Disclaimer: I do not own CHERUB

Chapter four

James had always loved his apartment in the CHERUB staff quarters, but today the walls seemed to be pressing in on him. He was struggling to breathe.

He was panicking about meeting Kerry. He put his breathlessness down to that.

He pulled on a jacket and headed out of the door. His vintage Aston Martin DB6 was sitting in his usual spot.

He got in, leant back and took a gulp of air.

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Kerry got out of her battered orange VW camper van and slammed the door. She was wearing he favourite dress and felt beautiful. James had bought her it when they'd left CHERUB as a parting gift. She hoped he'd appreciate the gesture. The dress was blue, short, and beautiful. It was part of the Ema Savahl '08 collection, and Kerry knew that it was expensive.

She'd left Ada with Ingrid and Jack for the evening. She hadn't told Ada that this was a date. She didn't know whether or not it would upset her. She guessed she'd have to tell her eventually, if things between her and James got serious again.

She shook her head angrily. She couldn't think like this. She risked having her heart torn in two. Again.

A sleek vintage Aston Martin DB6 slid up into the space next to her beat up van and she felt a pang of jealousy. Words couldn't describe the surprise she felt when James stepped out.

"You have a beautiful car," she grinned.

"Thanks," James flashed her his easy smile. Kerry hadn't known how much she'd missed that smile.

The started to walk towards the entrance to the restaurant. Kerry noticed what a swanky place this was. How rich was James exactly?

"How can you afford all this?" She blurted, "The car, the restaurant?"

James swallowed the lump in his throat that he always got when he thought about this…

"Kerry, you know when…when Rod Nilson left Kyle he got all depressed and killed himself? He left all his money to me. You know what a scam artist he was," James attempted a smile, "he was loaded."

Kerry couldn't speak for a moment. She felt terrible for making James talk about the death of his best friend. She had barely gotten over Kyle's death herself. It had only been a few years ago.

This date was already going great.

James polished off his ribs. He was so full he didn't even mind when Kerry stole his last chip. All through dinner, he'd been telling her about Gwyneth, the pretty reporter, and what had happened in her meeting with Lauren. He also mentioned that Lauren had scheduled a meeting with all the heads of staff and the board to discuss what to do.

Kerry felt guilt tear through her. She had to tell him.

"James…" she began tentatively, "Gwen – I mean Gwyneth – is one of my best friends. I've known her for years. One day, weeks ago, I…told her about you. She asked where I knew you from. I thought I could trust her. I thought…" Kerry's voice cracked in her throat and tears started sliding down her cheeks, "I'm so sorry James. It was my fault. I only found out a few days ago what she did."

For a moment, James was silent. He glanced up at Kerry's face. She was crying in ernest now.

"When she found me in that bar she was looking for information?" He asked slowly.

Kerry nodded sadly.

"Do you forgive me?" She whispered.

"Kerry..." James couldn't find the words.

"I knew it," she sobbed, "I'm sorry, James. I'll never forget you." She stood up, threw some money on the table, and fled the restaurant.

"Wait Kerry!" James called, "I never said -,"

But she had already gone.

Here are some pictures of items featured in this chapter. If the hyperlink doesn't appear, copy and paste the web address into your browser.

.com/albums/Los-Angeles-Concours-2007/1966_Aston_Martin_ James' Aston Martin DB6

.com/images/gallery_ss08_11_ Kerry's Ema Savahl dress

. Kerry's VW camper van