‘No!’ He felt a surge of pleasure at her attention. Helen suddenly seemed like a world away. ‘I’d be happy to help.’

Chapter 33

33

Victoria, London

From the edge of St James’s Park, Tom had a clear view of Invicta’s headquarters, and the Bentley parked out-side. He hadn’t got back to Rolt yet. He wanted more time and he needed some answers, some that the boss of Invicta couldn’t give.

Once Rolt had left the office with Jackman, Tom approached the door. The police waved him away.

‘Closed for the day, sorry.’

‘I left my glasses here yesterday – just wanted to pick them up.’

‘Okay, ask at the desk.’

Inside, the receptionist made a call to Phoebe. ‘She’ll be down in a minute.’

Tom settled himself in one of the big leather arm-chairs and picked up the Evening Standard. Rolt had made the front page.

Invicta Founder: ‘Send Them Back.’

Before he could read on Phoebe appeared at the top of the stairs, wearing a big smile.

‘So how was your visit to the campus?’ She took her time descending, her skirt swaying compellingly as she moved. Her hair looked as if she’d given it a quick brush before she left her post.

‘Nice of you to ask. A learning experience. Your boss has quite a thing going on up there.’

She reached the bottom of the stairs. Tom noticed his gaze was starting to make her feel self-conscious. She gave a small, very attractive laugh. ‘Is there something I can help with?’

Tom pretended to look blank. ‘Oh, yes – I thought I’d left some glasses here but then I remembered I don’t wear any.’

She gave him a mock-scolding look and laughed again, her eyes shining seductively. If he hadn’t been so preoccupied he would have had to admit he was powerfully attracted.

‘I’m staying at my father’s club. I wondered if you’d like to join me for a drink.’

She put on an apologetic face. ‘I’ve got something on.’

‘Vernon’s offered me an assignment. To be honest, I’m in two minds. Thought you might give me the low-down on working for him.’ The work angle should swing it, he calculated, and as she hesitated, he gave her one of his trademark looks, designed to melt the most obstinate woman at fifty paces.

She lifted a stray strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear. ‘I’ll make a call.’

Job done. He watched her go back up, taking in all her movements. A few seconds later she reappeared at the top of the stairs, tapping something into her phone. She dropped it into her bag as she came down.

‘Who did you have to put off?’

‘Oh, a girlfriend. It’s not a problem.’

‘Not a boyfriend, then.’

She frowned slightly. ‘As it happens, no.’

‘Sorry, just being nosy, forgive me.’

‘I’ll let it go this time.’