Page 75 of Tangled Trust

I end the call before the PI can finish his sentence. Finally! Vindication for my hunch. I knew that girl was up to something. Her ‘aw shucks’ act didn’t fool me for a second. I think it’s time I had a little chat with Sebastian. If my hunch is correct, he’ll be very pleased to find out where his little sparrow has flown to.

Hang on. Something occurs to me suddenly. If Ella left without saying a word, then perhaps it would be an idea for me to contact Sebastian and pretend to be her. That would give me a very good indication as to the reason for her cloak-and-dagger modus operandi.

Howard’s mail is in my inbox as soon as I fire up my PC. There’s a slew of information. The PI certainly knows his stuff. Apparently, Ella’s parents died in an accident when she was a teenager, leaving her in the care of her aunt.

I go through Ella’s CV. She’s a bright girl. Something must have happened to cause her to give up what she no doubt worked hard to achieve. Not my problem.

I look at my watch. By my estimation, the boyfriend will still be up. It’s about 10 p.m. in London. I wonder how he’ll react when he hears from her, or rather, hears from me pretending to be her.

It’s worth a try. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they.

Okay, Doctor Ella Parker. Let’s see how you handle this new challenge. I’m going to enjoy this. All is fair in love and war, after all.

I block my number before I start typing.

Hi, Sebastian.

It’s Ella.

That’s it. Short and sweet. Let’s see what he says.

* * *

It’s warming a bit. Summer is close by. My soul, however, is as cold as the dead of winter. I have kicked my latest conquest into touch. She bored the living daylights out of me. Her clingy ways were getting on my last nerve, and I couldn't pretend for the life of me any longer.

I’m home alone tonight. It’s been a long day. Listening to my mother groan about Ella and how wonderful she is, made for a very painful dinner spent with family. I wish she would shut up about it. If she isn’t careful, I’ll stop going to see them altogether. No skin off my nose.

My phone buzzes while I'm tossing and turning in bed. If that’s a patient, they’d better think twice before jumping off a roof, because the way I feel tonight, I may just let them. I’m sick to death of the losers and weaklings I have to deal with on a daily basis. Why can’t these people take charge of their lives? Must every session be a pity party? If it weren’t for the fact that I have a reputation to uphold, I’d play with one or two of them until they topped themselves. Perhaps that would relieve my boredom.

I don’t recognize the number, and the caller ID isn’t stored on my phone. It had better not be a fucking telemarketer. I’m in the mood to send someone to hell.

My heart skips a beat when I turn on the screen and see the name that pops up at the end of the message. Is someone messing with me? Ella? Can it be?

The message is short. What the hell? Incredulously short considering she left me without a word of explanation. My first instinct is to shit all over her. But if I do that, she will likely end the conversation. I have to tread carefully here. I can’t afford to scare her off.

Ella. This is a surprise. How are you?

It’s by far the furthest from what I’d really like to say. But, it’s the safest option. For now.

I’m okay. How have you been?

As if she gives a shit! What’s with the sudden concern?

I’m confused, Ella. Your letter didn’t clear anything up. How could you just leave like that? I’ve been worried sick about you. I thought what we had was special. We love each other. Don’t we?

I have no idea what she’s up to. Why is she reaching out? Does she miss me? Is she finally ready to admit that she made a mistake? How long should I torture her before I take her back?

Yes, I was hasty. I miss you, Sebastian.

I knew it! Ella loves me. It’s always been crystal clear to me that we belong together. We’re meant to be. Finally, Ella sees it too.

Where are you?

You’d better tell me where you are, Ella. You know I won’t let you go. I’ll search for you until I find you. You’re mine!

I’m afraid.

You should be!

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