‘Thank you, Jay. I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me.’
‘There’s no need for thanks. I just wish it hadn’t happened in the first place.’
‘Me too.’ She yawned. ‘I think I’ll try to get some sleep.’
‘The spare bed is all made up for you. Sleep is probably the best thing.’
‘Yes, I just hope I don’t have nightmares.’
‘Well, if you need anything at all, whatever the time, just give me a shout and I’ll be there.’
‘Thanks, Jay.’ She paused. ‘There’s one thing I don’t get about tonight.’
‘What’s that?’
‘Why did you come looking for me?’
He shrugged. ‘Instinct, I suppose. I knew it wasn’t like you not to answer my call when you knew I was expecting you. So I just assumed that something was wrong and that you might need my help.’
‘And so you dropped everything to come for me.’
‘Well, yes.’
‘I’m glad you did, Jay. That means so much.’
* * *
Despite waking with a jolt several times throughout the night and having strange dreams, Emma woke the next morning with a sense of relief. She was safe and lying in the spare bedroom of her former home. Not the staff accommodation, where Nick could be waiting for her.
There was a knock on the door and Jay walked in with a tray of coffee and toast.
‘Oh, Jay, you didn’t have to do that. But thank you.’
‘I’ve got my phone here too in case you want to call work.’
‘Oh, yes, I’ll need to phone in before my shift starts.’
‘I’ll leave you to it, then. I’ve got to pop out for a little while, so you’ve got the place to yourself to shower and whatnot, but I’m around later if you want to arrange a time for me to pick up your stuff. I’m sure you’ll feel a lot better when you’re wearing different clothes.’
‘That would be great. Thanks.’
Emma’s hand trembled as she dialled the number for the hotel and asked to be put through to Faye. It took a while for her to explain what had happened, but Faye was appalled at what she’d been through at the hands of Nick.
‘Rest assured, Emma, we will conduct a thorough investigation into this. I won’t stand for my staff being assaulted, especially by other members of staff. He’ll be suspended while we investigate and told to make other living arrangements.’
‘Thank you.’
Emma was relieved when she put the phone down. She’d been given a week off work while Nick was being investigated and she would ask Jay if he could pick up her things later that afternoon.
Jay. She sighed as she thought about him. She would always be grateful for how considerate he’d been last night, and that he’d cared enough to come and find her.
Later that afternoon, Jay returned with her belongings and she changed into fresh clothes, then she went back into the living room and sat down on the sofa opposite to where Jay was sitting.
‘Feeling better?’ he asked.
‘Much.’ Emma paused. ‘I’m really sorry if I’m a burden to you, Jay. I’ll find somewhere else to live as soon as I can. Even if Nick isn’t around anymore, I can’t face going back to the staff accommodation.’
‘I don’t blame you, Em. And you’re not a burden. There’s no need to find somewhere else as you’re always welcome here.’
