I never knew. I was estranged from the family from age five.”
“But you’re back together again now?”
“In a manner of speaking,” Carol said. “Can I give you a lift anywhere, Gary? I’m going into the CBD—class at the St James campus.”
“That’d suit me fine. Dad told me to show up early. This is as early as it gets. I’m working for him, you know.”
* * *
Class over, Carol rang her driver to let him know. He told her to wait outside the Philip Street entrance. He was only five or six minutes away. Carol caught up with two of her fellow students who fired off a couple of questions. Everyone knew Carol Chancellor was very smart and she could always be relied upon to clarify difficult points in their lectures.
Outside the front of the building on her own, Carol saw a taxi drop off a passenger. It was Tracey. She hadn’t heard a word from Tracey over the last month or so. In short, having gone back to Tarik, Tracey had cut herself off from her friends who had so disapproved of him. There was no doubt in Carol’s mind that she had to speak to her.
She moved forward as the taxi moved off. “Trace?”
There was a moment when it looked like Tracey was about to bolt.
“Please, Tracey, a word. I won’t keep you.”
“I know, I know. I should have got in touch with you, Carol.” Tracey’s embarrassment was evident. “You were always so nice to me. So kind and supportive.”
“But you’re back with Tarik now?”
Tracey cast her eyes onto the pavement. “He’s so sorry for what he did. We’re having counselling. He hasn’t laid a finger on me—I’ve told him I’ll leave him for good if he does.”
“And will you?” Carol asked gravely.
“I really believe he’s going to change. You look so beautiful, Caro. I’ve missed you. I want you to know Tarik had nothing to do with that accident the police spoke to us about. He was with me.”
“All the time?”
“All the time,” Tracey said, not defensively, but most emphatically. “Tarik wouldn’t dare to hurt my friends. He’s all talk. He knows what would happen to him if he did. We were nowhere near your grandfather’s country house—I mean your country house. We were in Sydney the whole time. I swear to you, Caro, Tarik is a changed man. I’m pregnant.”
Oh, God! “Tracey!” Carol said, leaning forward to give her old friend a big hug. “You don’t show.”
“Only just found out. Tarik is thrilled out of his mind. Look, it’s lovely to see you, but I must fly. I have an appointment.”
“I’m here if you need me, Tracey,” Carol said. She didn’t trust Tarik so she didn’t give out her phone numbers. “Damon Hunter is my go-between. He will let me know.”
“I’m fine, Caro. Honestly. You take good care of yourself.”
“You, too, Trace.”
Tracey sped off. Carol knew she was unlikely to hear from Tracey again. Tarik controlled her. At the same time, would Tracey lie for him, given her old friend Amanda could have been killed? Hard to tell.
CHAPTER EIGHT
IT WAS WELL after six before Damon could leave the office. Carol had rung him saying she had some news and could he call in at her apartment. Emotion had coloured her voice. He had asked her what she’d found out, but she wouldn’t tell him, saying she didn’t want to speak on the phone.
“Just come if you can.”
“I’ll be there.”
He would always be there for her. It was as simple and as difficult as that. He had come to accept he would go to hell and back to keep Carol Chancellor safe.
“Hi,” she said, looking up at him. The irises of her eyes were the most intense blue.
He bent his head to brush her petal-soft cheek. A lovely rose scent came from her skin and her hair. “So what’s up?” It was all he could do not to sweep her into his arms. Surely the control he continued to exert was a powerful gauge of his love? He was madly in love for the first time in his life. It was an extraordinary sensation, not being able to give in completely to his deepest desires. But there was such a thing as a code of conduct.
“Come into the living room,” she invited. “Would you like a drink?”
“A shot of whisky would be good. It’s been a long day.”
“Let me get it for you.” She moved off in her graceful way.
“How’s everything going?” He took off his jacket.
“I’m working