general office with Brian. The two of us go way back, so I’ll get the lowdown from him on whose doing what. Then I’ll pick his brains and use the information I extract from him to see what can be cut.” “Good idea. I’ve got meetings on and off all day, but Gloria knows where to find me.” “Don’t worry about me. I’ve got plenty to keep me busy. You won’t be missed” “The woman knows how to wound,” he said dramatically, clutching his heart. “Later then.” He blew her a kiss and headed for his own office, calling to Gloria to bring him coffee. He really was a charismatic man, and it was easy

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for Ashley to imagine him bending just about anyone to his will, if he put his mind to it. Some of the animosity she felt toward him was already wearing off, which was weird, given that he was standing between Matt and his aspirations. Ashley spent most of the morning with Brian, ploughing through staff lists. She made notes on how long people had been with the company, and got inside information on who might be happy to take redundancy. She returned to her desk just before twelve but had her head down, entering names on spread sheets, and didn’t at first realize that Eve was standing beside her, just staring at her. When Ashley looked up, the first thing she noticed was that Eve was wearing a blouse identical to the one that she herself had on. This was surreal—and very creepy. Ashley stared back at her for a protracted period, willing herself to believe that it was a coincidence. She’d bought the blouse from a chain store, so it wasn’t beyond the bounds of possibility that Eve might already own the same one. Nah! That wouldn’t fly. Eve had unpacked Ashley’s clothes and remarked upon that particular blouse, saying how much she liked it, asking Ashley where she’d got it. If she owned one as well, surely she would have said something. Ashley suppressed a shudder. The blouse was a favourite of hers, but she’d never wear it again after this. “Hello, Eve,” Ashley said, her tone commendably even. “What are you doing here?” “I am a Director of the company.” Eve spoke with the falsesounding, breathy little laugh that had made Ashley want to throttle her last night. “I had to call in about something else and thought we’d have that lunch we agreed upon.” “That’s kind, but I don’t really have time to spare. I did tell you that.” “Nonsense, there’s a really good deli round the corner and then, if you like, we could go shopping.” For a small woman, Eve certainly had an indomitable will. Every objection Ashley raised was smoothly countered.

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“Come on, Ashley, please. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. Charlie said you could spare the time for lunch.” Ah, so she’d already run to Charlie to enlist his support and wanted Ashley to know it. “I do so want to talk to you about my plans for the move to Reigate. You know the area, and I’d value your advice. I’m finding it very difficult to get Matt to concentrate on moving. He’s so preoccupied, the poor darling.” “Well, I do know the area, but I’m not sure I can be of much help. I’ve no idea what’s on the market right now, nor do I know anything about the schools.” “I need to talk to you about my husband,” Eve said, steel underlining her tone as she removed Ashley’s jacket from the back of her chair and handed it to her. Suppressing a sigh, Ashley forced her arms into the sleeves, knowing when she was beaten. “You’ve been closer to him than just about anyone recently, and I’m concerned about him. He doesn’t seem to be at all himself. Oh, I know he’s worried about the amalgamation and that his work load is impossible, but still—” “Eve, Matt’s my boss. I’m really not comfortable discussing him with you.” “He has an increasing family to think about.” Eve’s eyes didn’t once waver from Ashley’s face. “He needs to face up to that.” “Just a quick sandwich then,” Ashley said, reaching for her bag. “Oh good.” Ashley schooled herself not to flinch away from Eve’s touch as she linked her arm through hers. “If we’re quick, we’ll get a decent table.” Eve insisted that Ashley choose her lunch and order it first then told the waitress that she’d have exactly the same. “We have the same taste in everything,” Eve said. “Even food.” And men. Eve appeared to know everyone in the deli, and their conversation was constantly interrupted by people stopping by to say hello. Eve introduced Ashley to them all as Matt’s right-hand person.

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“You seem to be very popular,” Ashley remarked. Eve beamed. “I do have a wide circle of friends, it’s true.” Ashley couldn’t think of anything else to say and concentrated on her lunch. It didn’t seem to matter that she was quiet because Eve covered her long silences by conducting a conversation all on her own. She banged endlessly on about her life with Matt, not missing any opportunity to mention his name, and bringing her children into the equation with a frequency that made Ashley’s head spin. Ashley stuck to her guns and refused to be dragged into a shopping trip. She returned to the office but hadn’t been at her desk for ten minutes before a well-known figure walked past. “Claire, is that you?” With seeming reluctance, Claire turned to face Ashley. “Oh hello, Ashley, how are you? I heard you were coming down, but I didn’t realize you were already here.” Ashley hid her surprise at Claire’s appearance with difficulty. The feisty young computer programmer, who had transferred from Reigate to Southampton following her marriage to a Southampton salesman five years previously, looked terrible. Her lovely blonde hair was lank and unwashed, her eyes looked dead, and she walked as though she every step drained her of energy. She was in the advanced stages of pregnancy, but knowing she’d always been keen to start a family, Ashley didn’t think that would account for her lack of vitality. “Are you all right, Claire?” Ashley asked, standing to greet her. “Oh yes, just tired,” she said a little too quickly, patting her protruding stomach. “When’s it due?” Ashley could see now that Claire’s eyes were red-rimmed from crying but pretended not to notice. “Another month yet.” “Not too long to go then.” “No.” Claire made to move away. “Just a minute, Claire. You’re just the person I need to talk to. You know why I’m here, I suppose?”

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Claire offered the ghost of a smile. “Of course, everyone does. You know what it’s like trying to keep secrets in this place.” “Well then, perhaps you can help me.” She lowered her voice. “Charlie doesn’t want me to interfere with systems, but my job’s going to be pretty difficult if I don’t get a handle on what’s happening there. It’s the key to everything, of course.” Especially Matt’s problems. “Perhaps we could have an informal chat sometime so that I can get my mind round what you’re—” “I’m sorry, Ashley, but I don’t think I can do that. Things are very sensitive at the moment, what with the amalgamation.” Claire studied her feet—what she could see of them over her bump—and looked everywhere except at Ashley’s face. “I know that everyone’s worried about their jobs, but you really haven’t got anything to be concerned about.” Ashley tried to sound reassuring. “That’s easy for you to say.” “Because it’s true.” “Credit us with some intelligence,” Claire snapped, showing a little animation for the first time, her gaze briefly resting on Ashley’s face and as quickly moving away again. “We all know that two into one doesn’t go. Everyone’s on edge. We’ve all got mortgages to pay.” “Well then, the sooner I can do my job, the better it will be for all concerned. And you could help me.” “No, I’m sorry. I can’t talk to you without direct orders from on high. It’s more than my job’s worth.” Claire scurried away like a frightened rabbit, leaving Ashley more perplexed than ever. Something was definitely wrong here, and it was more than just uncertainty about the future. Ashley fully intended to find out what it was that had everyone so riled up. She was just packing up for the evening when Charlie stopped by her desk. “How’s it going?” he asked. “Okay, I have a few suggestions already.”

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“Save them until tomorrow. What’s on your agenda this evening?” “A long soak in the bath and an early night,” Ashley said with feeling. Charlie grinned. “Sounds delightful, but I’m afraid it’s not to be. I need you with me.” “Have a heart!” Ashley groaned. “Not tonight, please. I’m totally wiped out.” “Sorry, darling, but needs must.” “You might have given me some notice.” “Only just found out myself.” She felt his eyes focused on her ass as she bent to retrieve her bag. “Casual clothes, I’ll pick you up at seven.” “No need.” Ashley had no intention of being alone in a car with Charlie. “Tell me where the restaurant is and I’ll meet you there.” “Don’t know myself yet, so I’ll pick you up.” And with that he sauntered off, leaving her wondering if his dictate was as innocent as he’d made it sound. Ashley had to settle for a brief shower. She took Charlie at his word and changed into loose trousers and a long line top. She gave Matt a quick call and told him what was happening. “You don’t know where he’s taking you or who’ll be there?” “No, he just said someone from Stevenson’s wanted to run a few things by me.” “Keep your phone in your pocket, darling, where you can get to it easily. Ring me immediately if you have the slightest concerns about anything.” “Matt, relax. It’s just a business dinner. Nothing’s going to happen to me.” “Perhaps not, but I reserve the right to worry. Ring me again as soon as it’s over.” “Yes, sir!” Charlie was right on time. Rather than invite him up, she ran down the stairs when he rang the bell and slipped into the passenger seat of

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his car. He chatted away as he drove, too fast for her comfort. He was dressed in chinos and a polo shirt, looking the picture of casual chic. “Who are we meeting?” she asked as he led her into a flashy Italian restaurant on the Quays. “Your opposite number from Stevenson’s.” Ashley relaxed. ”Stella? Good. We have a lot to talk about.” “Actually, I don’t think Stella’s coming.” “But you said—” “Her boss wants to talk with you.” “Her boss?” “Yeah, Philip Roker.” “Why would he want to speak to me?” Charlie laughed. “One thing you’ll learn about Phil is that he’s a control freak. He likes to be hands on.” “It sounds as though you know him well,” Ashley said, sliding into the chair that Charlie held for her. “Oh, for years. He’s a pedantic man. Likes everything to be just so. But he’s good at what he does.” He glanced at the wine list and ordered a decent bottle of claret. “Who else is coming? This is a table for four.” Before he could answer, Charlie was on his feet, kissing Eve on both cheeks. “There you are,” he said. “You should have let me pick you up.” Ashley felt a chill trickle down her spine. There was absolutely no reason for Eve to be here. She didn’t take an active part in the running of the business. As far as Ashley was aware, Matt never included her in business dinners. Why would Charlie do so? “Hello, Ashley,” Eve said, taking the chair next to hers. “Surprise, huh?” “Er, yes.” Philip Roker arrived, apologizing for being late. His bland features came alive when he saw Eve and he kissed her with genuine-seeming warmth.

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“I didn’t know you were coming, Evie.” “How could I stay away when Charlie told me you’d be here? I haven’t seen you for ages.” “Matt keeps you well hidden,” Roker said, making it sound like an accusation. “Hello, Ashley,” he said, turning toward her, his face once again an impassive mask. “We meet again.” “Yes.” She took his proffered hand. His grip was limp, his hand as cold as his expression. There was something about this self-contained man that set Ashley’s teeth on edge. She sincerely hoped that she wouldn’t have to work with him direct. His dead eyes bored into her profile for a long time. He didn’t seem to realize that he was being rude. He definitely didn’t feel the need to break the silence as he summed her up. Ashley met his gaze and refused to blink first. Eventually he turned back to Eve. “You ought to be taking it easy,” he said. “You have to look after yourself.” “Oh, I have a new girlfriend to make sure that I do. Ashley and I are such good chums already.” Roker absorbed this information, looking almost as startled as Ashley felt. “That’s nice,” he said blandly, turning away from Ashley and starting a conversation with Eve about people she didn’t know. The evening dragged on interminably. Ashley struggled to stay awake and to contain her anger. Almost nothing was said about the amalgamation, and anything that was said could have been covered in a phone call. Conversation centred on Eve, her baby, her life with Matt…and Eve. Ashley appeared to be the only person at the table who tired of the subject. It was gone eleven when Charlie dropped her back at the flat. As soon as she closed the door behind her, she called Matt and explained what had gone down. “What the hell are they playing at?” he asked. “I don’t know, but I certainly didn’t need to be there.”

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“Phil and Eve have always got along well.” “Yes, I figured that one out for myself.” “He was Dad’s right-hand man when Eve first came on the scene. He often played referee between Charlie and me when we fought over her.” “Well, he doesn’t improve upon better acquaintance and still gives me the creeps.” “It’s just his way. He’s a bachelor, over fifty, and stuck in his ways. But he’s damned good at his job.” “Shame he left Interactive then.” “I don’t want to waste this call talking about him. Let’s talk dirty instead,” he said, dropping his voice to a seductive whisper. “I miss you like hell, baby.” **** Ashley got through her remaining days, counting the time until she could return to Reigate and be with Matt. Eve was leaving on Thursday to spend several days in the West Country with her mother. Eve hadn’t mentioned anything about it. It was Matt who’d told her of his wife’s plans, just to put her mind at rest about Eve stalking her for the rest of the week. On Thursday, Ashley took Charlie’s secretary Gloria to lunch. Although Eve should be safely out of the way by the evening, Ashley didn’t trust her not to change her plans, so she told Charlie she was going out with some of the girls from the office. The message would get back to Eve, she felt sure. Just to be on the safe side, she turned the deadbolt and enjoyed a luxurious evening with her own company and her laptop. She logged on to the company’s system and delved further into the disputed claims, looking for similarities. None jumped out at her. On Friday, she was at her desk by seven-thirty. She took a sandwich lunch and packed up at two.

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“I’m off,” she said to Charlie. “I want to avoid the rush hour traffic.” She packed files into her briefcase. “I’ll work on my spreadsheets at home over the weekend.” “All work and no play.” He shook his head. “You need to relax sometimes.” “Oh, I shall. My horse will have missed me.” He chuckled. “That wasn’t what I had in mind.” “Each to their own.” She shouldered her bag and grabbed her coat. “See you Monday. Have a good weekend.” “And you. You’ve done great this week, by the way. I can see why Matt rates you so highly.” “Thanks.” As she drove away, Ashley discovered that her antagonistic feelings toward Charlie had definitely thawed. He was a charmer, a flirt, and all the other things she’d had him pegged for. Shame he was also Matt’s enemy and was intent upon bringing the company down. Under other circumstances, he might have been a friend.

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Chapter Ten “Hey, you’re back.” Sandy gave Ashley a big hug then stood back to let her into her flat. Both of them were almost flattened by Freckles when he heard Ashley’s voice. Laughing, she bent to give him a hug as well. “I hope he’s been good.” “He slept every night on Callie’s bed. You’ll be lucky to get him back. They’ve become joined at the hip.” “Well, I’m glad he was no trouble.” “How did it go?” Sandy asked. Ashley rolled her eyes. “Trust me, you don’t want to know.” “That bad, huh?” “No, not really. Just…well, odd, I suppose. I felt like a fraud.” Sandy hiked a brow. “Because you were doing all the dirty work for the man of your dreams?” “I offered. No one held a gun to my head.” “Of course they didn’t. I’m sorry. It’s just that I worry about you.” “There’s no need,” Ashley said, suppressing thoughts of Eve’s weird behaviour. “Drink? The sun must be over the yardarm somewhere in the world.” “Perhaps later.” Ashley glanced at her watch. “Look, I hate to do this to you, but I need to run. I must exercise the nag, and I have a ton of stuff to catch up on after that.” “You look tired. Can’t you relax this weekend?” “I went past tired days ago. Besides, riding is relaxing.” “And tonight you’ll be taming a different sort of beast.” Sandy

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waggled her brows. “I know you don’t approve of Matt—” “It’s not that, I just don’t want to see you get hurt. Again.” “Sandy, for what it’s worth—” “Hey, that’s my line.” “Go on then.” Ashley forced a grin. “Take your best shot.” “Well, for what it’s worth, I do think he cares about you and means what he says about leaving the little wife.” Sandy sighed. “But when it comes to crunch time, I don’t think it’s gonna happen.” Ashley kissed her friend. “Perhaps you’re right, but I’m in too deep to pull back now. I’ll just have to take my chances.” “I knew that’s what you’d say, but I had to try.” “Thanks for caring.” Ashley whistled to Freckles. “I’ll catch you later, hon.” Back in her own flat, Ashley quickly changed into riding clothes. She called Matt as she and Freckles walked toward the stable yard at a brisk pace. “Are you home?” he asked. “Yes, I made good time. It’s only half-three. I’m just off to see Lucius.” “Good.” Matt’s sigh made it sound as though half the world rested on his shoulders. “I’m going to be later than I hoped,” he said. “More meetings and a load of stuff to sign off, I’m afraid.” Ashley quelled her disappointment. “How late?” “I’ll be there by eight, promise.” “That’s fine. I’ve got plenty to do before then myself.” “I’ll bring a takeaway.” “Just bring yourself.” Her smile was fuelled by anticipation. “I’ve missed you,” she said softly. “Me too.” She heard voices in the background. “Have to go, babe. I’ll see you as soon as I can. Love you.” “Love you, too.” But she was speaking to a dead line.

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Lucius was full of life, not having been ridden all week. They both needed to let off a little steam, and so instead of schooling, they went out for a hard, fast hack. When they got back to the yard, Lucius was bathed in sweat. Ashley enjoyed hosing him off and making his box ready for the night. Such mundane activities helped to quell her overactive brain, stopped her thinking about anything but the task in hand, and put things in perspective. Back at the flat, she took a long shower, washed her hair, and dressed casually in jeans and a thin top that she knew Matt liked. By then it was six o’clock, which gave her a couple of hours to work on the company laptop before Matt arrived. Perhaps being away from the pressure of working with Charlie would spawn a lightbulb moment. There had to be something that connected the bogus life claims. Charlie couldn’t be doing it alone, but so far Matt hadn’t been able to find a common denominator. Ashley hadn’t yet started probing. It was too risky to delve into areas that didn’t concern her whilst in the office. Too many people came and went, and if she had the claims system up on her screen, someone—probably Charlie—would notice. Then her cover would be blown. Ashley worked diligently in the quiet flat, with only Freckles’s soft snores to divert her. She delved into every aspect of the underwriting, looking for anomalies. Her clearance gave her across the board access to every aspect of Interactive’s business. She’d worked in most departments during her time with the company and kept up to date with the changes in their procedures. With overall responsibility for the general office, it was part of her brief to know how things were done. That way she could keep track of her staff’s progress and tell if anyone was under-performing. “Damn it, where are you?” she muttered aloud, disturbing Freckles. He lifted his head from the rug in front of the fire, offered her a look of mild rebuke for disturbing him, and settled down again. “How are you doing it? What am I missing?” Matt arrived at eight thirty, looking tired and drawn, and full of

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apologies. “I’m sorry, darling,” he said, swooping her into his arms and kissing her like he never intended to stop. “I simply couldn’t get away any sooner.” “It doesn’t matter,” she said breathlessly. “You’re here now.” “I’m so sorry about all the shit you had to take from Eve,” he said. “I don’t know what she thought she was playing at.” “It’s okay.” “No, it’s not okay. I won’t have you subjected to her spite. I’ll sort it.” “Leave it.” She reached up and touched his face. He grabbed her fingers and kissed their ends. “Don’t get involved. If it gets to the stage where I can’t handle it, I’ll let you know. Besides, it won’t be for much longer.” “I don’t deserve you,” he said with a heavy sigh. “Possibly not, but you’re stuck with me.” “That’s good to know.” He glanced over her shoulder at the papers scattered round her laptop. “Looks like you’ve been busy, too.” Freckles barged up to them. “Hello, old chap.” Matt scratched his ears. “Something smells good.” Ashley indicated the bag Matt was carrying. “I’m starved.” “Me too.” But his expression implied that it wasn’t food he had in mind. “Curry first,” Ashley said, laughing. “That is curry I can smell, isn’t it?” “Sure is. Nothing but the best for you.” Matt opened a bottle of wine whilst Ashley decanted the cartons into serving dishes. She cleared aside her papers, and they sat opposite one another at the small table, sharing the food, touching hands, communicating without any need for words. Ashley felt the stress slowly draining from her body as she stole glances at the only person she wanted to share her evening with. She could tell from the way

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Matt’s features softened and gradually relaxed that he felt the same way. She’d come home in more senses than one. “How was your ride?” he asked. “Fast and muddy. Lucius was fresh.” Matt chuckled. “He’s not the only one.” Ashley rolled her eyes. “I never would have guessed.” “I wish I knew what Eve thought she was doing,” Matt said, reverting to the one subject Ashley didn’t want to discuss. It spoiled the mood. Ashley touched his face. “Let’s not talk about it now.” “I just don’t understand why she cares,” he said frowning. “Our marriage is a marriage in name only, we both know that. She leads her own life and I never cross question her about it.” “She obviously wants to remain married to you. Otherwise she’d have taken off with Charlie years ago.” Matt conceded the point with a nod. “I just wish I knew why she was so keen to hang on, that’s all.” “Look in the mirror, stud.” Matt laughed. “Thank you, ma’am, but I think there’s more to it than that.” “It must drive Charlie demented that she won’t leave you, so if he even suspects about us, and I’m pretty sure he does, he would have planted the idea in her head. I then transferred to Southampton, and he probably suggested how she ought to play it.” Matt thought about it. “The friending bit I get, and can easily imagine Charlie getting a kick out of seeing it happen. But the duplication of clothes? The phone call? Forcing you to go out to lunch and then ordering the same as you?” “It’s a bit spooky,” Ashley said, “but I can handle it.” “Why would Charlie want to frighten you off?” “Make or break?” “Hmm, perhaps.” Ashley didn’t want to waste another moment of her precious time

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with Matt discussing his wife. They’d talked it through a dozen times before, and nothing much had changed. Matt still needed Eve’s goodwill to see this merger though, so really, what more was there to say? “How’s it been here this week?” she asked instead. “How long have you got?” “No more major disasters?” “No, just a hundred annoying little ones.” Ashley stood up and cleared the plates away. “I think I might have something on the bogus claims,” she said, when they returned to the lounge with fresh glasses of wine. His eyebrows shot up. “Already?” “It came to me just now,” she said, pulling the laptop toward her. “Let’s talk it through. We have three disputed death claims, all of which arose during the last three months. All during critical times for the amalgamation talks, right?” “Right.” “We routinely have claims challenged, but three in three months is way above average, so that makes it suspicious.” “Right again.” “The claims have nothing in common. Two middle-aged men, one lady in her sixties.” Matt nodded. “We automatically asked for doctor’s reports when the claims came in. We turned all three claims down on the basis that they had pre-existing medical conditions that they didn’t declare on their proposal forms.” “Right, but—” “Let me finish running this past you whilst my thoughts are fresh.” Ashley tapped a pencil against her teeth. “One policy was an endowment, connected to a mortgage, the other two were straightforward life policies. One was sold through an agent who arranged the mortgage. The other two were over the counter at one of our offices. No similarities there. Different offices even.” “Yes, but all three lived in the south.”

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“Not so unusual. The majority of our business is generated in the south, simply because that’s where our main office is.” Matt stood behind her and massaged her shoulders. Ashley rolled her neck. “God, that’s nice!” “Just a taste of things to come,” he said, dropping a kiss on the top of her head. “Sorry, I interrupted your flow.” “Okay, two of the policyholders were registered with the same doctors’ office but saw different doctors within that practise. The other one wasn’t, so having two bent doctors doing Charlie’s bidding is a stretch.” Ashley sighed. “We only keep the original papers until they’ve been scanned onto the system.” “The joys of a paperless office.” “Exactly, and the strange thing is that none of the policyholders’ relatives can find copies in their loved ones’ homes.” Matt frowned. “Yes, I thought that was odd.” “Too odd. People are careless about official papers, but they always retain everything relating to something important like life assurance.” “You’d think so.” “I’m sure of it. Some people even lodge them with their solicitors, along with their wills.” “But not in these cases.” Matt grumbled. “I know because we checked.” “All the doctors say that we didn’t ask for reports when the applications were filled out, which gibes with our records. That means they were automatically accepted because there was nothing on the forms that generated a request for medical information.” “Which means all three applicants had to have lied.” Matt shrugged. “It happens.” “Yes, but I still don’t buy it. Even so, for Charlie to have made the claims look bogus, he would have had to substitute the original proposal forms on the system for fake ones, got two—no, three— different doctors to destroy our original requests for medical

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information, and broken into all three houses and stolen the deceased’s papers.” Ashley stopped ticking the points off on her fingers and looked up at Matt. “I can’t see how it could have been done.” “Now that you put it like that.” “Were any of the houses broken into, just as a matter of interest?” Matt frowned. “I have no idea. Surely you’re not taking this seriously?” “Yeah, I am. Somehow or other these genuine claims have been made to look bogus.” “What makes you so sure?” “The premiums. Look.” Ashley changed screens and input the information for the sixty-year-old woman, answering all the health questions in the affirmative. The system took a moment to calculate the premium. “Ta-da!” Ashley said, pointing to the resulting figure. “Bloody hell!” Matt scratched his head. “She was heavily rated.” “Yep.” “So someone has tampered with the applications.” “And not done that good a job. I mean, if I could figure it out in a few hours, then the ombudsman would have no trouble, either.” “We all depended upon the computer and took it as gospel,” Matt said. “Yes, we have procedures, and they were followed. No one even thought to delve deeper because, on the surface, it looks as though all three punters told porkies.” “As you said earlier, three disputed claims in as many months is way above average and would have raised a red flat to the ombudsman.” Ashley frowned. “Would Charlie really want to hurt Interactive that badly?” “Evidently, the answer is yes.” “The buck stops with you, Matt.” Ashley felt the colour drain from her face. “You could have ended up inside.”

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“I still could, unless we can figure out how it’s being done.” “The cases haven’t gone to the ombudsman yet. Can’t we just say that a mistake was made with the paperwork and pay up?” “Not that simple. The local press is sniffing round. If we try to settle quietly, they’ll be all over it like a rash, seeing conspiracies where they don’t exist.” He clenched his hands, glowering. “Although perhaps they do.” “Either way, it’ll weaken your position in the amalgamation talks. This can’t be kept from Stevenson’s, can it?” “No chance.” Matt shook his head. “They probably know all about it already.” “What will you do?” “Hell if I know.” He thumped the surface of the table, causing everything on it to jump. “But I’d give a lot to know how Charlie’s pulling it off.” “Me too.” “Well, for starters, he has to have someone in systems rigging the stuff online.” “Yes,” Ashley said quietly, thinking of her skittish friend. “And I think I know who.” Matt’s brows shot skyward. “You do? Who?” “You wouldn’t know her. Anyway, let me talk to her first.” “Well, be careful what you say.” “Rigging the company computer records would be a doddle for someone who knows what they’re doing. But how have they made medical records disappear from three different doctor’s offices and made the policyholder’s personal records evaporate?”

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Chapter Eleven “Come on.” Matt held out his hand. “We’ve talked this thing to death, and we’re both beat. Let’s go to bed.” “At last the man says something sensible.” He chuckled, the gesture briefly eradicating the tiredness etched in his face. “You want sensible?” “No,” Ashley said, taking his hand and following him to the bedroom, “I just want you.” This time his chuckle took on a wicked edge. “And the two are mutually exclusive?” She grinned at him. “You said it, not me.” He kicked the bedroom door closed, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her as though absorbing her essence into his very cells. His desperation communicated itself to Ashley, his needs seeming to transcend the mere physical. The realisation that only she could truly relieve, albeit briefly, the stress he was living with, empowered her. She returned his kiss with passion, never wanting it to end. When he finally broke it, they stared at one another for a protracted moment, startled by the intensity of their emotions, before frenetically shedding their clothes. “I can’t believe we’ve spent the entire evening talking about bloody work when we could have been in here,” he said, tumbling her onto the bed. “I’m a slave to duty, boss.” “So I see.” Matt buried his face in the valley between her breasts. “This is only our second entire weekend together, you do realize that?”

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Ashley did. Before, he’d always had to be with Eve for at least part of the time, keeping up appearances, even after he moved to Reigate. Her trip to the West Country this weekend was an unexpected bonus, but thoughts of her still spoiled the mood. She’d done a better job of unsettling her than Ashley had previously realized. Eve was the elephant in the room, coming between them, even from a distance. Ashley squirmed as Matt’s tongue made its way toward her nipple, rasping at its sensitised peak. She tried desperately not to think about Eve, but images of her refused to be dispelled. She’d put herself in the centre of Ashley’s life in Southampton, and now she was here, too. It was as though she’d won. “Oh God, Matt, please don’t stop!” “I wasn’t going to.” He took her entire nipple in his mouth, sucking, tugging at it with his teeth, sweeping her away on a wave of pleasure that emptied her mind of fraudulent death claims—and almost everything else, except the feelings of desperate desire building deep within her core. Her fingers gouged his back as his tongue travelled lower, lapping like a thirsty cat. She bucked against him, finally dismissing images of Eve as his tongue touched her cervix and she climaxed immediately with a wild cry of surprise. He lifted his head, watching her intently, gauging her reaction as pleasure continued to spangle, sending shock waves through her entire body. “Wow!” was all she could think of to say. Matt smiled and kissed the end of her nose. “I guess you needed that.” “I guess I did.” She lifted herself up and straddled him. “And what do you need?” He quirked a brow. “I get to choose?” “Why not?” “Go down on me, baby.” He gently pushed her head toward his groin. “Return the favour.”

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Ashley slithered down his body, already slick with perspiration, and took him in her mouth. She sucked him in slowly, only to release him again and turn her attention to his sac. Sometimes, especially when she had him at her mercy like this, she wondered if there was some mistake. He was gorgeous, and she found it hard to accept that she would ever be enough for him. As the thought passed through her head, she felt his prick expand in her mouth. A deep groan escaped his lips, and she knew he was on the brink. She let him go, and he slid out of her mouth with a soft plop. “Ash, Don’t I—” She offered him a wicked grin. “Now you know how I feel when you tease me.” “Just carry on. I need to—” “Hmm.” She flicked his erection with two fingers. It twitched. “I guess you do, don’t you.” Ashley bent her head and sucked deep. He exploded at the back of her throat mere seconds later. They lay in one another’s arms afterward, temporarily satiated, waiting for their breathing to return to normal. Ashley shot a glance at Matt’s profile. His eyes were closed, all the tension had left him, and he looked ready to fall asleep. But she knew that he wouldn’t. Matt would soon be ready for a repeat performance. So would she. “What are you thinking about?” he asked, eyes still closed. “Now isn’t the time.” “Eve?” “Yeah.” Ashley let out a long breath. “I wish I could get her out of my mind, but I can’t.” “Not surprising, after the way she behaved.” “I know that. What I can’t figure out is why she’d go away this weekend, leaving us alone, when she’s spent the entire week trying to drive me away from you.” “Her mother. She loves going down there and being fussed over.

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It’s a hell of a way to go for a weekend, so she didn’t even ask me to go, too.” “Because she knows how busy you are?” “Yes, and because of the tension between Stephanie and me.” He paused, strain already creeping back into his expression. “She was a thorn in my side when Eve and I first married, always trying to interfere.” Ashley grimaced. “The mother-in-law from hell.” “And some. She’s remarried to some rich guy who likes Eve.” “Did she drive herself down there?” “Lord no. Phil took her.” Ashley frowned. “Phil?” “Yes, Philip Roker.” “I wondered why Eve came to dinner with us the other night, but if she’s so friendly with Roker, I suppose that explains it.” “Phil’s a friend of the entire family.” Matt glanced at her. “What’s wrong? You’re frowning.” “Nothing, really.” “I know you don’t like him.” Matt smiled. “He’s an acquired taste.” “You two obviously get along okay.” “I’m grateful to him. When Dad died, he’d already left the company but was a tower of strength. He took a lot of the pressure off Mum.” “She still sees him?” “Yes, I think he still stops by occasionally.” Matt settled her more comfortably at his side. “Phil’s a very pedantic man. Everything’s black or white, with no wiggle room in between.” “He’s not married, is he?” “No, he never took the plunge. He lived with his mother until she died. Now he lives alone.” “I still don’t see why he’s getting involved in all the nitty-gritty to do with the amalgamation. The stuff Stella and I can do without any

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directors getting involved. And yet he came to dinner with Charlie and me the other night and she didn’t.” “That’s why he’s so effective. He’s a control freak and wants to be involved with absolutely everything from the ground up.” “Even so, Stella should still have been there. He’s undermining her.” Matt shrugged. “She’s probably used to the way he does things.” “Well, you know Roker better than I do, but if I had to choose between him and Charlie, then it would be no contest.” “Ah, so Charlie’s working his magic on you as well, is he?” There was an edge to Matt’s voice. “I have to keep reminding myself what he did to you,” Ashley admitted. “He’s very charismatic, and good at his job, but then you already know that.” “Oh yes, Charlie could sell ice to Eskimos.” “It’s such a shame that his hang-ups make him want to destroy the company.” “If you’re trying to make me jealous, then you’re succeeding.” “Aw, poor Matt.” Ashley pouted. “Not up to a little competition, eh?” “Now that you mention it, I might be up for something else.” He rolled her onto her back, growling at her. They made love again, but slowly this time. Matt was a master of procrastination, punishing her for her remarks about Charlie by allowing the anticipation to reach almost unbearable heights. “Who’s the better man then?” he purred, almost but not quite sliding into her. “Okay,” she said breathlessly. “I give in. You’re numero uno.” “So I should bloody well think.” She gouged his buttocks with her fingers, lifting her hips at the same time, too impatient to wait any longer. He chuckled as he ground himself into her. That chuckle turned into a deep groan just moments later as they climaxed simultaneously.

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Ashley felt asleep in the arms of the man she loved, but it wasn’t his face that haunted her dreams. It was that of his wife. Matt woke her with a searing kiss. Ashley felt groggy, disorientated, and didn’t immediately respond. His face, creased with concern, hovered above hers. “What is it? What’s wrong?” “Nothing.” Ashley stretched and wound her arms round his neck. “I didn’t sleep well, I guess.” “Damn the bloody woman!” Matt thumped his thigh. “Even when we’re miles apart, she still manages to come between us.” “How did you know that’s what kept me awake?” She strived for a lighter tone. “It might have been indigestion. All that curry.” “But it wasn’t?” “No,” she said with a soft sigh. “It wasn’t.” “Come here.” Warm breath peppered her brow as he leaned close, devouring her features with a hungry gaze. “I don’t know what else I can say to make you understand. But believe this, Ashley, nothing in this world is more important to me than you. Nothing. Not even the bloody business.” Ashley was moved to tears. “I know that, Matt.” She reached up to stroke his face. “I guess I just needed to hear you say it.” “And now I’ve made you cry.” He arrested a tear as it trickled down her face. “Then you’d better make it up to me,” she said, tears giving way to sultry laughter as, once again, passion consumed her. He pretended to be annoyed. “I suppose I better had.” They showered together afterward. Then they had breakfast and went their separate ways. Even this precious weekend wasn’t to be spent exclusively alone. Matt had to go to the office for a few hours. Ashley quelled her disappointment. She hadn’t told him so, but she’d arranged the loan of a friend’s horse at her yard. She’d hoped that they’d hack out together, but let him go without argument. And

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without mentioning the horse. “I’ll give Lucius a quick workout, and then I need to get back to my spreadsheets,” she said, not looking at him. “Hey, it won’t always be like this.” He came up behind her and wrapped his arms round her waist. “Put your glad rags on,” he said. “We’re going out tonight.” “We are?” She turned to face him, not bothering to hide her surprise. “Anywhere nice?” “You bet. I never did get to buy you that slap up birthday meal.” “Oh, are you sure? Is it wise?” “Who cares?” “You do,” she said quietly. “I’ll risk it, if you will.” “Is that a challenge, Mr. Templeton?” “It’s whatever you want it to be.” He kissed the top of her head. “Gotta run. See you later.” The rest of the weekend flashed by. The meal in the upmarket restaurant Matt chose was every bit as special as he’d promised her it would be. She relished every second, having this Adonis sitting across from her at the candlelit table, making love to her with his eyes, entertaining her with stories about his misspent youth. Almost making her forget about his wife. Almost. They fell into bed when they got back to the flat but their lovemaking was interrupted by Matt’s phone ringing. It was Eve, of course. Ashley felt the passion drain out of her as she listened to Matt’s terse responses to his wife’s endless questions. Finally the call came to an end, and Matt turned to her. “Sorry,” he said. “It’s almost as if she knew what we were doing,” Ashley said, shivering. “How else would she know to ring so late?” “It’s just a coincidence,” he said, pulling her back into his arms. “Don’t let her come between us.”

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Easy for you to say. “What did she want?” “Nothing really.” “Well, there you are then.” Ashley refused to be mollified. “She’s a witch with second sight.” Matt kissed her shoulder, his lips inevitably drifting lower. “Forget it, don’t let her win, Ash.” He sounded almost desperate. “Does she often ring you after midnight?” Matt shrugged. “She’s a law unto herself.” “And unto me. I shall be back in the firing line next week.” “Don’t forget that I’ll be down for a couple of days.” “Oh yes, the big meetings on Wednesday and Thursday.” Ashley was cheered by the thought. “I’ll keep her away from you on those days.” “That’s what worries me,” Ashley said, aware that she sounded petulant, but unable to help it. "When I didn’t know her, I didn’t mind so much, thinking of the two of you together. It’s different now.” “Nothing’s changed,” he said, pulling her against him and caressing her back with wonderfully soothing strokes of his large hands. “Except that I love you more than ever.”

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Chapter Twelve “You two are getting to act like an old married couple,” Sandy said, laughing as Ashley and Matt dropped Freckles off with her on Monday morning. “Count on it,” Matt said, kissing Ashley and heading for the door. “See you Wednesday, babe,” he said, waving over his shoulder. “You look happy,” Sandy said, giving Ashley a swift once over. “But not completely happy. What’s wrong?” “Nothing at all.” Ashley grimaced. “Other than having to go to Southampton and face Matt’s bloody wife again.” “I thought she was in the West Country.” “She is, but I expect she’ll be back.” “You don’t sound too sure. Doesn’t Matt know?” “Not really. I don’t think he even asked. Anyway, we both know you can’t rely on anything Eve says. She enjoys her little mind games.” “I was wrong about your Matt,” Sandy admitted, switching off the kettle. “It’s obvious that he’s nuts about you.” Ashley felt a goofy grin spread across her face. “Yeah, he’s spent most of the weekend proving it, so I can’t argue with that.” “He’ll be down in Southampton himself this week?” “Yes.” Ashley grimaced. “We’ve all be working like crazy to prepare for big meetings with the other lot. I’m as ready as I can be. I’m just not sure if having Matt there will make things better or worse.” “Well, for what it’s worth, I think it’ll be hard for him not to reveal his feeling for you.” Sandy handed Ashley a cup of steaming

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coffee. “The way he looks at you…well—” “I don’t have time for coffee. I have to hit the road.” “Course you do. You’ve spent half the weekend working. You can relax for five. Besides, the M25 will be gridlocked at this hour.” “I suppose.” Ashley sat at the kitchen table and filched a biscuit from the open tin. “It’s all going to come to a head pretty soon now,” she said, almost as though she was trying to convince herself. “However the chips fall, Matt and I can go public then.” It was another half hour before Ashley hit the road—and sat in gridlocked rush hour traffic. She couldn’t see any police cars anywhere near so pulled out her mobile and broke the law by making a call whilst behind the wheel. A harried-sounding woman answered the phone. “Doctor’s surgery. How can I help?” “Oh hello, I wondered if I could make an appointment to see Doctor Andrews.” “Are you a patient?” “Well no, I’m only in the area temporarily, but I need a repeat prescription for my thyroid medication.” “Sorry, but Doctor Andrews is on holiday. The other doctors are all fully booked, and I can’t fit you in with one of them until the beginning of next week.” Damn, just her luck. “Oh, never mind then. I’ll try somewhere else. Thanks anyway.” She cut the connection, inched a few feet forward in the clogged traffic, and called another surgery. That doctor—the one who was listed as the G.P. for the other dead policyholder—was on holiday as well. Ashley tapped her fingers on her thigh, wondering if that was one coincidence too many. This particular doctor, Doctor Simpson, would be back on Wednesday and could see Ashley in the morning. She ought to be able to make the morning appointment and still be in time for the big meeting, just so long as the doctor wasn’t running late. When weren’t they? Still, she had to take the chance. It was too

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good an opportunity to pass up. The road ahead finally cleared, and she was able to take the exit that led to the M3. Traffic was heavy but flowing. She’d be in Southampton within the hour. Charlie accosted her as soon as she got to her desk. “Morning, angel,” he said, examining her face and grinning. “Looks like you had a relaxing time this weekend.” “If you can call working all the hours God sent on your flaming spreadsheets relaxing,” she said, cursing her inability not to blush beneath his close scrutiny. “You’re wedded to your work, Ms. Wilde.” Ashley rolled her eyes, wishing like hell that he’d stop baiting her. “My dedication knows no bounds.” “Come in at eleven, will you. We’re having a departmental meeting, just to go over a few things.” “I’ll be there.” As soon as he left her, Ashley fired up her computer to see what she could find out about the two doctors. She ought to have thought to do it at home, but having Matt there made her lose focus. Dr. Andrews was in partnership with three other doctors. There was a professionally posed picture of the four of them on a website for the practise, which not only served National Health patients, but also catered for those with medical insurance. Andrews was youngish, probably no older that forty, but had already lost most of his hair. He was tall and his dark-framed glasses made him look competent. He was the sort of health professional whom it would be easy to trust. She recognized Dr. Owen as the G.P. for the other claimant. He looked close to retirement age, solid and dependable. If one doctor in that practise had tampered with records, Ashley was willing to bet it was the younger man. She went in search of information about Dr. Simpson next, and what she discovered came as a bit of a surprise. He was a she. Ashley had, for some reason, supposed that both doctors would be male.

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There was no picture of her, so Ashley had no idea how old she was. She had just one partner and dealt only with National Health patients. Ashley fielded a few phone calls and caught up with the office manager, who had several issues to run past her and needed help preparing for Charlie’s meeting. An hour later, alone again, she returned to surfing the web, looking for something—anything—that linked the two doctors. She found it in the most unexpected place. Dr. Andrews worked as a consultant for a plastic surgeon, and there was a picture of him, attending some black-tie event pertaining to that industry. He was photographed with his wife. Doctor Valerie Simpson. Ashley felt a bolt of adrenalin surge through her. “The plot thickens,” she muttered. Charlie walked past her desk at that precise moment and looked at her askance. “You okay?” he asked. “You look like someone just walked over your grave.” “Oh what, yes, fine thanks. I was just thinking, that’s all.” He chuckled. “Did it hurt?” “Did what hurt?” Charlie’s mirth gave way to a convincing expression of concern. “Hello, earth to Ashley. Are you receiving me?” “What, sorry.” “Come on, Einstein, you can do your thinking in my office. It’s meeting time.” “Oh, so it is. I’d lost track of time.” Ashley sat in the meeting, answering the questions that were thrown at her without having to think about her replies, her mind occupied with thoughts of married doctors. What could Charlie possibly have on them that would persuade them to expunge records and risk being struck off? Perhaps she’d find out on Wednesday morning when she visited Doctor Simpson. By the time the meeting broke up it was lunchtime. Ashley,

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relieved not to have seen or heard anything from Eve, declined an invitation to join her fellow managers for lunch. She had to try and get hold of Matt and tell him what she’d discovered. It was too important to wait. She brought a sandwich and a bottle of water and went to the park. Satisfied there was no one from Interactive anywhere near her, she pulled her phone from her bag and rang Matt’s mobile. She was on the point of giving up when he answered. “Can you talk?” “What’s up?” They spoke together. “You first,” Matt said. He spoke formally, not using her name, and she could hear muted voices in the background. “Sorry, I can hear you’re busy, but I needed to tell you that I’ve found a connection between the doctors.” She could hear the excitement in her own voice. “Tell me.” “They’re married to each other.” “They’re what!” “You heard me.” “I guess that explains a lot.” “I’d say so. All we have to do now is find out what our mutual friend has on them.” “That won’t be so easy.” “I have an appointment with Dr. Simpson first thing Wednesday. Perhaps I’ll learn something then.” “That’s hardly likely. We’ll talk about this later. I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to go there asking questions. If she’s the guilty party, you’ll reveal your hand for no good reason.” Ashley knew he was right but refused to back down. “Talking of hands. What yours did to me last night. I keep thinking—” “Thank you.” Ashley laughed aloud. She could hear the frustration in his voice. It was one hell of a turn-on, talking to him about these things when, presumably, he had a bunch of people sitting round his

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conference table, pretending not to listen to his end of the conversation. “My thoughts are veering in a similar direction. The situation requires further investigation.” “Yes, absolutely. That’s why I’m going to see Dr. Simpson.” “I didn’t mean—” “When you sucked my nipples, I almost came then and there. Did you realize?” “I was certainly aware that the situation was explosive, yes.” Ashley giggled. “If I’d just rubbed my thighs together, that’s all it would have taken.” He cleared his throat. “Er, yes. That was fairly obvious.” “Is this conversation making you hard?” “Things are certainly uncomfortable at the moment.” Ashley’s giggles became increasingly wild. “Are we having telephone sex?” “It would appear so.” “And who have you got in there? No, don’t tell me. Let me guess. The straitlaced crowd from accounting, all trying to pretend that they’re not listening to every word.” “Absolutely. I had no idea that matters would go off on such a tangent.” “If I was there right now, I could ease your discomfort. I’d unzip you, take you in my mouth, suck your head and—” “That would be, er, gratifying.” His voice wobbled. “I shall have to take your proposal under advisement.” “It’s not a proposal. It’s a proposition.” “Huh-hum. I see.” “Am I in trouble for distracting you?” A frustrated sigh echoed down the line. “You have no idea!” “What are you going to do to me? Will you spank me?” “Count on it.” She could hear strain in his voice, but also guessed he was struggling not to laugh—or groan. She had no doubt that he was well and truly turned on. She certainly was.

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“I’ll let you get back to your meeting now,” she said, taking pity on him. “Sorry to have interrupted you.” “You will be,” he almost growled. Ashley was still bubbling with reckless laughter when she ended the call. But her laughter gave way to anger when she sensed someone standing over her. Even before she lifted her eyes, she knew who it would be. “Eve,” she said, summoning up a smile. “I didn’t know you were back.” “Who were you just talking to?” she asked. “Excuse me?” “I wondered who you were talking to. It sounded very intimate.” “How did you find me here? I presume you were looking for me.” Ashley didn’t try to keep the impatience out of her voice. “Charlie saw you walk this way.” God’s teeth, was the entire company keeping tabs on her? “What can I do for you?” “I thought we could have lunch together, and I’ll tell you all about my weekend.” She paused. “Then you can tell me all the gory details about yours.” “Sorry, Eve, but I’ve just had lunch.” Ashley held up her empty sandwich wrapper. “Have to get back to the office now. I have a ton of work waiting and a big meeting on Wednesday to prepare for.” “Yes, Matt’s coming down for that one.” “So I gather.” “I dare say he’ll stay. I mean,” she said, almost running to keep up with Ashley’s frenetic pace, “if he’s here Wednesday and Thursday, there’s not much point in going back for just one day. We were apart this weekend, so he’ll want to make it up to me.” She sounded a little desperate. Ashley was definitely losing patience. It was time to take the initiative and put a stop to Eve’s mind games. “Is there a point to this, Eve?” she asked acerbically.

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Her tone caused Eve to flinch. “I’m just making conversation. That’s what friends do, isn’t it? Exchange confidences.” Not in this lifetime. “We’re hardly friends. We’ve only just met.” “Oh, but I feel like I already know you.” They reached the reception area of Interactive with Eve still trailing alongside Ashley. “We have so much in common.” Ashley stopped dead and turned to face Eve. “I don’t wish to be rude, but I really don’t have time for distractions right now.” “I more than a distraction, as you so charmingly put it.” Eve brushed past her. “I’m a director of the company that employs you. You’d do well to remember that.” Ashley was left alone in the centre of reception, cursing her stupidity. She’d played straight into Eve’s hands. She’s allowed the other woman to rile her, had been rude to her, and given her a legitimate excuse to complain to Charlie about her behaviour. Great, just great! Nicely done, Ashley. “I’m sorry, Matt,” she said when she called him that night. “I let her get to me, and I shouldn’t have.” “Hey, you’ve got nothing to complain about. She should stop bugging you, and I’ll tell her so.” “Now who’s being daft,” she said. “Unless she tells you about the incident, and I’m pretty sure she won’t, you can’t possibly know anything about it.” “Yeah, you’re right.” His sigh echoed down the line. “She’s been very artful, but then she can be when it suits her.” “Tell me something I don’t know.” “What you don’t know, my darling, is that you’re going to promise me not to keep that bloody doctor’s appointment. Don’t think I didn’t notice how artfully you diverted me away from the subject on the phone this morning.” “What’s the matter? Not up for a little telephone sex.” “You don’t want to know how up I was in that roomful of people.”

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Ashley chuckled. “I think I can guess.” “It’s gonna be hell seeing you on Wednesday and not being with you.” “Oh, we’ve managed it before. We’re seasoned professionals at pretending indifference,” she said, recalling Sandy’s view on the subject, voiced so bluntly just that morning. “But it doesn’t get any easier.” Another sigh. “Now, about that promise.” “I’m going to see someone now. We’ll talk about it afterward.” “Who?” “The person that I think’s rigging our systems. I’m going to catch her at home. She might be more willing to talk to me there.” “Who is she?” “Just a systems analysis that I’ve known for years.” “Why do you suspect her?” “Because she’s acting very peculiarly. Won’t look me in the eye. Won’t stop to talk to me.” “Well, you are seen as the big bad witch right now. Everyone’s on edge.” “It’s not that, Matt. She’s frightened. I can see it in her eyes.” “Could be for any number of reasons.” “She is pregnant with her first child.” Well, there you are then.” “I’m still going to go and see her. I have a gut feeling about this.” “Well, just be careful and ring me when you get back.” “I will, just so long as your wretched wife doesn’t put in an appearance.” **** After several wrong turns, Ashley pulled up outside the terraced house where Claire Slater lived with her husband, Paul. She’d got the address from the company records. Taking a deep breath, she climbed

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out of the car, reached into the back seat for the flowers and cuddly toy she’d brought for Claire and the baby respectively, and climbed the steps to the front door. She rang the bell twice and was on the point of giving up when the door was opened by Claire. She gasped when she saw Ashley standing there. “What do you want?” she asked. Not an auspicious start, but Ashley refused to be deterred. “Hi, Claire. Hope I’m not disturbing you.” She thrust the flowers at her, and Claire automatically took them. “Would it matter if you were?” “You seemed a bit off when we spoke in the office the other day, so I thought I’d pop round and see if there was anything I could do to help.” Claire eyed her with open scepticism. “Really?” “Yes, really. It might surprise you to learn that I do care about our employees’ welfare.” Claire pulled a face that said you could have fooled me. “I got this for the baby,” she said, pushing the teddy bear into her hands as well. Claire looked at it and finally cracked a smile. “You’d better come in then, but don’t mind the mess.” “Is Paul home?” she asked, following Claire into a cramped and untidy front room where the television was blaring away. “No, he’s working,” she said, switching the set off with a remote. “Oh, at night?” “That’s when night watchmen work,” she said sarcastically, discarding the flowers and toy on a cluttered table and manoeuvring her bulk into an easy chair. “But I thought he worked for us.” “He was sacked several months ago, but you wouldn’t know that, being isolated in your ivory tower.” Ashley frowned. “Sacked? Paul? Why?” “For hitting his manager.” “Who was his manager?” Ashley was almost afraid to ask. “Charlie Templeton.”

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Chapter Thirteen Ashley’s mind whirled. “Paul hit Charlie,” she repeated in a dazed tone. “Why?” “Why not?” Claire propped her feet on the stool in front of her and awkwardly leant over her bump to massage her swollen ankles. “He’s been asking for it for long enough.” “Are you uncomfortable?” Ashley asked. “Can I get you anything?” “I’m eight months pregnant so, yeah, I’m uncomfortable.” Claire winced and shifted her position. “The little blighter won’t stop kicking.” “Should you still be working full time? Isn’t that dangerous?” “We need the money, so I have no choice.” She shrugged. “Paul used to earn more than me. Now it’s the other way round.” “I’m sorry. I wish there was something I could do.” “You could reinstate Paul.” “I’ll certainly try.” “Don’t bother,” Claire said bitterly. “That bastard would never allow it.” “If you help me, I could go over his head. I do have influence.” “What do you want me to do?” she asked warily. Ashley fixed the pregnant woman with a penetrating gaze. “I think you know why I’m really here.” “Why should I? I don’t—” She broke off and clutched her abdomen. “Argh!” “What’s up?” Ashley asked, half rising from her seat. “Did the baby kick again?”

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“I’m not sure.” She continued to rub her bump. “Perhaps, but he’s never kicked that hard before.” “He? It’s a boy?” Claire smiled for the first time since Ashley’s arrival. “Yes, and it feels as though he’s getting anxious to put in an appearance.” “Is there anything I can do? Do you need a drink, or something?” “No, I’m okay.” Claire’s smile faded. “Tell me what you want?” “You first. Tell me why Paul clouted Charlie.” “Because he’s an arrogant sod and—” “Claire, I promise I’ll do what I can for Paul, but you’ve got to be honest with me.” “He is arrogant.” “Perhaps, but if employees went round clouting bosses they thought was arrogant, our courts would be clogged solid with assault cases.” “Yeah, I know.” Claire shifted her weight again and sighed. “Paul was one of Interactive’s top salesmen, always exceeding his targets and earning good bonuses.” Ashley nodded encouragement when Claire’s voice faltered. “Then he…argh, Christ.” She doubled over, clutching her bulge, sweat peppering her brow. Ashley leapt to her feet and took her hand. “That’s not just a kick, is it?” “No,” Claire panted. “I think it’s a contraction. That’s not supposed to happen yet.” “Tell that to you son.” Ashley found the bathroom on the first floor, wrung out a face cloth and dashed back to Claire. She wiped her brow and took her hand again. “All right?” “Yeah, it’s passed.” “Should we call someone?” “Hell if I know. I’ve never done this before. Have you?” Ashley shook her head. “Right pair we are,” Claire said, with a hollow smile.

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“Contractions are supposed to last for hours, aren’t they?” “So they say. They ought to be spaced wide apart and—” Claire cried out again, gripping her stomach as though holding the baby in. “This isn’t right,” Ashley said. “I’m going to take you to the hospital. Do you have a bag packed?” She expected Claire to argue the point. She didn’t. “Bedroom, in the closet,” she said. “Do you want to call Paul?” Ashley asked, running down the stairs with Claire’s case. “I’ll do it from the car, but we’d better hurry.” Ashley glanced down at the puddle of water dripping from Claire’s seat. “Oh hell, your water’s broken.” “Looks that way.” Ashley drove like a maniac to the hospital. She absolutely didn’t want Claire giving birth in her car, especially since she was convinced something wasn’t right. It was all happening too quickly. Claire had been suffering from nothing more taxing than swollen ankles half an hour ago. Now this. She thought about calling an ambulance but reckoned she could get Claire there quicker in her own car. Claire, in between bouts of swearing and sweating profusely, managed to get hold of Paul. “He’s on his way,” she said, dropping her phone on the floor when another contraction hit her. “Hurry up,” she said to Ashley in a breathless pant. “Something’s going on.” Ashley, hand on horn, headlights flashing, ran the final red light and pulled up outside the emergency room doors. Two orderlies dashed out, and Claire was whisked away. Paul arrived minutes later, wearing his security guard uniform, looking fraught. “Where is she?” he asked, running into reception and grabbing Ashley’s arm. “What happened? What did you say to her?” “Mr. Slattery?” asked a nurse. “Yes, where’s my wife? Is she okay?”

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“She’s fine. She’s just gone into premature labour, that’s all.” “That’s all!” “She’s asking for you. Come this way please.” “Go!” Ashley said when he appeared frozen to the spot. She thrust her card into his hand. “Call me when you can and let me know how she is.” “Oh, er, right. Thanks for helping her.” Paul dashed off after the nurse. Slowly, Ashley retraced her steps and reclaimed her car, wondering if she really was to blame for Claire’s condition. She didn’t see how she could be. It wasn’t as if she’d threatened the woman. But still…she felt guilty. She dialled Matt’s mobile, eager to tell him what little she’d learned. A chill ran through her when Eve answered. “Ashley, is that you?” She was tempted to hang up, but her number would have shown on the display, and that would look stranger than bluffing her way out. She glanced at her watch. It was gone ten o’clock. What possible reason could she have to call her boss on his mobile at that time of night? And what was Eve doing in Reigate? She’d been in Southampton at lunchtime. Her mind went into overdrive. “Yes, I was looking for Matt.” “I’m sure you were.” “Is he there?” “Just a moment. We were in bed. I’ll see if he’s available.” Matt’s voice came on the line mere seconds later, sounding fraught. “Ashley, is something wrong?” “I might ask you the same question. No, it’s all right. I know you can’t talk.” “I sent you a text, warning you not to ring,” he said in a low voice. Ashley assumed he’d gone into another room to talk to her. “My phone was switched off. I was at the hospital, and they don’t allow them there.” “The hospital?” He sounded panicked. “Why?”

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“Don’t worry. There’s nothing wrong with me. The lady from systems went into premature labour.” Matt chuckled. “Is that the effect you had on her?” His flippancy annoyed her. “This isn’t funny.” “Sorry, I know that. I’m just relieved that you’re okay.” “I did manage to find out that Claire’s husband was sacked by Charlie because he took a swing at him.” “Bloody hell!” “I couldn’t find out anything more before the baby sent us into a panic.” “Still, it’s an interesting development.” “Look, I’d better go. Presumably you’ll think of a way to explain this call to Eve, and I’ll leave you to ring me as soon as you can.” “Thanks for letting me know,” he said, cutting the connection. Ashley pocketed her phone, feeling alone and vulnerable. Her phone rang at seven thirty the following morning. Matt’s number flashed up on the screen, and she immediately felt better. Until she remembered that Eve had answered it the night before. “Hello,” she said cautiously. “Darling, I’ve caught you before you left, I hope.” “Yes.” She relaxed at the mere sound of his voice. “Are you at the office already?” “In the car. The first thing I did was call you. Are you all right?” “I’ve been better. What the hell is she up to, Matt?” “Wish I knew. She was at the apartment when I got home last night. Said she’d missed me and wanted to tell me all about her weekend in person.” “What was there to tell?” “Nothing much.” “So Phil must have dropped her back in Southampton, whereupon she immediately came in search of me. But she didn’t say anything about accosting me, I suppose, or about me basically telling her to get lost?”

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“Not a word, but then she wouldn’t, would she? Not if she’s trying to play us off against each other.” “She didn’t like my negative reaction and so drove up to you straightaway.” “Looks that way.” “How did you explain away my call last night?” “I didn’t. I wouldn’t normally tell her why someone from the office was calling, and right now I get a lot of calls, obviously, what with everything that’s going on.” “Never explain and never apologize?” “Exactly,” he said in a wry tone. “So you didn’t explain my call, and she didn’t ask about it?” “Nope.” He paused. “Hey, she’s winning. Do you realize we’ve been talking for several minutes, only about her? I haven’t even reminded you that I love you yet.” “No, you haven’t. Worse, I hadn’t noticed.” “Well, let me put that right straight away. I love you, Ashley Wilde, even if you have a bit to learn yet about the art of telephone sex.” Ashley giggled. “I thought you needed to lighten up a bit.” “Lighten up. I almost came in my pants, just listening to you.” “Glad to oblige.” “When I get my hands on you, you’ll more than oblige.” “That’s good to know.” “What happened at the hospital?” he asked. Who’s the systems analyst?” “Claire Slattery. Do you know her?” “Name rings a bell. Tall, blonde—” “That would be her. But, Matt, her husband Paul was one of Charlie’s top salesmen—” “Until he punched Charlie’s lights out, apparently.” Matt laughed. “Wonder what provoked him.” “Claire told me Charlie was arrogant—”

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“I think we’ve already establish that for ourselves.” “Quite, but then Claire went into labour and I could hardly continue cross questioning her, so I took her to hospital instead.” “Is she all right?” “Yes. I got a call from her husband this morning. She had a record short labour and gave birth to a perfectly healthy baby boy.” “Good.” Matt chuckled. “Miss Marple you ain’t, sweetheart, given the lengths some people go to in order to avoid talking to you.” “You’re right. She knew why I was there and didn’t want to let me in. I didn’t get round to actually telling her what I wanted, but she definitely knew. I could tell because her body language was so defensive, like she had something to hide and was trying to square it with her conscience. She was dead frightened. I wonder if that’s what made her go into labour early. I feel guilty about that.” “She’s probably grateful to you, now that it’s all over.” “But grateful enough to open up? That’s the question.” “Ah, well—” “They’re really hard up since Paul got sacked. I assume he didn’t get a reference, so he’s wasting his talent, working as a security guard.” “Hmm, so if they were short of cash and had a baby of the way, Claire would probably be amenable to altering a few records.” “Yes, but it doesn’t make sense. Charlie sacks her husband and then bribes her to do his dirty work. The Claire I knew would have told him to go to hell, regardless of how much she needed the money.” “Parenthood does strange things to a person.” “Yes, well, I wouldn’t know about that.” “Sorry, sweetheart. Didn’t mean to hit a nerve.” “I know you didn’t.” Ashley expelled a long breath. “Don’t worry about it. Anyway, I’ll have to put the whole Claire thing on the back burner for the time being. Can’t accost her again at a time like this.” “No, I guess not, but we need to do something about those bloody

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claims. Time’s running out. If I don’t get back to the policyholders’ relatives soon, they’ll contact the ombudsman, and then we’ll be stuffed.” “I know. Don’t forget I still have that doctor to interrogate on Wednesday.” “Ash, that’s a seriously bad idea.” “You just said we had to do something. If I rattle her tree a bit, ask a few incisive questions, we might be surprised by what falls out.” “That’s what worries me. A doctor could be struck off for falsifying records. If she thinks you’re onto her, she might do something desperate.” “Now you’re just being silly.” “No, angel, I’m just worried like hell about the woman I love.” “Aw, that’s so sweet.” Ashley blew a kiss down the phone. “Don’t worry, I’ll be discreet.” Matt chortled. “That’ll be the day.” “Look, I’d better let you go.” “What, no sexy comments this morning?” “It’s not so much fun when you can retaliate.” “You sound down, Ash. Are you okay?” “No. If you want the truth, I’m completely freaked out by your wife’s wacky behaviour.” “Hang in there. I’ll be there on Wednesday, and somehow we’ll get some time together.” “How’s that being careful? Flaunting our relationship in the town where she lives.” “Hell if I know, but I can’t stay away. Believe me, I’ve tried, and it just doesn’t work.” “Think before you act. We’ve come too far to blow it all now. Don’t take any notice of me. I’m just feeling a bit guilty about Claire, I guess.” “Well, don’t. No one died. Besides, if she is helping Charlie, then she only has herself to blame.”

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“Thanks for trying to make me feel better.” “All part of the service, ma’am.” “Let’s talk later. I have to go. I’ve got a breakfast meeting with Stella.” “Ah, so the real brains behind the operation get their heads together at last. I have every confidence that the two of you will have this nut cracked by lunchtime.” Ashley laughed. “Wish I shared your confidence. We’ll both be trying to protect our patches. Comes with the territory.” “Don’t I just know it!” Okay, have a good day. Love you.” “You too.” “Just make sure you know where your wretched wife is before you call me later.” “I will.”

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Chapter Fourteen “Good morning. I’m Ashley Wilde. I have an appointment with Dr. Simpson.” The receptionist replaced her phone, ignoring it when it immediately rang again. “You’ve not been here before?” “No, I’m just in the area temporarily.” “You’ll still need to fill this out.” Ashley took a clipboard from the woman and quickly completed her details on the form attached to it. “Thanks,” the receptionist said. “Take a seat, please. It’s the doctor’s first day back from holiday, and she’s running a bit behind.” Ashley glanced at her watch and groaned. Just her luck. The big meeting was at ten. She couldn’t be late. “How long is the wait?” “A good half an hour, I’m afraid.” The receptionist shrugged. “You know how it is. People might think they’re at death’s door,” she said, lowering her voice, “but they still save up their illnesses until they can see a doctor they trust.” “Well, if I’d known she was just back from holiday, I would have—” “She shouldn’t be. She wasn’t due back until next week but rang me and said I could start scheduling people in again from today onward.” “Really! She must be dedicated to cut her holiday short.” “I’ve no idea why she did.” “Well, I’m sorry to add to the doctor’s burden, but as I’m here.” Ashley dredged up a winsome smile. “I’ll only need five minutes.” The receptionist eyed Ashley’s smart new gray pin-striped power

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suit. She’d nipped to the shops and treated herself to it yesterday, teaming it with a pink camisole and gray high heels. This first business meeting between the directors and senior staff from both sides was a big deal, and no way would she appearing in anything that Eve had handled. Besides, she knew the suit looked good—it damned well should since it had almost bankrupted her— and gave her confidence a much needed boost. She’d even managed to tame her rebellious hair into an elegant chignon. “You look as though you need to be somewhere important,” the receptionist said. “I do.” “Okay, I’ll see if I can squeeze you in ahead of someone else,” she said dubiously. “I’d really appreciate it.” “It’s okay, love,” she said, lowering her voice even more and still ignoring the ringing phones, “most of this lot don’t have anywhere else to be.” Ashley thanked her and moved into the waiting room. The only remaining seat was between a mother with a fractious infant on her lap and an obese man in need of a bath. She squeezed herself into it and tried to ignore both of them. Not so easily achieved since the child kept reaching out sticky fingers to touch her precious new jacket and the man didn’t even pretend that he wasn’t ogling her breasts. Ashley flipped through an out of date magazine, frequently glancing at her watch, thinking about Matt. They’d barely spoken since their last conversation. Either she or Matt were in meetings, or Eve was clinging to him. Matt had arrived in Southampton last night, but they’d only managed a brief two-minute conversation whilst Eve was in the shower. On the point of giving up on the doctor, Ashley’s name was called forty minutes later. Several people glared at her accusingly, aware that she’d come in after them. She ignored them and went to the

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consulting room the receptionist directed her toward. An attractive woman whom she recognized from the web picture stood and offered her hand. She looked harried. There were bags under her eyes, and her professional smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Sorry about the wait,” she said. “It’s always mad around here, but after a holiday, it’s just plain crazy.” “No problem. I’m just grateful that you could see me at all.” “What can I do for you, Ms. Wilde?” “Well, I’m on temporary assignment for my company and came down without my thyroid medication.” Ashley rolled her eyes. “Stupid, I know, but I was in a rush and I can’t function without it.” “No problem. I’m sure we can resolve that.” The doctor also eyed her smart suit. “You look like a woman to be reckoned with. What do you do, if you don’t mind me asking?” Ashley didn’t mind at all. “I work for Interactive Assurance. I’m general office manager.” “Oh, I see.” The doctor appeared taken aback. “That’s quite a responsibility.” Ashley smiled. “And some.” “Roll up your sleeve, please. I’ll just check your blood pressure.” “Do you have many patients with us?” Ashley asked. “A few, I guess.” She glanced up from the blood pressure cuff, no longer meeting Ashley’s eye. “Why do you ask?” “No reason. It’s just that I think one of yours sadly left us a few weeks ago.” “Oh yes? Who was that?” “A Mrs. Dawson.” “Yes, that came as quite a surprise, poor woman.” Ashley watched the doctor carefully. If she had made that original medical report disappear, then she would have shown some reaction at the mention of Mrs. Dawson’s name, especially when speaking to an authority figure from the company she’s helped to defraud. Ashley had had plenty of experience, dealing with members of her staff—

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such as Maria Spendlove—when they attempted get one over on her. This woman was more intelligent, and presumably better at covering her reactions, but Ashley would stake her bank balance on her not being responsible for disappearing reports. But she definitely knew something wasn’t right. The moment Ashley told her where she worked, her entire attitude became guarded. Either her husband was the guilty party, or someone else in the two practices was…well, doctoring the records. What possibility was there of Charlie having tame moles inside both organisations? Virtually zero. No, it had to be Dr. Andrews. Five minutes later Ashley left the surgery clutching a prescription she didn’t need and rushed to her car as fast as her heels would permit. She had ten minutes to cover a journey that would take at least that long, park her car, pick up her papers, and get to the meeting that she’d spent months preparing for. No way would she be on time. Ashley barged into the conference room ten minutes late, redfaced and totally embarrassed when everyone stopped talking and turned to look at her. It was clear that the meeting hadn’t yet started, and there was only one vacant chair. They were waiting for her. “Sorry,” she said breathlessly. “I was unavoidably detained.” She didn’t look at Matt but was conscious of him, seated at the head of the table alongside Giles Yardley from Stevenson’s. His gaze rested on her, his eyes widening slightly as they took in her new suit. He inclined his head briefly in silent approval. “Glad you could make it,” Charlie remarked. “Wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Ashley glanced at Matt’s rival as she spoke. Everyone else round the table appeared alert—almost tense. Not Charlie. He’d tipped his chair back on two legs and looked totally relaxed, like this was no big deal and he’d quite like to get it over with. Well, he could afford to relax, she thought resentfully, still convinced she could smell the body

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odour from the man she’d been squashed next to in that doctor’s waiting room, polluting her ruinously expensive new suit. And to add insult to injury, it looked as though she’d suffered that ignominy for nothing. The way things were going, Charlie’s plan would work out just as…well, just as he’d planned. If that happened, Matt’s reputation would be left in tatters, and he would come out of this merger second best, always assuming he avoided a jail sentence for rigging death claims. Ashley nodded to Stella and took the vacant seat next to her. She removed papers from her briefcase and arranged them in front of her, straightening her shoulders as she did so. She glanced at Matt, and their eyes briefly clashed. The exchange reminded her of what was at stake, stiffening her resolve. She’d be damned if she’d just sit back and let Charlie ruin everything that Matt had worked so hard to achieve. Matt called the meeting to order, and Ashley strived to concentrate. A lot of horse trading and jockeying for position was about to take place, and she owed it to her employees to fight their corner. Every so often, her gaze fell on Charlie, mainly because she could sense him watching her. He looked so complacently smug that she wanted to throttle him. There had to be a way that she could undermine his sabotage without him knowing. She drummed a pen on the pad in front of her as Peter Templeton droned on about the need for ruthlessness. Easy for him to say. His position was secure, no matter what happened. She tuned out and returned her thoughts to Charlie. What were his weaknesses? Where would be the best point of attack? How was he keeping in touch with the people doing the dirty work for him? One thing Ashley knew for certain, he wouldn’t be soiling his own hands. Then it came to her, just as Matt called upon Interactive’s systems manager to give his report. Subconscious transference of ideas, she supposed. A noise must have escaped her lips because Matt turned toward her.

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“Did you want to say something, Ashley?” “Oh no, sorry. Something just occurred to me that I need to add to my report, that’s all.” Several people flashed quizzical looks her way. She hadn’t performed to her usual standard thus far, and she clearly wasn’t the only one who’d noticed. She dropped her head and scribbled nonmeaningful notes on her pad to avoid their scrutiny, berating herself because Charlie’s weakness hadn’t occurred to her earlier. He was pretty good at most things he did but—unusually for this day and age—was virtually computer illiterate. He could just about cope with e-mail, but she’d once heard him say how much he distrusted that means of communication because anyone who knew what they were doing could find a way to hack into it. So, if Charlie was keeping a record of his shenanigans, it would be committed to paper somewhere. Somewhere he considered safe. The most obvious place would be in his home. If that was where it was, then Ashley was stymied because she had no chance of getting to it there. But he did keep a drawer in his office permanently locked and the keys continuously about his person. She knew because she’d seen him open it once or twice and she’d heard his secretary jokingly say that he must keep the secret details of his love life locked away in there. “Ashley,” Matt said, “it’s your turn.” As Ashley stood up to make her presentation, she’d already reached a decision. Whilst the directors were having lunch today—a lunch from which lesser mortals such as herself were excluded—she’d wait for his secretary to go to lunch, let herself into Charlie’s office and somehow get into that drawer. The only problem was that she’d be expected to help entertain Stella and the rest of the Stevenson’s bunch not included in the directors circle to lunch in a private room off the staff restaurant. How could she get out of that? Now that she’d decided to make this move against Charlie, she couldn’t afford to wait. He wasn’t often out of the office at the same time as Gloria, and Ashley didn’t have the luxury of

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time on her side. “Are you all right, Ashley?” Stella asked during a break in proceedings. “You look a bit flushed.” “Time of the month,” she said, grimacing. “Plus, I just came from a doctor’s appointment.” Well, that was true enough, anyway. “That’s why I was late.” “Oh, nothing serious, I hope.” “No, but if you don’t think I’m rude, I’m not sure I can face lunch in any form today.” “Don’t worry about it. I really ought to get back to the office, anyway. I have a ton of stuff to catch up with.” “Thanks. We’ll get together next week, if you like, just the two of us and thrash a few things out.” “We’ll probably achieve a sight more on our own than this lot did today,” she said, rolling her eyes. “No arguments there.” She shook hands with Stella and slipped away as soon as the meeting broke up. Matt tried to catch her eye, but she pretended not to see him. She’d been acting strangely, which would worry him, and he’d also want to know how she got on with the doctor. She didn’t have time to tell him. Nor did she want him to know what she planned to do with Charlie’s desk, just in case he tried to talk her out of it. She shut herself in the ladies room until the sound of voices and footsteps receded. Then, checking that she had what she needed, she made her move. It was a piece of luck that Jeff, an ex-policeman, kept his horse at the same yard as Ashley kept Lucius. They’d both arrived one day without their keys to the tack room. Untypically, no one else was about, so Ashley was on the point of returning home to get hers when Jeff asked if she had a hairpin. She handed one over, and like it was no big deal, he showed her how to pick the lock. She joked with him about there being a thin line between breaking the law and law enforcement. Still, it was a lesson well learned—one she’d had occasion to put into practice a couple of times since.

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She returned to her desk, decanted her papers, and glanced next door. It was past one o’clock, Gloria’s desk was empty, and hardly anyone else was left in the main open plan office. Before she could think better of it, Ashley let herself into Charlie’s office, closed the door behind her, and took a deep breath. The credenza with the drawer that interested her was on wheels, situated behind Charlie’s large desk. She sat in his chair and leaned over the lock, carefully inserting the pin. Her hands shook so badly that she almost dropped it. She’d never opened a lock that she wasn’t legitimately entitled to before, and her forced initiation into the world of crime didn’t exactly fill her with joy. Even so, she persevered and was rewarded when the tumblers fell into place and the locked clicked open. She pulled the drawer out, wondering what she expected to find. A smoking gun in the form of a list of all the people involved would be handy, but she wasn’t holding her breath. Just as well because all she found was a neatly organized set of files. Charlie’s personal bank records, reports on his senior staff, some stuff to do with his divorce and remarriage. And a thick file on Matt that immediately piqued her interest. She picked it up and flicked through it, excitement causing her to hyperventilate because she was pretty sure that she was on to something. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Ashley’s bottom left the chair as she literally jumped with fright. The file fell from her hands, papers scattering in all directions as she slowly turned her head. “Charlie, I was just—” “Yes.” He closed the door behind him, leaned against it, his face like thunder. “What were you just?” There was no way Ashley could defend her actions, so she switched to the offensive. She retrieved the scattered papers, which gave her a moment to gather her thoughts, straightened up and place them on his desk. They she stood and confronted him. “I’m trying to see how you do it,” she said, meeting his gaze and

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holding it. “Do what?” “Fix the death claims.” He looked genuinely confused. “What the hell are you talking about?” “The three fraudulent death claims that are likely to go to the ombudsman.” “Matt’s got that covered.” Ashley quirked a brow. “Of course he has.” Charlie moved further into the room, standing mere inches from her. “I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.” For the second time in one day, Ashley’s body language interpretation skills were called into play. Charlie did seem genuinely bewildered. Could she and Matt have got it wrong? No, of course not! Who else but Charlie would want to sabotage Interactive’s position? “Those claims aren’t bogus, Charlie, as well you know.” “Actually,” he said calmly, “I don’t. Claims have nothing to do with me. Our claims people followed their usual procedures and found non-disclosure, that’s all I know.” He shrugged. “Three in close succession is unusual, I’ll give you that, but it happens. Why would that make you break into my personal papers?” Ashley was speechless. She was speechless because she really did believe him. “This is something to do with Matt, isn’t it?” “Well, not exactly. He doesn’t know—” Charlie picked up his phone. “Matt,” he said when it was answered. “You’d better get down here. I just caught your girlfriend breaking into my office.”

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Chapter Fifteen “I’m not Matt’s girlfriend.” “Shut up.” Charlie folded his arms across his chest, refusing to look at her. It felt as though the silence was sucking the air out of the room as they waited for Matt to join them. Ashley’s heart was pumping at twice its usual rate. Matt would be furious with her. She’d completely blown it, and what passed for the relationship he maintained with his cousin was now dead in the water. The atmosphere was laden with incriminations, and Ashley felt an instinctive desire to defend herself. She resisted, aware that anything she said would only make matters worse. She risked a glance at Charlie, who was now regarding her with more curiosity than anger. She wondered if that was progress. The door burst open, and Matt stood there, frowning. “Join the party,” Charlie said sarcastically. “What’s going on?” “I rather thought you’d be able to fill me in on that.” “Ashley?” “I was just—” “I figured there was something not quite right about Ashley this morning,” Charlie said. “She was off her game. I couldn’t figure out why she’d be late for a meeting she’d been preparing for night and day. She didn’t put in her usual polished performance when she got her chance to shine and then cried off lunch with the others.” “So?” Arms akimbo, Ashley stood and faced Charlie down. “What are you now, my mother? Your concern is touching, but it’s really none of your business how I perform.”

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“Unless I catch you breaking into my private files.” “Why do you need to keep a private file on Matt?” “Ashley, it’s okay.” Matt’s voice startled her. She’d been so focused on her argument with Charlie that she’d almost forgotten he was there. “It’s not okay,” she countered. “Charlie’s trying to queer your pitch, but wants to make me out as the villain of the piece.” “What’s this all about?” Charlie addressed himself to Matt. “Something about those death claims not being kosher?” “Like you didn’t already know,” Ashley muttered. “I didn’t, as it happens. What’s going on, Matt. You said you had them covered.” Matt sighed. “Someone doctored our computer records. These cases were all rated from the outset. The policyholders told the truth about their pre-existing conditions, but when they died, all records of that were expunged from the system—” “What!” Charlie shot off the wall he’d been leaning against. “How?” “The original proposal forms were altered, the GP’s records changed. Our routine requests for reports when the policies were applied for aren’t there anymore.” “But surely you can—” “And there’s no trace of duplicate paperwork amongst the policyholders’ effects.” “Ah, I see.” Charlie scratched the side of his chin. “How do you know they told the truth in the first place?” “The premiums,” Ashley said. “They were rated from the outset.” Charlie looked genuinely shell-shocked. “And you thought I’m responsible for all this?” Matt shrugged. “Who else would it be?” “Oh, that’s just great!” Charlie rounded on Matt. “I know you don’t think much of me, but this really takes the biscuit.” “Oh, come on, Charlie. You didn’t want this amalgamation. You

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made that patently clear. You wanted to push ahead with expansion on our own.” “Yes,” Charlie said, steel in his tone. “I think you’ve been too cautious, and still do, but I got outvoted. End of story.” “So you decided to get you own back,” Ashley said scathingly. “Christ, I don’t believe this!” Charlie paused, clearly struggling to control his temper. “I ask you again. Why? What do I have to gain by making Interactive look fraudulent? It would weaken our position and that would affect me as badly as anyone.” “Spite?” Ashley suggested mildly. “You’ll do anything to belittle Matt.” Matt put his hand on her arm to stop her saying anything else. “Are you saying it isn’t you?” he asked quietly. “Well, of course I bloody am! Christ, I know you don’t have a very high opinion of me, Matt, but I’m buggered if I’ll bite the hand that feeds me.” Ashley and Matt exchanged a loaded glance. It was obvious to her that their thoughts colluded. They’d been barking up the wrong tree all along. Charlie really wasn’t the one responsible. Matt stood and paced the spacious office. “Then it begs the question who? Who stands to gain the most out of us getting on the wrong side of the ombudsman?” “Stevensons’s, obviously,” Ashley said. “Yes, but to do what they’ve done, they’d have to have access to our computer systems—” “Or to someone who works on the systems,” Ashley pointed out. “Right. They’d also have to have something on the doctors who filed the initial medical reports. Something heavy enough to persuade them to make those reports disappear.” “That’s where I was this morning.” Ashley addressed her comment to Charlie, but she looked straight at Matt. “We discovered that in the three cases, two different doctors’ offices are involved.” “And Ashley found out that two of those doctors are married to

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each other.” “That has to be more than a coincidence,” Charlie said, frowning. “That’s what we thought, and so I went to see the wife this morning,” Ashley said. “I managed to bring up the Dawson case in conversation. It spooked her. She obviously knows something isn’t right about it, but I’m convinced she didn’t make the original report disappear.” “So it’s the husband,” Matt said. “Looks that way.” Ashley shrugged. “Dr. Simpson came back from her holiday early. I’m guessing that hubby came clean, they argued about it, and she came back in case there were any repercussions.” “Like you turning up at her surgery,” Matt said, glowering at her. “I told you not to go.” “It was fine.” “The perpetrator would have to have early warning that death claims were pending so as to choose the right ones,” Charlie said. “And, presumably, someone’s managing to get into the deceased’s homes and remove their records of the policies. Christ!” He shook his head. “This is some slick operation. The ombudsman would know from the premiums that the cases were rated and would never believe that we didn’t deliberately try to avoid paying out. It would be the end of us.” “Exactly,” Matt said grimly. “How much is involved with these three claims?” “Over half a million quid.” Charlie let out a low whistle. “What the hell are we going to do?” “We usually find out before a claim’s submitted that one’s pending when the premiums aren’t paid. The bank return the request marked deceased,” Ashley pointed out. “Which would show on our systems,” Matt and Charlie said together. “Right, but how someone’s destroying the policyholder’s papers is

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beyond me,” Ashley continued. “In one case there was a break in during the funeral, if you can believe it, but nothing untoward has been reported in the other two instances.” “You should have said something, Matt,” Charlie said. “At least told your fellow directors. Oh no, sorry,” he added sarcastically. “You thought you knew who the culprit was.” “Put yourself in my position,” Matt said shortly. “We may not be bosom buddies, but we are business partners. I’ve worked my nuts off to build up a decent sales team. Why would I wreck that?” “Look, okay, I admit I got it wrong.” Matt paused. “I’m sorry. And if it’s any consolation, I’m glad it’s not you.” “Apology accepted,” Charlie said shortly. “We think we know who’s altering our computer records,” Ashley said, “but not why?” “Who?” Charlie asked. “Claire Slattery.” Charlie pulled a face. “I’m not top of her Christmas card list, as it happens, because I fired her husband.” “So we gather,” Matt said. “How long ago?” “Oh, about four or five months.” “Why did you let him go?” Matt asked. “I hear he was good at his job.” “Yes, he was, but he was also fiddling his expenses.” Matt quirked a brow. “And you fired him for that? I should have thought a rap over the knuckles would be enough to keep him on the straight and narrow.” “No, I didn’t fire him for that, but I made it plain that the promotion he’d been hankering after had gone to someone else because I knew what he’d done. I hate being played for an idiot.” Charlie sighed. “Anyway, he lost his rag and took a swing at me.” “Ah, that black eye I recall you sporting a while back.” “Yep. Couldn’t let that go, could I?”

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“No, of course not. You did the right thing.” “But you obviously didn’t know his wife was pregnant and that, because you didn’t give him a reference, he couldn’t get another job in the industry and had to take something with less pay,” Ashley said. “Not my problem.” “No, but someone else must have known about it and targeted Claire,” Matt said. “She was a soft option.” “What I don’t understand,” Ashley said, frowning, “is how someone inside Stevenson’s could know all this. Know who to target, I mean. Know which claims were pending, stuff like that. And as to how they nobbled that doctor…well, it beats the hell out of me. Whoever it is has been very clever, put a lot of thought into it, and must have a huge grudge to bear against Interactive.” “How long have you two been an item?” Charlie asked, in an abrupt change of subject. Matt and Ashley shared a prolonged glance. She remained silent. It was up to Matt whether or not he admitted it. “So you know,” he said quietly. “We thought you must do.” “I only found out at that do we had a couple of weeks ago.” “The one when you targeted Ashley?” Matt said, frowning. “Yes, don’t know why I did that. I only intended to get her a drink and flirt with her a bit.” He shrugged. “You know me. Then you started shooting me daggers, so I carried on, just for the hell of it. Later on Ashley disappeared for ages to the bathroom, so on a whim, I followed her.” He barked a short, humourless laugh. “I saw the two of you almost making out right there in the corridor.” “And lost no time running to Eve?” “What the hell are you talking about? I didn’t tell Eve anything. Why would I hurt her like that?” “Because you’ve always wanted her, perhaps,” Matt suggested. “I did when we were kids, but she chose you and I don’t take another man’s leftovers. We’re friends. That’s all. As it happens, I’m very happy with my new wife.”

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“Well, she obviously knows,” Ashley said. “That’s why she’s been virtually stalking me since I came down here.” “If you were a man, you’d tell her yourself,” Charlie said scathingly. “Have to say I thought you had higher standards. You impregnate her then run off with another woman but don’t want her to know.” Charlie snorted. “Charming!” Ashley glanced at Matt and would have given much to know what was going through his mind. There was little doubt in Ashley’s mind that Charlie wasn’t behind the rigged death claims. Could it be that Matt had got it wrong about him fathering Eve’s baby, too? Had the competitive barrier that existed between them made him overjudgemental? “What happened that night when I passed out at your place?” he asked in a glacial tone. “What do you mean, what happened?” Charlie shrugged. “You had a few too many, virtually passed out, and it took Eve and me to put you to bed.” “No, I meant what happened between you and Eve when I was passed out?” “Nothing.” His eyes slid away from Matt’s face, and Ashley knew he was lying. “That’s not the way I remember it,” Matt said. “You weren’t in any condition to remember anything.” “Answer the question,” Matt snapped. “Oh okay, what the hell, you’ve got me down as a bastard anyway.” He let out a long sigh. “Eve was in one of her needy moods. She wanted a cuddle, so I obliged.” He paused. “She wanted more than that, which is when, as they say, I made my excuses and left.” “So you didn’t—” “No, Matt, I didn’t. As I said, I like Eve, and okay, I deliberately flirt with her when you’re around just to annoy you, but I did not shag her. Believe me or not, I don’t much care, but it’s true. I never have, and I never will. She wanted you, and that’s what she’s got.”

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Ashley could hear hurt and resentment in Charlie’s voice. He still cared for Eve, probably still loved her in his own way, but she believed what he’d just said. She glanced at Matt, and it was apparent that he did, too. “Then I owe you another apology,” he said quietly. “I thought you fathered the child.” Charlie looked genuinely shocked. “Are you saying it’s not yours?” “Yes.” Matt explained how it couldn’t have been. “Jesus!” Charlie plonked himself heavily into the nearest chair. “What a bloody mess. Talk about dysfunctional families.” His expression briefly lightened. “I guess that’s what the falling out between you two was about?” “Yes, it was,” Ashley said quietly. “But I’ve forgiven him now.” “Who do you think she’s been playing footsie with, then?” “No idea,” Matt said quietly. “But it explains a lot of things. She’s been on her own a lot over the past year or so whilst I’ve worked on the amalgamation, and she hasn’t once complained.” “Which ought to have made you suspicions because Eve hates her own company,” Charlie said. “Quite. But what I don’t understand is why she’s so keen to cling and make me think the child’s mine?” “Can’t help you there,” Charlie said. “I can only assume the father’s married, or doesn’t want to stand by her, or whatever.” “Yes well,” Matt said, with a weary sigh. “I dare say I’ll find out the sordid truth sooner or later. Right now I have more serious issues to contend with.” “Why didn’t you confront Eve about the baby? Surely you’re not prepared to put up with a cuckoo in the nest.” Charlie grinned. “Especially not if you thought it was mine.” “Because I need her vote to swing the amalgamation.” “You bloody idiot!” Charlie spoke almost affectionately. “You

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just assumed Peter and I would vote against you?” “In a nutshell.” Matt paced the office, throwing his hands about in obvious agitation. “You were pretty adamant when I decided to approach Stevenson’s that you didn’t want to go down that route and wouldn’t support me. So was Peter.” Charlie waved Matt’s words aside. “Peter’s a dinosaur. He doesn’t see why we can’t carry on the way we are. He won’t accept that market conditions have changed and only the strong survive in this jungle. That’s why he’s being so pedantic in these negotiations. Well—” He offered up a brief grin. “Even more pedantic than usual. I, however, do live in the twenty-first century and know we can’t go it alone anymore.” Matt rolled his eyes. “You might have told me.” “You might have asked.” He shrugged. “You know what I’m like. I enjoy playing devil’s advocate.” “Sorry.” Matt offered Charlie his hand, and after a brief hesitation, Charlie took it in a firm grasp. “No hard feelings?” “Let’s kiss and make up,” Charlie said, winking at Ashley. Ashley, pleased to see the two men reconciled and glad that Matt could now have it out with Eve, was more concerned about the bogus claims. “We’ve still got to get to the bottom of these damned claims,” Matt said, as though reading her mind. “I had a request for an interview from a reporter on The Echo.” “Oh no!” Ashley raised a hand to cover her mouth. “What will you do?” “I’ve put it off until next week, but if I don’t see him, I won’t know if he’s on to us.” “You can bet that he is,” Charlie said. “Whoever fixed the claims would make sure of that.” He paused, clearly deep in thought. Neither Matt nor Ashley interrupted him. “What about this Claire Slattery? Can’t we put pressure on her to tell us who twisted her arm?” “Well, I tried but—”

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Ashley went on to explain about the baby. “Well then, I guess we need to focus on that doctor. See if we can find out who’s pulling his strings.” “I wonder if this has anything to do with Philip Roker?” Ashley mused. Both men’s heads shot up. “No,” they said in unison. “No,” said Matt again. “I know you don’t like him much, Ash, but that’s because you don’t really know him. He’s meticulous, pedantic, socially inept, but as honest as the day is long. Besides, he’s been connected with our family for years. He’d never do this to us.” “But he had to step aside when you took over. Perhaps he’s bears a grudge.” “A bloody long time to nurse a grudge,” Charlie commented. “It’s been known. If he’s so meticulous, perhaps he was prepared to bide his time.” “I don’t see it,” Matt said. “Nor me,” agreed Charlie. “Well,” Ashley said, flashing a wary smile. “At least you two have started agreeing about something, even if it’s at my expense.” Charlie laughed. “Yeah, it’s a bit of a milestone, I guess.” “Roker would know how the company operates internally,” Ashley pointed out, refusing to let it go. “That was fifteen years ago,” Matt said. “We’re a different animal now.” “But you still have some long term employees who knew Roker. Interactive has a reputation for keeping their staff forever.” “True, but—” Charlie’s intercom buzzed. “What is it, Gloria?” “Sorry to interrupt, but Paul Slattery’s in reception asking for Ashley. He says it’s urgent.” Matt, Charlie, and Ashley looked at one another. “He won’t be here to tell me about the baby,” Ashley said. “I

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intimated to Claire, before our conversation was so rudely interrupted, that if she told me the truth, we might be able to do something for Paul.” “Would you take him back?” Matt asked Charlie. “I guess I have no choice, given the circumstances. He is a damned good salesman, and I dare say he’s learned his lesson.” “Okay, then let’s get him up here.” “Bring him up, Gloria,” Charlie said. “We’ll see him in here.” They waited in silence. If nothing else, there was a lessening of tension between Matt and Charlie, for which Ashley was grateful. But far from relieving Matt’s anxiety, knowing that Charlie wasn’t the villain of the piece appeared to have thrown him into an even deeper funk. Ashley was grateful when the door opened and Gloria ushered Paul in. “Hey,” he said, looking alarmed when he saw Matt and Charlie there. “I just wanted to have a word with Ashley.” “Three for the price of one,” Charlie said cheerfully. “How’s the baby?” Ashley asked. Paul’s suspicious scowl gave way to a broad grin. “He’s a great little chap, thanks. Claire and James are doing fine.” “That’s good.” Ashley paused, taking a moment to assimilate her thoughts. It was important that she didn’t frighten him off. “You know why I went to see Claire?” she said quietly. Paul nodded. “I think so, yeah.” “Listen, Paul, I know she didn’t want to do what she did. I suspect she only did it because she was desperate for money. I’m guessing that it was supposed to be just the once. Am I right?” Paul was sitting forward, elbows planted on splayed thighs, head bowed. He nodded just once. “But blackmailers never stop at once, do they?” “Apparently not.” “Tell me what you know.” When he didn’t speak, she pushed him. “That’s what you came here to do, isn’t it? Your conscience, and Claire’s, won’t let you do anything less.”

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“If I hadn’t lost my bloody job—” “It’s yours again,” Charlie said. “I’ll reinstate you and there will be no repercussions on Claire if you tell us who’s trying to wreck our company.” His head shot up, and he looked directly at Matt. “I thought you must already know.” “Me?” Matt looked genuinely surprised. “Someone we know well at Stevenson’s presumably,” Charlie said. “Philip Roker, perhaps?” “No.” Paul shook his head decisively. He paused, looking directly at Matt for an age before he spoke again. “It’s your wife.”

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Chapter Sixteen “My wife!” Matt looked as shell-shocked as Ashley herself felt. So, too, did Charlie. The three of them exchanged glances and then turned as one toward Paul. “Are you sure about that?” Matt asked, shaking his head. “Absolutely certain.” “What happened?” “Well, it was just after I’d been sacked. Mrs. Templeton bumped into Claire in the deli where she goes to lunch. It was a chance meeting, apparently.” Like hell it was! “They knew one another by sight, so Mrs. Templeton asked if she could join Claire. They just chatted about the baby. Claire said she was really friendly, interested in her plans for her new family, like women tend to be. Apparently, she sensed that Claire had something on her mind and prized it out of her about me getting the push at the worst possible time.” “You should have thought of that before you—” Ashley held up a hand to prevent Charlie from defending himself. It was more important to keep Paul talking. “Go on,” she said, with an encouraging smile. “Well, Mrs. Templeton rang Claire a few days later and suggested they meet for lunch again because she had a proposition for her.” Paul nodded toward Matt. “She said she was having a difference of opinion with you, Mr. Templeton, about how secure the death claim process was against anyone who wanted to derail it.”

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“And she believed that?” Matt asked sceptically. “No, not really, but as your wife pointed out, she is a director of the company, albeit a sleeping one, and she was worried about the safeguards that were supposedly in place to prevent fraudulent claims.” Paul took a deep breath, looking everywhere except at his captive audience. “She offered Claire a financial incentive to alter our records in respect of a claim that was pending.” “If it was to test the system, why offer money?” Ashley asked. “Because Claire had opened up to her about how hard up we were, what with the baby on the way and me not able to get another decent job.” “But presumably Claire didn’t think she was offering a backhander out of the goodness of her own heart?” Charlie said. “Besides, we as a company wouldn’t be worried about bona fide claims being turned down. If they were kosher, then they’d get settled at appeals stage. We’d be a lot more concerned about illegitimate ones slipping through the net and getting paid.” “No, of course we didn’t think she was being philanthropic by offering cash. We just figured that there was something else going on that we didn’t know about. I guess desperation made us less keen to know the truth. That way we could hide behind Mrs. Templeton being a director.” He ran a hand across his head, briefly ruffling his closecropped hair, and addressed his next comment to the floor. “You see, I’ve been a right idiot. The reason why I was inventive with my expenses was that I’d boxed myself into a corner. I had a bit of a gambling habit, our credit cards were maxed out, the bills were piling up—” “And Claire told Eve that?” Matt asked. “Yeah, your wife is very good at getting people to open up.” “How much was she offering?” “A thousand pounds cash, no questions asked.” “Not much of an incentive when the downside could be the loss of her job as well,” Charlie remarked.

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“I don’t expect you to understand the sort of desperation we felt.” Paul finally raised his gaze from the floor. “She told Claire that no harm would be done and that the claims would be paid out without anyone being any the wiser once the experiment was over and she’d made her point. Claire didn’t want to know at first, but your wife made her promise to think about it. Obviously, she came home and told me, and we eventually decided that if it was just a one-off, and since a director was asking, what harm could there be? It would get us out of a hole and get Mrs. Templeton off Claire’s back.” He shrugged. “We figured that the supporting paperwork at the doctor’s office, plus the rated premiums, would ensure the claim was eventually paid.” “But it wasn’t a one-off, was it?” Matt said. “She had Claire hooked, and there was no way out for her.” “Exactly. She came back twice more. Claire was miserable but knew she’d lose her job as well if what she’d done came to light. Not just her job, mind, but her right to paid maternity leave as well.” Ashley and Matt shared a glance, both thinking that Eve had chosen her target well. “And Mrs. Templeton threatened to reveal her part in it if she didn’t cooperate.” Paul shook his head, looking desolate. “All because I couldn’t resist the thrill of the chase.” “Are you off gambling now?” Ashley asked. “Yes, losing my job brought me to my senses. I’m sorry I took a swing at you, Mr. Templeton,” he said to Charlie. “I was out of order, but so sickened by what I’d become that I tried to transfer the blame to you. Anyway, for what it’s worth, becoming a father has made a world of difference. I’m attending gamblers’ anonymous and taking my responsibilities seriously.” “That’s good to know.” “Are you absolutely sure that it only happened the three times?” Matt asked. “Yes, I’m certain.” “Okay, Paul,” Charlie said. “You’re back on the payroll if you want your old job back.”

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“What!” His incredulous look made Ashley smile. “You’d take me back after what Claire and I have both done?” He shook his head. “Is this a windup?” “Just make sure your expenses are one hundred percent legit.” “Don’t worry about that.” He still looked bemused. “You can count on me. I won’t let you down again.” “I know you won’t,” Charlie said, clapping him on the back and leading him to the door. “Gloria,” he said. “We’re re-employing Paul. Can you take him up to Human Resources and get the paperwork sorted out?” “Sure,” she said, smiling. “Come on, Paul, and you can tell me all about your gorgeous new son on the way up.” Charlie closed the door again and all but fell into his seat. “Well,” he said into the heavy silence. “I didn’t see that one coming.” “Nor me,” Matt said, looking as though he badly needed a drink. “It explains a hell of a lot,” Ashley said. “For a start, her close friendship with Philip Roker. The two of them must be in it together.” Matt nodded. “It looks that way.” “It also explains why she wanted to cling to you, Matt, and tried to frighten me off.” Ashley paused, nibbling at her lower lip as she reasoned things through. “I reckon that Philip Roker recognized what was going on with us, Matt. Perhaps at that dinner, or maybe even before then. Eve must have known you were seeing someone else but didn’t particularly care because she obviously was, too. She and Roker put their plan into action when the amalgamation talks started in earnest, which is when she needed to be sure that you weren’t on the point of leaving her for someone else.” “I hate to say it, babe, but when you’re right, you’re right.” “Roker probably had you followed to my place. You spent enough nights there to bear out their suspicions, which is probably why I felt Roker always looked at me as though he knew stuff about me that he shouldn’t.” Ashley shook her head. “No wonder he made me so

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uncomfortable.” “My car being in your garage would fool a casual observer,” Matt agreed. “Which is all we thought we were up against. We couldn’t risk someone from the office seeing it parked outside on the street and recognising it.” “If she no longer cares about you, why would Eve be bothered if you were having an affair, Matt?” Charlie asked, shaking his head. “She’d still have her shares in Interactive and could just openly ally herself with Roker.” “I suppose,” Ashley responded, “because she’s picking up the information about pending claims from Matt’s laptop when he’s at home.” “Yes, that’s what I just figured out, too,” Matt said. “I’m always on the system when at home, chasing up something or other.” “Would she know her way round it, though?” Ashley asked. “Oh yes. Eve’s very bright, and she knows a hell of a lot more about computers than I do.” Matt thumped his thigh. “I’m paranoid about Internet security, but it never occurred to me that I needed to protect myself against my own wife.” “For their plan to work, Eve needed to be the inside person at Interactive, getting the information about claims, and presumably, it’s Roker who has something on that doctor and got him to do their bidding.” Ashley shook her head. “But I can’t see him breaking into the policyholders’ houses to destroy their paperwork.” “So there must be someone else in on it,” Charlie said. “Right,” agreed Matt. “But I’d give a lot to know why Eve got involved.” “Who do you think fathered her baby?” Charlie put into words the question that had been plaguing Ashley. “Presumably the third member of their little tribe,” Matt said. “It must have come as a hell of a shock,” Ashley mused. “I can’t imagine she intended it to happen. Not if she wanted to keep you close, Matt. She must have realized you’d know the baby isn’t yours.

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She might not know about the vasectomy, but she sure as hell knows you haven’t slept together for months.” “Perhaps that’s what that charade was about at my place,” Charlie suggested. “You did say that she pretended you’d had sex that night, Matt,” Ashley reminded him. “Yes, but I knew we hadn’t. I wasn’t capable.” “Why the hell is she doing this to us?” Charlie asked plaintively. “What does she expect to get out of it?” “Hell if I know,” Matt said. “Presumably Eve and the mystery third person would benefit financially and perhaps get board positions with Stevenson’s when they become the senior partner in the amalgamation, which they almost certainly will if it becomes public knowledge that we tamped with genuine claims.” “Eve is a board member here.” “Yes, but she has no power.” “She’s never shown the slightest inclination to become involved,” Charlie pointed out. “I’ve no idea what’s motivated her,” Matt said, sighing. “But at least one thing has happened in our favour.” “What’s that?” Charlie and Ashley asked in unison. “Well, I think they were hoping to do it one more time. They’ve done three trial runs, got a journalist sniffing round, sown the seeds of doubt about our integrity. Then, just as the amalgamation talks reach their pinnacle, the journalist would print what he’d been fed and another dodgy claim would show up.” “How could they engineer another claim involving a patient of Dr. Andrews?” Ashley asked. “It’s too much to just hope another of his patients, with a policy with us, would conveniently die to order.” “They wouldn’t need to. They could just alter the records on a suitable claim, get rid of the paperwork from the policyholder’s house, which they appear adept at managing, and raise the alarm.” “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” Ashley finished, grimly. “Our

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integrity would be shot to pieces, even if we could subsequently prove our innocence.” “But Claire going into labour early has put the kibosh on their plans,” Matt said. “I doubt whether they have any other tame systems analysts waiting in the wings. Only people on Ashley’s grade or higher have access to the system on their home computers.” “They can still make a hell of a fuss about the three cases they’ve already rigged,” Ashley pointed out. “Unless we stop them.” “How do you plan to do that, Matt?” Charlie asked. “By fighting fire with fire. They’re not the only ones with connections in the local media.” He paused, absently brushing a strand of hair that had escaped Ashley’s chignon away from her shoulder. “Philip has his man at The Echo, but I know a guy on a national Sunday tabloid who owes me a favour.” “Would he care about our problems?” Ashley asked. “If I sell it to him right. It would make a great feature. How one business played fast and loose with the bereaved, just to get a jump in amalgamation negotiations.” “Yes, I can see that,” Charlie said. “But you’d have to trust the guy with the truth. It’s a hell of a risk, and if you openly accuse Stevenson’s, then you can kiss good-bye to the amalgamation altogether.” “I’ll have to take that chance. It’s the only option we have, given the time scales involved. This guy of mine does those double-page exposés that get readers up in arms.” Matt threw his head back and closed his eyes. Ashley could see tiredness and strain etched on his face and ached to hold him. She folded her hands in her lap before they developed a mind of their own and reached for him. “And to do that, he has to be a bit of a sleuth, or at least have access to people who can dig the dirt.” “Dr. Andrews,” Ashley said, realizing where Matt was going with this. “You want to find out quickly what Roker could possibly have

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on him that made him agree to destroy patients’ records.” “Precisely!” “And persuade him to tell all in order to save his career.” “Whatever happens, his career is history,” Matt said fiercely. “I can’t abide a doctor who puts his own interests about those of his patients.” “You can’t tell him that, though, or he’ll never cooperate,” Charlie pointed out. “I don’t plan to tell him anything. I’ll wait to see what my guy finds out, and then we’ll decide how to play it.” “Sounds like a plan.” Charlie leaned back in his chair and grinned at Matt and Ashley. “If it weren’t for the seriousness of the situation, I might almost enjoy trying to outwit them,” he said, his eyes lingering on Matt. “It’s good to be back on the same team, cousin,” he said. “Yes, it is,” Matt agreed, and Ashley could tell that he meant it. However this thing worked itself out, at least Matt and Charlie had made their peace. Matt’s mother would be glad about that. “I still can’t believe it of Eve,” Charlie mused. “I thought I knew her backward.” He shrugged. “It just goes to show.”

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Chapter Seventeen “Okay then. Let’s get this show on the road.” Matt stood up. “I guess I need to call my journo friend, first off.” He flipped through his mobile phone directory and hit on a contact. It obviously went straight through to the guy’s cell because he answered almost immediately. Matt introduced himself but didn’t waste time with small talk. “I might have something interesting for you, Nate. Can you meet me in Southampton tonight?” he asked. “This isn’t something for the phone. You can? Great. Just one thing before you come down, though. Get your research bod to look into a Dr. Andrews and his wife Dr. Simpson.” Matt consulted the pad Ashley held up and reeled off the addresses of their practises. They’re a married couple, but there’s something off about one of them. Probably him.” Matt listened for a bit, nodded, and then named a top end hotel on Southampton waterfront. “I’ll be registered there. Shall we say seven o’clock? Ask for me at reception and come right on up. I’ll tell them to expect you. Oh, and, Nate, keep this under your hat. Strictly between you and me for now. Right, good. I’ll see you tonight then.” “What do you want us to do?” Ashley asked. “I want you to gather up all the evidence we have. If we’re to have any chance of pulling this off, I need to be completely straight with this guy and place my trust in him.” “Okay,” Ashley said. “I can do that.” “Then I want you there with me tonight.” He winked at her. “All night. Tomorrow’s meeting has been postponed, and I’m supposed to be going back in Reigate. Eve won’t question my disappearance, but I

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don’t want her hanging round you instead. Besides, we’ve earned a bit of luxury.” “Just make sure no one tails you there,” Charlie said. “Good point. We’ll go separately by cab. Do you want in on it, too, Charlie?” “Thanks for the offer, but three’s a crowd,” he said, grinning at Ashley. “Besides, I’d be better employed keeping Roker occupied. I’ll ring him and suggest we meet for a working dinner. Try and iron out some of the snags that led to the postponement of tomorrow’s meeting.” “That would be a great help, if you don’t mind doing it.” “I might even call Eve and suggest she comes along, too. That way I’ll have them both in the same place, under my beady eye. Not much I can do about the mystery third party, though.” “You’re doing more than enough as it is,” Matt assured him. “Right, just don’t forget to call me and let me know how it went with the journo.” He flashed another grin at Ashley. “Before other occupations make you forget about poor old me.” “Business before pleasure,” Matt said, sighing. “For what it’s worth, I might think you’re overcautious, anal retentive, and all that other shit I’ve thrown at you over the years, but I can’t fault your taste in women.” “Thank you,” Ashley said, blushing furiously. “I think.” Matt just laughed, slapped Charlie’s shoulder, and kissed the top of Ashley’s head. “See you later, babe,” he said. **** Ashley was a bag of nerves, jumping like a scalded cat at nothing for the rest of the afternoon. She had plenty of work to do but couldn’t concentrate. Matt must be devastated by Eve’s treachery. Their marriage might be over, but she could see that Paul’s revelation had

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shaken him to the core. His hastily concocted plan to undermine Roker seemed somewhat nebulous, especially since it placed the entire future of Interactive in the hands of the tabloid press, but she couldn’t think of any alternative that would work in the limited time available to them. A cab deposited her at the DeVere Grand Harbour Hotel at just after six. Matt had texted her with a room number, so she walked through the swing doors and was whisked upward in a silent elevator to the top floor. Matt opened the door to a sumptuous penthouse suite, but Ashley barely noticed its opulence. Her attention was all for Matt. In shirtsleeves, he looked totally drained, as though all the life had been sucked out of him. “Come here,” she said, walking into the room and kicking the door shut behind her. He swept her from her feet, holding her so tightly that she could hardly breathe. Then he kissed her with savage possessiveness, exorcising his demons by plundering her mouth like he never intended to stop. Ashley matched his urgency, glad to finally express her feelings without the need for words. “I need you, Ash,” he said, almost plaintively, when he finally let her go. “You have no idea how much.” “Just as well because you’re stuck with me.” “Do you know what thought’s been constantly going through my head all day?” Ashley didn’t want to hazard a guess, scared of what he might say. “That it would be a nice day to go for a hack,” she said flippantly. “Not even close.” He maintained his hold on her, his arms like bands of steel as their bodies collided. “All this shit was going down, and all I could think about was how classy you look in that new suit. How much I wanted to take it off you.” Ashley’s heart melted. “I don’t know what to say to that, other than be my guest.” “Oh, I intend to be, once Nate’s been.”

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“I’m so sorry about Eve,” Ashley said quietly. “It was a real bummer, finding that out about her.” “I should have read the signs. About her and Charlie,” he said, with a heavy sigh. “I’ve been a prize fool, thinking I had all the answers. Just assuming that Charlie was against me because he always is. Underestimating Eve.” “She’s your wife, Matt. You thought she wanted to keep the relationship alive. How were you supposed to know differently?” “Perhaps if I’d bothered to look?” He released her and walked further into the room. Ashley finally took notice of her surroundings and let out a low whistle. They were in a very swish sitting room. The door to the adjoining bedroom was open to reveal a massive bed that looked far too comfortable. “Wow,” she said. “What have we done to deserve this?” “If we can’t spoil ourselves after the sort of day we’ve had…” Matt let out a long breath. “I’m through with hiding, Ash. After this, it’s you and me for the duration, and I don’t give a damn what happens. As long as I have you with me. We’ll be living in style, as well, so get used to it.” “I don’t care about style, I just want you.” “You’ve got me, count on it, but we need to decide what—” “Let’s get through this first, and then we’ll make plans.” “Hey, you’re not having second thoughts, are you?” He looked horrified. “I can take most of the crap that comes my way, but if I were to lose you I—” “No chance of that, buster.” “Thank God for that.” He went to the minibar and found a beer for himself and white wine for Ashley. “Although why you still want to hang around, what with the all the baggage I bring with me, emotional and otherwise, I’m at a loss to understand.” Ashley flashed a grin. “Can’t get my head round that one myself.” “Wench!” He sat on the nearest settee and pulled her onto her lap. “What have you got on under that jacket? I’ve been wrestling with

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that question all day.” “Hmm, that’s for me to know and you to find out.” “Oh, I will.” He looked a little less stressed now, but months’ worth of tension was still etched in his face. The vertical lines that came together above his nose seemed deeper than before, and strain was evident in his eyes. “You’re wondering how to resolve all this and keep Eve out of it, aren’t you?” He shot her a surprised look. “What makes you say that?” “Matt, it’s hardly rocket science. She’s your wife, the mother of your children. I’m guessing that you’re thinking of them and how the news will affect them, if it became public knowledge.” He expelled a long breath. “You’re a wise woman, Ashley Wilde.” “That’s why you love me.” “One of the many reasons.” He kissed her temple. “But yes, of course that’s what I’m thinking about.” “They’re not children anymore. It’s not a pretty story, but I’m sure they’d understand.” “Eve could finish up in prison if this all comes out. How can I explain that to them?” Ashley gasped. “Yes, I suppose she could. I hadn’t thought of that.” She paused. “But if it helps to harden your heart, bear in mind that that’s where you could have landed up, thanks to her.” “Yes, that’s true, and it does help.” “Couldn’t you settle the claims, say there had been a glitch in the system that originally rejected them, and then confront Roker and Eve? Tell them you know what they’ve done and that if Roker resigns and Eve just goes away, you’ll not report it to the police.” “I’d thought of that, but I don’t think it would work. We don’t have any actual proof. It would be Claire’s word against Eve’s.” Matt paused, clearly deep in thought. “The doctor’s the key to it all. We don’t know why he got involved, but if we can find out, it would

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swing the balance of power in our favour.” “Which is why you asked your newspaper man to see what he could find on him?” “Precisely. If we know what hold Roker has over him, then would be the time to confront Roker and Eve.” Matt rubbed his chin. “I’d like to know who else is involved. Who the mystery third party is. I’d also quite like to know why Roker is doing this.” “So that he can be top dog, I suppose. If Stevenson’s became the senior partner in the amalgamation, then he probably would be.” “Yes, but this feels more personal to me. There’s something I’m missing.” There was a tap on the door. Matt tipped Ashley off his lap and stood up. “That will be Nate. Just follow my lead, right?” “Sure.” Matt opened the door and one of the best-looking men Ashley had ever seen stepped through it. The archetypical tall, dark, and handsome type who doubtless turned heads wherever he went. “Hey, Matt, how ya doing?” “Nate, great to see you.” The men shook hands. “Thanks for coming at such short notice.” “I wouldn’t be much of a journalist if I didn’t follow up when a high flying businessman drops hints about some big story.” He stopped talking when he saw Ashley, glanced at Matt ,and elevated his brows. “Hi,” he said, holding out his hand. “I’m Nate Black.” “Nate, this is my office manager, Ashley Wilde.” “Please to meet you, Ashley.” “Likewise.” Ashley smiled at him. She simply couldn’t help herself. He had a lazy, compelling charm that drew her in. “Are you American?” “Afraid so.” “I think I’ve seen your picture in the Inquirer.” “Very likely,” Matt said. “Nate’s one of their main attractions.

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God knows why.” Ashley had a pretty shrewd idea but didn’t voice it. “Didn’t you get to the bottom of that case where a woman was jailed for embezzlement?” “Er, you’re behind the times, Ash,” Matt said, smiling. “Nate nailed the bastard who’d manipulated Lauren into stealing.” He grinned at his friend. “When’s the wedding?” he asked. “I’m still trying to pin her down to a date,” Nate admitted. “You’re marrying the lady?” Ashley asked. “Oh yeah, and as soon as her probation period comes to an end, we’re going to settle back in the States.” “A happy ending. That’s great. Congratulations.” “Thanks, but a word to the wise, Ashley. The guy who manipulated Laruen was her boss.” He flashed a grin at Matt. “So watch this guy.” Ashley smiled, too. “Warning heeded.” “Can I get you a drink, Nate?” Matt asked. “Not that you deserve one after that crack.” “Beer would be good, thanks.” With refreshed drinks all round, they sat on opposite sides of a coffee table, Matt and Ashley sharing a sofa. Without preamble, Matt explained about the three suspicious death claims. “Insurance companies turn down bona fide claims all the time, don’t they, hoping that the policyholders won’t fight back?” “Not death claims,” Ashley said emphatically. “We—the industry that is—doesn’t have the best reputation in the world when it comes to personal possession, household, or personal injury claims. That’s because the punters usually try it on or don’t read the small print.” “What would you have done if those three really hadn’t told the truth about their medical conditions, then?” “We’d have asked their doctors to report on the state of their health at the time they applied for the policies. Once we knew that, if we’d have declined the policy, then we’d decline the claim. We’d just

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return any premiums paid. It’s that simple, and the ombudsman would support our decision. But if we’d have rated the policies, then we’d pay out proportionately, according to the degree of rating.” “Hmm, so let’s see if I’ve got this straight,” Nate said. “Someone has altered your records, expunged records from different doctor’s offices, and got rid of all papers pertaining to the policies from the homes of the deceased.” Nate leaned back and took a swig of beer. “Someone has it in for you, Matt.” Matt merely nodded. “Someone with cojones the size of Southampton.” “Yes, and we have a pretty good idea who.” Matt told Nate all about Roker, his long standing connections with his family, and his current status at Stevenson’s. He left out all mention of Eve. “And you think he’s doing this in cahoots with this Dr. Andrews you asked me to check up on?” “Yes,” Ashley said, “we do. It has to be either him or his wife. One of the deceased was registered with her, but the other two were with Andrews’ partnership. I paid a visit to Dr. Seymour this morning, and I’m almost certain that she’s not involved.” “Then how’s he doing it without her knowledge?” “I don’t know for sure, but I’m thinking that perhaps she updates her records from home, using her laptop.” Ashley shrugged. “Senior personnel at Interactive do the same thing. A lot of companies do nowadays. Think of all the people who work from home.” Nate nodded. “Yeah, I can access the paper’s files from just about anywhere, given an Internet connection and the right passwords.” “Well, there you are then.” “Did you find anything interesting on Andrews?” Matt asked. “Nothing that stands out, but it might mean something to you. He’s financially sound but very ambitious to make his mark.” “He sees private patients on behalf of a plastic surgeon, I gather,” Ashley said. “Yes, that keeps his bank balance stoked. His wife, by the way, is

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strictly NHS. Doesn’t approve of hubby dipping his toe into the private sector.” “Dr. Seymour returned from her holiday early and looked as though she was under some sort of pressure.” “We’re thinking that she found out what her husband’s been up to,” Matt said. “If she’s legit, then it would play on her conscience.” “Possibly,” Nate agreed. “Anything else?” Matt asked, clearly frustrated that Nate’s initial enquires hadn’t brought anything more interesting to light. “Well, Andrews is a decent golfer.” “Golf?” Matt sat a little straighter. “Yes, why? Is that important?” “It could be. Where does he play?” “Ashdown Forest.” “Then we’ve found the connection.” Matt thumped the arm of his chair. “Roker is a scratch golfer and also plays at Ashdown.” “In that case, it might be significant that Andrews was accused of cheating in a tournament at the club.” “In golfing circles, isn’t that akin to committing murder?” Ashley asked. “Yes, it is,” Nate agreed. “In the normal way of things, even being suspected of underhand tactics would be enough to get a member blackballed. But in Andrews’s case there wasn’t even a hearing and the charges were dismissed.” “Had it been otherwise,” Matt said, “Andrews would have been out on his ear, socially disgraced, and no one would have wanted to know him.” “Right,” Nate said. “But the chairman of the ethics committee decreed that there was no case to answer.” “And let me guess,” Matt said. “Roker’s that chairman.”

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Chapter Eighteen “Right first time.” Nate’s tone resonated with disgust. “So much for being a family friend. The guy’s obviously trying to screw you.” “Yes, but at least now I know what I’m dealing with, I can tackle Dr. Andrews, give him the chance of avoiding jail by telling what he’s done.” Matt’s expression was grim. “By the time I’ve laid it on the line, social ruin will seem tame by comparison.” “Shouldn’t you involve the police?” Nate asked. “Probably, but I want to try and avoid that, at least for now. I can settle the claims, confront Roker, and—” “And sweep it under the carpet?” “No, Nate, never that. The buck stops with me, and I’ll take responsibility for any fall out. But I’d like to talk to Roker’s partners, to see if we can salvage the amalgamation. Whether or not they want to involve the police is up to them, but whatever happens, the story’s yours to do with as you wish after that.” “Thanks, Matt. I won’t print anything you’d rather see suppressed.” “I know that, but just wait until I give you the word.” Matt clasped Nate’s shoulder as the men stood, and Matt lead the way to the door. “Bye, Ashley.” Nate turned to shake her hand, changed his mind, and kissed her cheek instead. “It was good to meet you. Best of luck.” “Thanks so much for your help.” It seemed very quiet after the American left. Matt and Ashley stood there, just starting at one another, assimilating all they’d just learned. “So, now we know,” Matt said, sighing heavily.

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“Yes, we do.” Ashley paused. “I’m sorry, Matt. I know you didn’t want to believe it of Phil Roker. He’s a friend of yours, or at least you thought he was, and that makes it tough to take.” “You saw through him at once.” Matt grimaced. “What does that say for my judgement?” “You trusted him. He knew that and played on it. Just as Eve knew of the animosity between you and Charlie and fed it.” “I’d give a hell of a lot to know why Phil’s doing this to us.” Matt paused, staring out the window, his back to Ashley. “To me. It just doesn’t make sense.” “I dare say he’ll take pleasure in telling you when he knows he’s been caught.” “Undoubtedly.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and flipped it open. “I’d better tell Charlie the glad tidings.” They had a brief conversation, from which Ashley gathered that Charlie was already with Roker and couldn’t talk freely. “Call me back when you can.” Matt closed his phone, turned toward Ashley, and smiled at her. “Right,” he said, “first a slap-up room service meal, and then I have investigations of a different nature to undertake.” Ashley tilted her head, her expression flirtatious. “Whatever do you mean, boss?” “You know damned well.” he said, choking on a laugh. “That suit.” “Ah yes, how could I forget?” “It’s new? I don’t recall seeing it before.” “Yes, I couldn’t bear to wear anything I have down here. I know it’s stupid, but Eve unpacked it all, so it feels contaminated. Besides, I needed a confidence boost.” “Let me pay for it.” “You don’t need to.” His mouth curved in a wicked smile. “I insist. That way I get to claim owner’s rights and can peel it off you any way I choose.”

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“I might have let you do that anyway, but thanks.” Ashley laughed up at him. “I’m starting to feel like a kept woman.” “Get used to it, baby.” “Just so that you know, the suit was ridiculously expensive.” He pretended to be affronted. “You think I’d dress you on the cheap?” Ashley stood on her toes and placed a delicate kiss on the cleft in his chin. “You’re more concerned with undressing me. You just admitted it.” “Ah well, you’ve got me there.” They ate, sitting at a table in the suite that overlooked the harbour. Only candlelight illuminated the room, soft music adding to the charged atmosphere. The food was delicious, but Ashley barely tasted it. Instead, she was acutely conscious of Matt’s fingers constantly brushing against hers, of their knees touching beneath the table, of his eyes, devoid of all strain now, making love to her as he fed her from his own fork. She pushed all thoughts of Eve to the back of her mind. That situation had to be tackled. But not tonight. They took their time when they finally fell into bed because, for once, time was something that they had an abundance of. No more snatched nights or interrupted liaisons. No more hiding. No more pretence. Matt’s heightened passion, his determination to give her pleasure at the expense of his own, tugged at her on a level she had no control over. Power, strength, and total control appeared to guide him as exquisite shards of sensation brought her alive. She squirmed beneath his marauding hands, desperate for him, her breathing ragged as his tongue worked its way through every crevice, lingering, exploring, tasting her. “I love you, Ashley.” His eyes were alight with tenderness as he finally gave in to her pleadings and entered her.

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She wrapped her legs round his waist and closed her eyes. “Tell me again,” she said, lifting her hips to meet him and groaning as pleasure enveloped her. “I love you so damned much that it hurts.” “Not good enough.” She pushed at his shoulder, sending him tumbling sideways. Still joined, he flopped on his back, and she straddled him, riding him hard. “I can’t think about anything, other than you, and what we’re doing right now.” Matt groaned and gave a savage thrust upward. Ashley anticipated it and sank down to meet him halfway. “Not even when the future of the whole bloody company I’ve worked so hard to build is at stake.” “Hmm, better.” “Marry me, Ashley Wilde. Just as soon as I’m free, you’re gonna marry me.” “Is that a proposal?” Ashley closed her eyes and tossed her head sideways, consumed by pleasure both physical and cerebral. They’d discussed a future together, but he’d never suggested marriage before. If she’d had any doubts about his integrity, they evaporated at that moment. “It sure is.” She opened her eyes, a triumphant smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Then ask me again when you’re thinking with your brain.” “You want a grand romantic gesture?” Ashley didn’t answer. She couldn’t because he kissed her, and she exploded mere seconds after his lips claimed hers. They slept locked in one another’s arms, but woke early, ready to face the realities of the day. The shared the shower, made love for the third—or was it the fourth?—time, and then breakfasted in the suite. For some reason, Ashley was ravenous. “I want you to go back to Reigate straightaway,” he said as they

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ate. “All right. Why?” “There’s no need for you to be down here anymore. Go back to the flat, pack your things, and go straight home.” “What’s going on, Matt? What is it that you’re not telling me?” “I’m going to confront Eve today,” he said tersely. “I’d rather you were safely out of the way when I do so.” “Shouldn’t you see what Dr. Andrews has to say for himself first?” “Charlie’s going to do that whilst I’m with Eve. We agreed on that when he called me back last night.” Ashley thought about it. “I can see the sense in that. I’ll go home then, but ring me as soon as you’ve spoken to Eve.” “Of course.” “Good luck,” she said, kissing him as she readied herself to leave the suite. “I’ll be thinking of you.” “I know you will.” **** Ashley drove back to Reigate, unable to rid herself of the feeling that she’d overlooked something important about Roker’s relationship with Matt’s family. Unless she missed her guess, something more than mere ambition drove him. On a whim, she changed course and headed for Lingfield. No one was expecting her back at Reigate, so she wouldn’t be missed. Matt had mentioned that Sophie and Philip Roker used to be close friends. She was curious to see if Sophie could shed any light on the reasons for his actions. At the very least, she probably knew more about his background than Matt did. Matt hadn’t been around in the early days when Roker worked at Interactive. Besides, women were generally more intuitive. She phoned Sophie as she approached her house. “Sophie, it’s Ashley.”

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“Ashley.” Sophie’s voice brightened. “How nice to hear from you.” “I’m on my way back to Reigate and wondered if I could stop by.” “By all means. It would be lovely to see you.” She paused. “You sound a bit grim. Has something happened?” Only then did Ashley realize that what she knew about Eve would distress Sophie. She’d indicated that she didn’t much care for Matt’s wife, but still, her first thought would be for her grandchildren, much as Matt’s had been for the boys, too. Did she have the right to tell Sophie? Probably not. She’d do what Matt did with Nate the previous night and tell it all, leaving out any reference to Eve, and see where it led. “Well yes, I’ll tell you when I get there. But there’s nothing to worry about.” “Then I won’t worry.” Ashley could hear the smile in her voice and admired the older woman’s ability to remain calm when she knew so much was at stake. “I’ll put the kettle on.” As soon as Ashley stepped out of her car, she was enveloped in a hug by Matt’s mother. “It’s lovely to see you, my dear.” Sophie frowned. “But you look a little frazzled, if you don’t mind my saying so. Have you had a bad time of it?” she asked sympathetically. “Yes and no.” Sophie laughed. “That doesn’t tell me much.” “Sorry, but I—” “Come on through to the conservatory. We’ll have coffee and you can tell me all about it.” “That sounds good.” Once they were settled, Ashley repeated the story Matt had given Nate, almost word for word. Sophie didn’t once interrupt. She appeared surprised, but didn’t get upset or overreact. “I’m glad it wasn’t Charlie,” she said. “I tried to convince Matt that it couldn’t have been, but there’s so much animosity between

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them that he wouldn’t listen.” “Well, they seem to be reconciled now.” “That’s good. They were like brothers when they were younger. Always up to mischief.” “Yes, Matt said the same thing.” “Perhaps I’ll see more of Charlie, now that they’ve cleared the air.” Sophie smiled at the prospect. “He’s like another son to me.” “So I gather.” “But Philip Roker.” Sophie shook her head. “I find it hard to believe.” “So does Matt.” Ashley stirred her coffee, wondering why Matt’s family was so keen to defend a man whom she’d distrusted almost from the first. “What made him do it, do you think?” “What’s Matt’s opinion?” “He says he doesn’t know.” Ashley shrugged. “I thought he might harbour resentment at the way Matt came back to take over the company after Roker had run it alongside your husband for so long. It would be a natural enough reaction. I believe Roker had expectations about taking over.” “Nothing was ever said.” Ashley thought she sounded evasive. “No, that’s what Matt told me, and he said Roker was quite happy to go his own way.” Sophie looked at Ashley for a long time without speaking. Ashley sensed that she knew a lot more than she was saying and was trying to decide whether or not to confide in her. “It would be better to tell me,” Ashley said quietly. “I won’t repeat anything you say to Matt, unless you want me to.” “Yes, it would probably be best if I did.” Sophie offered her a kindly smile. “Secrets have a way of turning sour if they’re kept for too long.” She paused to pour them both more coffee, sighing wearily. For the first time since meeting her, Ashley thought she looked her age. “Philip Roker and my husband got along well. So, too, did Philip and I. He’s only twelve years younger than me, but I still looked upon

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him as a surrogate son, I suppose.” She flashed a brief, humourless smile. “I have a natural tendency to nurture.” “But he mistook your interest?” Ashley had a horrible feeling she knew where this was going. “Yes, my husband’s death was quite unexpected, you see. I had no time to prepare, if one can ever be prepared for such a thing, and I rather fell apart for a while. Oh, he’d had that initial stroke, but he’d made a good recovery, and we were led to believe that he had a lot of years left to him.” “Matt was running the company by then?” “Yes, but Philip really did seem to be fine about that. Or at least he said he was,” she added, so quietly that Ashley barely heard her. “Matt wanted him to stay on, for them to run the company together, but Philip had an opportunity to move to Stevenson’s and decided to take it.” “But he still kept in close touch with you all.” “Oh yes, he was quite part of the family.” “That’s what Matt told me.” “When David died, he was a tower of strength. He shouldered a lot of my burden and helped me through the grieving process. Matt was busy with the business and dealing with his own feelings toward his father, not to mention a young family.” “So you and Roker were thrown together.” Sophie nodded. “He kept calling, long after I’d started to recover, and I didn’t think twice about it.” She paused. “Until he proposed.” Ashley almost dropped her cup. She’d suspected an affair, which made her think poorly of Sophie—until she remembered that she was hardly in a position to sit in judgement. “He proposed!” “Yes, and didn’t take it well when I turned him down.” Sophie stared out at the garden, without appearing to appreciate its beauty. Ashley doubted if she was even seeing it. “He said he thought I knew how he felt about me, and was convinced I returned his feelings. He

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says that’s why he left Interactive. His feelings got too strong for him to hide them, and he didn’t think it was right, not when David was still alive.” “Well,” Ashley said crisply. “I expect he got that right.” “He said that if I didn’t marry him, he’d never marry anyone else.” She expelled a long breath. “He certainly kept his word about that.” “But you still saw him?” “Oh yes. He continued to call as though nothing had happened.” “Staring at you through those soulless eyes,” Ashley surmised, shuddering. “I didn’t know how to put him off without offending him more than I already had. I’d obviously led him on, without realizing it. So, in the end, if he called, instead of feeding him, I pretended to be going out. Eventually he got the message.” “And started plotting his revenge, I expect.” “Well, if he did, he’s waited a long time to exact it.” “Yes, but as an outsider with no emotions invested, it seems to me that he has a long memory and the patience of Job.” Ashley paused, tapping her fingers on the arm of her chair as she thought it through. “It would explain why he’s doing this to Matt. He probably felt that if you’d accepted him, he would be the head of Interactive because he knew Matt didn’t really want the job. He would gladly have given it up in favour of your new husband. Interactive is a sounder business proposition than Stevenson’s, and he probably feels that he came off second best. Again.” “So he blames me for that as well.” “Not necessarily, Sophie.” Ashley moved across and covered the older lady’s hand with her own. “He made assumptions he had no right to make. He read something into your maternal interest in him that simply wasn’t there. It’s not your fault.” “Then why do I feel so responsible.” “Perhaps because you are.” They both whipped their heads round, startled by the intrusion.

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They’d been so deep in conversation that they hadn’t heard anyone else arrive. Ashley gasped, suspecting that her face was as white as Sophie’s, when she saw Philip Roker standing in the doorway, pointing a gun directly at her head.

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Chapter Nineteen “Philip.” Sophie recovered with commendable speed, addressing Roker in the no-nonsense tone one usually reserved for children. “What the devil are you doing, coming in here and waving a water pistol around? Have you lost your mind?” Ashley doubted whether it was a water pistol. For the first time since she’d known him, Roker’s eyes didn’t appear dead. Instead, they expressed a combination of animation, resentment, and steely determination. “You just couldn’t keep your nose out of things, could you, little miss perfect?” Roker said to Ashley, ignoring Sophie altogether. “Everything was going according to plan, then…sit down!” he shouted at Sophie when she attempted to stand up. Sophie tutted and resumed her seat, still looking deathly pale. She folded her hands in her lap and levelled a death glare at Roker. “What are you talking about?” Ashley asked, determined not to be cowed just because he happened to have a gun pointing at her. “What are you talking about,” he mimicked. “Like you don’t know.” “It’s over,” Ashley said. “You lost.” “Perhaps.” “How did you know where I was?” Ashley asked. “I assume it’s me you came to see, but I didn’t tell anyone I was coming here.” “It might surprise you to learn that the whole world doesn’t revolve around you, Ms. Wilde,” he said sarcastically. “I didn’t imagine you’d come to see Sophie, armed with a gun.” “I came to say good-bye to Sophie. Your being here is just an

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added bonus. Saves me a trip to Reigate.” “What do you want to see me about?” His laughter was almost manic, sending a chill down her spine. “You should have kept your nose out, carried on screwing Matt to keep him distracted, and then everything would have gone to plan.” “Except for Interactive’s directors, whom you tried to deceive.” Ashley glowered at him, her anger giving her courage as she faced down an unhinged man wielding a gun. “Not to mention the relatives of those policyholders whose cases you tampered with.” “They’d have been paid eventually.” “Don’t you think they’ve had enough to deal with, getting over the loss of their loved ones, without fighting insurance companies for what’s rightfully theirs?” “Shit happens. I should know.” Roker shrugged. “Besides, in two of the cases their loved ones, as you call them, hadn’t been near their relatives until it came to pay out time.” “Even so, you had no right to put them through that.” “How did you do it, Philip?” Sophie asked. “And why?” “How?” Roker quirked a brow. “I should have thought that Miss Marple here would have filled you in on all the details by now. Isn’t that why she came to see you? Probably couldn’t wait to tell you how evil Matt’s wife is.” “Eve?” Sophie’s eyebrows disappeared beneath her hairline. “What on earth has this got to do with her?” Roker’s gaze switched between the two women, a knowing smile playing about his thin lips. “Ah,” he said. “I see you haven’t heard it all yet.” “Then why don’t you sit down, put that silly gun aside because we both know you’re not going to use it, and tell me?” Roker remained standing, the gun still trained at Ashley’s head, held rock steady in his right hand. “Your saintly son, who can do no wrong in your eyes, is a lousy husband and has brought this all on himself.”

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“If you mean he has a relationship with Ashley, then you’re not telling me something I didn’t already know,” Sophie said calmly. “And yet he has a wife and two, no, make that three, children?” He grimaced. “You disappoint me, Sophie. I thought you had higher standards.” “I’m not going to discuss my son’s marital difficulties with you.” “You seem to forget that I’m the one with the gun. I guess that puts me in charge, for once, and we’ll talk about whatever I damned well say we will.” “I still don’t understand what the fraudulent claims have to do with Eve.” “That’s because, like everyone else, you underestimate her. There’s more to Eve than a pretty face. She’s very clever, and underappreciated.” Roker took a few steps more into the conservatory and perched one buttock on the arm of a chair. Ashley was discouraged to see that he still had a firm hold of the gun. She also instinctively knew that he wouldn’t hesitate to use it. A man as meticulous of Roker wouldn’t buy a weapon and not verse himself in its use. For a brief time, he’d had the upper hand and had probably enjoyed what he was doing to Interactive. He’d have had a good laugh when he saw them running round in circles, trying to get to the bottom of things, but appeared to know the game was up. He’d be ruined, but didn’t seem to care. His ultimate revenge would be to ruin Matt’s life, too, by taking her out. He had nothing left to lose. “We’re all aware of Eve’s talents,” Sophie said. “Why don’t you tell Sophie who helped me single out the claims to sabotage?” Roker asked Ashley. She shrugged. “Why would I steal your thunder? You’re obviously very proud of yourself.” “Have it your way.” Roker smiled at Sophie, almost tenderly. “As soon as I suggested to Matt that Stevenson’s and Interactive might benefit from a merger and he took the idea up, I knew my time had

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finally come. I’m a patient man, you see. That was two years ago, and Eve and I have been working on setting this thing up ever since.” “Eve helped you?” Sophie couldn’t hide her surprise. “You knew?” she asked Ashley. “Yes, perhaps I should have told you, but I thought Matt should be the one to break the news.” “Of course.” Sophie turned toward Roker. “Why was my daughter-in-law hell-bent upon destroying her husband’s company? To the best of my knowledge, Matt had been entirely faithful to her, until she broke his trust.” “Bah, there’s more than one way to break someone’s spirit.” Roker waved the hand holding the gun wildly in the air. Ashley fervently hoped the safety catch was on. “Matt neglected her quite shamefully.” “I’d say it was more the other way round,” Sophie countered. “Eve chose to spend her time in Cornwall with her mother’s family. No one forced her to.” She fixed Roker with a gimlet gaze. “You spent a lot of time down there as well. I assume that’s where you cooked up this ridiculous plot for revenge.” “Eve feels loved and appreciated in the bosom of her mother’s family, which is why she goes down there so often. No one can blame her for that. Everyone needs someone to love them,” he said, fixing Sophie with a penetrating gaze. “Matt barely had time for her.” “According to you.” “If you want to run Interactive so badly,” Ashley said, “why did you leave? Matt would have been happy for you to stay. You could have run it together.” “David threw me out,” he snarled. “What!” Sophie looked astounded. “He figured out how I felt about you, Sophie, and wasn’t prepared to have me hanging around. That’s why he insisted that Matt come back.” “I had no idea,” Sophie said faintly. “David never said a word.

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You didn’t…” She shook her head and made an obvious effort to pull herself together. “I had no idea about your feelings until after David died.” “And yet Sophie tells me you continued to call here regularly whilst her husband was still alive,” Ashley said. “How come, if you were persona non grata?” “Oh, I wouldn’t take banishment lying down. I told David that if he tried to stop me calling in socially then I’d confess my feelings to Sophie and let her choose between us.” “You what!” Sophie’s eyes widened, and she lost even more colour. “I knew all wasn’t well in paradise,” Roker said. “I watched the two of you, saw how much he took you for granted. How you fetched and carried for him after his stroke, with never a word of thanks. How he sniped at you about every little thing. He guilted you into staying with him.” “You’re quite wrong, Philip. It wasn’t like that at all, and for what it’s worth, the thought of leaving him never once crossed my mind.” “Really?” he said softly. “In that case, why did David put up with me coming here?” Sophie said nothing. “Exactly!” “So seeing you here, knowing how you felt about Sophie, couldn’t have done much for Mr. Templeton’s health,” Ashley said, disgust in her voice. “Oh, I’m fairly sure I was partly responsible for his untimely demise,” he said smugly. “That was a great comfort to me in my darker moments.” “But his dying got you nowhere,” Ashley snapped back. “Because Sophie very wisely turned you down.” Roker snarled, but had nothing to say. “All right.” Ashley could see how badly Roker’s words had affected Sophie. She diverted him with more questions, giving the

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older woman time to recover. “Eve hunted out suitable death claims, you cultivated Dr. Andrews, but who broke into the policyholders’ houses and made their paperwork disappear?” Ashley thought he’d be a fool to tell her. The third member of their conspiracy was protected because no one had a clue who he was. She’d clearly underestimated Roker’s desire to boast, though, because he answered her without hesitation. “Brad Vikery,” he said smirking. “Who?” “No!” cried Sophie. “Who is he?” Ashley turned to Sophie for clarification. “He’s Eve’s stepbrother, I suppose,” she said. “Her mother Stephanie remarried a property developer in Cornwall, Greg Vikery. Bradley is his son from a previous marriage and lives with his father.” “So Eve would see a lot of him, if she goes to Cornwall regularly?” “Yes, I gather that Greg was getting tired of Brad’s slovenly ways. He refused to take up a career because, I suppose, he assumed he was automatically entitled to live off his father’s wealth. There was some unpleasantness when Greg cut off his allowance.” “So if he was feeling resentful, Mr. Roker here took advantage of that and recruited him to his cause.” “Brad’s a natural at breaking and entering,” he said smugly. “And, let me guess here,” Ashley said. “He’s also the father of Eve’s baby.” Roker merely shrugged, a malicious half-smiling playing about his lips. “It sounds incestuous,” Sophie said, shuddering. “Although, of course, they’re not blood relations, just stepsiblings.” Ashley was only half listening. Most of her mind was occupied with their perilous situation. There had to be a way out of this. If she could just keep Roker talking, there might be a chance that he’d drop his guard, and then she could try something. What, she didn’t know.

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Hopefully inspiration would strike before Roker did. Her phone rang, sounding unnaturally loud in the temporarily quiet conservatory, snapping her out of her reverie. “Answer it,” Roker ordered. “I expect it’s lover-boy checking up on you. “Put it on speaker,” he added when Ashley finally located the phone. “Hi, babe.” Matt’s voice sounded tinny as it echoed through the small speakers. “Where are you?” “Er, I’m with your mother.” “That’s nice,” he said. “Is she okay?” “Well, she—” “Look, I just rang to warn you that it didn’t go too well with Eve and I think she got a call off to Roker before I could stop her. When I tried to locate him, I was told he’d left his office in a hurry.” Matt paused. “I don’t like it. He’s bound to be out for blood.” “Oh, he is,” Roker said smugly. “What the—” “He’s got a gun,” Ashley yelled. “I’m on my way. It’s me you want, Roker. Harm a hair on either of their heads, and I’ll swing for you.” “Oh, that won’t be necessary.” Roker raised the gun. The two women clung together, helpless in its sights. “This is for you, Sophie,” he said. And he pulled the trigger.

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Chapter Twenty “Oh my god!” Ashley wasn’t sure if it was her or Sophie who screamed. Perhaps it was both of them. Or could it have come from Matt on the other end of the phone? The gun discharging within the confines of the glass conservatory was deafening. A smell of cordite and gun oil lingered in the air. Ashley, convinced that she’d been shot, felt tightness in her chest and waited for the pain to hit, for the blood to flow. She placed a hand on the spot close to her heart where she felt the pain. When she brought it away again, there was no blood on her fingers. Confused, it took her a moment to realize that she was unharmed. She looked at Sophie, terrified that she’d been Roker’s target, but she too seemed unhurt. Realization was slow to come, but Ashley now saw clearly what had happened. Roker had raised the gun toward them, tightening his finger on the trigger with agonizing slowness, not a flicker of emotion on his features. Ashley, rigid with fear, also felt inexplicably calm as she awaited the inevitable. There was no escape, and no reasoning with a psychopath out for revenge. Then Roker turned the gun to the side of his own head and, without hesitation, pulled the trigger. “What’s happened?” Matt screamed down the phone. “Ash, are you all right?” His voice slowly got through to Ashley, and her limbs unfroze. “He shot himself in the head,” she said, dazed. “Is he dead?” “I think so. He’s not moving.”

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“Ashley, you need to make sure.” “Yes, I know.” She released Sophie’s hand and moved toward the prostrate man, doing her best to avoid stepping in the blood leaking from his wound. She felt his neck. “He’s dead,” she said, taking the gun from his hand and putting it on a surface, out of harm’s way. “Call the police, darling, and don’t touch anything. I’ll be there in half an hour.” “All right. Somehow Ashley managed to do that, persuading a traumatised Sophie to move into the lounge whilst they waited, away from the sight of Philip Roker’s brains seeping from his skull. Away from the sight of blood spreading across the tiled floor. The police arrived quickly. By the time Matt got there, the place was swarming with people wearing white coveralls. A detective inspector took charge and was questioning the ladies when Matt strode into the room. Ignoring the man, he went straight up to them and embraced them both at the same time. “Are you both all right?” “I’m okay,” Ashley said, leaning against his shoulder, finally feeling safe. “But I think your mother is still a bit shaken.” Matt turned his attention to Sophie. “She needs a doctor.” “One’s on his way,” the inspector said. “No, Matt,” Sophie said, rallying. “I’ll be all right. It was all such a shock. One doesn’t expect an old friend to come and blow his brains out in one’s conservatory, that’s all.” “Better that than shooting either of you,” Matt said, shuddering. “I shouldn’t have come here, Sophie,” Ashley said, grasping her cold hand and rubbing it between both of her own. “I’m sorry.” “Phil obviously planned to kill himself in front of me. Selfishly, I’m glad I didn’t have to witness it alone, although it’s probably traumatised you, too.” “No, really, don’t worry about me.” “So much resentment.” Sophie shook her head. “To bear a grudge

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for so long. I feel almost sorry for him.” “We do need to ask you two ladies just a few more questions,” the inspector said gently. “Then you can rest.” “Is that really necessary?” Matt asked. “It’s fairly obvious what happened here. No one else is involved.” “Even so, it’s procedure, sir.” “I suppose.” Matt sat beside Ashley, her hand in his. “Make it quick then.” “The gun, Inspector,” Ashley said. “My fingerprints will be on it. I removed it from Roker’s hand when I checked to see if he was still alive.” “You shouldn’t have done that, madam,” he said, his tone mildly reproving. “Well, excuse me if I didn’t follow your precious procedures,” she snapped. “It was instinctive. I knew he was dead, but I still didn’t want him to have a gun in his hand.” “I understand.” The questioning established Roker’s relationship to the Templetons, his state of mind, his reason for calling. Matt answered a lot of the questions, and the inspector appeared to believe him. He left the room at one stage in response to a summons from one of his colleagues. He returned clutching a letter encased in a plastic bag. “Well,” he said. “If I had any doubts about your account, Mr. Templeton, which I didn’t, by the way, this just about puts an end to them.” “What is it?” “A letter the deceased had in his pocket.” “A suicide note?” Ashley asked, blinking. “He really intended to kill himself all along.” “It would appear so.” He handed the plastic bag to Matt, who began reading. “He admits everything about the scam with the death claims.” He read some more, lifted his head, and clashed gazes with Ashley. “He

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says he acted entirely alone.” “Ah, I see.” The doctor arrived, gave Sophie a sedative, and Ashley helped her into bed, sitting with her until she fell into a drug-induced sleep. When she returned to the sitting room, feeling drained and disorientated, everyone except Matt had left. The body had been taken away, Matt had drawn the blinds in the conservatory and shut the door. “Come here.” Matt pulled her into his arms. “I’m so sorry you had to see that.” “I’m just glad it’s all over.” “Ash, when I was on the phone and I heard that gun shot, I thought…” His voice broke. “I thought I’d lost you.” “Shush.” She rested her head against his chest. “It will take more than the likes of Roker for you to be rid of me. And at least he solved your one remaining problem.” “By claiming sole responsibility and absolving Eve?” “Yes.” “Brad Vikery fathered the child.” Ashley lifted her head. “She told you that?” she asked, surprised. “Oh yes. She flaunted it. She told me how hilarious she found it, passing it off as my child. She knew I had to be aware that it wasn’t mine and also knew why I couldn’t say anything.” “Presumably, that’s why she doctored your drink at Charlie’s that time and tried to get him into bed with her.” Ashley wrinkled her brow. “She needed to keep you sweet somehow until the amalgamation went through.” “Yes, I’m guessing that she didn’t plan the pregnancy and so had to think on her feet.” Matt kissed the top of her head and held her a little tighter. “It was her, I realize now, who kept telling me that Charlie was adamantly opposed to the amalgamation. She saw so much of him that I figured she’d know that he hadn’t changed his mind.”

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Ashley shook her head. “I’m not sure what I can say to that.” “Probably that I should have had more faith in my cousin.” Matt grimaced. “Anyway, it seems I neglected Eve, which is what prompted all this.” He ran a hand through his hair, clearly distraught, still blaming himself. “Honest to hell, Ash, I had no idea she felt unfulfilled. If she’d wanted to work, she had but to say the word.” “Don’t beat yourself up. It isn’t your fault.” “No, but I feel guilty as sin. Our marriage wasn’t all bad, at least not in the early years. I keep looking back to see what clues I missed. What I could have done differently.” “I suspect that whatever you did, it wouldn’t have been enough for her.” “No,” he said with a heavy sigh. “So let’s stop thinking about it.” He poured them both hefty measures of brandy, sat on the sofa and pulled Ashley down with him. “Drink this,” he said. “It will help you get over the shock.” Ashley took a gulp and almost choked on it. “I’m sorry all that stuff about your father had to come out.” “In other words, I can blame Roker for my curtailed career in the law, as well. If Dad hadn’t wanted rid of him, he wouldn’t have been so insistent that I came back. I’ve often wondered about that.” He grimaced. “Now I know.” **** A week later, Stevenson’s had accepted Roker’s suicide as the tragic loss of a man whose mind was unbalanced. They were never told what he’d tried to do. The outstanding claims were settled, and Interactive was set to become the senior player in the merged company. Nate had been given the full story and was doing a hatchet job on Dr. Andrews. The General Medical Council were already looking into his conduct. At Matt’s request, Nate wouldn’t make any mention of Eve, even though he’d been told of her involvement.

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“Getting permanently saddled with that waste of space Vickery will be punishment enough for her,” Matt told Ashley. “He was in this because Roker had promised him a decent position in the new company. A large salary for not much work, in other words. None of that will happen now, Eve isn’t wealthy, and he might actually have to get his hands dirty in order to support his new family.” “That’ll teach him,” Ashley said with a satisfied smile. Ashley and Matt had just ridden out from the Lingfield house. They turned their horses out, and Matt steered her into the hay barn. “I filed for divorce today,” he told her. “Eve won’t contest it. I’m going to Winchester to tell the boys tomorrow.” “I get the impression that they won’t be surprised.” “No, hopefully not.” He paused for so long that Ashley gave him a nudge. “What is it?” she asked. “I planned to stay another year at Interactive,” he told her. “See the new company on its feet and then get out.” “You’ve changed your mind?” “Yes, now that I’ve mended fences with Charlie, there’s no need for me to stay. He’s keen to be the new CEO, and that’s fine with me.” He looked her intently in the eye. “Provided you have no objections.” “None at all. I’ve had more than enough of this life as well.” She smiled up at him. “But what shall we do instead?” “Well, I’ve thought about that, too. How do you feel about living here?” “Here?” She glanced out at the green fields, the horses grazing contentedly in the nearest one, the lovely old house, its walls covered with wisteria, and sighed. “That would be a dream come true, but this is Sophie’s home.” “And it will be mine one day. Mother doesn’t want to live in such a barn of a place all on her own anymore. She’s actually always wants to travel. Dad never shared that desire, so it didn’t happen, but she

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feels the time has now come to please herself.” “You’ve obviously talked about this.” “Just after she met you for the first time.” “Oh, I see.” But she didn’t, not really. “She wants to spend a year going round the world with a lady friend and then settle back here in the guest cottage.” “But she could have done that a long time ago.” “No, she says not because she was waiting for me to find the right person to settle here with.” “Oh.” “Indeed, oh.” Matt pushed her onto a bale of hay and knelt in front of her. “But we can’t live here in sin.” He shook his head and tutted. “She wouldn’t approve of that at all.” He delved into the pocket of his jodhpurs, produced a ring box, and dramatically opened the lid. A solitaire diamond of at least one carat sparkled back at her. “You wanted a romantic gesture and…well, I figured this might cut it.” He cleared his throat and smiled at her. “Ashley Wilde, will you marry me?”

THE END HTTP://WWW.WENDYSOLIMAN.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Wendy Soliman is a British author, now dividing her time between Andorra and west Florida. As well as romantic suspense she writes spicy regency romance and a series of marine crime mysteries.

Also by Wendy Soliman BookStrand Mainstream: A Class Apart BookStrand Mainstream: Shalimar BookStrand Mainstream: Silver Lining

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