Page 135 of Waiting for Ru
Mike rolled off him and stood up. Ru pushed to his feet at his side.
“He started it,” Mike said.
“No, he didn’t. Pack your things. You’re out. Hand over your keys at the office.”
“But…” Mike gaped at him. “The match. Jasim needs me.”
“You’re not irreplaceable. Leave or I’ll call the police and report you for assault. We have another camera inside the barn. We’ve seen exactly what you did to Ru.”
“If you sack me, I’ll tell everyone that Jasim is fucking him.”
Ru’s throat seized up.
Paolo snorted. “And everyone will believe the word of a groom dismissed for gross misconduct? You open your mouth and you’ll never get a job as a polo groom again. Nor will you ever play polo. Understand? And get Kirstie’s rings back for her.”
“I don’t know where they are.”
“But youdidknow. Do you think I’m stupid? She’s this close to having to leave with you.” Paolo held up his finger and thumb a little way apart.
Mike turned and strode off. Ru pushed to his feet.
“Are you okay?” Paolo asked.
Ru wanted to cry. Did Paolo believe what Mike had said. “Jasim isn’t fucking me.” Was it enough to say that? Should he have even said it.
“Let me look at your head.”
Ru turned round. He winced when Paolo touched it.
“You need to lie down, but I don’t want you anywhere near Mike. I need to keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t leave any parting gifts. Stay with Georgia.”
“Okay.”
Ru went back towards the office and found Georgia standing in the doorway.
“I heard all that,” she said. “Come in and lie on the couch.”
Ru sat down.
“Do you need me to take you to hospital?”
“I’m all right.”
“You’re not seeing double, or have blurred vision or…”
“No.”
“What did he hit you with?”
“I don’t know.”
Jasim burst in. “I just had a call from Paolo. Let me look at your head.” He moved behind Ru. “Shit. I’m going to have to pay you danger money for working here.”
“I’m grand.”
“No you’re not. You were knocked unconscious. Again.”
“Maybe I have a thin skull.”
