CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
"I'll drive you home Nikki."
"No, I don't want to be in that flat." Nikki shook her head vehemently, "Can't I come to yours for a while?" Helen looked at Nikki she was in bits and there was no way that Helen could refuse her.
"Ok but I'm still driving." Helen gripped Nikki's car keys, "Ok?" Nikki nodded and followed Helen to her car. The journey passed in silence, Nikki was in no mood to speak and Helen had no idea what she should say. She was also busy concentrating on her driving, she hadn't driven for a while and she didn't want to damage Nikki's car. The house was empty when they arrived, Helen and Duncan had decided to enrol Olivia in a local nursery just for two days a week. It gave them both a little bit of freedom and a taste of normality, when Olivia started at playschool they would have to get used to having time on their hands. With Nikki safely installed on a chair in the living room Helen busied herself in the kitchen boiling the kettle and rinsing some mugs. Nikki seemed like she was in a daze when Helen appeared with two teas.
"Nik, Nik come on drink this."
"Hot, sweet tea is it? Just the thing for a shock." Helen winced at the sharpness of sarcasm in Nikki's voice, but she knew there was no point responding in kind. They sipped their tea, the only sound in the room was the ticking of the clock on the mantelpiece. "Helen I'm sorry I snapped at you."
"It's ok."
"No it's not ok, I just don't know what to think."
"Nikki tell me what happened, I mean I think I got the gist but tell me everything." Nikki looked at Helen, her face was full of concern and her clear green eyes seemed so calm. Nikki didn't particularly feel like talking about it but she wanted Helen to know everything. Helen listened intently as Nikki explained what had happened.
"It's Jim Helen."
"What him and Shell in it together?"
"Yes!" Nikki stood and paced up and down her arms began to wave erratically as she became more and more agitated. "They both hate me."
"Look Nikki don't bite my head off but I'm going to play devil's advocate for a minute." Nikki's dark eyes flashed dangerously at Helen's words but she said nothing so Helen ploughed on. "Did you not see it coming?"
"What!"
"If Shell hates you so much didn't you think she might do something like this?"
"Why would I think that she'd try to kiss me and accuse me of sexual harassment?"
"Well maybe you wouldn't guess exactly what she was going to do but perhaps being in a room on your own with her was a bad idea?" Nikki stood with her hands on her hips staring incredulously at Helen.
"I thought you were my friend?"
"I am Nikki! I'm just trying to make you see the situation from all the different angles. You were in the training room on your own with Shell, like it or not people are going to make assumptions about what happened. They are entitled to believe what and who they want. Just because you believe you can see straight through Shell Dockley does not mean everyone else can." Helen's succinct words cut through Nikki's anger like a blade, she collapsed onto the floor her head in her hands.
"I know I know! I'm so stupid!" Helen was at Nikki's side in a moment, she gathered her up in her arms.
"You are not stupid sweetheart, anything but." Nikki pulled back slightly to look at Helen.
"I should have been more careful though." Helen smiled, she brushed Nikki's cheek gently with the back of her hand.
"We're all guilty of doing things we shouldn't Nikki, it's just how we deal with it afterwards that sets us apart." With their faces centimetres apart both women felt the attraction spark between, unbeknown to the other they both wanted to act on it but didn't. Nikki was with Frances and she didn't want to cheat on her even though she felt drawn to Helen like no other person she knew. Helen was afraid her actions would not reciprocated, she was beginning to care deeply about Nikki, she couldn't bear it if she was rejected. Helen dragged herself to her feet,
"I bet you haven't had lunch have you?" Nikki shook her head.
"I don't think I can face anything."
"Ok, well you can help me make something for myself, there'll be enough for you if you decide you want something."
"I suppose I could help." Nikki reluctantly got to her feet with a helping hand from Helen, once again a magnetism seemed to pull them together and once again they both individually resisted. Nikki forced herself to look away and her eyes lighted on a book case.
"Your books?"
"Oh well most of them are mine actually but a few are Duncan's."
"Let me guess Bravo Two Zero is yours and Sophie's World is your brother's?" Helen laughed,
"Got it in one! How well you know me Miss Wade!" Nikki cast her eye over the titles and Helen left her to it. One book caught her eye,
"Pieces." Nikki mumbled to herself, it was the hardback version. She pulled it off the shelf and flicked it open, there was a handwritten message on the title page.
To my dearest brother and sister-in-law
thank you for your support
over the last few months this wouldn't
have happened without you both.
All my love
H x
Nikki studied the words carefully for a few seconds and then carefully replaced the book where she found it. Helen had wrote it! Nikki couldn't believe it, when she had read that book she had felt something stir inside her. It sounded ridiculous and she hadn't mentioned it to Frances because she would have laughed but it made sense now. Nikki ran her finger down the spine of the book, all those words, paragraphs and chapters that had kept her engrossed during the final few days of her holiday had come from Helen. The words that at times had driven a wedge between Nikki and Frances, the words that Nikki had possessively snatched away from Frances just the other day, all from Helen's mind and heart.
"Are you going to help me Wade?" Helen appeared at the door of lounge brandishing a knife.
"Are you threatening me?"
"If that's what it takes! What have you found?" Nikki's mind worked quickly,
"This 'Pieces' book." Nikki pulled it out from it's place on the shelf again, "It's bloody good." Helen tried not to show her nervousness but quickly made her way over replacing the book on the shelf.
"Is it? I wouldn't know, one of Cerys'" You little fibber Helen Stewart, thought Nikki.
"You haven't? Oh you really must Helen it's quite excellent. Whoever wrote it should write more. I keep looking out for her next book but it's not appeared yet. I hope she's not going to be a one-hit wonder."
"Who knows. Maybe I'll get round to reading it one of these days."
"Writer's block must be a terrible thing as an author."
"Mmmm probably is."
"I mean you'd just want to write and write but the words would be stuck."
"Yeah. I need to get back to the salad." Helen practically ran away back to the kitchen. Nikki ambled into the kitchen after Helen, the crisis enveloping her was intense but being with Helen was taking her mind off things. She was extremely intrigued by this new development.
"Were you never tempted to write Helen?"
"Why do you say that?" Nikki reached over Helen's shoulder and picked up a piece of freshly chopped carrot, she sat at the kitchen table and crunched thoughtfully.
"Well you were involved in editing, did you never read stuff and think 'I can do better'?"
"All the time."
"So?" Helen put down the knife she was using and wiped her hands with a tea towel. She turned around to face Nikki.
"You've read the title page haven't you?"
"You dark horse Helen Stewart. I'm seriously impressed."
"Well you shouldn't be, you were right in there. One-hit wonder that's me. You know I read 'Pieces' and I can't believe I wrote it, I can't even remember writing some of the words."
"It's an impressive book Helen, and I don't say that lightly. You know after our conversation last week I know my books and I don't throw compliments out lightly either." Helen picked up plates of salad and freshly cut bread and placed them on the table. She sat opposite Nikki and began to fill her plate,
"I appreciate your compliments Nikki but this is not something I think I can talk about."
"Helen! You can't just say that every time the conversation moves on to something difficult. Why can't you write?"
"I don't know Nikki, if I knew that then there wouldn't be a problem." Helen angrily hacked at a piece of bread with a knife.
"Has it got something to do with Cerys?"
"Why do you think that?"
"Because it seems to me that a lot comes down to her, she was clearly very important to you. Losing someone important can do terrible things to your attitude and confidence. I take it she was one of your biggest fans?" Helen laughed,
"She was, she was more excited than me when the book was finally published. She was so annoyed that I decided to remain anonymous. I used to get invited to loads of parties and book launches, they wanted me to go on the Richard and Judy show!"
"You're kidding!" Helen shook her head,
"Nope. Cerys was jumping about like a loony when my agent rang. 'You've got to go!' she said, she loved Richard and Judy."
"Why didn't you want to?"
"I wrote that book because I wanted to write, not because I wanted to be famous. My life is my own."
"And staying unknown gives you a perfect escape route of course." Nikki began to fill her own plate with salad and let her words sink in. Helen knew that what Nikki said was absolutely true, she'd cut through all the crap and got straight through to the problem. Helen knew that being an anonymous author was perfect for disappearing, she got fan mail via her agent but she was safe in the knowledge that none of them really knew who she was. "I'm right aren't I?" Nikki's softly spoken words brought Helen back to reality.
"You know you are. How can you possible know me so well already?"
"I don't know Helen. I'm not sure what I can do to help or even if there is anything I can do but I will if you'll let me."
"You've got far too much to worry about. I thought I was meant to be helping you today."
"What can you do? Look just being here and not talking about bloody Shell Dockley is helping me. I can't do anything until Frances has spoken to her and found out what's going on."
"Why don't we go out somewhere, take our minds off our various problems? It's a beautiful day."
"Ok, you're on. What about Duncan and Olivia?"
"Duncan was picking her up from nursery anyway, I'll just text him and let him know I'm going to be out. I'll go and get changed and then we can pop to yours so that you can get changed."
"Tell you what Helen I'll go to mine, get changed while you beautify yourself and then I'll meet you back here."
"Beautify myself?"
"Well I think you look fine the way you are but each to their own!"
"Nicely recovered Wade, ok if you're sure I'll see you in a bit then." Nikki pulled the front door closed behind her and stepped into her car. As close as she felt all of a sudden to Helen she was not ready to discuss the 'Frances issue' as she would have to if Helen walked into her flat. Not many employees have pictures of themselves with their area manager draped around each other on a beach in Mexico.
Frances drummed her professionally hardened nails on the table top and glanced again at her watch. Neil had decided he wanted to drop in to Harbourne and see how things were going, his arrival was imminent. Shell Dockley had been sent home and Frances had warned Jim Fenner not to step on her toes when it came to informing Neil about the events of the day. In an ideal world she would have liked a few days to try and sort out the problem but that was not going to be possible. The phone issued a shrill ring making Frances jump,
"Myers."
"Frances it's Yvonne. Neil Grayling is here, I take it you want him to be escorted to the training room?"
"Yes please Yvonne, and if possible…"
"Avoid Jim, no problem love." Frances stood and nervously paced the room, this was going to make her look very bad, it wasn't going to do her application for the position of regional manager any good at all. The door swung open and Neil swept in.
"Frances, good to see you. Tell me good things."
"Neil, a pleasure as always. Coffee, tea?"
"Coffee, and you're stalling and looking unflatteringly nervous, what's happened?"
"Happened?" Frances attempted a small laugh which somehow got stuck in her throat, "Why should anything have happened?"
"Frances please, sit down and fill me in." Frances took a deep breath and picked up two cups of coffee setting them down on the desk in front of Neil, he noticed the almost imperceptible shake in her hand as she did so.
"There's been an accusation of sexual harassment against a member of management."
"What! Who? It better not be Jim Fenner."
"No it's Nikki Wade."
"Surely not, the consummate customer service manager? I've been singing her praises in area all bloody week. Who made the complaint"
"Shell Dockley." Neil's blank expression indicated that Frances was going to have to clarify further. "She's on the tills, platinum blonde, all legs and short skirt."
"I'm none the wiser Frances but go on."
"She accused Nikki this afternoon of coming on to her, of suggesting that sexual favours could be exchanged for her not being sacked."
"I'm assuming that you were about to call me when I called you Frances."
"Of course." Neil searched Frances' expression, waiting for her to waver, but she didn't. Satisfied he continued, "Did Shell deserve to be sacked?"
"Undoubtedly, she's appalling and has dragged Nikki's customer service levels down."
"What's Nikki's take on the situation?"
"Well Nikki says that Shell came on to her."
"Right so they've both filed complaints then?"
"Yes Neil."
"And they've both been suspended?" Neil was rapidly making notes, and his scribbling pen paused as Frances delayed. "Frances? They've been suspended?"
"They're both at home."
"Suspended?"
"Well officially no."
"Jesus! What are you playing at? This is not a disagreement between staff that you can mediate between Frances, this is an official complaint that reflects on the company as a whole! This is unlike you, I'm disappointed Frances."
"Neil please, I just thought perhaps I could solve it before it became an official problem."
"Well you can't, it doesn't work like that and you know it. As much as it pains me to say it I need to speak to Jim now. He's the store manager and my point of contact for this investigation. Frances ring the two members of staff involved immediately and inform them they are suspended pending the enquiry." Neil stood and smoothed out his tie, "I'm surprised at you, very surprised. Is there something you need to tell me? Extenuating circumstances maybe that would lead you to behave in this way?"
"Such as?"
"You tell me."
"No Neil, nothing."
"Right, where's Jim? In his office hiding no doubt, get on that phone now Frances." Neil rushed out, for the first time in years Frances felt like she wanted to cry.
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Nikki and Helen walked at a gentle pace watching as the final rowing boats of the day made their leisurely way back to the boat houses. After much deliberation they had decided to go to Stratford, though the sun had now disappeared the air was still warm. A pleasant breeze drifted across the river Avon and cooled their skin. After parking the car they had gone straight to the theatre to see whether they could get tickets for the current Shakespeare play, they had been in luck and were now whiling away a few hours before the curtain went up on Romeo and Juliet.
"How about Italian?" Nikki glanced at her watch, "If I don't eat Helen you're going to be really embarrassed!"
"How so?"
"Because my stomach will be rumbling so loudly you probably won't be able to hear the actors speak!"
"As you put it like that ok!" They walked into the Italian and Helen chatted to the waitress who approached them asking for a non-smoking table as Nikki fumbled in her bag for her phone. They were seated on a fairy lit veranda outside, overlooking the river, Nikki finally located her phone and smiled apologetically at Helen as she answered.
"Nikki Wade."
"Darling it's me."
"Hi."
"Where are you?"
"Is that relevant?"
"Nikki!"
"Look sorry, I just would rather you got to the point."
"Ok, Neil Grayling has been here. You and Shell Dockley are suspended with immediate effect while an investigation takes place."
"I see."
"You're very calm."
"What did you expect? I presumed that would happen, it's not like me and Shell can waltz back in tomorrow like nothing happened. I've had a few hours to think things over and I've calmed down, of course this is the necessary course of action." Helen continued to peruse the menu and quietly mouthed red or white in Nikki's direction, "White."
"White what?"
"Sorry not you."
"Are you out eating?"
"Yes."
"I'm at work sorting out your bloody mess and you sound like you're chilling out having a meal."
"You sent me home!" Helen had worked out it was probably Frances on the phone filling Nikki in on the Shell situation but the tone of the conversation was intriguing her.
"Who are you with? Helen?"
"Yes."
"Getting frequent aren't they these little outings with Helen."
"Oh please! I think I've had enough of this conversation."
"What time shall I expect you home?"
"I don't know."
"Fine." The line went dead and Nikki stared at the screen for a moment before switching the phone to silent and putting it back into her bag.
"I'm sorry Helen, it won't disturb us again."
"Don't apologise, what's happened?"
"I've been suspended."
"Oh Nikki!" Helen's hand briefly covered Nikki's before Nikki took it away to pick up her wine glass.
"Don't Helen." Nikki sipped her wine, "It really was the only option, everything will work itself out." The two women studied the menu in silence and gave their orders to the waitress.
"It was Frances on the phone then?"
"Mmm." Nikki averted her eyes and stared out onto the river, the romantic boat rides had now started. Numerous couples were being ferried up and down the river in boats adorned with colourful lights. It was a beautiful sight.
"Good of her to phone you like that, have you known her for long?"
"A while I suppose, we met at a course a couple of years ago." Helen nodded and moved her napkin out of the way as the meals arrived. Helen was convinced there was more to Nikki's relationship with Frances than at first sight. Nikki looked like she had drifted off somewhere. The pasta in front of Nikki looked lovely and she was sure it tasted delicious as well but it was slipping down her throat un-tasted. Her conversation with Frances was the only thing she could taste, and it was a bad taste at that.
"You know it might be an idea to talk about it."
"About what?"
"Nikki! You don't hold the monopoly on knowing people well, you seem to know me very well, maybe I know you quite well too."
"The observational skills of the author?"
"Don't push it! You and Frances, come on Nikki what's going on?" Nikki chewed contemplatively,
"Don't think I'm trying to change the emphasis here or avoid your question because I will answer it, but I'd like to know what you think is happening?"
"I think she's your girlfriend." Helen's matter-of-fact comment surprised Nikki,
"Oh right, you based that assumption on what exactly?"
"You make me sound like Miss Marple!"
"I never was an Agatha Christie fan, more Conan Doyle myself, so Holmes your evidence?"
"The conversation you just had, the fact you're secretive about your partner, the way the two of you act around each other. There's a familiarity about the two of you that does not happen between people who work together."
"Wow!"
"Of course I could be barking completely up the wrong tree here, if that's the case I'm sorry Nikki, but something tells me I'm not wrong." As if to emphasise her point Helen popped her last piece of pasta in her mouth and laid her fork down to rest. Nikki decided to stop torturing her food by pushing it around her plate and placed her own fork down. She picked up a piece of olive bread and tore small pieces off eating them calmly and slowly.
"You're not wrong." Helen nodded but remained silent, "We've been together for nearly a year now, she left her husband for me."
"No one knows?" Nikki shook her head vigorously,
"That's the way it's always been. I'm not comfortable with the way we started and I'm not that comfortable with the fact our relationship is secret but there we go."
"Why is no one allowed to know?" Helen was bemused by the situation, she knew that if Nikki was her partner she'd want to tell the world.
"It just isn't a good idea people knowing. Work wise it wouldn't reflect well, and Frances isn't exactly comfortable."
"Comfortable with?"
"The relationship, I'm the first woman she's ever been with. It's hard for her."
"You've been together for a year though." Helen felt that Nikki had made many excuses for Frances over the months and was even beginning to doubt them herself.
"I know, I know." A slightly awkward silence fell across them, Nikki didn't want to talk about Frances anymore and Helen inexplicably felt jealous. Their plates were taken away and Nikki refilled Helen's glass.
"Don't get me drunk Nikki Wade!"
"Well I'm driving one glass is my limit so you've got to have it, I'll look after you though!" Nikki winked and the awkwardness melted away, "Could we have the bill please." The young waitress smiled and rushed away, Helen began to rummage in her bag. "Don't even think about it Helen." Nikki placed her credit card firmly on the silver plate which materialised in front of them.
"Nikki no, I like to pay my way."
"I'm sure you do but tonight is on me. If you hadn't stepped in at the store Helen who knows what I might have done. My temper can scare even me at times but you managed to calm me down in seconds. You've taken my mind off things and even managed to wangle my deepest darkest secret out of me, no mean feat! I appreciate it and this is my way of saying thanks, don't deny me please." Helen put her purse back in her bag as she realised there was no point in arguing, a few minutes later saw them outside walking towards the RSA theatre.
"I can't believe it!" Selena shook her head in disbelief, "It's so unfair Yvonne, Nikki's brilliant."
"I know love, I know. Don't worry we won't take this lying down, she's got us all behind her. I'm sure Frances Myers will see her right."
"I'm sure she will too," Yvonne raised an eyebrow looking at Selena quizzically, she knew that within the store the two people who knew Nikki best were herself and Selena yet she'd barely had a conversation with the red head on the front end. Yvonne knew what she thought about Nikki and Frances, there was something undoubtedly going on between them. She'd watched with interest the interaction between the two women from when Frances had arrived. There was nothing blatant happening but Yvonne had noticed a difference in Nikki, she was quieter and almost nervous in the presence of Frances. Yvonne knew the essence of Nikki's nervousness was not professional so it had to be something else. She was curious to know what Selena thought.
"You think Frances will look after her do you?" Selena twisted a piece of hair around her finger, Yvonne could tell she wanted to talk about the situation but she was unsure whether she should. "Come on Selena, I don't think I'll be surprised with anything you say."
"It's just, Frances and Nikki, I think there's something going on."
"Something?"
"Yvonne! I'm not going to spell it out." Yvonne nodded, sensing that Selena was feeling uncomfortable and possibly also guilty.
"It's ok Selena I know what you mean and I agree with you. I think that Nikki and Frances are involved with each other." Selena felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
"Why hasn't she shared this with us Yvonne?"
"I don't know Selena, knowing Nikki I'm sure she has her reasons."
"Could this reflect badly on her?" Yvonne unclipped her name badge, making it clear that she was going to leave imminently and leant on the customer service desk.
"I really don't know Selena, possibly. The investigation really shouldn't involve Frances because of the potential of conflicting interests. Then again no one knows about the two of them, do they?" Yvonne left Selena at the desk deep in thought,
"No Yvonne, no one knows."
"He's very good isn't he?" Helen leant towards Nikki and whispered lightly in her ear. Nikki herself leant over, her mouth brushing the strands of hair Helen had pushed behind her ear.
"Shhh, I prefer Juliet." Helen shook her head slightly and turned back to the performance, Romeo had just killed Tybalt and after exclaiming himself to be "fortune's fool" had dramatically exited the stage. Helen was thoroughly enjoying the performance, even though at times the proximity of Nikki was making concentration difficult; Helen tried to focus on the stage as the characters converged to discuss the fate of Romeo. Nikki glanced to her left, Helen was engrossed in the acting, she was leaning forward slightly as the events became ever more dramatic, absorbed in the proceedings. Nikki could make out Helen's profile in the half darkness of the theatre, she could have studied her all evening. As the prince declared Romeo to be banished Nikki felt Helen's hand capture her own, she threaded their fingers together and squeezed Helen's hand, feeling Helen squeeze hers back. Nikki felt all her troubles float away, sharing this time with Helen was doing her the world of good. Frances didn't share many of the same interests as her, the theatre and literature was something Nikki had missed. Though her career was seemingly in danger of being damaged irreparably Nikki wouldn't have changed anything about the day because of the way it had ended.
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Nikki pulled up sharply outside Helen's and switched off the engine. She looked at Helen asleep at the side of her, their journey home had been very quiet giving them time to contemplate the performance they had watched. Helen had fallen asleep on the motorway to the sound of classic fm and Nikki hadn't wanted to disturb her. A strand of Helen's hair had fallen from behind her ear across her face and Nikki leant across gently putting it back where it belonged, the action made Helen stir and she opened her eyes, a contented smile appeared as she looked at Nikki.
"Hello sleeping beauty!" Helen stretched much like a cat,
"Sorry Nikki, I've had a lovely nap though!"
"Yeah so I noticed, you really should do something about that sleep talking." A blush spread from Helen's neck up to her face.
"I wasn't was I?" Nikki chuckled,
"Actually no, but whatever your dream was about looks like it was lots of fun!"
"Nikki! I was going to ask you in for coffee, but I won't now."
"As lovely as that would be Helen, I really must get back. Frances will be going spare probably."
"I've monopolised enough of your time this evening." Nikki placed her hand on Helen's arm,
"What you've done Helen is remind me of the finer things in life. I enjoy your company so much, it's been lovely."
"Yes it has, I enjoy your company too. I'll ring you tomorrow after I get back from work, if that's ok?"
"You don't have to ask! I'd prefer to see you though." Helen smiled and nodded, not for the first time in the company of Nikki an impulse guided her actions. She leant over and kissed Nikki gently on the cheek, she pulled back and ran the back of her hand down Nikki's cheekbone.
"See you tomorrow then." The door opened and closed and Helen was gone. Nikki shivered, she felt like she was on the edge of a cliff, teetering. She could step back and work at the relationship she already had, and a great part of her thought that would be a good and safe idea. The other option was to topple over the edge, into the complete unknown. She had no idea how Helen felt about her but she knew her feelings around Helen were growing stronger every time they were together. When they were together it seemed as though jigsaw pieces were falling and fitting together. Helen hadn't mentioned relationships, and Nikki couldn't come to a decision about Helen's feelings towards her or other women in general. She didn't have the strength for another relationship with an essentially straight woman. She didn't doubt Frances' feelings for her, but she knew that she was the only woman Frances would ever be involved with. With Frances there was always the potential of being hurt, it hovered like an ominous black cloud over the relationship. Nikki didn't want to jump from that into exactly the same situation. She looked up surprised to find that she had pulled up outside her flat, she had spent the journey in such a deep reverie about Helen that she didn't remember any of it.
Nikki's key sounded loud in the lock, Frances drained her wine glass and rapidly filled another. Nikki walked into the lounge and tossed her keys onto the table in front of the settee on which Frances sat in a dressing gown staring murderously into a glass of red wine.
"Fran."
"Nikki."
"I won't bother asking for a glass of that." Nikki motioned towards the almost empty bottle of wine, "Not good, you know, drinking on your own."
"It's not like I had any other bloody options is it? My girlfriend was busy having dinner with another woman."
"The woman you told to take me out of the store."
"Didn't tell her to fucking wine and dine you though did I?" Frances's words were spoken with true venom and Nikki was taken aback,
"Jesus Fran, calm down."
"No I won't." Frances' anger had been simmering since the moment Shell had made her accusation, every event had added fuel to the fire and the red wine had provided the spark. "You bollocks up your career, I have to pick up the pieces, and you swan off and have a meal with the next straight woman on your list." Nikki had thought that she had reached the limit of her fury earlier on in the day with Shell but it seemed there were further levels of rage and Frances was pushing all the right buttons.
"What did you say?"
"You heard, nothing wrong with your ears, or your roving eye and hands it would seem."
"What the hell is going through your brain Frances? You told Helen to take me out, did you expect me to sit at home, crying, waiting for you to get back?"
"No." Despite her annoyance Nikki couldn't help a laugh escaping her lips,
"You did! You thought I'd come here and sit crying waiting for you to swoop home, proclaiming to be the saviour of my career! My job is my job. I may have made a severe error of judgement, but I don't need you to save me."
"Oh really, you don't need me to save you."
"No, and you know what I think I need to speak to Neil Grayling about a possible conflict of interests." Frances' head snapped up,
"No, we agreed."
"No. You agreed for me, let's face it this isn't just about me is it?"
"Don't Nikki."
"Don't Nikki! You stand there and insult me and a good friend, feel ill do you on your pedestal, scared you might fall? What did Neil Grayling say about it all incidentally, are you not the golden girl anymore?" Nikki knew her words were hitting Frances hard, she was making comments about her career. "You're jealous, why?"
"Because I can see how you feel about her."
"I like Helen I don't deny that, but I love you." Nikki felt like there were two people in the room who needed convincing.
"There's something about her Nikki, in the store the way you reacted to her, there's something there."
"Look Frances all I can say is that I love you and that you can trust me. I'm not going to stand here and listen to you throw unfounded accusations at me."
"So nothing's happening?" Nikki threw a disgusted look at Frances and shook her head.
"After what I just said, you still have to ask! I'm going to bed." Nikki stalked into the bedroom, pushing the door closed behind her. She sat on the edge of the bed and unzipped her boots placing them side by side on the floor, what a day! She massaged her temples, and rubbed her tired eyes, one thing about being suspended – she could have a lie in. The bedroom room door opened quietly and Frances walked in followed by the unmistakable aroma of coffee.
"Did you want one?" Nikki shook her head, "I thought I better, I'm an idiot Nikki, a jealous idiot." Nikki stayed silent and began to unbutton her shirt, Frances put her coffee on the bedside table, "Let me." A turbulent day of stress and shock meant that Nikki did not have the energy to disagree, she let Frances kneel in front of her, her long fingers making easy work of the small fiddly buttons. She reached the last button and pushed the shirt off Nikki's shoulders revealing skin still tanned from their holiday. She moved her hands to the buttons and the zip of Nikki's trousers and gently pulled them over Nikki's legs which were just as tanned as her torso. Frances ran her hands up Nikki's calves and then over her thighs. Nikki closed her eyes she wasn't sure what she wanted but she knew what she needed, release. Nikki reached down and pulled the tie on Frances' dressing gown, the flimsy material fell open instantly. Frances didn't tan as deeply as Nikki but her skin had a lovely sun kissed colour to it, she had clearly had a bath that evening Nikki could smell the expensive bath oils on her as she kissed Frances' neck. Frances worked quickly to help Nikki shed what remaining articles of clothing she was wearing. They fell on to the bed, hungrily kissing and tasting each other, their hands moving over well worn routes. Frances couldn't help a large amount of satisfaction creeping into her mind as she kissed her way downwards, Nikki would always come back to her, she couldn't resist her. Nikki threaded her hands through Frances' dark hair as her girlfriend's lips scorched a path down her body. She closed her eyes but the image in her mind wasn't that of Frances' long dark hair it was of much shorter, blonde hair, it was Helen.
The granules of instant coffee had long since dissolved but the spoon in Helen's hand continued to stir. Helen blushed when she recalled the dream she'd experienced in the car. Could Nikki tell what she had been thinking? Helen was sure Nikki had guessed.
"You ok Hel?"
"Mmmm?" Duncan stared at his sister, she was definitely off somewhere else, her eyes had a faraway look about them. She looked happy though, which was a definite improvement.
"How was the theatre?"
"Wonderful, the performance was excellent. I had a lovely time."
"Nikki's good company isn't she?"
"Yes she is, I'm going to take my coffee up with me, night Duncan." Helen stood on her tiptoes and kissed her brother on the cheek. She made her way through the lounge, pausing to pick up her notebook on the way. Duncan noticed this but decided against mentioning it. It was a good sign, Helen's writing always starting with brainstorming in a notebook. Everything she had written after her first novel had long since been discarded, it looked like Helen was finally ready to start something new. Helen carefully placed her mug down on the bedside cabinet which sat at the side of her bed and lay down, placing her pillows behind her and around her to keep her comfortable. She didn't actually know what she was going to write but she felt the need to write something. Helen's pen scratched across the paper, as yet there seemed to be no real structure to her notes, in fact her scribbles were taking the form of a diary. Her thoughts and feelings which had been securely locked up since the death of Cerys seemed to be materialising in front of her. Her coffee sat untouched and the numbers on her alarm clock continued their never ending journey unnoticed as Helen wrote into the small hours. Only when a blister appeared on her finger did Helen pause to look at the time. Unblinkingly her alarm clock showed her it was 3.37am. Helen stretched and surveyed the many pages of paper which now littered her bed, there was a book there she knew there was. Exactly what form it would take she didn't know but the raw material now existed. She felt an almost overwhelming desire to ring Nikki, Helen knew it was because of her. Her life had taken a noticeable turn for the better since starting at Supersavers and since the blossoming of her friendship with Nikki. She picked up her mobile and turned it over in her hands, no, there would be no point ringing Nikki. She would be asleep, asleep in Frances' arms. Helen swallowed the bitter taste of jealously and put her phone down. She cleared a space for herself in her own bed, carefully collating every piece of paper she had written on and lay down. Whatever troubles Nikki might be having with work she had Frances, there was nothing really to suggest that Helen would ever be anything more than just a friend. Helen sighed as her head hit the pillow and sleep began to overcome her, just as Cerys had been someone else's so was Nikki and there was no way she was going to be hurt again like that.
3.38am, Nikki stared at the clock, she'd watched the numbers go round and round waiting for sleep to come and as yet nothing had happened. Frances had long since succumbed and now lay across Nikki, her head on Nikki's shoulder and arm flung across Nikki's chest. She shifted in her sleep but did not wake up. The sex had been amazing Nikki couldn't deny that, it had been explosive and exhausting, mainly due to their anger and frustration at the days events. It often happened like that, their relationship was tempestuous at the best of times and never more so than at the moment. Nikki was struggling to shift a guilty feeling. It hadn't been Frances in her mind that evening at all, every time she had closed her eyes it had been Helen's face she'd seen. She'd imagined it was Helen's hands and lips on her body. She had an overwhelming desire to speak to her, she wanted to hear her voice. Ridiculous, Helen wouldn't even be awake and she certainly wouldn't want to speak to her at such an early hour. Nikki carefully lifted Frances' arm up so she could turn on to her side, she might be able to sleep that way.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
"Shit!" Frances cursed as she sent a bottle of nail polish skidding across the dressing table. Nikki's slumbering form rose up from the bed, she shielded her eyes from the rays of light which were finding their way through the still closed blinds.
"What's the time?" Nikki's voice was raspy through lack of sleep.
"It's 7.30, I'm sorry darling I was trying to be quiet, I know you didn't sleep." Nikki sat up wrapping her arms and the duvet around her knees.
"Did I disturb you?" Frances shook her head,
"Not really." She sat next to Nikki on the edge of their bed, "I didn't sleep that well myself, only marginally better than you I think. You ok?" Nikki leant into Frances' arms.
"Yes, no, maybe, I don't know. Do you have to go to work?"
"You know I do, this is not the time for me to start throwing sickies." She took Nikki's face in her hands and kissed her, "I'm going to go into work and I'm going to do everything I can to get you back in there, ok?" Nikki shrugged and fell back onto the pillow, "Ok?"
"Ok, ok." Frances stood and smoothed the creases left by Nikki's embrace out of her suit, she leant down and kissed Nikki on the forehead,
"Get some sleep, I'll call you later." Nikki listened to the door close and then to Frances' car start up and pull away, she reached over and picked up her mobile phone. It had been on silent, a small envelope showed her she'd received a text message. It was from Helen, sent at 7.02 –
Morning sorry for early time wanted
to say I'm writing again and it's
your fault! See you later
Hx
Nikki smiled and held the phone to her chest.
"24 white wine glasses"
"Check."
"50 pint glasses."
"Yep."
"Are we done now?"
"Yes Selena done, you can come out of the cupboard now!" Helen giggled. Selena stumbled out of the stock cupboard brushing dust off her clothes,
"I'm sure as the junior member of staff you should be in there, taking your life in your hands climbing over buckets and Christmas trees." Helen smiled,
"I need practice with this really difficult paper work!" As if to emphasise Helen affected a face of extreme concentration, the tip of her tongue visible as she pretended to pour over the sheets in front of her.
"Ha bloody ha!" Selena grimaced as she pulled a strand of a cobweb out of her hair, "That place needs tidying up." Helen burst out laughing as Selena walked up to her, "What?"
"You're covered, come here." Helen reached up and used her fingers to wipe dust off Selena's cheeks and nose, "How the hell did you get in that state!" Selena laughed,
"Next time, you get in the cupboard. You could probably find the gate way to Narnia in that place!" The automatic doors hissed as Frances Myers stalked into the store, dark clouds almost visible above her head. She rapidly took in the sight of Selena and Helen giggling, Helen's hand on Selena's cheek,
"Morning ladies, you are the first thing people see as they enter the store, consider that please." She swept by, the smell of Dolce and Gabbana lingered as Selena and Helen looked at each other.
"She obviously got out of the wrong side of bed this morning. No need for that." Helen nodded, desperately trying to push an image of Nikki and Frances in bed together out of her mind.
"She's not in a great mood is she."
"Understatement I think Helen, I mean how does she think we all feel down here. Our boss suspended for something she clearly didn't do, we're all going to have to pull together we need management support not moody cows like her."
"I guess you're boss now then?" Selena mused,
"I suppose in theory I should be, what might happen is Yvonne could take over, but yes as senior supervisor I am at the front of the queue. Not the circumstances I wanted though." Cashiers began to arrive as the hands of the clock approached opening time, "Right." Selena picked up the schedules, "Let's get this show on the road then."
Frances threw her briefcase on the desk in the training room and picked up the ringing phone, "Myers."
"Frances." Frances started as she heard Helen's lilting tone on the phone,
"Yes."
"Neil Grayling for you, shall I put him through?"
"Already! Yes put him through." There was a click on the line, "Neil."
"Morning Frances, I'm sorry it's early but I want the ball rolling on this investigation. Harbourne is one of our flagship stores and Nikki Wade one of our most promising managers. I want this resolved and I want it resolved quickly. I assume you are prepared to assist in this?"
"Of course Neil, I know I made an error….."
"Yes, yes water under the proverbial bridge Frances. I'm prepared to devote my time to this issue rather than involve more management, between myself, you and Jim Fenner this problem can be solved."
"Yes Neil."
"It will need you and Jim Fenner to work together." Frances screwed her face up,
"Of course."
"Now I'm tied up with regional issues this morning I can be in the store by early evening. I expect that you and Jim will have drawn up an action plan. Make arrangements for Miss Wade and Miss Dockley to come in separately for interviews, ok?"
"Ok, I'll get onto it. Am I putting the inspection to one side?"
"You're an intelligent lady Frances I think you can handle both. There's no reason why the inspection can't continue alongside this investigation, if you can't handle it I'm sure I can free up someone to help you."
"No." Frances was firm, "I can handle this."
"Good, as I expected. Later then."
"Yes later, bye Neil." A sharp rap on the door was followed by the entrance of Yvonne.
"Got a minute Frances?" Frances nodded mutely the store had only been open for 15 minutes and already she felt like she'd been there for hours. She waved at a chair,
"What's the problem?"
"What do you need me to do?"
"Do? I don't understand Yvonne."
"The sexual harassment investigation, I assume as the Personnel or HR manager whatever my title today is that I'll be involved."
"Not necessarily."
"Why?"
"You're Nikki's best friend."
"Are you suggesting that I can't be professional?"
"No." Frances paused before she used the phrase Nikki had the evening before, "We don't want a conflict of interests do we?" Yvonne had to hand it to Frances she was cool as hell, she was a walking contradiction, probably sleeping with one the subjects of the investigation, yet she was calmly telling Yvonne that she couldn't be involved because of her friendship with Nikki.
"Look love, no disrespect to you but you'll be hard pressed to find someone that isn't a friend of Nikki's here."
"That's why it's important that the investigation is handled appropriately, no conflicts of…."
"Interest, yeah you mentioned that." Yvonne paced the room and shook her head, was Frances beginning to believe her little mantra? "Conflict of interest interesting. What would you term a conflict?'
"Yvonne I don't have time for this to be honest, I'm sure you know what a conflict would consist of."
"Mmm, I probably would. I'd say a relationship would be a conflict." Frances felt the blood drain from her face, she was sure Yvonne didn't know about her and Nikki. Nikki had sworn that she hadn't told anyone at work, and Frances believed her. She kept her face emotionless and stood to remove her suit jacket, suddenly finding the atmosphere in the air conditioned office stifling.
"Correct Yvonne as usual, now please make your point I have numerous things to be getting on with. The foremost one being the inspection of this store and its managers." Her final word was said forcibly and she stared at Yvonne, daring her to comment. Frances sat on the edge of the desk and folded her arm, she glanced at the clock on the wall, she really didn't have the time for this.
"Ok. You can't keep me and Karen out of the loop Frances, we have a right to know what's going on and I will be involved." Yvonne's hand was resting on the door handle, "I would suggest you have another look at what constitutes a conflict Frances because you are digging an enormous hole for yourself. Instead of saving Nikki you could destroy the both of you." Yvonne left Frances with those thoughts and made her way down to the front end to check on Selena. Frances switched on her computer and waiting as it loaded, Yvonne knew, which meant that there was a good chance that Selena and Karen knew. They were all so bloody cliquey. The amount of time Nikki was spending with Helen, if she didn't already know it wouldn't be long before she did, Nikki had promised, she'd promised again and again. Frances was backed into a corner now, she'd told Neil there was nothing she needed to admit she couldn't go back on that now and say 'well actually I'm sleeping with Nikki is that a problem?' What a bloody mess.
Nikki flicked through the folders in front of her, she'd decided to try and use her time effectively. After writing exactly what had happened with Shell down on paper, cringing the whole way though at the extent of her naivety, she'd now turned her attention to the staff files. The files of the four members of staff taken on in the last month were lying on the table, but only one of them had been looked so far, that was Helen's. Nikki was reading and re-reading it, she wanted to know everything about her, her eyes fell again on Helen's birth date, August 7th. That was Saturday, organising a birthday surprise might be just what she needed to take her mind off things. Nikki picked up the cordless phone, folded her legs underneath her and scrolled through the address book in her mobile phone, finding Helen's home number she tapped the buttons on the phone. Helen was at work she knew that but she hoped that Duncan was in.
"Hello." Nikki could hear Olivia in the background.
"Hi Duncan it's Nikki, if it's a bad time I can call back later."
"No you're ok, her majesty is fed, watered, changed, she's not ill so she's just after a bit of attention. There's no harm her waiting a little bit for that. So Nikki what can I do for you, you obviously know Helen's at work being her boss!"
"Yeah, it's just I've just realised that it's Helen's birthday at the weekend."
"So it is, if you're after gift ideas I'm the wrong person I'm notoriously bad at buying presents!"
"I was actually wondering about organising a bit of a get together. Nothing too big, it's just I think Helen, and you deserve a bit of a treat. It's not like you're 32 every day!" Duncan chuckled,
"You might be right there Nikki, Helen's lucky to have a friend like you. What were you thinking then?" Nikki and Duncan discussed ideas for half an hour, and when Nikki put the phone down she was pleased with what they had decided.
Helen pulled up outside Nikki's flat, she knew she should have called ahead but as soon as her shift had finished she'd wanted to see Nikki. She wanted to tell her about the writing she had done but more importantly she wanted Nikki to know that she was there for her. Nikki's car was outside so Helen knew she was probably in, she pulled out her mobile and rang Nikki.
"Miss Stewart." Helen smiled, at least she sounded ok,
"Miss Wade."
"How can I help?"
"Do me a favour Nikki, tell me what your address is."
"Flat 2, Wellington House, Park Parade."
"Ok, bye." Nikki looked at her mobile, bemused. What was that about? Her thoughts were interrupted by the buzzing of the intercom.
"Hello."
"Hello, Miss Wade."
"Helen! What the hell are you doing here?"
"Come to see you of course, come on Nikki let me in it's starting to rain." Nikki shook her head and pressed the button, moments later she was opening the door to Helen."
"Hi."
"Hey you." Helen instinctively leant forward and kissed Nikki on the cheek, "How are you?"
"Oh, not so bad. Drink?"
"Tea would be great." Helen followed Nikki through the flat, rapidly assessing the décor and layout. It was nice, if a little show house like. "This is lovely Nikki."
"It's ok, mostly Frances' taste really. It's a bit cream for me!" Nikki clattered in the kitchen and Helen waited in the lounge for her tea, her eyes were drawn immediately to the pictures. There weren't many of them but there was a particularly nice one of Frances and Nikki, they were on a white beach their arms around each other. Helen had to admit they looked good together, they looked blissfully happy.
"Here you go." Nikki appeared at Helen's side, "That was taken in Mexico, last month."
"You look very happy."
"We were." The weight of the past tense hung heavily and Nikki sat down on the sofa, Helen placed herself next to her, sipping her tea.
"You're not happy anymore?" Nikki's brown eyes looked up, tired and full of tension.
"So much stuff going on Helen. We argued last night, really argued."
"What about?"
"You." Helen's heart jumped into her mouth, her pulse quickened. Nikki laughed shortly, "Stupid really, I think she's just a bit jealous of the time we've spent together. Obviously I told her there was nothing going on and that we are just friends."
"Good, I suppose that explains her mood today." Nikki raised a questioning eyebrow, and Helen clarified, "She seemed to be a bit troubled by something this morning when she arrived."
"That's strange, we'd made up by then." Helen blushed as she correctly presumed what their making up had consisted of. Nikki felt she was beginning to make Helen uncomfortable, "Sorry Helen you don't want to hear about my relationship woes, tell me about this writing then!" Helen and Nikki settled into companionable chat, each wondering how the other really felt.
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Jim rapidly tucked his shirt back into his trousers glancing at the watch on his wrist as he did, he was going to be late. Shell slid a leg out from under the crumpled covers on her bed and ran her foot up and down the inside of Jim's leg.
"You don't really have to go do you Jim?"
"Jesus Shell, pack it in. I'm going to be late and Myers would just love that wouldn't she! If you want me to back you up in there then I've got to play the perfect manager." Shell pouted and flung the covers back, she slowly walked across the room to put a dressing gown on. Jim watched her, he licked his dry lips and concentrated on getting himself dressed. What that woman did to him, it should be illegal. Shell sat on a chair and watched Jim as he fastened the belt on his trousers, she crossed her legs and imperceptibly altered her gown so that it gaped at the front meaning that when Jim looked up he wouldn't fail to see her full breasts. Jim picked up his jacket and slipped it on, looking at Shell, she might as well be not wearing the gown he could see everything.
"So when can I get back to work?"
"I don't know, it will all be sorted Shell."
"Me being suspended wasn't part of the deal."
"You're suspended with pay, look at it like a little holiday."
"If only I could afford something like a holiday." Shell tugged slightly on the tie which was only just holding the two sides of the gown together, the material gaped even further and Jim's eyes widened like saucers. He was fighting a loosing battle against his own body, he needed to get out of here quickly. He fished around in his jacket pocket and extracted his wallet, he pulled out a few notes not even counting them and pushed them into Shell's hand.
"Why don't you buy yourself something nice to cheer yourself up." Shell ever the consummate actor assumed a look of pure surprise. She stood and wrapped her nearly naked body around Jim like ivy,
"Thanks Jim." As they kissed she could feel his body twitch against her, unable to bear another round she pulled away and retied her gown. "Don't you forget me now." Jim shook his head in bemusement and picked up his car keys, Shell watched through curtains as he drove away. She went straight from the window to the bathroom switching on the shower she allowed herself a shudder. She'd slept with countless men but Jim Fenner, he was a new low, she threw the money aside without even counting it. There was enough, she knew that. Career wise her liaison was not as successful as she had hoped it would be so she might as well get money out of him. With the shower now warm Shell stepped into it, allowing the water to cleanse her skin. She rubbed vigorously with shower gel, scrubbing away any remnants of the last few hours. He was so selfish, he always went away completely satisfied, Shell knew that and she knew she was good. Her satisfaction well that was never taken care of, not by Jim anyway. Her thoughts were intruded by the phone ringing and she stepped out of the steaming water.
"Hello."
"Michelle, it's Frances Myers." Frances crisp tones made Shell concentrate,
"Hi."
"I was hoping that we could arrange a mutually agreeable time for you to pop in for a chat about the incident with Nikki Wade?" Shell smiled, Frances liked her fancy words and as much as Shell played the dizzy blonde there was nothing wrong with her brain she wasn't fazed by authority or its language.
"You mean an interview."
"Yes Michelle."
"Well any time, as I seem to have a lot of it on my hands now." Shell shivered slightly as the water on her skin cooled rapidly. She could hear Frances ruffling paper and knew she was probably flicking through her diary,
"Today at 5 or tomorrow at 9?"
"Oh today I think, I'm not a morning person."
"Quite, well I'll see you later then."
"I look forward to it Frances." Shell replaced the phone and returned to her shower. She admired Frances Myers, if she was honest she would love to be in a position like hers. She exuded calmness and authority, she dressed to kill in suits and heels, and she was stunning. There was a lot to approve of, Shell had especially enjoyed watching Frances deal with the aftermath of her own accusations. She had swept through the store dealing with everything with a cool authority, the whole time her steel grey eyes had flashed dangerously, daring anyone to defy her. Oh yes if Shell decided at any point to abandon her pursuit of the male species, Frances would be top of her list, what she needed to do later though was convince her of Nikki's guilt. A difficult task, Shell massaged shampoo into her hair, she'd give it a good go though.
Jim waltzed through the doors, with seconds to spare. Frances was waiting for him and pounced immediately,
"Don't you think setting an example to staff by arriving in plenty of time for your shift would be advisable Jim?" Jim narrowed his eyes, but managed to smile,
"Frances delightful to see you, unavoidable I'm afraid, my car you see."
"Amazing that a store manager, who I believe is remunerated quite reasonably can't afford a reliable car. Would you like the number of a garage? Perhaps buy yourself something new?"
"I doubt I could afford anything from the garages you frequent Frances." Jim scribbled in the arrivals log, smiling to himself. Frances squirmed, Jim's lightening response, a veiled comment related to her beloved Audi had taken the wind out of her sails. She was not used to being verbally matched least of all by Jim Fenner.
"Well at least you're here now, I'll meet you in your office in 15 minutes, we need to discuss the Dockley, Wade incident. Shell's in at 5 for an interview and Nikki will be in tomorrow." Jim picked up his briefcase and loosened his tie.
"How nice of you to keep me informed about my own staff."
"If you arrived at appropriate times Jim then I wouldn't have to do these things for you, remember you are still being inspected and your management skills are being assessed."
"Oh piss off back to area with your bloody management talk."
"What?"
"You heard, I'm aware of the pressures I'm under Frances, you breathing down my neck doesn't help. Believe it or not I'm keen for this situation to be sorted out. Do you think I want one of my managers suspended for sexual harassment, doesn't look great does it?" Frances was taken aback slightly by Jim's words, maybe he did care after all. That certainly sounded like support for Nikki, not overt but more support than he'd shown since she'd been in the store. "15 minutes you said. Fine." Jim marched off, a smile played on his lips, he sounded like the worried manager concerned about a member of his senior team, passionate about the image of his store. Shell wasn't the only one who could act. He watched Karen help a young member of staff put out some milk, she was smiling and laughing and he could see the condensation from the cold milk running down her hands and arms as she worked.
"Karen."
"Jim."
"A word." Karen fell into step beside him not wanting to cause a scene on the shop floor.
"What?"
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry about the other day in the office, you know tensions running high, you have my apologies." Karen looked around to see if there was anyone near them in the warehouse, there seemed to be no one in earshot.
"Firstly I am not any old member of staff you can order off the shop floor, secondly we both know what happened in that office and there is no way it was merely high tensions. Thirdly you can stick your apology where the sun doesn't shine and crawl back under your stone, ok?" Karen spun around and walked away towards the interior of the store which held the locker rooms and canteen, leaving Jim standing open mouthed outside his office. Yvonne stepped out from behind the cardboard crusher,
"Oh dear, Fenner people not wanting to play with you anymore?" Jim turned around infuriated by the smug look on Yvonne's face,
"Piss off Atkins." Jim strode into his office and slammed the door. Yvonne watched Jim take himself away and then went to find Karen. She popped her head into the locker room,
"Crystal has Karen been in here?'
"She rushed in there innit." Crystal indicated the toilets with a nod of her head, "Looked a bit upset actually."
"Cheers love." Yvonne walked into the toilets noting the one closed cubicle, she heard Karen sniff, she was clearly crying or had just stopped. "Karen."
"What?"
"Open the door please."
"No."
"Karen I'll just force it open anyway so you might as well open it." The metal lock slid across and the door opened revealing Karen sitting on the toilet, dark streaks down her cheeks evidence of recent tears. "Always wear waterproof mascara, that's my tip." Karen smiled weakly and let Yvonne dampen some tissue to wipe away the residue of her carefully applied eye makeup.
"Thank you."
"Why are you letting that bastard get to you, this isn't like you Karen." Yvonne leant against the sinks looking at Karen with a deeply concerned expression, she knew something else was going on and she knew she probably wasn't going to like it. Karen took a deep breath and told Yvonne about her altercation in the office with Jim, watching Yvonne from under her eyelashes as she got more and more worked up. Yvonne clenched her fists as Karen finished speaking.
"Yvonne?"
"I'll kill him." She made towards the door and Karen had to fling herself in front of her to stop her.
"No."
"Who the hell does he think he is first Nikki and now you I won't let him get away with it." Karen planted herself firmly between Yvonne and the door,
"I don't want you to do anything, Yvonne I mean it if you care about me you won't." Yvonne stared at Karen, realising she was deadly serious she nodded and stepped backwards away from the door.
"Ok, but promise me Karen, you won't be alone with him."
"I promise. I don't intend to let him get away with anything Yvonne, but you getting yourself suspended for violent conduct won't help anyone least of all me. I need you here." It was an impassioned plea and the strength of feeling behind it took Yvonne's breath away.
"Come here." Yvonne held her arms out and Karen gratefully collapsed into them, "We've got to stick together. Cassie, Selena, you, me, Mark, for Nikki's sake and for our own bloody sanity!" Karen laughed, her head on Yvonne's shoulder. "Karen." Karen pulled back to look at Yvonne,
"Mmm?"
"Don't keep anything like this from me again, please." This time it was Yvonne's turn to make an impassioned plea and Karen response was to nod vigorously. Neither of them knew why or who made the first move but in Karen's mind the strange thing wasn't the fact that they were kissing it was the fact that they hadn't done it before.
Shell crossed and then uncrossed her legs, she nervously nibbled at the skin at the side of her nails as she waited for Frances to join her in the training room. The door opened and Shell sat up straighter as Frances walked in, Shell's beaming smile was replaced with a scowl when she realised that her interview wasn't to be conducted by just Frances. Jim followed closely behind and then behind him Neil Grayling.
"Michelle, how are you today?" Neil Grayling showed a line of white teeth and a manicured hand appeared out of a pristine and stylishly tailored suit.
"I'm doing ok thank you Mr Grayling."
"Neil please, we're all part of the Supersavers family aren't we?" Shell cringed but forced her face into a sweet smile.
"Now Shell," Frances stepped forward, "This interview isn't being held in order to catch you out it's part of procedure and is intended to provide you with a fair hearing, ok?" Shell nodded. The interview began, the questions were largely posed by Frances or Neil, Jim merely listened. Shell didn't know whether he was supposed to be there or whether he had invited himself along so that he could make sure she was sticking to the story. Whatever his reason, his presence was oppressive and Shell was struggling to remember everything exactly as it had happened in her story. Her tale was getting mixed up with the truth. Both Frances and Neil were listening with brows furrowed as Shell tripped over the details, either she was lying or she was traumatised. Frances knew everything coming out of Shell's mouth was a lie, but what she thought didn't matter this had to be done by the book.
"So Nikki had never made any advances towards you before this incident?" Neil leant forward, Shell glanced at Jim and then fixed her eyes onto Neil,
"Well…"
"I think I should step in here."
"Jim?" Frances swivelled her chair around, Jim had been suspiciously quiet, no more it would seem.
"Shell had mentioned something to me about Nikki's behaviour."
"Clarify Jim please."
"Sorry Neil of course. Behaviour that made Shell feel slightly uncomfortable, comments about her personal situation, comments which made it clear that Nikki was a lesbian and found Shell attractive." Frances tried to swallow but her throat was all of a sudden very dry,
"Did you not think it would be appropriate to speak to Nikki, maybe transfer Shell to a different department if she was uncomfortable?"
"Hindsight is so powerful Frances, I wish I had. Who was to know that it would turn out like this." Jim sighed theatrically, "A portion of the blame must lay with me, I'm afraid I am guilty of mishandling the situation. At the time it seemed insignificant. Didn't it Shell?" Shell was thoroughly confused but managed to nod. Neil looked from Frances to Jim exasperated that this information hadn't come to him before the meeting.
"Right, well, thank you for your time Michelle. We will of course be in touch." Shell nodded and Jim led her out of the room. Frances stood, one hand on her head and one on her hip,
"I know Neil I know."
"No Frances I don't think you do and that's the problem. I know you don't have much time for Jim Fenner and I frankly don't blame you but while you are in his store you need to forge a working relationship. I take it that final titbit of information was as much news to you as it was to me?" Frances nodded, a queasy feeling in her stomach threatened to reach her throat she grasped her cup of water and swallowed what remained.
"it's all bullshit Neil."
"I know, I don't believe Shell anymore than you do, but we have to treat her complaint seriously. If Jim comes up with any evidence to support her then we have to consider it. Why he's supporting her I don't know, look into that Frances. I have things to deal with now. Until tomorrow then." Neil left Frances staring into an empty cup looking for answers she was never likely to find.