Vanquished (The Encounter #3)(14)

The thought of my father finding out ran a shiver down my spine as I pulled out my phone three days later and dialed the ominous number.

“Isobel,” Julien’s voice greeted me after the first ring. “It’s good to hear from you. I hope all is well.”

I swallowed the hard lump in my throat, nervous beyond comprehension. “I was calling to see when you’ll be around London. Hopefully, sometime soon?” My question came out a little breathlessly before I mindlessly chewed on my thumb, edgy and truly anxious.

“Not for another six weeks or so, I believe.” He paused. “Why do you ask?”

“Oh, nothing. I was just wondering.” Closing my eyes, I wondered why I simply couldn’t get to the point. I knew this was a major deal and something I simply couldn’t convey over the phone. “You know … I thought we could catch up when you come over or whatever.” It was the lamest excuse, yet I hoped it was good enough he didn’t find it suspicious.

“Huh,” he said, catching on a little to my agitation. “That’s pretty unusual for you. You tend to not be this friendly, and after how you’ve ignored my calls for the past weeks, it makes one wonder if you’re hiding something, so what gives?”

Bloody hell, I knew he wasn’t stupid. He could have at least played along until he confronted me. Being placed in such an awkward position made it unbearably hard for me.

“Well, you see … uh … I don’t think this is something we can speak about over the phone. That’s why I wanted to know when you’ll be in town again … so we can discuss it.”

“Is it something that can be put off, or is it highly important?” he pressed, sounding worried.

“It’s extremely important.”

He sighed, as if thinking deeply, before saying, “In that case, expect me by tonight, quite possibly around nine. It’s the earliest I can do if that’s fine with you since I have this meeting I can’t get out of. I’ll be staying in the same hotel, the one where you work. Do you need me to send you a car?”

He was coming out of his way to meet me, so I didn’t want to add on more worries by agreeing to the hired car. “Thank you for the generous offer, but there’s truly no need for that. I’ll see you tonight,” I rushed out. “And, Julien, thank you for this. I know I owe you a lot already, but I just want you to know I appreciate all that you’ve done for me.”

He didn’t have to get involved between his friend and me, but he seemed to feel as though it was his responsibility to keep tabs on me and make sure I was fine. I understood that after Paris and the whole bed of flowers debacle. I knew he was doing it for his own peace of mind. I thought it was because he felt somewhat responsible for Hugo’s ex ending up dead. I wasn’t sure why I found myself concluding such things, but it was the only thing that made sense to me.

“There’s no need to thank me, Isobel. When I make a promise, I mean it, so don’t feel out of sorts by calling upon me. Whatever it is, we will figure it out,” he said with a light laugh. His positive demeanor gave me hope.

“You’re an amazing friend.” I hoped Hugo knew it, too.

“How you flatter me, chère. Try not to fret. I shall see you soon.” After a few more exchanged words, he ended the call.

Feeling some of the weight lifted off my chest, I glanced towards my side table clock, noting that I basically had six hours to kill until I made my way to the hotel.

I went into the kitchen where I pulled a drawer open and plucked a Ziploc bag then hurried back into my bedroom. Once inside, I strolled towards my closet, pulled out the safe box, unlocked it, and pulled out the test result that I had stored just in case I wouldn’t have the capacity to explain anything. Then I secured it inside the plastic bag. The battery had run low on the test stick, but the words were still visible enough for him to make out.

For the past three days, I had tried to digest the fact that I was carrying Hugo’s baby. Apart from that, I hadn’t gotten much else figured out. Truth be told, I was terrified. Aside from Hugo’s reaction, I knew there were others who could possibly see this as a threat. The only way to ensure my safety while I still tried to figure out how to cope with this new development was to heed Julien’s advice.

And in approximately six hours’ time, I should get just that.

+++

Outside the hotel foyer, just as I was about to walk into the hotel, a man bumped into me, almost making me lose my balance.

“Hey, watch where you’re going!” I screeched, irritated that the heavy block of a man couldn’t be bothered to see if there was oncoming traffic while he barreled through the glass doors like some sort of maniac on speed.

My mouth opened, ready to chew him out for his recklessness, and then our eyes collided.

The coldest eyes nearing blue and silver bored into my own as if he were about to eat me whole.

“Apologies,” he grunted out, his eyes never leaving mine.

I merely nodded, still quite shaken from the harsh body collision, before I watched him stride away. The man did apologize, although he sounded far from it, but what was his problem, anyhow?

I shivered upon recalling those eyes. They reminded me of a frozen lake with still, cold air, like the man had no soul. All I had seen in those chilly orbs … was death.