Hooker(80)

‘You’re amazing,’ I say, gazing into her beautiful green eyes.

‘How so?’

‘I love your strength, and your ability to accept the shitty things life continues to hand you. Your strong will to go on no matter what’s thrown your way.’

She shrugs. ‘I’ve learnt over the years that there’s no point dwelling on things you can’t change. Accepting things for what they are and moving forward as best I can is something I’ve mastered. It’s how I survive. I could easily let it get me down, but what good would that do me?’

‘I’m so glad you ran into me that day at the airport,’ I confess. ‘Meeting you has enriched my life in so many ways.’ And that’s the truth. Before Jade, I was just existing—going through the motions of life, not feeling, not really living. I’ve had the world at my feet my entire life, and I took it all for granted. She’s had to fight for everything she has, sometimes just to survive. She’s opened my eyes and made me see my life in a totally different light.

‘I’m glad I did too,’ she says, reaching for my hand and lacing her fingers through mine. I’m again reminded of what she’s been through when I see the bandages covering the rope burns around her wrists. It kills me inside. ‘Although if I could redo that moment, I’d definitely lick the chocolate off my teeth before I smiled at you.’ A sweet blush spreads across her cheeks. I wouldn’t change a second of that moment, or the chocolate on her teeth. It was adorable. Knowing her has made me a better man—a better person.

We talk about everything and nothing. Eventually, I see her eyelids getting heavy and I know she’s tired. ‘Close your eyes and get some sleep, it will do you good,’ I suggest, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

‘I feel rude sleeping while you’re sitting here, but I’m tired.’

‘Don’t. You need your rest. The quicker you get better, the sooner I can take you home.’

I hope she’ll come back to my place when she leaves here. Now that M is no longer a threat, she’s free to go back to her apartment, but I find myself hoping that’s not the decision she makes. Still, I won’t pressure her, even though I’d like too.

Rolling onto her side, she tucks her hands under her face and smiles at me. It astounds me how quickly she became my world, because that’s exactly what she is.

She still won’t close her eyes, so maybe it’s best if I go. I don’t want to leave her, but my need to see my father is just as strong as my desire to stay here. I’m struggling to comprehend that he’d actually be a part of this.

When my mind is made up, I say, ‘I actually need to step out for a while. Would it be okay if Josh and Theo came and sat with you while I’m gone?’

I see a smile tug at her lips before she speaks. ‘Are they out there together?’

‘I guess,’ I reply.

‘Have they been out there the whole time?’

‘Yes.’ Her face lights up and I wonder what she’s up to. I lean down and place a small kiss on her cheek. ‘I won’t be long, I promise.’

‘Okay,’ she replies, as her eyes finally close.

‘I love you.’

She doesn’t say it back. As much as I’d like to hear her say she loves me too, I’m okay with it. I close my eyes and briefly rest my forehead against hers. Why is the thought of leaving her again tearing me up inside? Perhaps it’s because, only hours ago, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see her again.

I give Josh strict instructions not to leave Jade’s side until I return. He gives me the keys to his car since I’d travelled here in the back of an ambulance. I intend to go and see my father, have it out with him and make sure he never goes anywhere near Jade again.



By the time I reach the office it’s safe to say I’m consumed with anger. God help my father when I get my hands on him.

‘Mr Weston, your father is in the middle of an important call. He asked not be disturbed,’ his secretary, Renee, says as I approach.

I walk straight past her without replying.

Reaching for the handle, I ignore her comment, flinging the door open with so much force it crashes into the adjoining wall with a loud bang. My father’s head immediately snaps up and his eyes meet mine. When the colour drains from his face, I know he understands why I’m here. I close the door to his office, locking it behind me. There will be no escaping this conversation.

‘Look, I’ll have to call you back,’ he says in a shaky voice before ending his call. He has good reason to be worried.

Stalking around the desk, I grab the lapels of his suit jacket before reefing him out of his seat. ‘You were behind Jade’s disappearance?’