Nate:That she’s been … (shakes head) Oh, I don’t know, I suppose that she’s been getting too ‘involved’ with someone at work.

Marlow:Involved? You mean she’s been having a relationship with someone in the office?

Nate:(laughs) That’s not what I mean. Obsessed then, if you want. She’s been getting obsessed. The thing is, it’s not the first time it’s happened, so …

Marlow:Who is this you’re referring to?

Nate:Her name’s Mia. But this has absolutely nothing to do with the fire, you know that, don’t you? I mean, what I’m telling you – there’s no way Laura had anything to do with the fire last night.

Marlow:Your disagreement over the weekend, was it because of your wife’s argument with Mia Anderson at the party?

Nate:What? No. No, I don’t know anything about any argument. No, I was pissed off about what happened with Harry Wood.

Chapter Fourteen

Six weeks before the fire

Mia poked her head around Harry’s office door. ‘Have you got five minutes?’

‘I have,’ Harry beckoned her in. ‘I hope you bring me good news, though.’ He gestured to the seat. ‘How’s everything going?’

‘All good, thanks.’

‘The TV ad coming on well?’

‘Really well.’

Harry nodded and smiled, though his eyes didn’t light up the way they usually did. Mia wondered what was on his mind. She had seen Laura in his office earlier, her arms flailing around as she spoke to him. The woman clearly had something to discuss, and Mia had no doubt it was probably her. In contrast to Laura’s frantic movements, Harry had been immobile at his desk.

Mia wondered how he put up with it. He was the boss, and yet from where Mia had watched, outside the glass wall, Laura had been the one in control. How she wished she’d been able to hear what was being said.

The rumours about Harry and Laura were partially true, from Mia’s point of view. The way he pawed at Laura’s shoulder outside the lift, hovering over her just a little too close. It was an unnecessary display from the CEO in such a public space. No wonder the gossip had spread, when it was clearly apparent that he fancied her.

But what did Laura make of it? This intrigued Mia, because as far as she could see there was no reciprocation, yet Laura hadn’t told Harry he was too close, or even pulled away.

If it had happened to her, Mia would have turned round and slapped him around the face. Everyone else in the office might think Harry was hot, but Mia didn’t get it. She didn’t particularly think he had many attractive qualities.