finding Becker is still sitting in his seat, looking up at me. ‘That was what you were going to say, wasn’t it?’
‘Yes, he’ll be picking your brain on things that don’t concern him.’ He jumps out and begins to pull the roof across.
‘I wouldn’t disclose anything work-related to anyone,’ I clarify, though I expect he wasn’t only referring to work.
‘I should hope not,’ Becker says, throwing me a warning look. ‘Since you’re in Becker’s Circle of Trust, and it’s in the NDA.’
‘You mean the NDA that doesn’t exist?’
‘It will do soon,’ he replies flippantly, rounding the car and taking my elbow. ‘A few other ground rules we need to be clear on, princess.’
‘Like what?’ I look up at him, my mind sprinting through what he’ll possibly say.
‘Like don’t speak unless spoken to.’
What am I, a child? I gawp at him, trying not to feel slighted. I fail on every level. ‘You mean like a good little girl?’
‘Just like that.’ He doesn’t give my affronted state the attention it warrants. ‘And when you do speak, don’t mention anything about your work at The Haven, The Haven itself, or me.’
‘So basically, I’m best saying nothing at all.’
‘Ideally, yes.’
We reach the oversized stone steps leading up to the entrance and start the mammoth climb. Each side is flanked by imposing stone columns with topiary trees nestled between each towering pillar, concealing the entrance to the mansion. ‘What if I’m asked a question I shouldn’t answer?’ My slight has made way for panic. I’m going to spend the afternoon hiding behind a plant pot in the hope that no one sees or speaks to me.
‘You have a quick mouth, Eleanor.’ He flashes me an ironic look, not that it makes me feel any better. My so-called quick mouth works best when dealing with my aggravating boss. With Becker, it comes naturally. I can’t guarantee it will function within the walls of this place.
‘Why did you bring me here?’ I ask, rattled by the pressure he’s placing on my shoulders. I should wait for him in the car. Or go for a walk in the countryside. My earlier excitement about an afternoon out with Becker at Countryscape has dissipated. Gone completely. My uncertain feelings towards this building sliced my enthusiasm slightly, but Becker’s demands have just severed them beyond repair. I want to leave.
‘Now you’re in my circle of trust, it’s time for you to see what it’s all about,’ he says quietly.
I shoot him a look. ‘What what’s all about?’
‘Me.’
‘You?’ I already know what Becker’s all about. Have done since I clapped eyes on him. Or maybe I’m kidding myself and there’s more to him than meets the eye.
‘Me,’ he confirms, giving me a sideways grin. ‘Hope you’re ready.’
‘I am,’ I answer confidently. What a joke. I’ve never been ready for Becker Hunt.
When we cross the threshold of the entrance, my desire to probe further dies the moment the activity inside hits me. It’s bustling, well-turned-out people everywhere, some laughing, some in serious conversation. Becker leads me through the centre of the vast entrance hall, not acknowledging a single person on our way. But his arrival is noticed by everyone we pass, every person noting the presence of the famed Becker Hunt. People pause conversations, some men look at him with awe, some with disdain, and then there are the women. Too many of them, all dressed in high-end designer labels, and all dripping in diamonds, pearls, rubies, emeralds . . .
Every precious gem you could possibly think of is present in this space, dangling from ears, draped around necks, adorning well-manicured fingers. Blimey, there must be millions of pounds’ worth of sparklers in here.
When I finally rip my eyes away from the beauty of these women’s jewellery, I find sparkling eyes too. Lots of them. Those sparkling eyes soon turn to curious eyes when they clock me shuffling behind the man who’s clearly known by every single person in the room. It’s like the parting of waters, everyone standing aside to let us pass. I couldn’t feel any more uncomfortable. I remember Mrs Potts’s proud declaration. He’s the best dealer out there. The Hunts are famed in this industry, but Mrs Potts specifically said Becker was the most talented in the long line of Hunt men. What makes him better than the rest? Why’s Becker so special? I wonder if most of his clients are women, because that would explain it perfectly.
I’m about to ask what the deal is with the grand entrance,