Page 145 of A Long Way Back
“A guy has just turned up at the hotel. Ben Carter. He’s a journalist who’s writing a book about what happened. He wants my side of the story. Well, really, he wants me to confess. Instant best seller if he gets that. If I don’t give him my story, he’ll spread the word that The Dunes has given me a job and people won’t stay here. Not the sort of people you want, anyway.”
Ink swallowed hard. “He’s already taken a picture of me in this outfit. He isn’t going to go away. I think the best thing is that I leave, but I’ll talk to him for an hour before I go. That’s the last he or you will see of me. I’ll tell him that you sacked me once you knew who I was, and that should keep you safe.”
“But… Are you going to leave Tay as well?” Jonty’s eyes were wide.
The pain in Ink’s chest almost made him gasp. “It’s the right thing to do. I don’t want him and his family dragged into this.”
“Does Tay know about your past?” Jonty asked.
“Yes. He knows everything.”
“Then he trusts you and believes you, so I do too.” Jonty looked as if he wanted to hug him, but Ink crossed his arms and stepped back.
“What were you found guilty of?” Devan asked.
“He didn’t do it.” Jonty glared at him.
“Of killing my brother,” Ink said quietly. “My name used to be Killian Byrne.”
He could tell from the expression on Devan’s face that he remembered. Jonty, he wasn’t sure about.
Devan leaned back in his chair and dragged his fingers through his hair. “You do need to leave.”
“No, he doesn’t,” Jonty snapped. “We could make Carter leave.”
“I can’t have this being the headline when we’re just opening. Ink’s right. I can’t employ him. Professionally, that’s the decision I have to make. But—” He glared at Jonty who was whining. “Not a word. Listen. Of all the journalists who were here for the launch, one is a friend and I think she could help. If you gave her your story, you’d steal this guy’s thunder.”
“I’m not going to say I killed my brother when I didn’t.” Ink dug his nails into his palms.
“Of course not. But may I call my friend? Get someone up here before the end of the day?”
Ink nodded.
Devan took out his phone. “You can listen in.”
Am I doing the right thing?Ink wasn’t sure but if there were no pictures, maybe it would be okay.
“Devan. Missing me already?”
“Good morning, Lily. I hope you’re missing The Dunes.”
“I had a fantastic weekend. What a gem. Don’t worry. You’ll get a good write-up.”
“Great. I’m calling to ask a favour. You remember the case of Killian Byrne?”
“Child killer. Yes.”
Ink sucked in his cheeks.
“Well, I have him standing in front of me. Listening in on the call.” Devan looked directly at him. “But he’s maintaining his innocence.”
Ink curled his toes inside his boots.
“Bloody hell. He has lifelong anonymity.”
“He wants to talk to someone.”
“There’s a permanent injunction banning the media from revealing the slightest detail of his life, name or whereabouts.”
