Pawn of the Billionaire(58)

Disinfectant in one hand, paper towels in the other, I went to the lounge to clean the soiled chair. I felt ground down, depressed. I couldn’t stand this for much longer, could I? Was this the way I’d end my days, forty — fifty years from now? I shuddered. The first day after I’d found myself here, desperate enough to ask for work, I’d tried to do everything properly, take time to talk to the residents, be cheerful, encourage them. Then, when I saw how it was, I wanted to take them all somewhere better, nicer, legal and inspected.

I’d realized that nothing I did would make any difference. There would always be people here, always someone sitting in a urine-soaked chair, always someone desperate to work for room and board. The best that could be hoped for was to have workers like Maria, who actually cared and tried to make the best of what there was.

Already the days were beginning to blur together. I thought I’d been here a week. A week? Yes, about that. But there was never any energy, never any time to myself. I took the paper towels out through the kitchen to the trash. The first day I’d been Yeurch! Through the kitchen? Now, I didn’t care.

I thought about James. Again. My heart raced. That morning, we’d sorted things out. I knew I loved him, and he wanted me. I knew I would stay with him forever, whether he loved me in return or not.

Then I heard him. I actually heard with my own ears that he was sending me to marry his brother. I couldn’t stay with him, even if I still wanted to. He’d betrayed me.

And again now, my body betrayed me. I couldn’t hate him. I wanted him. I loved him. But I couldn’t have him. I couldn’t even stay with him. I’d taken the coward’s way out and run away.

Even Maria had wondered where I came from. “You’re too good to be here, you should get a better job, a nicer job. You can talk nice, stand nice.”

I’d smiled at her, shrugged and carried on. I didn’t want to work where I could be found. But after a week, I was beginning to think maybe I’d have to risk it. If he found me, I’d have to stand up to him, refuse to go back. I could do that, couldn’t I? I shook my head. I didn’t think I could. I went back to help Maria with the rest of the wash, and then walk Betsy back to her chair. Then we’d take Jackson. My back hurt just thinking about it. What might happen if I got injured and couldn’t work here any more?



* * *



At ten, I was sent to buy more day-old bread. When I got to the next block, I stood for a moment, breathing in the fresher air. The area might be run-down, but it was infinitely sweeter than The Lodge.

A moment of weakness, and I pulled out the cheap little phone I’d bought. I hesitated for a moment, then dialed. I held my breath. He answered.

“Paul, it’s me.”

“Toni! Are you all right?” The sound of a crash in the room behind him.

I leaned against the wall. A friendly voice. Someone concerned about me.

“I’m — okay. Paul, is the app going to be okay? I need to get working on it, don’t I? Can you …”

“Toni, I’m still working on it. I’ve been told to get it ready for release as soon as possible so you have money available.” His voice was hurried, anxious. “Where are you? Can I come and help? I can bring you money. Have you somewhere to live?” He barely stopped for breath. “We’ve all been really worried about you, Toni. Why did you do it?”

“I can’t tell you, Paul. But I need money. Look, how long till the app’s ready? I have to know.”

“Toni. Take money off the bank card. It’ll still work. Lawrence has told me. You can take all the money you need.”

“I can’t.” I shifted my stance. My back was killing me. “I won’t take his money.”

There was a silence for a moment.

“Look, Toni. I’ve got some savings. I’ll come and bring you some.”

“No, Paul. There’s no reason for you to do that.”

“Look, Toni. If you insist, you can pay me back when the app’s earning for you. It will, you know. It’s no different to a bank loan.” He sounded different, stronger.

“Now, where will you meet me? Tell me where and when. I’ll get the cash and meet you there.”

I hesitated. “You won’t tell?”

“Look Toni, I can bring you money to set yourself up safely. Just say where and I’ll come right away.”

Still, I wasn’t sure. Where was the old strong and feisty Toni who could manage things by herself? Where was she now? I’d waited too long. There was a sudden squeal from my phone. I’d run out of credit.

“Paul?” Silence. I’d fucked things up again, as only I knew how. I sagged back against the wall.