Ch 10

Impromptu emotions

Henrik checked his phone before driving off. As well as a few other calls and messages he could see that Ms McGerry had tried to call 3 times, left a message and a WhatsApp. He figured he should call her back. He dialled her from his steering wheel.

"Henrik! I've been trying to get hold of you." Max sounded a bit angry.

"Apologies; I got separated from my phone this morning. I have just retrieved it and called you straight away. What can I do for you?"

"Have you not listened to the message I left or read the messages?"

"Well no, my priority was to call you as it seemed urgent."

"OK. OK well the meeting this afternoon has been bought forward to noon. I assume you have not seen the email?"

"Ah. No, I haven't. That may be a problem for me." Henrik looked at the time on his dashboard. He simply would not make it back. He did allow himself a secret smile, this was serendipity. He didn't want to go back but felt bound. This action was out of his control, so now he had no need to feel guilty for remaining in Leeds.

"Problem?" Max probed. She did not like the sound of this one bit. Was Hanssen going to bail on the meeting?

"Yes. I am currently in Leeds. Had the meeting remained at the original time I would have made it in time." He was taking a gamble that his bluff would not be called. Fact is that if the meeting went back to the original time he would still be cutting it fine... and it would mean he definitely had to leave.

Henrik heard Max heave a sigh. He pulled the car over as it seemed pointless to keep driving until he knew which direction he was going in. The line was quiet for a few moments. He could hear talking in the background.

"Max?"

After a few moments Max returned to the line. "Right. Not a lot we can do about you being in Leeds. As you are not chairing the meeting I will send your apologies because the meeting cannot be moved back to the original time. I would be grateful if you could send me any information that I do not already have."

"On the case now."

"Thank you Henrik."

"No, thank you Max. I shall, of course, be at the other end of the phone should you need me."

"Like I needed you this morning?" Max laughed.

"Ah, yes, this morning. One off. Shan't happen again."

"Enjoy Leeds Henrik. I will confirm I have received the documents." Max was more than aware that Russ and Billie were now in Leeds and she had no doubt that that was the reason Henrik was there. She smiled. This is the first time she had known Henrik to act so impulsively. She was rooting for Henrik and Russ, their close relationship had not gone unnoticed by herself and a few others. Of course, no one would say anything, especially to Henrik; but that didn't stop people wondering what exactly their deal was.

"Thank you Max. I shall send those documents post haste." At that he hung up and went straight to his emails and sent the necessary attachments to Max.

He then turned his attention to his sat navigation console. He deleted the Holby postcode and searched for another location much closer by.

Russ was sitting in the living room listening to Radio 2 and rocking Denver in one arm. He was holding up random cards and saying the corresponding words to stimulate Denver's brain and vocabulary.

"Orange, elephant, beach hut."

Suddenly there was a knock at the door.

"Who could this be big man? It won't be Mummy." In his heart of hearts there is only one person he wanted to be at that door, but that was highly unlikely. "Coming." He bellowed as he put Denver down and went to the door.

Russ opened the door and his smile was a mile wide. Henrik was standing there with his typically awkward lop sided smile.

"I knew it would be you!" Russ exclaimed.

"No you didn't. I didn't know until not long ago." Henrik laughed.

"Well OK. I hoped it would be you." Russ was beyond happy. "What have you got there?"

Henrik was holding a Marks and Spencer bag in his hand. "Well I figured I needed some provisions if I were going to be staying for a night or two." He was really stepping out of his comfort zone being so presumptuous.

Russ took the bag from Henrik's hand. "Come on in. Let's see what you have been buying."

Henrik stepped into the house glad that his gamble had paid off. He could get used to being brave.