Page 37 of The Winter We Met
He picked up the remote control.
‘Don’t do that. Talk to me.’
‘I don’t want to argue with you, Jess. Let just watch. The last dance is coming up.’
I sighed. ‘You still don’t like him.’
‘Nik’s very… nice.’
‘Sarcasm doesn’t suit you.’
‘What would you prefer? That, like him, I charm every living thing that crosses my path? That I’m always jolly and polite? That I always know exactly what to say?’ He put down the remote and picked up his phone. He tapped away for a moment and then showed me the screen. ‘I’ve been searching for Nik’s website. I can’t find a reference to Junior Magic anywhere. See? All that comes up is a theatre by that name and a magician.’
‘Perhaps his company are having problems with the website. Remember when Under the Tree’s went down and Seb’s boyfriend, computer consultant Tim, kindly offered to look at it? Look, there are a million reasons why Nik’s website might not be up and running.’
‘But I can’t even find any trace of the words Junior Magic on the internet, in relation to toys. You’d think shops stocking his products would list the details on their platforms. It’s as if it doesn’t exist.’
‘For goodness’ sake. I’ve got his business card.’
‘Does it mention the name of his company?’
‘No. Granted, it’s basic, but you’ve met Nik – he’s not a frills person.’
‘He looks striking. Do you remember seeing him at the fair in Germany?’ he asked earnestly.
‘Hundreds of people attend these trade events. Honestly, Oliver, you’re being ridiculous. You think he’s making up being a toy manufacturer?’
‘Conmen are masters of pretence.’
‘It’s not like you to be so cynical. Remember when Alf first moved into Willow Court and from the off was going on about all his conspiracy theories – no one quite knew what to make of him but you’ve always been open-minded and made a point of getting to know him first. That’s one thing I like about you – you never judge people on appearances or hearsay and won’t read celebrity gossip magazines for that reason.’
‘Just as well, given the outfit you wore when we first met,’ he said, the tension leaving his voice. ‘You were practically naked.’
‘I was wearing a swimming costume.’
‘In the middle of winter, on a London street, it was snowing!’
‘As you know, I had good reason. Anyway. Back to the issue in hand – what exactly is it that’s bothering you? I saw the looks you and Alf gave each other today.’
‘There’s something… off about him. I can’t put my finger on it. He’s said, himself, that his company – if it really exists – has hit hard times.’
‘You think... I don’t know... that he’s after me for money?’ I laughed. ‘Well good luck to him, with that.’
‘Perhaps he’s after the chance to start afresh here in England – marriage would give him British citizenship.’
‘Honestly, you’ve read too many catfishing stories and I’m perfectly capable of reaching my own judgements. I’ve followed my gut in the past. It hasn’t often let me down.’
‘But what about Alice? And Pan? This isn’t just about you. What if he’s after their savings? Why else would he be interested in helping out a bunch of pensioners when he could be seeing the sights in London?’
My stomach felt increasingly tight. ‘He explained about his grandmother and why he feels comfortable in the care home – why he wants to help with the party.’
‘Quite a sob story, that was.’
‘Oliver!’
He flushed. ‘I want to believe him, Jess, really I do – I don’t like thinking the worst. He’s just… too nice.’
‘That’s like saying a sunrise is too pretty or chocolate tastes too good. Surely an abundance of niceness is a good thing?’
