The Candidate (22 page)

‘I’m never going to find him,’ she groaned as Mac pulled onto the southern motorway.

He looked over at her. ‘Will they take him with only one reference?’

Ginny shrugged. ‘Maybe. But Robert really wants this done properly. I don’t blame him. Daniel’s first referee was great but she didn’t know about the clients he worked with or the types of projects he did.’

‘What about the other candidate? Stella?’

‘I’ve spoken to three referees for her and they’re all brilliant.’ She sighed. ‘Maybe we should just wash our hands of Daniel and go for Stella.’

‘Maybe you should. He’s an arsehole.’

Ginny gave Mac a look. ‘I’ll talk to Robert again on Monday, once he’s read Stella’s references, and see what he wants to do.’ She reached down for the pillow she’d stuffed at her feet. ‘I’ll be on the phone again until the wee smalls,’ she said, arranging herself against the car door. ‘So I’ll have a kip now, if that’s okay?’

‘Of course. Just don’t snore too loudly.’

Around midnight Mac woke to find Ginny still hadn’t come to bed. He got up, intending to drag her up if he had to, then he heard a loud ‘Whoop!’ and her footsteps running up the stairs.

‘Mac! I think I’ve found him! In Inverness, of all places!’

‘Great. Excellent,’ he mumbled, reaching for her. ‘Now come to bed. That’s enough.’

Ecstatic, relieved, and chuffed with herself beyond measure, Ginny complied.

The next week started with a bang. Despite the events that had clouded her holiday, Ginny felt refreshed and ready to get stuck into the year ahead. She arrived at her desk, latte in hand, early on Monday morning.

First, she called Robert to let him know she’d found Mark Hutchinson. A firm in Edinburgh had employed him briefly before he resigned again. Although he hadn’t said where he was off to, Ginny spoke with a gossipy PA who didn’t hold much truck with privacy laws, and distinctly remembered sending his final payslip to an address in Inverness.

From there it had been relatively simple and the man she spoke to late on Friday night had confirmed that a Mark Hutchinson did work at the small firm she’d called. She explained that she needed to speak with him as a potential referee, and was told he was expected back the following Monday.

‘Ginny, that’s incredible!’ Robert said after a shocked, impressed pause. ‘You’re like a goddamn terrier.’

‘I am indeed, Robert. I’ll call him tonight and let you know first thing how I get on. What did you think of Stella’s references?’

‘Very interesting actually, Ginny. I think she’s back in the running.’

‘Great news. It’s always better to have two strong options. I’ll speak with you tomorrow.’

The role was an absolute bloody rollercoaster, Ginny grinned to herself as she hung up, but being on an upward swing definitely compensated for the downhill.

Ange arrived soon afterwards and Ginny caught her up with all that had happened. Hearing it all in one go, Ange was understandably distressed.

‘But that’s appalling. Do the police have any … leads, or whatever?’

‘No clue whatsoever. They spoke to Miles after I was attacked but he was out of Auckland. I’ve changed all the locks and beefed up the security, but other than that it’s business as usual.’

‘How come you’re so relaxed about it?’

‘What can I do but get on with it? Does it put you off? I’d understand if you don’t want to work here anymore.’ She paused. ‘But please don’t leave me.’

Ange laughed. ‘No, of course not. If you’re okay with it, so am I. And I did some thinking over Christmas: I’d be delighted to come on board closer to fulltime.’

Ginny shrieked and grabbed Ange in a hard hug. ‘Oh, thank you! What a tremendous way to start the year!’

Feeling slightly more under control with RK Investments and Strategy, Ginny turned her attention to the role at the university. It was being advertised that weekend, and Ginny had a meeting scheduled with her client to review timeframes and the proposed search list.

Before the meeting Ginny wanted to put out a few feelers with the contacts she had researched after arriving home from Matamata. It would be good to give the uni a sense early on of how the market viewed the opportunity. She picked up the phone to make the first call.

An hour later, Ginny hung up, having spoken to the last name on her list. A sick feeling was building inside her. They’d all been very receptive to the opportunity, but surprised she had called, because almost all had already spoken to a consultant about the role.

She hadn’t heard of this Richard Jardin but she had a pretty clear idea of where he worked. Logging onto Miles’s firm’s website, it didn’t take her long to scroll through the consultant profiles and see Richard’s face beaming out at her.

‘Fucker!’ She couldn’t believe this was happening to her again.

She had the role, there was no doubt about that — same as last time — and the same clause was in her contract with the university as had been in place with RK Investments and Strategy. But this time Miles had got to the candidates first, and it would be messy and potentially acrimonious for all if they decided they wanted to work with Miles rather than Ginny.

It was very early days, she reminded herself. She hadn’t advertised yet and the people she had spoken to that morning were her search start point, not the final list. All the same, the ideal candidate might be among them and, at the end of the day, the university wanted what was best for the university. They had no real allegiance to her. If Miles had already submitted the names, giving them a taste of the people he had lined up, would they sever her contract and switch to him?

Picking up the phone she dialled her contact’s number at the uni.

‘Fiona, hi. How was your Christmas?’

Pleasantries over, Ginny launched in. ‘I think we need to figure this one out now, Fiona, before we get started. Has anyone spoken with you about these candidates?’

‘No, Ginny, and I’m not impressed. We made it very clear we wanted to work with Shine on this. If you’re happy to handle any applicants that come out of that pool of people, I’ll set this Richard Jardin straight on the matter.’

Ginny sighed in relief. If Richard or Miles had got around to sending the candidates through to Fiona, and she’d liked what she’d seen, the outcome could have been quite different. ‘Thank you, Fiona. I’ll see you on Wednesday.’

Ginny grabbed her handbag and strode out of her office. She was sick of these games and it was time she told Miles exactly that.

Chapter 26

By the time Ginny reached Miles’ offices she’d worked herself into a righteous fury. Storming into the reception area, she demanded to see him and was further incensed to be kept waiting for over twenty minutes before she was shown to a small internal office.

Miles joined her after only a few minutes, smoothing down his tie as he sat opposite her.

‘Lovely to see you, Ginny. After a job?’

‘Whatever games you’re playing, Miles, they have to end. Now. I’ve spoken to the university and they know what you’re up to. I haven’t a clue how you got hold of those names, but enough is enough — alright?’

‘I see you’re quite recovered, Ginny. Have a good Christmas? Year starting out well for you, I hope?’

‘Thanks for your concern, Miles,’ she snapped. ‘Did you hear what I said? I thought a call to the RCSA might be in order.’ She was more than happy to report his conduct to their industry association if he didn’t promise to stop mucking her around.

He laughed. ‘I don’t know what you’re on about, Ginny. If you think that normal business practice is worth speaking to the RCSA about, then you have a thing or two to learn about running your own enterprise.’ He reached over and snaked a finger across her hand before she snatched it away. ‘Seems I didn’t teach you as well as I should have.’

‘Trying to poach my candidates for a role I have exclusively is not normal business practice, Miles. It’s pretty bloody close to ambulance chasing.’

‘I’m not poaching anything, Ginny. As I told you last time you accused me, there is absolutely nothing wrong with me — or one of my consultants — speaking to people about a role we know of.’ He watched her, smiling gently in the face of her fury. ‘If we get to them before you … tough titty.’

‘The uni won’t accept them on your letterhead.’

‘They’ll have to if the candidates refuse to work with you,’ he shot back, confirming what she suspected he was up to. There was little reason to stay. She’d made her point and said her piece. She got up.

‘Their loss then. Only candidates coming through Shine Consulting will be considered.’ She reached down for her bag and put her hand on the door handle. ‘As I said, I’ve already spoken to Fiona, and she has reconfirmed her decision to work with Shine exclusively on this project.’

Miles jumped to his feet, hands planted on the table. ‘What’s wrong with you, Ginn?’ His anger was frighteningly apparent. ‘Why don’t you just quit while you’re ahead? Getting beaten up and having your office trashed not enough? All that trouble with your car?’

She went very still as the blood rushed from her face. She turned to face him. ‘What did you say?’ Her voice was shaky and despite her anger, it sounded weak and unsure. Ginny swallowed. How did he know about her car?

He smiled, but it was chilling. ‘Good news travels fast, Ginny. Seems I’m not the only one you’re pissing off.’

She went to leave but he grasped her wrist, painfully. ‘Watch your step, Ginny. You’re walking a very fine line and I wouldn’t be surprised if you find yourself losing your balance.’

‘Get the hell away from me!’ Scared now, she wrenched her arm free. Opening the door, Ginny walked quickly towards the bank of elevators.

‘Pop by anytime, Ginny,’ Miles called after her. ‘Always a pleasure.’

She felt queasy as she waited for the lift. She could sense he was there, watching her. When it arrived she hurried inside, not looking back. As the doors closed behind her she let out her breath and said a silent prayer of thanks as the elevator rushed her away from him, down into the sun, fresh air and heat of the day.

Still shaken, Ginny called the detective she’d met when her place was broken into and told him what Miles had said.

‘There’s no way he could’ve known about what happened to my car unless he was involved in some way.’

Detective Johnston tentatively agreed. ‘We can certainly speak to him again, Miss Hayes. In the meantime, it’s probably best if you stay away from him, don’t you think?’

Agreeing unreservedly, Ginny walked back to Shine.

Later that afternoon, Ginny heard the downstairs buzzer. Ange was at the post office and had her keys so it couldn’t be her. Ginny checked her watch and frowned. She wasn’t expecting anyone, and it was too late in the day for Mac to drop by for lunch, and way too early for him to drop by for anything else. Figuring it must be a delivery, she picked up the intercom at Ange’s desk.

‘Ginny, it’s Daniel. Daniel Baire.’

Shaking her head — the man was far too random for her liking — she buzzed him in, unlocked the new glass doors and smiled as he walked up the stairs towards her.

Taking in the new computers and furniture, the locks on the door, he returned her smile. ‘Renovations over Christmas? It looks nice. Fresher.’

‘Thanks.’ she was glad to see him more relaxed than the last time they had spoken. ‘Come on through.’

Leading him into an interview room and taking a seat, Ginny looked at him expectantly. ‘How can I help?’

Daniel seemed confused and hesitated before speaking. ‘I haven’t heard from you for a while. I thought I’d better check in to see where we’re at with the RK role.’

‘I didn’t think you were still interested, Daniel.’

‘Of course I am! Whatever gave you that impression?’

She shook her head, resisting the temptation to put it in her hands. ‘You disappeared off the radar there for a bit. And the … stuff … with your referees before Christmas was not exactly encouraging. I was almost expecting to hear you’d accepted another offer. Something Miles Hawthorne may have on the go?’

‘I won’t lie to you, Ginny. I don’t agree with your position regarding my referees, but I realise I have to play it your way, if that’s what it takes. What you said before Christmas … um … about Claire.’ He looked down at his hands and, despite herself, Ginny felt a wave of pity. ‘You were right. I don’t like … delving back into all of that. It’s been a bit hard.’ He looked back up at her and she saw the grief reflected in his eyes.

‘I’m sorry, Daniel. I really am.’

He nodded. ‘The role Miles is talking to me about is with one of the bigger firms and, although the salary is higher, they’re certainly not talking equity. I did some thinking over the holiday and I’m definitely better suited to a smaller environment.’

‘Okay. That’s good but we still need another referee, and with these delays, Robert has understandably brought the other candidate back into the mix.’ Ginny looked at him steadily; this was what happened when you gave people the runaround.

‘So it’s not guaranteed then?’

‘Not anymore.’

She couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. He’d evidently had a rough trot and hadn’t predicted this outcome when he’d started with his games.

‘I’m hoping to speak with your other referee tonight, Daniel, and from there Robert will make a decision. We’ll all know soon enough.’

‘Other referee?’

‘Yes, I think I’ve managed to track down Mark. Mark Hutchinson.’

He stared at her openly. ‘How the hell did you do that?’

‘As you keep telling me, I’m thorough,’ she said with a grin.

For once, he didn’t smile back. ‘Right. Of course you are.’ He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. ‘Look, there’s no need to talk to Mark. I’ve thought of someone else.’

She read the name and number with interest. ‘Who is this?’

‘A former client. He runs his own business now but he used to be the internal lead on a big project I was on. Supply chain guy.’

Ginny nodded. This would do. But why had it taken so long to think of him?

As if reading her mind, Daniel gave her an embarrassed smile. ‘Sorry, Ginny. I wasn’t really thinking straight a week or so back. But I’m reformed.’ He pointed to the paper in her hand. ‘I’ve spoken to Sean and he’s ready and waiting to talk to you. So no need to chase Mark, right?’

‘Of course,’ she smiled brightly. ‘Sean sounds perfect. I’ll call him tonight.’

Showing Daniel out, Ginny gave it a couple of minutes before going down to make sure the street door was properly locked. Back upstairs she relocked the main doors and returned to her desk. Logging on to the internet, she settled in to find out what she could about this Sean bloke.

‘So … nice?’ Mac asked, as they walked back to Ginny’s flat. It was early evening, and the midsummer dusk glowed with a warm golden light over the city.

‘Yes, a lovely meal, thank you Mac.’

‘Good.’ He sounded satisfied.

They walked in silence for a little longer before Ginny said, ‘Any other dates planned that I should know about?’

‘No — none formulated, but I’ll keep you posted. Dance card still fairly open?’

She looked up at him and nodded. ‘Of course.’ So much for keeping things in control, she reprimanded herself. She felt as if she were on the back of a very fast horse that had grabbed the bit and bolted. He was very good at the romance end of the equation, and it surprised her. Nothing too showy or over the top, but definitely well thought-out. He was charming her, that’s for sure. And it was working.

Mac started to speak again but stopped when her phone rang.

‘Detective Johnston — hi.’

‘Any news?’ Mac asked, once she hung up.

‘Nooo.’ Ginny started to walk again. ‘He just wanted to let me know that Miles definitely wasn’t in Auckland when the break-in happened. They spoke to him again today.’

‘Why? I thought they checked that out pretty quickly after it happened?’

‘They did.’ Ginny hesitated briefly before telling Mac about the run-in at Miles’ office.

‘You did what!’ Mac exploded. ‘He said what!’

Maybe she should have told him sooner, but it had been a business matter; she could manage that by herself. ‘I went and told him what for. He’s messing me around. He’s messing Shine around, and I’m sick of it.’

‘Ginny.’ Mac caught her arm. ‘Does anything get through that thick skull of yours? The man is nothing but bad news, and he has it in for you. But you just waltz into his offices and confront him? I thought we had an agreement,’ he challenged, forcing her to look at him, ‘that you would keep me in the loop?’

She didn’t like his tone, and Mac’s hyper-caution was adding to her stress. ‘It’s my business, Mac, I can handle it,’ she said hotly, meaning Shine.

‘It’s my business too!’ he blasted back, meaning her.

‘Mac …’ she started, and then gritted her teeth as she saw his jaw clench. ‘I’m not about to call you every time I step outside my building. And I am keeping you in the loop — I’m telling you about it now, aren’t I?’

‘After the event, Ginny. Way after the event.’ His voice kept rising. ‘He gave you enough of a scare that you called the police, but you didn’t call me?’

‘Oh, for God’s sake.’ She shook him off. ‘Why would I do that? So you could go and give him a thump?’

He looked at her and she returned the stare. ‘Don’t even go there, Mac. We are not going there — got it?’ She turned away and headed back down High Street. Bugger him. Bloody caveman.

‘Ginny.’ He caught up to her. ‘Has it not occurred to you that he may still be behind all of this? Even if he wasn’t in Auckland when it happened?’

‘Of course it bloody well has!’ she shouted, startling a couple of pedestrians. ‘But they can’t prove anything and I won’t believe that someone hates me that much if I don’t have to, okay? It’s shit enough to contemplate, let alone be told it’s true.’

‘He could have hurt you.’

‘No, he couldn’t have.’ Ginny stood her ground. ‘I went to his offices, in broad daylight. It wasn’t as if we had a midnight rendezvous on Grafton Bridge.’

‘I wouldn’t put it past you,’ he said darkly, shoving his hands into his pockets.

‘Mac! What is wrong with you?’

‘Wrong with me? What is wrong with you more like it? You’re bloody insufferable.’

‘Well, you,’ she tried valiantly to control her temper, ‘are too bloody pushy. How many times do I need to tell you that it’s my life?’

‘Well, start taking a bit more care of it, Ginny. You’re reckless. And it pisses me off.’

‘Me? Reckless?’ She laughed outright. ‘Have you looked at your CV recently? You haven’t exactly been playing tiddlywinks for the last six years, Mac.’

‘This isn’t about me.’

‘Exactly.’ She was pleased to have won the point. ‘It’s never bloody well about you, is it? You swan in and tell me how to live, what to do, but you’ll swan out again, won’t you?’

‘Do you want to talk about that?’

Not bloody likely, she thought. I’m so not ready for that conversation. Ignoring his question, she went on. ‘I sure as hell don’t get to tell you how to live your life, do I?’

‘Tell me then! What is so wrong with how I’m living my life?’

‘I don’t know!’ She was so mad her fingers were tingling. ‘That’s the whole point, Mac — how would I bloody know? You don’t tell me anything worth commenting on!’ She shook her head. ‘I mean, mozzie bite, Mac? Do you think I’m stupid?’

He went to speak but, on a roll, Ginny wouldn’t let him. She stepped close and jabbed a finger into his chest. ‘You tell me to let you in, but you sure as hell won’t let me anywhere near you. And as I told you,’ another jab, ‘I’m not about to rejig my life just to make you feel better. I’ve been doing it my way for a bloody long time and if you want to help out, play at being my protector — well, then go for it. But it’s on my terms, Mac.’

He half-turned, running a hand through his hair. How had she managed to switch this around so quickly? He was up against the ropes and taking a pummelling. ‘Just stay away from him. Please?’

Sodding typical. Just like a man to avoid the elephant in the room: his own reluctance to let his guard down. It only made her madder, but it confused her too. Now that she’d said it, she wasn’t sure she wanted him to let her in. What they had was already hard to manage.

‘Of course, I bloody well will! I’ve already made that decision. Myself. Which makes this whole bloody … conversation … redundant!’

‘Can you stop being so defensive? What is so wrong with what I’m saying?’

‘I don’t know, Mac. This is all just a bit too … intense.’

He stilled. ‘What is, Ginny? Me? Us?’