Page 81 of Third Time’s a Charm

“Well, what he said tracks. This is still your proposal, just with a few more bells and whistles, which I have to say, add value. And he’s been very clear, it’s your idea.” He takes a mouthful of tea and scrubs his hands across his face.

I curl into the corner of the sofa, tuck my legs under me and blow on my tea. “So, you think he was telling the truth?” He’s already said as much, but I need reassurance.

“Yeah. Between this document and the way he looked at you, I’d have to say I believe him. And partnering with him might not be the silliest idea in the world.”

I sigh.

“I was afraid you were going to say that.”

“At the very least, you should let him help you with the Tate Brown situation. Although, I’d suggest you get your termination package agreed and paid before you make any moves.”

“Good idea.” It’s lucky I have Colin watching out for my interests on that one. “But it’s going to have to wait till morning.”

Maybe a good night’s sleep will help me untangle my thoughts. About John Mackelden. About Tate Brown. And about the women they’ve abused.

Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure it’s going to take more than a good night’s sleep to untangle my feelings about Jasper.

“I’m sorry, honey. I’ve put it off as long as possible. I’ve been told if I don’t get your phone and company credit card back today, I’ll be joining you in the unemployment line sooner rather than later,” Colin says when I call him to arrange to catch up the next morning. “You’re lucky. Jasper was threatened with being reported to the police for theft the day all this went down. Although, to be fair, he did king hit the boss.” A fact that continues to amaze me.

“How about we meet for lunch and I’ll hand everything over?” I suggest. That gives me time at least to buy a new phone. And maybe a laptop. An expense I don’t really need, given my lack of a pay cheque, but it can’t be helped.

“Perfect. I’ll meet you at that café in Crows Nest. The one with the cakes. My treat.” He’s referring to our favourite weekend café where the cakes themselves are Instagram stars. And that’s exactly what I need today. Cake.

No sooner have Colin and I hung up than my phone rings again.

Jasper.

“I just wanted to check in. Make sure you’re alright. After last night. And to let you know if you need anything, or want to talk anything through, I’m available.”

The self-assured, reserved Jasper that first arrived in Australia is nowhere to be found in his tone. I wouldn’t go so far as to say he’s diffident, but he’s definitely wary.

“So you said last night. But I’m …” It occurs to me that maybe there is something he can help with. “Actually, there is something you could clear up. Exactly how were you planning to use this leverage we have over Tate? I mean, how would you suggest I approach it?”

“I hadn’t worked all that out as yet. I only got the files the afternoon before this all blew up, and events kind of overtook me.”

Despite myself, I laugh. What an understatement that was.

It occurs to me the files could also help protect Jasper.

“Is Tate likely to have you charged with assault, do you think?”

Jasper sighs. “It’s possible. Although I think he has enough on his plate right now. Or at least he will, once he finds out what you’re up to.”

“Good point. Let’s hope you’re right.”

I appreciate his use of you rather than we. Even if maybe I am maybe-kind-of softening on him being involved in some capacity.

“I somehow need to get in front of Tate,” I say, dreading the idea of facing him, and probably Mackelden.

“He’s unlikely to agree to a meeting, given what’s happened,” Jasper finishes my thought for me.

“Perhaps Colin could help with that?” I’m thinking on my feet here. “I’m meeting him for lunch. You could … I guess you could join us if you’d like?” I have no idea where the suggestion comes from. Seeing Jasper again is the last thing I need. But he doesn’t give me the chance to rescind the offer.

“That would be … yes … I’d like that.”

I don’t know whether it’s a good idea or not, but at least Colin being there, as Ant was last night, will provide a buffer.

I’m still angry Jasper didn’t give me any warning about what was happening. But then again, if he’d been made to sign an NDA, what choice did he have? I do believe he had no idea Tate Brown was in the office when we got back. His shock was genuine. And it’s obvious he’d put a lot of work into my proposal prior to yesterday.