Danger's Edge

7 Hours

It’s already gone four o’clock by the time we leave. As Jenny has her car parked outside, she offers to drive me home. She tells me she won’t stay, as she can’t get out of working this evening, but will drop by when she finishes. Besides Jenny’s day job, she often works in the evening, assisting her brother, Philip, who opened a specialist clinic to help people get over phobias, stop smoking, or give up other addictions. Alesha insists she wants to come with me and says she won’t leave me alone. Jenny claims she’s happy that I’ll have someone with me, and she’ll check in later. However, there’s something in her tone. I detect some animosity between her and Alesha.

Progress is slow, hampered by early rush hour traffic compounded by the late end of the school run. As the car crosses the Kingston Bridge, Alesha’s phone rings. She looks at the screen and mouths, “Ice Queen,” to me before answering. I hear her side of the conversation, “No, you won’t be able to call as the police have kept her phone.” She then explains to Margaret where we are and what’s happened so far, then she turns to me. “She’d like to talk to you.”

I shrug and reach back for the phone.

“Hello, Margaret. Yes, I’m on my way home.”

“I’d like to come over and see you,” she says.

“Why?” I ask. This is the same woman who was ready to fire me this morning!

“I think I might be able to help,” she says.

“What? Do you know something?” I ask. Both Jenny and Alesha turn to stare at me.

“No, I can’t help there, but I’ll explain when I see you.”

I don’t understand, but there’s so much I don’t seem to understand just now. She’s not taking no for an answer, and I’m not up for a fight. “Okay, but please give me some time to get home and showered.” I’m desperate to have a long shower.

“I’ll come over in an hour or two. I have your address from the personnel files, and I know the area.” She leaves no room for argument.

“What’s that about?” Jenny asks

Alesha and I both shake our heads.

As usual, parking is impossible so Jenny drops us in Sinclair Drive, a short walk from my flat. Alesha and I climb the stairs and I turn the key to open my front door.