“I’m here, aren’t I?”
“Okay. In which case, how are we going to play this?”
“Play what?”
“This pretend boyfriend thing.”
“Okay, look, Nate. Let’s set some ground rules. We’re not playing anything. If they ask about us, stick as close to the truth as possible. We met recently while you were having a drink with my cousin at the local pub. Even though you think I’m an arrogant prick and I think you’re a wuss who's too trusting, we connected. If we’re among celebrities, we’ll be fine—you’ll be lucky to get a word in. I’ve attended enough dinners for environmental fundraising to know the type. Whenever you feel the need to breathe or deflect, just ask a couple of questions about their career and let them drone on. They’ll more than likely split couples up but maybe have us across the table from each other, so we won’t be expected to hold hands. And if there’s even a whiff of a suggestion of drugs, then we’re out of there. And I’ll tell you now, if I see you slipping away with lover boy, I will follow you like the jealous boyfriend I’m supposed to be and make a very embarrassing scene.”
“You don’t like Clifton much, do you?”
“Let’s just say I’ve known his type and leave things there.”
“Okay, but as Polly told you, he and I used to be close. I’m going to want to speak to him. Things were left unsaid when he disappeared. But I respect that he’s in a relationship now.”
“You mean that?”
“Of course I do. But I’m intrigued. Why does that mean so much to you?”
Jaymes twisted around to carefully return the book to the bookcase, ensuring the spine lined up with the other books.
“For all my bullshit, I do have standards. If Clifton were single, then I’d say go for it, and good luck to you. But we both know that’s not the case, so if he were to try something on and the world found out, trust me, it’s you who would end up taking the flak. His manager would make sure of that. Promise me that no matter what, you’ll just talk.”
“I only want answers.”
Jaymes appeared to relax at Nathan’s remark, slowly nodding.
“Okay, then. One last thing before we head out. We need a code word.”
“Like a safe word?”
Jaymes looked away and snorted for no apparent reason.
“Let’s stick with a code word for now, shall we? What I mean is a word to get us out of there, in case either of us has had enough or if something happens. If I turn to you and start talking about something unusual, I don’t know, a subject like, uh—”
“Trees?”
Jaymes tilted his head and pierced Nathan with a look.
“You’ve never done this before, have you? You know what I do for a living, don’t you? I’d be hard-pressed to talk about my work with the Forestry Commission without using that particular word.” Jaymes breathed out a sigh and tried again. “Let’s use something unfamiliar to us both. Something like—I don’t know—Chernobyl?”
“Chernobyl? How the hell am I supposed to work that into a conversation? Look, Jaymes, I’m hopeless at these games. Everyone’s going to know I’m faking. Can’t one of us send Polly a text and ask her to call?”
Jaymes stared at Nathan for a few moments, processing his words.
“Actually, that’s a brilliant plan. She’s having a riveting night at home with reruns ofDownton Abbey, pepperoni pizza and a bottle of Pinot Grigio. She’ll be more than happy to oblige.”
“Tell you what. I’ll invite her over here. She has spare keys and has my Netflix password. Go and start the car. I’ll call her and let her know the plan.”
* * * *
Clifton’s grandparents’ house—a garish modern mansion—stood on the outskirts of Mayfield, around fifteen miles from Crumbington. Traffic that evening was light, and they arrived just before seven-thirty, according to his watch. As Jaymes pulled the Land Rover into the driveway, the automatic security light flooded the courtyard, showcasing Clifton’s Tesla, along with a white Porsche Electric, a Maserati and the latest Range Rover.
Nathan jumped out first and headed for the large oak front door while Jaymes locked up. He smirked at seeing Jaymes’ beaten-up Land Rover parked between pristine sports cars and watched Jaymes peer around, confident but unimpressed, as he sauntered over to join him.
“Ready to dazzle them, Honeybun?” asked Jaymes.
“Honeybun? Don’t. Just don’t.”
