Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 133034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 665(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 665(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
“Calm down,” the man says. “It’s ok, Holly, this isn’t a trial. We’re purely trying to get a picture of what we are dealing with. Orla explained the situation after having spoken with you, and it was already under investigation by us.”
I try to breathe through my tears, struggling to calm myself.
“Ok.”
“If we’d have believed you were purposely trying to expose The Agency, or had taken any monetary deals which would jeopardise us, we would have barred your account immediately.”
I manage a deep breath, relief flooding through me.
“Thank you. I’m so glad you didn’t. I was so scared, I couldn’t face looking. Not for ages. Because my job means so much. I love being an entertainer!”
“We can tell that from your reviews.” He pauses. “And from witnessing your enthusiasm firsthand.”
I nod in my hood. I wish they could see my relieved smile.
“Back to the topic at hand,” the man says. “Does your ex-boyfriend have any evidence of your involvement with The Agency? Any details about us?”
“No. I would never share that information. Neither would Josh. Sorry, um, Weston. You know him as Weston.”
“Do you believe your ex would be trying to gain access to us? To uncover our identity?”
I shrug at that. Just be truthful, baby.
“I don’t know. If he was still bothered about me, then maybe.” I take a breath. “Connor’s a self-obsessed prick though, and he’s probably getting so much smoke blown up his arrogant ass now he’s made it that he doesn’t give two tosses about me or what I’m doing. He’s drawing plenty of attention by screwing people around himself. He doesn’t need me around to cause a whirlwind of gossip. People have plenty of keyboard warrior fuel without him spouting on about me.”
“We’ve noticed that social media attention on you has decreased substantially over the past few weeks.”
“Thanks to Katie Del Francis and a poor MUA, yes.”
“And to many others,” the man says. “There is a lot more yet to come.”
Something in his tone sends a zip of energy straight up my spine. Whoever this is knows something. Knows things about Connor. Things I don’t.
“We are very well connected as an organisation,” the man continues. “We have access to a great deal of resources. And as I said, we have been conducting our own research behind the scenes.”
I can’t resist the urge to question him.
“Has Connor messed up even more since the MUA thing? What’s he done? Is he on drugs, or has he screwed more people over? He could have done anything, I know that. He’s such an idiot.”
I get a stab of resentment at the thought of the man I used to love. I thought he was so much better than this.
“I’m sorry, Holly, but I’m not prepared to share that information,” the man says. “We’re the ones asking the questions here.”
“Of course, sorry.”
My hood muffles the details of the hushed whispers of the people sitting opposite me, but I hear them conferring. It makes me twitchy until someone clears their throat, attention back on me.
“Holly, can you give us your assurances that, to the best of your knowledge, Connor Preston has no access to your entertainer profile? There is nothing, to your knowledge, he could use as blackmail, or divulge on social media to compromise The Agency?”
“No. Nothing. He tried to buy my services when he found out I was an entertainer, because he suddenly had money, but I said there was no chance in hell. He didn’t say a thing about The Agency. Honestly, I think if he had anything on me, or you, he’d have used it already.”
“That’s good to know.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. Interrogation over. Or so I think.
“Holly,” a different man says. “It’s important that we understand what your emotional state is. Your reviews have been excellent since your return to work, and we are aware you are currently in a relationship with another of our entertainers. Still, we need to know for certain what your true feelings are.”
“My feelings? Like stress wise?” I wish they could see my expression, trying to weigh up their words. “Yeah, I’m ok now, thanks. Well, I’m getting there. I’m better every day. Josh, um, Weston, has been amazing. He helped me through the horrible lows when I thought the whole world was crumbling and everyone hated me as the hooker ex who broke Connor’s heart in that stupid song. And I’m getting back on my feet again. I’ve been edgy, and trying to keep out of view, and I haven’t been back to Belgravia once, but that’s ok. Maybe one day, right?” I let out a sad laugh before I check myself. “I wouldn’t go back there unless I was dead sure it wouldn’t cause problems for The Agency, I promise.”
“We are glad to hear you are feeling more positive. It must have been a very challenging situation.”