The Undomestic Goddess 34

No. No.

I feel a bit light-headed, as though I’ve suddenly swum over the ledge into mile-deep water. My mind is flying ahead, careening onto possibilities and shearing away again in disbelief.

Did Arnold discover something? Is he hiding something?

Is this why he’s leaving?

I get up and thrust my hands through my hair. OK, let’s just … stop all this, right now. This is Arnold I’m talking about. Arnold. I’m turning into some nutty conspiracy theorist. Next I’ll be typing in aliens, Roswell, they live among us.

With sudden resolution I get out my phone. I’ll call Arnold. I’ll wish him well in his retirement. Then maybe I can get rid of all these ridiculous ideas floating round my head.

It takes me about six failed attempts before I muster the courage to dial the entire number and wait for a reply. The idea of talking to anyone at Carter Spink—let alone Arnold—makes me feel slightly sick. I keep bottling out before being connected, thrusting the phone down as though I’ve had a narrow escape.

But at last I steel myself to press the digits and hold the line. I’m never going to know unless I do this. I can talk to Arnold. I can hold my head up.

After three rings the phone is picked up by Lara. “Arnold Saville’s office.”

I have a sudden vision of her, plump and shiny-haired, sitting at her pale wooden desk, in the burgundy jacket she always wears, tapping on the computer. It all seems a million miles away now.

“Hi, Lara,” I say. “It’s … Samantha. Samantha Sweeting.”

“Samantha?” Lara sounds poleaxed. “Bloody hell! How are you? What are you up to?”

“I’m fine, thanks. Really good.” I quell a spasm of nerves. “I just rang because I’ve heard that Arnold’s leaving? Is it true?”

“It’s true!” says Lara with relish. “I was gobsmacked! Apparently, Ketterman took him out to dinner and tried to get him to stay, but he’d made up his mind. Get this, he’s moving to the Bahamas.”

“The Bahamas?” I say in astonishment.

“He’s bought a house there! Looks lovely. His retirement party’s next week,” Lara continues. “I’ll be transferring to Derek Green’s office—you remember him? Taxation partner? Very nice guy, though apparently he can have a bit of a temper—”

“Er … great!” I cut her off, suddenly remembering her ability to gossip for hours. “Lara, I just wanted to give Arnold my best wishes. If you could possibly put me through?”

“Really?” Lara sounds surprised. “That’s incredibly … generous of you, Samantha. After what happened.”

“Well, you know,” I say awkwardly. “It wasn’t Arnold’s fault, was it? He did what he could.”

There’s a strange silence.

“Yes,” says Lara after a pause. “Well. I’ll put you through.”

After a few moments Arnold’s familiar voice is booming down the line.

“Samantha, dear girl! Is it really you?”

“It’s … really me.” I manage a smile. “I haven’t quite disappeared off the face of the earth.”

“I should hope not! Now, you’re all right, are you?”

“I’m … fine,” I say awkwardly. “Thanks. I was just surprised to hear you’re retiring.”

“I was never a glutton for punishment!” He gives an easy laugh. “Thirty-three years at the coal face of law. That’s enough for any human. Let alone any lawyer!”

Just his jovial voice is reassuring me. I must be crazy. Arnold couldn’t be involved in anything untoward. He couldn’t be hiding anything. He’s Arnold.

I’ll mention it to him, I decide. Just to prove it to myself.

“Well … I hope it all goes well,” I say. “And I … I guess you’ll be seeing more of your family?”

“I’ll be lumbered with the blighters, yes!” He booms with laughter again.

“I never knew your son-in-law was a director of BLLC Holdings!” I attempt an easy tone. “Quite a coincidence!”

There’s a beat of silence.

“I’m sorry?” says Arnold. His voice is still as charming as ever, but the warmth has disappeared.

“BLLC Holdings.” I swallow. “You know, the other company involved with the Third Union Bank loan? The one that registered a charge? I just happened to notice—”

“I have to go now, Samantha!” Arnold cuts me off smoothly. “Delightful to chat, but I’m leaving the country next week, and there’s a lot to do. It’s exceedingly busy here, so I wouldn’t ring again if I were you.”