For Your Own Protection(33)

Matt entered the building, all silver metal and mirrors, and checked in with reception. They had his name down on their electronic register. ‘Welcome to Eden, Mr Roberts.’ The glamorous-looking receptionist resembled one of Matt’s colleagues, Michelle Lo, a very talented trader from Singapore. ‘I can see from our records that it’s your first time with us.’ She smiled. ‘I’m sure this will be the first of many visits. Please, the express elevators are over there to your right. You’ll be heading for Floor 41. I’m sure you must have heard about how amazing the floor is. But it really has to be seen to be believed.’

‘I’ve certainly heard good things.’

‘If you want the best view, choose the elevator on the left.’

Matt followed her advice, watching as the doors slid shut. There were no buttons to press, because you couldn’t choose your floor – that was done by the girl at reception. The tight control of visitors to Eden had fuelled rumours about what the owner, Australian billionaire Jerry Turner, was doing with the building.

The lift began its rapid ascent, and Matt was filled with awe at the view, despite the nerves he had about the meeting with Gabriel. Matt brushed down his dark grey suit collar and straightened his tie. He had dressed not to impress, but to fit in. The lift slowed to a stop and pinged as the doors slid open.

‘Mr Roberts,’ the awaiting attendant said, smiling politely. His accent was French. ‘Welcome to Floor 41, the heart of Eden. Mr O’Connell is just on his way, so feel free to get a drink at the bar and explore the surroundings. Your table is ready, but you may wish to take some time to soak up the atmosphere.’

‘Thank you.’

Matt took a few steps out of the lift, stunned by what he saw ahead of him. The lifts were at the highest point of the floor, along with a bar area. A terrace slightly further down housed the restaurant. Both of these high balcony levels looked out over what could only be described as a small forest, housed under the gigantic transparent dome.

Matt gripped the barrier that ran across the bar. The air was warm, but not uncomfortable. Up above, the blue sky seemed to wrap itself around the building, and the sun blazed. But the roof must have had some form of protective coating, because even with the full-on sun, it wasn’t hard on the eyes.

‘Matthew, so great to see you.’

Matt turned at the sound of the soft Irish lilt to see Gabriel O’Connell striding towards him, arms open wide in welcome. Gabriel patted him warmly on the shoulder in greeting, his glacial blue eyes examining Matt closely.

‘You look well, Matthew. Very well indeed.’

‘Thank you. I feel good.’

‘Excellent,’ Gabriel replied, giving a final pat. ‘Now, come on, let’s get to the table – it’s got the best view in the place. You been here before?’

‘No.’

‘It’s my sixth or seventh time,’ Gabriel said, as they headed for the steps that led down to the restaurant. ‘To be honest, the first time I was invited here, I’d convinced myself it was going to be so tacky that it would be my only visit. But it’s just such an architectural triumph, and so immersive. The stream down there, it’s heated and full of the most amazing range of tropical fish. You really need to go and take a look.’

‘I will.’

‘You know,’ Gabriel added, ‘I don’t really like Jerry Turner, he’s got an ego the size of Jupiter, and he can be a real pain in the rear, but he’s really achieved something special with this.’

They were shown to their table overlooking the forest. They ordered – Gabriel had the crayfish, and Matt the steak – and made polite conversation, about sport mainly.

‘So, Matthew, it’s great news you’ve accepted my offer.’

‘It was a very generous offer,’ Matt said.

‘Well, it’s excellent news indeed. Excellent news. I couldn’t be happier. We’ve missed you, Matthew.’ Gabriel chewed on a morsel of crayfish and washed it down with some wine.

Matt’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen from under the table. It was a text from Amy:

I told Harvey you were leaving. He quit the course.

‘Everything alright?’ Gabriel arched an eyebrow as he forked some green beans.

‘Yes, fine. Fine.’ But Matt felt sick to his stomach. He hadn’t expected Harvey to quit like that. And he hadn’t expected to feel so responsible and terrible for what had happened.

He tried to continue the meal with Gabriel watching on, but felt he needed some breathing space. ‘I’ve just got to visit the bathroom.’

In the gents, Matt stared into the mirror, his hands flat against the sink. The doubt about his decision had been growing with every passing minute since receiving the text. He pulled out his phone and typed out a hurried message:

Don’t worry Amy. I’ll sort it.

He returned to the table, still dazed from the news about Harvey.

‘Everything okay, Matthew? You not feeling well?’

‘I’m okay.’ And then, in the midst of his turmoil, it just came out. ‘I was wondering whether it was possible to delay my return to work?’

Gabriel smiled tightly. ‘I’m afraid not, Matthew. I really need you to accompany me to New York.’

Matt wanted to ask why someone else couldn’t go instead, but that wasn’t the way to get anything out of Gabriel O’Connell.