Trace of Innocence (No Control Book 3)

Chapter 30

(No Control - 30. Nobody Compares)

I'm relieved when Jess agrees to meet me at 5 outside her office when she finishes work. I'm sure there is a Costa Coffee or Starbucks or something opposite her building. I just know I'm going to be hassled into taking security with me, and it's the last thing I want. It's been brilliant spending this time with Jess on our own so far, and actually being treated like a normal person for once. I usually only get that with my family. Even some of my old friends act differently around me sometimes.

I call Angela back (from Modest), and she picks up on the second ring. She's nothing like Karen.

"Hello honey!" she practically sings when she answers.

"How's my favourite lady?" I ask, and she giggles.

"Don't give me that, Harry, I know you say that to everyone."

"I really don't!" I protest, but I do, and she knows it.

"Yeah, yeah," she chides. "How has your week been, sweetheart?"

"Really good, thanks," I reply. "How was yours?"

"Oh, you know. Same old same old. Got the grandkids coming this weekend."

Angela is the youngest and hippest grandmother I know. Sometimes I think she's cooler than all of the band put together.

"Nice," I smile. "Bet they're looking forward to that."

"Definitely," she agrees. "I fill them full of sugar and send them back to their mum high on E numbers."

We both laugh as I imagine Angela's grandchildren bouncing off the walls holding a bag of Skittles.

"Anyway, listen my lovely, I'm just checking you know the itinerary for this evening," she continues. "Paul's coming to pick you up at your house at 6, and will take you straight to Heathrow to meet the others, OK?"

"Um, well actually I've made plans just before we get picked up," I begin. "Could I get a car to my house at 4.30, and I need it to drop me off in Harrow at 5, and collect me again at 6 please?"

There is a short pause. "Right," Angela says uncertainly. "Where are you going?"

"I'm meeting someone for coffee."

"In Harrow?" I can hear the scepticism in her voice.

"Yeah, sort of a long story," I mumble. 

"You'll need security - "

"No," I interrupt. "No security, thanks."

There is another pause. "This is the second time in two days you've said 'no security,'" she says casually, but the tone of her voice indicates this is a question.

"You've been talking to Karen," I say flatly.

"Of course, she's my boss. She's not too happy with you at the moment, cherub."

I run my hand through my hair. "I just want to be a normal guy, just for five minutes."

"She's not going to like this, Harry."

"I'm not budging," I say, politely.

"It's too public, in the middle of the afternoon. It'll be full of commuters and school kids. You'll get mobbed. It isn't safe."

I knew this would be the answer, but I refuse to have bodyguards playing third wheel on this date. It isn't happening.

"Fine. They can wait outside and I'll call if I need them," I compromise.