Page 57 of Faking It (and falling in love)

“Well, I have no doubt you’re more than equal to the task,” said Gerry.

Philippa smiled as they began to work through the details of the programme. “I’m really keen that no one feels that legal support with issues – especially family issues – is out of reach to them,” said Philippa, thinking about Alex’s situation.

“Agreed,” said Gerry.

“So I suggest we come in and do some work with your team on what we can offer and how it all works.” Philippa scribbled notes down on her pad.

“That sounds like an excellent plan,” said Gerry.

Philippa’s phone began to ring. “So sorry,” she said. “I thought it was on silent.” She picked it up and saw Alex’s name flash up, as well as eight messages from Alex asking her to call. “I’m sorry, Gerry, I need to take this.”

“Please do, I’ll have a look at some of the figures we discussed,” he said, putting on some reading glasses.

Philippa took her phone call outside into the sunshine. “Alex? What’s happened?”

“She’s gone,” said Alex.

“What?” said Philippa, her heart rate rising.

“Seren,” Alex was breathing heavily, as though she had been running. “I went to pick her up from school, but she wasn’t there. The teacher said Jess had been in to pick her up just after lunch to catch a flight.”

“Have you tried calling her?” asked Philippa.

“Yes, but she’s switched off her phone or something. I’ve texted, too, but nothing.” Desperation came through loud and clear in Alex’s voice.

“What the hell is she doing?” said Philippa. “Ok, don’t panic, or at least, try not to. Let me make a couple of calls, but see if you can get yourself to the airport. I’ll meet you there.”

“I’ve just run back to my place to get my car. I’m leaving now. Please tell me this isn’t happening,” begged Alex.

“Look, it’s ok, we can sort this out,” said Philippa, desperately hoping that she could. “I’m leaving town now and I’ll go straight to the airport. See you there.”

She hung up and dashed back into the cafe to give Gerry her apologies. Some things were more important than work, however big the deal.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Philippa drove down the M42 faster than she should have done, while speaking to Sienna on the phone hands free.

“Look, I know this is a weird one, but I need a favour. Tell Roderick he has to get to the airport,” she said. “Yes, Birmingham Airport. And then I need you to check when the next flights to France are leaving.”

“Sure, Philippa,” said Sienna.

Philippa could already hear her typing on her computer. “And once you’ve done that, I need you to get to an address for me.” She paused. “It’s a bit of an extraordinary ask, but I need you to go and check whether the house has been cleared out or not.”

“I know I don’t need to know the details to help, but would you be able to tell me what this is about?” asked Sienna. “I might be more use if I know why I’m doing this.”

Philippa hesitated. “It’s for Alex.”

“Alex, your?—”

“Yes, my Alex,” said Philippa, dispensing with a title for their relationship altogether. “Her ex-wife is taking her daughter out of the country against her wishes, and we need to stop herbefore she gets on the flight if at all possible.” Philippa could hear fevered typing. “Roderick is acting as her solicitor. And I’m acting as, well, as someone who cares about her.” Philippa overtook a line of lorries.

“I get that,” said Sienna. “All understood. So you need me to check to see if the house has been packed up or not? Makes sense.”

“Yep – this might just be a holiday dressed up as something more, but it might be the real deal. I think we need to know for sure,” said Philippa. “She lives in one of those Victorian terraces in Kings Heath, so you’ll be able to see through the big front window and hopefully it’ll be clear from that.”

“Got it,” said Sienna, “the next flight for France is due to take off in about forty-five minutes, so you need to get a wiggle on.”

“Yep. Believe me, I am not resting on my laurels here,” said Philippa, putting her foot down again, thankful for her electric MG’s acceleration. “Get Roderick to call me when he’s on his way.”

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