When I returned, Roy Voss and the man he came in with were both standing up to leave. “We’ll be in touch soon,” he said, shaking hands with the couple.

  I sipped my coffee and tried my best to look like any ordinary customer, when shockingly Roy Voss approached my table.

  My pulse sped up. I was sure you could see it pounding in my neck. He was on to me.

  Panic seized my gut when he smiled politely. “I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, Miss, but you shouldn’t leave your handbag unattended when you go to the bathroom. There are all sorts of scumbags just waiting for their chance to swipe your wallet.”

  I blinked and flushed bright red. “Oh! Right yes, I’m so forgetful. I’ll be sure to bring it with me next time.”

  “See that you do,” he said then turned to leave.

  The Blacks left soon after and I scrambled to search my bag. Had he known that I was recording them and taken my phone? I sighed with relief when I found it, still recording. My wallet was still there, too, as were all my other belongings. Maybe he’d just been imparting some polite advice. Weird move from a supposed gangster, but I guess people could surprise you sometimes.

  Standing, I hurried back across the street to Cameron, who wore a furious expression.

  “You talked to him? What were you thinking?”

  “Actually, he talked to me,” I corrected.

  “What did he say?”

  I quickly filled him in on my recording idea, and he admitted grudgingly it was smart of me to think of that. “He advised me against leaving my things unaccompanied. Said there were always scumbags waiting around to steal from people. Ironic, eh?”

  “Very,” Cameron agreed, but he still seemed concerned that Voss had approached me.

  We both stayed quiet as I hit play on the recording. It was fuzzy, with the noise of the radio and other customers in the background, but you could still pick out the voices. It was mostly business talk, but then it got to a pertinent part and both Cameron and I looked at each other as if to say, Jackpot!

  “My people are drawing up the contracts as we speak,” Voss said. “As soon as the ink is dry, we can move ahead with construction. All in all, we should be open for business early next year.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Quentin replied. “We’ll let Silverstein know we’ve decided to work with a different partner.”

  There was the sound of someone chuckling then. “If the old bastard gives you any trouble, just let me know and I’ll have one of my boys take care of him.”

  When the recording came to an end, I put my phone back in my bag and smiled at Cameron. “That was fun.”

  “Enjoyed yourself, did you?”

  “I did.”

  “Well, savour the feeling because you won’t be able to work on any cases that involve Voss from now on since he’s seen you.”

  “All he saw was a forgetful woman who stupidly left her bag at the table while she used the bathroom. I’d be surprised if he even remembered what I look like.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure.”

  Now I frowned. “Do you think he was onto me?”

  “I just think it’s odd how he spoke to you. Maybe I’m being overly protective, but it seemed like a warning.”

  Goose bumps claimed my skin as I thought of his dark brown eyes and the knowing slant to his mouth. The more I thought of it, the more it seemed like Cameron could be right.

  “Shit,” I muttered.

  Cameron reached out and placed his hand on mine. His warm palm against my knuckles was soothing. “Hey,” he began, lowering his head to meet my eyes. “I was caught out many times when I first started this job. It takes a while to develop certain skills.”

  I shook my head at myself. “I thought I was being so smooth.”

  “You were fine, but Voss is a shark. Men like him are always watching, so they know when they’re being watched.”

  “Do you think he saw me last Thursday night when I was parked outside Harrington’s?”

  “I don’t know, but it’s probably a good idea to play it safe from now on.”

  I glanced at him. “You’re being very calm about all this.” Especially considering how pissed he was at me when he found out about my unauthorised spying. I still hadn’t summoned the courage to tell him about the treasure hunt, which I hoped he’d agree to attend with me.

  Cameron’s expression warmed. “I’m trying to be a good teacher.”

  I got a little lost in his eyes for a second and had to consciously look away. I moved my hand from under his and stared out the window. “We should probably get back to the office.”

  Cameron seemed to sober. “Yes, I need to call Silverstein and tell him about your recording.”

  “Right. Good idea.” Cameron didn’t make any move to start the car.

  I shot him a questioning look. “Something on your mind?”

  He seemed awkward for a second, his hands flexing on the steering wheel. “I’m going on a road trip this weekend.”

  “Oh?”

  “And I was wondering if you’d like to come with me?”

  Thrilling butterflies flitted around in my stomach at his invitation. “Where are you going?”

  “To Penzance. Ian Riddell lives there. He used to run the publishing house that pulled Harrington’s book. Remember the one I told you about? I thought we could pay him a visit and see if he’d be willing to tell us why exactly the book was taken off the shelves.”

  “Why can’t you just call him, or better yet, send an email?”

  “He’s eighty-six years old. An in-person visit will be better. Older generations prefer to talk face to face in my experience.”

  “Okay, sure, I’ll come with you,” I said, and I saw the relief in his features. Had he been nervous to ask? The thought was too adorable, especially since he always did his best to come across stern and aloof. “However, I have a request of my own.”

  Cameron eyed me. “What kind of request?”

  I swallowed tightly and forced out the words. “I bought a ticket for Harrington’s treasure hunt. I knew it was too risky to use our real names, so I used those false identities we created for that case you and Lilah worked on last year instead. I need you to come with me so that we can find out what’s really going on. And please don’t be mad at me, because I spent three grand to attend and it’s nonrefundable, so we might as well go anyway—”

  Cameron held a finger to my lips and the shock of his touch rendered me silent. “Stop talking for a second. I need to process this.” His eyes flicked to mine. “You spent three thousand pounds? What were you thinking?” His disbelieving tone made me feel like maybe I’d gone slightly overboard.

  I breathed in through my nose, fixated on his finger resting lightly on my lips. He seemed to become aware of the intimate touch and dropped his hand. I sucked in another deep breath and replied, “I was thinking I really, really want to get to the bottom of this case, or non-case. I literally lie in bed at night thinking about it. I won’t be satisfied until I know.”

  “And if you discover he’s up to no good, what will you do then?”

  “Report him to the police, obviously.”

  Cameron sat back, thinking silently. He steepled his hands together and stared out the window. “It’s a ridiculous amount of money to spend, Maisie. Like you said, this isn’t even an official case. You won’t get it back.”

  I sighed glumly. “I know, but it’s done now, so there’s no point regretting it.”

  “It was smart of you to use those fake identities though,” he admitted and a flush of pride swept through me.

  “Thanks,” I murmured shyly.

  When Cameron didn’t speak for another long moment, I finally looked back at him. His expression was an unusual mix of fondness and incredulity. “You’re quite mad.”

  I gave him a self-deprecating smile. “Isn’t that why you love me so much?”

  Cameron held my gaze, but his expression changed, grew clouded, his shoulders stiffening. Oh hell, I hadn’t meant to say “love”. I meant to say “like” but somehow love came out instead. A tense atmosphere filled the car, and I couldn’t take it anymore.

  I nudged him playfully with my elbow. “Just kidding.”

  Some of the clouds cleared as he mustered a hint of a smile, shaking his head as he started the car. I flopped back in my seat, willing my pulse to slow down. I hadn’t forgotten that he’d drank during Never Have I Ever when I spoke about never being in love. I didn’t think he was misleading us, and I desperately wanted to know who he’d been in love with. Did she live here or somewhere else? What was it like to be loved by Cameron Grant? His affection was so rare. I imagined it must be wonderful to be on the receiving end of all the love I was certain hid behind his stoic, near-impenetrable mask.

  But then, hadn’t I penetrated some of it already? Nobody at the office had gotten to know him like I had. Perhaps I just had to keep plucking away and eventually I’d break past his carefully erected emotional walls.

  Fourteen

  The Road Trip

  February 1st – 2nd

  “You’re supposed to put the jam on before the cream,” Jenny said.

  “No way. It’s cream before jam, everybody knows it,” Kieran countered.

  I stood by the counter in the break room, making myself a cup of peppermint tea while my co-workers bickered about scones.

  “Why does there need to be a correct way of doing it?” I interjected. “Can’t it just depend on the preference of the person eating the scone?”

  “Hmm, I never thought of that,” Jenny said just as Cameron entered the room.

  His eyes met mine, and I busied myself spooning the tea bag out of my mug.

  Jenny went completely silent. All week she’d barely spoken a word to Cameron. I think she was getting past his rejection by pretending like he didn’t exist. At least this was better than her actively trying to date him. She stood from the table, gathered her things and left the room with a decidedly dramatic flourish.

  Kieran gave a low chuckle. “You’ve gained an enemy there, Cameron. Better watch out. You know what they say about a woman scorned.”

  “I don’t recall scorning anyone,” he replied blandly while reaching for the kettle.

  “There’s already hot water if you want to make tea,” I said quietly.

  “Thank you,” Cameron replied just as quietly, his arm briefly touching mine.

  “What’s wrong with Jenny…oh.” Rory stopped in his tracks when he saw me. His features tightened as he gave me a wide berth, grabbed his lunch box from the fridge and went to sit next to Kieran. Quite like Jenny was pretending Cameron didn’t exist, ever since I reported him to HR, Rory was going out of his way to ignore me whenever we were in the same room.

  At least this was better than him talking crap about me.

  I left the break room and wandered over to my desk. Lilah was out doing surveillance for one of her clients, so I put on my headphones and pulled up an ASMR video to help me relax. I’d brought some cucumber, carrot sticks, and hummus for my lunch. Yes, I loved greasy junk food, but I couldn’t have it every day. I found moderation was key when it came to diet.

  The woman in my video was whispering in a very tingle-inducing fashion when someone briefly touched my shoulder. I couldn’t tell if it was her voice or the touch, but whatever it was, a pleasurable heat travelled down my spine. I took off my headphones and twisted in my seat. Cameron stood close to me. I looked at him questioningly, endeavouring to ignore how his touch set me alight.

  “Are we still on for tomorrow?” he asked low, his voice smooth and gravelly at the same time. The woman on my headphones had nothing on Cameron.

  “Sure,” I replied casually, like I hadn’t been looking forward to our road trip all week.

  “Good. I’ll pick you up at ten,” he said and continued on to his office.

  My desk faced the opposite direction, so I couldn’t even admire him as he walked away. I loved being next to Lilah, but I missed not being in direct view of Cameron anymore.

  When I finished eating, I went to bring my empty mug back into the break room and Rory was there rinsing some cups. He turned to see who it was, his mouth forming a thin line when he saw me.

  “You again.” He held out his hand for my mug. “Here, give that to me. I’ll wash it for you.”

  Surprised by the offer, I handed it over, and he placed my mug in the sudsy water with the rest of them. I stood in one spot, trying to decide whether to say something to him or just leave.

  “You’re hovering.”

  “Sorry, I just…”

  “If you want to apologise for reporting me to HR, don’t bother. I’m over it.”

  “I don’t want to apologise. I reported you because you deserved it.”

  Rory lifted one eyebrow, muttering to himself, “Someone finally decided to grow a pair of lady balls.”

  I frowned at him. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Go ahead,” he replied with a challenging tone.

  “Why do you dislike me so much?”

  Rory paused washing the dishes to give me his full attention. I didn’t know what I expected him to say, perhaps refer to the fact that I’d gotten the job he wanted. Instead, he shocked me. “I dislike you because you’re so bloody happy all the time.”

  I scrunched my brow. “What?”

  “It gets on my nerves. Like, what do you have to be so cheerful about? Nobody here even likes you.”

  A pang hit me right in the chest. “People like me.”

  He scoffed. “They feel sorry for you.”

  “Lilah and Nadia like me, and so does Georgia,” I said, defensive. I wanted to add Cameron to that list, but everyone knew that Cameron Grant didn’t like anyone at the office, so claiming him as a friend would only cause more suspicion.

  Rory gave a harsh laugh. “Wow, three whole people. Congratulations.”

  Okay, now he was pissing me off. I folded my arms and levelled him with a derisive look. “What’s so wrong with being happy?”

  “It’s annoying,” he replied sharply, then something dimmed behind his eyes as he continued. “It also makes everyone feel shitty for not feeling the same way. Nobody needs that kind of constant cheerfulness rubbed in their faces.”

  I stared at him, wondering if maybe Rory’s problem with me stemmed from the fact that he was miserable and couldn’t stand to see anyone who wasn’t miserable, too. A long silence fell, and he turned back to rinse the rest of the mugs.

  “Just because I come across cheerful, doesn’t mean I actually am on the inside,” I ventured. “I have my fair share of problems, too.”

  His voice was mocking. “Oh, like what? Being handed a promotion without even trying?”

  “Georgia gave me a promotion because I’m a hard worker. You of all people should know she runs this office based on a meritocracy. You’re her assistant, you work with her every day.”

  “Yes, and I’ve never been given a promotion.”

  “Maybe you will with time.”

  Now he scoffed. “Sure.”

  I took a step closer and softened my voice. “You shouldn’t go around resenting other people for getting opportunities they’ve worked hard for. Instead you should go and work hard for your own.”

  “Oh my God, now she’s preaching to me. Jesus Christ,” he said, his tone defensive. It was at odds with the way his shoulders slumped, the surety in his gaze fading.

  “I’m just trying to help. I don’t want to be enemies.”

  I turned and walked toward the door when he spoke. “We’re not enemies, Maisie. Just stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of yours.”

  I exhaled. I guess if that was how he wanted things to be then, fine. “Sure. Whatever.”

  I felt sad that he didn’t want to even try to get along. Then again, not everyone in the world was going to like me. Strangely, I found myself accepting this fact more readily than I might’ve in the past. Before I would’ve gone out of my way to win Rory over, but now, well, I guess I was okay with how he felt about me. It was hardly the end of the world. My acceptance felt like progress. If Rory wanted to dislike me for no good reason that was his prerogative. I wouldn’t be wasting any more time agonising over how to deal with him.

  ***

  I fussed over what to wear for my day trip to Penzance with Cameron. In the end, I settled on a calf-length navy tea dress with my favourite mustard cardigan. I left my hair down in its natural waves and put on a little bit of makeup.

  I expected him to beep his horn when he arrived, but instead he got out of the car and came to knock on my door. I watched him from my bedroom window, then hurried downstairs to let him in.

  “Hi,” I breathed as I opened the door, stomach full of butterflies.

  His eyes wandered over me, a frown on his face as he asked gruffly. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes, I just need to grab my bag,” I replied, heart sinking. Was he in a bad mood?

  “I’ll wait in the car,” he said then stomped away.

  I went to grab my things, locked up then warily approached Cameron’s car. I lowered myself into the passenger seat and took a quick peek at him. His jaw was tight, his expression stern. I wanted to ask him what was wrong, but the tension rolling off him was so thick I daren’t try to penetrate it.

  “It’s a nice day for a drive,” I said cordially after a few minutes of silence.

  “It is,” Cameron agreed.

  I hated when he got like this, all cold and distant. It felt like all the headway we’d made in our friendship was completely obliterated. Was it me? Had I done something wrong? Was he still mad about me paying all that money for the treasure hunt?

  “You know, my mum used to listen to The Pirates of Penzance soundtrack all the time when I was little,” I said in an effort to make conversation. “I was so proud of myself when I learned all the words to “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General”. Mum found it hilarious when I’d stand in the kitchen and recite the lyrics. She loves musicals, but my dad can’t stand them. He says all marriages thrive on compromise, so he takes her to see musicals a few times a year and she goes with him to his football games even though she isn’t a fan of sports.” I paused and chanced another peek at him.