She was pulled into a bear hug. “Congratulations! What is it?”
“Putting right a wrong.”
Wendy looked puzzled. “Are you working for a charity?”
Cherry considered; her mother might as well think this as anything. “That’s right.”
“Good for you, love. It’s about time more people out there did something for someone else. I’m thinking of doing the midnight walk, you know, for breast cancer. Do you fancy coming with me?”
“Think I might be a bit busy with the new job, Mum.”
* * *
Cherry felt alive. This was the project, the focus she’d been looking for. She escaped to her bedroom and started by writing a list of everything Daniel had ever said about Laura, his parents, anything that might be of some value. She had an excellent memory, something she was particularly pleased with herself about, and had used to full advantage throughout her life. Once, she’dbeen off from school for a few days with the flu and the dreaded French verb test was the day of her return. All she’d had to do was scan the workbook while they were lining up to go in, and she knew the conjugations of“souhaiter”—to wish—perfectly.
When she was done with her list, there was quite a lot on it, some of it really useful. She was going to have a lot of fun. But the first thing she was going to do was see Daniel. Laura wouldn’t tell him about her coming to the office, not immediately, because then she’d have to explain why. And that she couldn’t do without admitting she’d lied about his death. No, she’d likely build herself up to it. But Cherry knew she wouldn’t leave it too long, wouldn’t dare to. She’d be too afraid Cherry would get to him first. So Cherry decided to make sure she did just that. She threw on her jacket and told her mum she was going out for some air.
She walked the ten minutes to Wandle Park and found a quiet bench. The park was quite busy with dog walkers, mums pushing prams, and some of the kids out of school, but it was still big enough for people to have their own space; no one came near her. Making sure she dialed a prefix that would hide her own number, Cherry phoned Laura’s office.
“Hello, can I speak to Willow, please?”
A click and she was put through.
“Hello, Cavendish Pictures.”
“Oh, hi, Willow, this is Rachel Thornton, PA to Alison Forest at ITV drama.” Such a good idea of hers to chat with Willow earlier when she’d gone to the office. She’d found out she’d only been there a few days and it was her first TV job. It was unlikely that she’d be familiar with people’s voices and she was usefully green. “I’m calling aboutThe New Life of Heather Brown.”
“Oh, I so love this project.”
“Me too. It’s one of my favorites on our slate.”
“Really?” Willow was delighted.
“Absolutely. Such a good script.”
“I can’t wait to see it made,” gushed Willow.
“You should ask Laura if you could come and visit the set.”
“Oh, my God, I’d love that.”
Cherry smiled. Willow was so trusting.“Listen, Alison’s asked if Laura can come in for a meeting tomorrow morning. She’s got some issues on the casting and is keen to lock it downASAP.” ITVwas so helpful in putting all their executives’ names on their website as they detailed their upcoming dramas. It had all been incredibly simple and hadn’t stretched Cherry at all.
“She’s got an hour between ten and eleven?”
Willow sounded worried for the future of the drama. She was so unsuspecting, Cherry almost felt sorry for her. “That’s great. We’ll see her then. Alison’s out of the office and off-line this afternoon, but any questions she’ll answer fully tomorrow.”
And that was it. Cherry just had one more thing to prepare for. She started to make her way back home to her mum’s flat. It was time to open the boxes.
37
Wednesday, September 16
THE NEXT MORNING, DRESSED CAREFULLY IN THE ELECTRIC-BLUEdress that Daniel had bought her in France, the one that showed off her raven hair, Cherry made her way along Cadogan Square. As she turned into the front path of number 38, she felt herself grow heavyhearted. She rang the bell. After a few moments, she heard footsteps coming to the door. It opened and Cherry looked up and screamed. Then she fainted, falling halfway across the threshold.
When she came round, Daniel had pulled her into the hallway and shut the door. She tried to sit up, but her head hurt. She’d hit it when she fell, something that she’d been prepared for. She stared at him in shock, still terrified.
“Are you all right?” he said matter-of-factly.
