Page 147 of A Long Way Back
“Carter might step into quicksand,” Jonty mumbled.
“And there we go.” Devan chuckled. “Right. Tay please take Ink out. Have him back by five. If…when Carter asks for you, he’ll be told you’re at the hospital and will be back later this afternoon.”
“And that I’ve been sacked,” Ink said. “You have to tell him that. I’ll change my clothes.”
Devan sighed. “Yeah. I’m sorry, but I can’t risk the success of the hotel.”
“I understand. Thank you for at least giving me a chance. I’m sorry about all the mess.”
“Go out the back. Tay, pull your car to the rear door. Better that Carter doesn’t see you leave.”
INK RELEASED A SHUDDERY SIGH of relief as they pulled out of the hotel car park. He had Dog on his lap and was glad Tay had brought him.
“How did Carter find you?” Tay asked.
“Your landlord gave him your address up here.”
“I don’t think that’s legal.”
Ink shrugged. “It’s done, so…”
“Are you sure you want to talk to this woman?”
“What else would you suggest?”
“We pack and run.”
“Take me somewhere quiet. Let’s sit and talk.”
“Are you hungry? It’s lunchtime. Fish and chips?”
“Okay.”
Ink didn’t think he’d want to eat but with hot, vinegary, salty chips in front of him, he changed his mind. He and Tay sat at the back of a quiet stretch of beach, Dog jumping around in front of them, begging for fish. Ink went over exactly what had happened that morning.
“I’m shocked you told Devan and Jonty,” Tay said quietly.
“If I hadn’t, Carter would have. I hope I haven’t caused trouble for Devan.”
“Did he believe you?”
“Jonty did.” Ink gave a short laugh. “He said, if you believed me, then he did, but that was before he knew who I was.”
“So where do we go from here?” Tay asked. “And don’t even think about going anywhere without me.”
Ink stuffed two large chips into Tay’s mouth.
“Giving the interview to this other journalist will annoy Carter,” Ink said. “A pissed-off journalist can be a dangerous thing.”
“Call George. He said he was looking into trying to stop him. You need to tell him what you’re going to do.”
“After we’ve eaten.”
“What do you want to happen? I don’t mean talking to George, I mean the future. Tomorrow, next week, next month.”
Ink gave Dog a piece of fish. “I want the impossible. I want us to be together, both working, enjoying life, with no one interested in who we are. It would be good if we could have a place of our own and go for lunch at your mum and dad’s sometimes. I’d like them to believe I’m innocent. But none of that can happen.”
“None?” Tay whispered.
