need to get going,” I inform them, before giving Beau a pointed look. “I’ll speak to you later.”
He gives me a short nod. “Bye, Hayden.”
“See you around, short stuff. And stay safe, yeah? You never know what they’ll do to you if they find out what you’ve been up to,” Rob warns.
A sense of foreboding crawls up my spine as I give him a tight smile.
“They’d regret trying. Us Carter’s aren’t known to be taken down easily.”
I take a few steps backwards, giving them a salute before turning and heading towards my car.
For Rob’s sake, he’d better be innocent.
My family would destroy him.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
My heart hasn’t been in tonight’s segment and it’s showed in my work. I’m actually surprised we finished earlier than normal, as I read quarter to nine on my phone.
I had been distracted the whole night, waiting to receive a message off Beau or Liam. I hadn’t heard from either since earlier on in the day, when Beau called to say they had set up.
My concern is probably unwarranted; we still have fifteen minutes until the initial meet is meant to take place. Yet Beau and I had hoped someone would show up early. We both want this finished; Beau more than me, since someone he considers a friend is a suspect.
It’s taking a toll on him.
However, I know Beau will contact me if there’s an update. And yet my stomach churns with an uneasy feeling, just like it has done all day.
I can’t shake the feeling or sense of dread that I have somehow put Beau in danger. It’s playing on mind, making me feel sick. Faith would never forgive me if anything happened to him. And she just found her happy. I don’t want to be the reason it was taken away.
“Hayden?” Clayton barks, snapping his fingers in front of me.
I shake my thoughts away, coming out of my daze as I glance around the room at those watching me with concern.
I slap Clayton’s hand away when he continues to snap his fingers and glare up at him. “What is your problem? And why are you clicking your fingers at me?”
He watches me for a moment, concern morphing over his expression before he masks it, tightening his features. “My office, now!” he barks, storming out of the studio.
Once he’s gone, Chrissy steps forward, looking away from the door Clayton just exited through. “Are you okay, Hayden?”
I snort, waving her off. “He doesn’t scare me.”
Leana slides her chair over to me, grimacing. “I think she’s referring to the fact you’ve not been yourself. Your body is here, but you aren’t. I’m still shocked you agreed with what Josie’s boyfriend said about her. He was really cruel and harsh. You normally rip a guy like that into shreds.”
Thinking back, I can’t remember a Josie, or much of our last caller. I had been too distracted by my phone and what was taking place.
I rub a hand over my face, letting out a weary sigh. “Fuck, I’m so sorry. I’ve got a really bad headache.”
“Would you like me to go and talk to Mr. Cross for you, and explain? You can leave early then,” Chrissy offers, her voice low, soft.
I force a smile. “No. But thank you. It makes him feel better when he gets to yell at me.”
Their laughter sounds forced as worry creases their foreheads.
“I’ll be fine,” I assure them, giving them a short wave as I get up.
I exit the studio room, making my way down the corridor to Clayton’s office, checking my phone once more.
Nothing. Again.
I don’t want to worry. I know Beau can take care of himself. But I can’t help it.
“There you are,” Clayton announces, coming to a stop outside his office door. “What is up with you tonight?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Are you asking as my boss or the guy I’m sleeping with?”
He looks up and down the corridor to check the coast is clear before gripping my wrist and pulling me into his office. He drags me over to his desk, leaning me against it before he takes a seat in his desk chair.
I wiggle my arse on the desk, sitting back, and begin to swing my legs.
“Now, why would it matter which part of me is asking? And since when was I just the guy you’re sleeping with?”
“You’re the one who wanted to keep it professional at work. So as my boss, I’ll apologise for being distracted. I’ve had a headache.”
“Do you need food, is that