Pinstripes (28 page)

“
I have a pen friend.”

Clara spluttered.
“A
pen
friend
? Isn’t that what you have when you’re a kid?”

“
Yes, but we’re still in touch. She lives in Canada. I’d love to go and see her someday.”

“
You are a sad flick,” Clara said.

“
Clara ...” Ella said.

“
Sorry, but you are. You sound like a teenager, you drink like a teenager and you even dress like a teenager. Virginia, you need to get a life.”

Virginia burst into tears. She always seemed to be crying these days, she thought through her misery.
“I know all this, but I don’t know how I can. It’s all right for you, you’re pretty, rich and surrounded by men, but I have no one. Not one person.”

“
OK, Virginia, calm down,” Ella said, and glared at Clara.

“
Virginia, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. But you know, you could be someone and you’re not,” Clara said.

“
I couldn’t. I never will be.”

“
You will,” Ella said. “Now have another drink.”

“
Virginia, I’m really sorry.” Clara actually looked guilty as she lined up two rows of cocaine.

“
It’s OK,” Virginia said. But she knew she was sounding more of a wimp than ever. She wanted to take Clara on, to show her she was made of stronger stuff. She just didn’t know that she was. They drank some more, the game abandoned. They made small-talk and Virginia felt safer. Clara took more cocaine.

“
Are you sure you don’t have a habit with that stuff?” Ella asked. Virginia was thinking the same but she couldn’t bring herself to say it.

“
God, Ella, are you turning into Miss Tight-knickers over there?” Clara waved a hand at Virginia.

Virginia felt anger well up inside her.
“I may have tight knickers but at least I’m not a drug addict. Perhaps you should try rehab.” Ella was astounded by Virginia’s outburst, which didn’t seem to rile Clara.

“
What a jolly good idea.” Clara snorted a line of coke, drank another shot of tequila and lit a cigarette. ‘”Do you think that if I tell them I’m addicted to cocaine and sex they’ll give me a discount at the Priory?”

“
Don’t forget alcohol, I’m sure you’re addicted to that too,” Ella said.

“
Maybe I’ll give them a call.”

“
I don’t think it’s funny.” Virginia was bold suddenly.

“
Have a line, Virginia. Maybe we can get you a vice or two.” Clara offered Virginia a rolled-up note.

“
I don’t need it,” Virginia said.

“
Au contraire, you do need it. If you don’t do something exciting soon your personality is going to die of boredom. Not to mention us.” Clara chortled at her own joke.

“
Clara ...” Ella gave her another warning look.

“
I hate you. I can’t wait until this sodding thing is over and I never have to see you again, Clara.” Virginia cursed herself. Until then she had been standing up to Clara, but now she sounded like a child again.

“
Ella, I do believe that Miss Tight-knickers nearly swore.”

“
Stop it! Stop being such a bitch,” Ella shouted.

“
OK. Sorry, Virginia. I wonder if the Priory is open now.”

“
If it is then add being a bitch to your huge list of problems,” Virginia suggested, and as they realised it was the first funny thing she had said, they all burst out laughing.

“
Virginia, I knew you could do it,” Clara said, and squeezed her shoulder.

“
Oh, my God, I feel sick.” Virginia stood up. The others jumped up and rushed her to the bathroom.

“
It’s a good job she has short hair,” Clara said, to the sound of retching.

“
Why?” Ella asked.

“
At least we don’t have to hold her hair for her. When I was at boarding-school and someone was being sick, we drew straws to see who had to be the hair-holder.”

“
God, your parents really got their money’s worth at your school, didn’t they?” Despite herself Ella giggled.

“
Urn, well, I guess they did. Virginia, have you finished?” Clara moved closer.

“
Yes,” Virginia said.

“
Come with me.” Clara led her to the kitchen. “You know, this is good for you. It’s all part of being a teenager.” She and Ella gave Virginia some water then put her to bed in one of Clara’s spare rooms.

Ella called a cab and had another drink and a cigarette while she waited.
“You should lay off her, you know,” she said.

“
I know, but I can’t help it. She’s almost showing a personality. If I rile her some more, who knows? She may be a likeable person.”

“
What about you?” Ella asked.

“
One day you may find out that I can be quite likeable too I’m not always a bitch.” They smiled at each other as the doorbell rang and Ella got up.

“
Ella, before you go, what should I do about Tim?” Clara asked.

Ella looked thoughtful as she put on her coat.
“Keep him hanging for now. Don’t see him – I don’t want you putting yourself through that – but keep him guessing. Maybe we can use this when we get him.”

“
OK. But I really can’t cope with seeing him.”

“
You won’t have to,” Ella replied as she left to get her cab.

***

When Virginia woke the next day she thought she was in hospital. Then, as she stared worriedly at the white walls, the white duvet and the white curtains, memory flooded back. The tequila, being sick, the arguments. She remembered everything. And she had the worst headache of her life. She did something she’d never done before; she went back to sleep.

***

Clara woke and remembered that Virginia was in her flat. She groaned at the thought but she got out of bed, showered and put on some clothes. She had to pull herself together and get Virginia out. She had to call Josh, and she had a million other things to do. Tomorrow their plan would be put into action. If it worked, and she had no doubt that it would, Tim would be in the firing line soon. She wanted to be the one who pulled the trigger.

***

Ella woke up and felt old. She felt she was now mothering two messed-up, individuals, and she was as messed up as they were. She went out to get the papers and looked at the stock price for JF Technologies. It was very low for a firm that had floated only six months before, typical of the IT start-up companies that had flooded the world. Companies that were barely scraping by floated for huge amounts of money when they weren’t even showing a profit. In fact, many showed huge losses. The public had been lulled into believing that these companies would make them rich. The shares were released at a high price, and then they plummeted. Some companies made it, many did not. This one showed all the signs of one that wouldn’t. If Ella were still trading she would keep well clear of. It would be perfect for setting up Isabelle. Then it would only be a matter of time before Johnny got what he deserved.

PART FIVE

JUST DESSERTS

Chapter Twenty-two

On Friday, Ella met Josh at Clara’s flat. Virginia was already there, as was he.

“
Ella, you’re late,” Clara said accusingly.

“
I’m not. You said five,” Ella replied.

“
Oh, did I? Well, then, you two were early.” She glared at Josh and Virginia.

“
I’m always early.” Virginia shrugged. After the other night, she had discovered something about herself: she was stronger than she had thought and Clara couldn’t hurt her any more.

“
Clara, I know you’re a bit nervous, but I think you should calm down,” Josh said. “Hello, Ella, I’m sorry Clara failed to introduce us, but I’m Josh.” He shook her hand.

Ella thought he was absolutely gorgeous. He also seemed charming and genuine. She thought Clara must be mad to send him to anyone else. Ella would have kept him for herself.

“Hello, Josh. Nice to meet you. Thanks for doing this by the way.” She smiled.

“
I didn’t have a choice. Shall we go?”

“
Now, Josh, don’t forget what I told you,” Clara said.

“
I never forget anything you tell me.” Josh kissed her and he and Ella left the flat.

“
And call us as soon as it’s done,” Clara shouted after them.

“
We will. Relax,” Josh said.

They stood in the lift in silence.

“Ella, I’ve got my car here. I’ll drive, shall I?” They got into Josh’s Porsche and set off. “Are you all right?” he asked.

“
Yes, but nervous too. I can’t figure out if we’re mad to do this or if we’re doing the right thing.”

“
Neither can I. Did Clara tell you about us?”

“
A bit.”

“
What did she say?”

“
Josh, I can’t figure Clara out at the best of times. If you want to find out what’s going on in her mind, it’s best to ask her.”

“
Point taken. How long have you been friends?”

“
We’re not exactly friends. We all got sacked on the same day, but that’s about it.”

“
So why are you going through this together?”

“
Search me.” She smiled weakly.

“
I get the impression you confuse people as much as Clara does. Which way now?” Ella directed Josh through the streets until they found a car park near to the gym. They got out and walked. Ella’s legs felt like rubber. Her stomach was churning, and her hands were shaking. Josh kept throwing her encouraging smiles and Ella thought again how charming he was. Isabelle didn’t stand a chance. They got to the gym and went to sit in the bar.

“
Ella, I’m getting you a brandy. I know this is a gym, but I think that under the circumstances a brandy is excusable. Anyway, I need some Dutch courage.” He ordered the drinks and Ella sat down so she could see the lobby.

“
Are there any viewing galleries for the squash courts?” Josh asked.

“
Upstairs. Why?”

“
Because if I watch her play squash, I can tell her afterwards that I’d seen she was a good player then ask her for a game.”

“
What if she’s crap?” Ella asked.

“
Then she’ll be flattered. Trust me.” Ella did trust him.

They sat in the bar until they saw Isabelle walk in.

“That’s her,” Ella said, hiding behind a plant. “Over there.” She stuck out a finger.

“
I see her. Tall, nice legs, glasses.”

“
Yes,” Ella hissed.

“
All right, you stay behind the plant, I’m going to the viewing gallery.” Josh got up.

***

It seemed like for ever before Isabelle and an overweight woman came on to court one. Josh stood and watched. He had decided to try to find this whole thing amusing, but it was anyway. Isabelle played to win; she had a killer instinct. Her opponent had obviously lost the will to live.

“
Harriet, do try to concentrate. That’s the fifth point in a row I’ve taken off you,” Isabelle shouted at the other woman, who was panting and cowering in the corner. As she lumbered about the court in stark contrast to Isabelle, who seemed to glide, she missed ball after ball. And when she did hit it, she seemed to hit it straight to Isabelle. Josh couldn’t understand why they played together.

Half an hour later the plump woman could hardly breathe.

“I think we’ll call it a day, shall we? You should practise more, you know,” Isabelle said, before stalking off the court leaving her opponent behind. Josh ran back downstairs. He knew now that Isabelle was a complete bitch. He gave Ella a thumbs-up but as she had moved her chair behind the plant now, he didn’t know if she had seen him.

He waited in the lobby for what seemed like ages until Isabelle walked out. She was wearing a tracksuit and her hair was damp. He knew he had to approach her now.

“Hi,” he said, standing in front of her.

“
Hello.” Isabelle tilted her head to one side questioningly.

“
I know you don’t know me, but I was watching your game,” Josh said, in his smoothest voice.

“Really
?”

“
You’re remarkably good, aren’t you?” Josh smiled his best smile.

“
I wouldn’t say that. I like to play twice a week, but there’s room for improvement.” Isabelle was twisting a strand of her wet hair.

“
Can I buy you a drink? It’s just that I really need a squash partner. The person I used to play against has emigrated to New Zealand.”

“
Oh dear.”

“
Actually, he didn’t play as well as you do. Perhaps we could discuss the idea of a game.”

“
Sure, that’d be lovely.” Isabelle was practically swooning.

“
What would you like?” Josh asked, going to the bar and trying not to laugh at Ella, who was invisible behind the plant.

“
White wine, please,” Isabelle said, and sat down with her back to the plant. Josh ordered a white wine and a beer and sat opposite her.

‘m
y name’s Josh Lambert, I’m a corporate lawyer and I work for Garrett. Have you heard of them? I’m telling you this so you don’t think I stalk squash clubs looking for pretty women.” He laughed, as did Isabelle, who was blushing.

“
Isabelle Holland. I’m a sales manager at SFH. I’ve heard of Garrett, it’s one of the most respected law firms in the City. I don’t think you’re a stalker.” She sounded less sure of herself than she had when she was shouting at her opponent.

“
Wow, good job. You must be very clever to hold such a key position with a great firm,” Josh said. He knew he sounded like a creep, but he guessed that with Isabelle flattery would get him everywhere.

“Thank
you, Josh, but it’s hard work.”

“
God, I know. I work such long hours myself. I understand. It’s nice to meet other ambitious, successful people.”

“
Yes, it is.” Isabelle thought it must be her lucky day. This man was a total babe.

“
You have a wonderful forearm,” Josh said.

“
Sorry?” Isabelle asked. Josh leant over, took her hand and pulled her left arm towards him.

“
Such a well-formed arm,” Josh repeated, trying not to laugh.

“Thank
you.” Isabelle was totally off-balance.

“
So, what about it?” Josh said.

“
Sorry?” Isabelle said.

“
Squash next week?”

“
Yes, that would be lovely. When?” Isabelle was hooked.

Josh decided to make her sweat a bit.
“I need to check my diary. But definitely next week. May I call you?” Josh saw disappointment flash for a second in Isabelle’s eyes.

“
Of course, here’s my card.” She fished in her handbag and pulled one out.

“
Fantastic. I’ll call you on Monday. Is there any day you’d prefer?” Now that he was sure of her interest he could afford to be a little generous.

“
Well, Wednesday’s good for me.”

“
Excellent. I’ll make myself available on Wednesday. But I’ll call on Monday to firm up arrangements.” He let his eyes fall to her tiny chest.

“
Lovely, I’ll look forward to it. So, I’ll hear from you on Monday?”

“
Yes,” Josh said, still trying not to laugh.

“
Super. Well, I must go now. “Bye, Josh, lovely to meet you. See you next week. Speak to you Monday.” Isabelle’s calm demeanour had disappeared.

“
Bye, Isabelle, the pleasure was all mine.” He kissed her cheek and could hear her heart pounding. He smiled again and she left.

As soon as he was sure she was gone, he bellowed with laughter. So did the plant.

“For God’s sake, Ella, come out of there.”

Ella emerged.
“I can’t believe how smooth you were. She was in pieces. God, no one but Isabelle would fall for the wonderful forearm thing.” Ella was hysterical.

“
I hope you’re not mocking my chat-up technique.” Josh feigned hurt.

“
Christ, if you used that one on Clara, no wonder she’s making you do this.” They looked at each other, and it was five minutes before either could speak.

“
I’ve got to call them. They’ll be having kittens by now,” Ella said, as she reached for her mobile phone.

***

Virginia and Clara had been watching television because they didn’t know what else to do.

“
Why haven’t they called yet?”

“
You’ve asked that a million times and it won’t make the phone ring.” Virginia’s nerves were in shreds.

“
All right, just because you’ve got a personality now, or a bit of one, there’s no reason to snipe at me.”

“
I’m not sniping.”

“
You are too. God, I created a monster.”

“
Shut up, Clara.”

“
I wish they’d phone.” Clara jumped up for the thousandth time and started pacing again.

“
If you’re going to be like this when it’s only the beginning what are you going to be like by the last one?” Virginia said.

“
In pieces. If we live that long.” Clara shot Virginia a warning glance, and Virginia shut up. She wasn’t ready to be more like Ella and Clara just yet. The telephone rang. Clara grabbed it. Virginia only got Clara’s side of the conversation, which consisted of “yes”. She hung up.

“
Well?” Virginia asked.

“
He did it. They’re meeting next week.”

“Thank
God,” Virginia said, and felt better.

“
Ella hid behind a plant,” Clara explained.

“
Right.”

“
I’m getting a drink. Want one?” Clara asked.

They sat sipping wine until the doorbell rang and Josh and Ella walked in.

“Mission accomplished,” Josh said, and sat down on the couch.

“
You should have heard him, he was so slick.” Ella chuckled.

‘t
ell me all,” Clara commanded, and. went to grab the wine bottle.

Josh told them what had happened, and Ella gave her
“behind the plant” version of how she had had to put her fist in her mouth to stifle her laughter.

“
OK, I’m leaving now. Virginia, you want a lift?” Ella asked.

“
I’ve got the scooter,” Virginia replied.

“
You’ve been drinking,” Clara said.

“
Only one glass, Clara, you had the rest.”

“
Oh, yes. So I did.” Clara giggled.

After the pair had gone, Clara fell uncertainly into Josh
’s arms.