Warhol's Prophecy

79

HAILEY WAITED FOR the ringing phone to be picked up, the receiver of her own jammed between her shoulder and ear as she typed. The words flickered on the screen before her, but she hardly saw them.

She’d managed barely three hours’ sleep the previous night, and it felt as if someone had attached lead weights to her eyelids.

The phone continued to ring.

She sat back from her keyboard, stifling a yawn.

Perhaps later she’d ring Becky’s school and make sure she was OK. The child hadn’t wanted to go to school that morning, and there’d been more tears.

After last night, life looked like being one endless catalogue of tears again, she mused.

Still the phone was ringing.

The answerphone wasn’t switched on, so the person she sought was home. They just weren’t answering.

She was on the point of setting the receiver down.

‘Hello,’ said the voice.

‘Caroline, it’s Hailey. Sorry to interrupt you if you were working.’

There was a moment’s awkward silence.

‘I wasn’t sure if you and I were still talking,’ Caroline Hacket said.

‘I need to ask you something.’

‘Go on.’

‘Did you see Adam Walker last night?’

Hailey heard the weary intake of breath. ‘Just tell me, please,’ she persisted.

‘I could tell you to mind your own business.’

There was an edge to Caroline’s voice that Hailey hadn’t expected.

‘Please yourself,’ Hailey said defensively.

‘I could, but I won’t,’ Caroline insisted. ‘I saw him for lunch, OK? Why? What’s the problem now?’

‘I think he tried to kill Rob last night.’ She explained briefly.

‘Don’t be so bloody ridiculous,’ Caroline said finally. ‘It seems as if you’re trying to blame Adam for everything lately. You wanted him out of your life – and he’s gone. Why don’t you drop it?’

‘I told Rob what happened between Adam and me. Rob walked out and I don’t know where he’s gone.’

There was another silence.

‘Caroline . . .?’

‘I heard you. You can’t blame Adam for that.’

Hailey swallowed hard. ‘Are you seeing him tonight?’ she wanted to know.

‘Look, I’ve got to go,’ Caroline told her sharply. ‘I’ll speak to you later.’

She hung up.

Hailey slammed the receiver down and sat forward in her chair.

Her office door opened and she looked up.

Jim Marsh walked in, smiling.

The smile faded as he saw the expression on Hailey’s face.

‘Are you all right?’

‘Fine,’ she lied. ‘I just didn’t get much sleep last night. I’ve got those details on the gig and the party afterwards that you wanted.’

Marsh sat down opposite her. ‘Are you sure everything’s all right?’ he asked.

My husband was nearly killed last night, then he walked out on me. My closest friend is seeing the man who tried to kill him. My daughter is almost suicidal, and I’m close to a nervous breakdown. Everything is fan-fucking-tastic!

‘I told you, Jim, I’m just tired.’ She handed him a couple of pieces of paper. ‘The guest list for the gig, the travel arrangements, and the details of the party afterwards. I think everything’s covered.’

Marsh scanned the documents, nodding approvingly every now and then.

‘It looks fine,’ he said, smiling. ‘Are Rob and Becky looking forward to it?’

She felt the tears building.

‘Can’t wait,’ she said, her voice cracking slightly. She coughed. ‘Jim, would you mind if I left a bit earlier today? There’s a few things I’ve got to do.’

He nodded. ‘I thought you trusted me,’ he said quietly.

She looked puzzled.

‘How long have we known each other?’ Marsh continued. ‘Eight years?’

‘Jim, what are you getting at?’

‘I just thought that you’d let me help if I could. I know there’s something wrong. If there’s anything I can do . . .?’

She managed a smile.

‘I wish there was,’ Hailey told him. ‘But I’m the only one who can sort this out. Don’t worry, it won’t affect my work.’

‘For Christ’s sake,’ he said irritably. ‘Sod the work. You’d never let me down. I’d like to do something to help you for a change.’

Marsh got to his feet. ‘If you change your mind, you know where I am.’

‘Thanks, Jim, but, like I said, this is my problem. I’ve got to deal with it.’

‘Good luck.’

‘I think I’m going to need it.’