Hanna nodded, the lump in her throat preventing her from speaking. She’d dreamed of this moment so many times, and his lack of emotion was killing her. Then a moment later, as she saw Richard’s face twist with anger, she longed for his previous, calm demeanor.
“I need to get out of this room. Stay here,” he spat, not giving her an option. He stalked over to the door that led to the outer office and wrenched it open. When he slammed it behind him, she heard a lock turn.
He’d locked her in.
He trusted her so little. He was so sure she’d run, that he felt he had to lock her in.
Or perhaps he was trying to protect her. The next moment, she heard something being thrown across the outer office, and the loud vibration of his voice as he shouted, followed by Lisa’s gentler tone, murmuring to him.
Hanna walked to the dark-brown leather sofa by the large, picture window and sat down, fingers tapping on the iPhone she still held in her hand.
I’ve told him. She sent the text to Ruby.
Within moments, Ruby had sent a reply. How did he take it?
He’s locked me in his office.
Are you okay? Is he okay? Bless Ruby. She always supported them both.
He’s left the room. I’m fine. I think he’s throwing furniture around.
A few minutes later, Hanna heard the door unlock, and then saw Lisa’s face appear as she pushed it open.
“How are you doing, Hanna?”
Hanna tried not to smile. Everybody was asking her the question they should ask Richard. She was fine. A little shaken, very worried, but fine.
“Is Richard all right?”
“He’s a little angry. It’s none of my business, but I think I got the gist. I told him to get some fresh air and come back when he’s calmed down.” Behind Lisa, Hanna could see the debris all over the floor where Richard had thrown pen pots and other office equipment. “Can I get you a drink while you wait for him?”
“I’d love a glass of water, thank you.” She hadn’t realized how dry her mouth was until Lisa had offered. The confrontation had sucked all the moisture from her.
It took more than twenty minutes for Richard to come back. While she waited, Hanna texted Ruby a few times, learning that Richard had been speaking with his sister on the phone, and seemed calmer than before. Hanna braced herself anyway when the door opened, afraid of what side of Richard she might see.
“I’m sorry I locked you in.” His first words calmed her. “I needed to get out before I caused any damage.”
“I’m the one that should be apologizing.”
Richard ignored her expression of regret. “I’ve asked Lisa to book us on the first flight to France. There’s a plane leaving tonight.”
“I’ve got a flight booked for tomorrow—” She began to protest, but Richard waved her off.
“It’s done. While I wait for my luggage to be dropped off you can give me a few answers.” He moved toward her, sitting down on the leather chair opposite her. In the glare of the afternoon sun, his features seemed sharper. She felt the strangest urge to trace the line of his jaw with her finger.
“I’d be happy to.”
Richard leaned back, running his hands through his hair. “Why didn’t you tell me? Was it in retaliation for me staying with Meredith while she got better? Because that’s pretty fucking low.” His words tumbled together, and Hanna could feel each one pierce her heart.
She shook her head rapidly. “I wanted to tell you. I didn’t find out until I was four months pregnant. As soon as I had the scan I called you.” She picked up the glass of water and knocked it back. “Your mother answered. She told me that Meredith was consigned to a wheelchair for life, and that you were looking after her.”
Richard’s hand was still in his hair, now tugging rather than smoothing. She resisted the urge to pull his arm down.
“My mother said what?” His voice was pure ice.
“She said Meredith was never going to walk again, that she would be stuck in a wheelchair forever.”
The silence that followed was thick. It took Richard a while to cut through it. “Why would she say that?”