Mr. Masters (Mr. 1)

“Yes.” I hear her flick through some papers. “Brielle Johnston.”

I purse my lips. “I don’t think it’s going to work out. Can you arrange some interviews for me to find someone else, please?”

She hesitates for a moment. “But...”

“No buts. I’m not happy. I would prefer someone else.”

“Mr. Masters, Brielle is over here on a working visa. If she doesn’t have another job to go to, she will have to go back to Australia immediately.”

I frown. “What?”

“When you signed her au pair contract, you agreed to sponsor her for her visit to the United Kingdom for a twelve-month period.”

“I did no such thing. I signed an employment contract for a nanny.”

“Yes, you did, sir. The employment contract is the working visa contract for an au pair, which is different to a nanny. It’s in section 6a. I have the paperwork.”

I pause for a moment, and Marcy frowns as she listens on. Our eyes meet and I shake my head in disgust. How the hell did I miss that? “Her visa isn’t my problem. I want a new nanny as soon as possible.”

“That’s really disappointing, sir. We really feel that Brielle will work out if you just give her a chance.”

“No. Arrange other interviews.”

“Leonie, my manager, isn’t here right now. Can I get her to call you when she gets in?” I exhale heavily. “Fine. I’ll be availa

ble after five.”

“Thank you, Mr. Masters.” She hangs up.

I sit back in my chair and roll my pen on my desk as I think.

“What’s wrong with her? Are the children safe?” Marcy frowns.

“Yes, of course the children are safe.”

“What? Does she seem rough or something?”

“Quite the opposite.” I stand and remove my suit jacket, placing my judge’s cape over my clothes. I slowly fasten the buttons down the front. “She’s just young and not the right woman for the job, that’s all. Willow and her have a personality clash.”

Marcy watches me for a moment. “I hope I’m not talking out of turn, sir, but Willow has a personality clash with everyone.”

My eyes meet hers and I exhale heavily. “I know. Even me, lately.” With a heavy heart, I pick up my pile of court documents and make my way into the courtroom with Marcy following close behind.

“All rise,” the secretary calls.

The courtroom stands, and I nod and walk in to take my place at the front of the room. I look around at the full courtroom, with the jury sitting to my left. My eyes roam to the man in front of me, accused of both rape and murder. Contempt fills my every pore. He’s been in my court before, although we didn’t have enough evidence to charge him. I hope today’s result is somewhat better. “You may be seated.”

Brielle

I stand at the front door with the keys in my hand as I wait for Willow so I can take them both to school. Samuel is ready, waiting with his backpack on his back. I look up at the stairs. I want to scream out hurry the hell up, but I don’t want to upset her.

She seems troubled, and for some reason, I don’t think it’s just because of me. Eventually, she comes into view and starts walking down the stairs. Her dark hair is in two braids, and she’s wearing a snooty looking grey tunic uniform. Her skirt hangs below her knees with big box pleats, her legs covered in thick grey tights and finished off with black school shoes. She’s pretty, in a scowly kind of way.

I smile. “You look nice.”

She rolls her eyes in disgust.

I smile. “Come on, let’s go. I hope I can drive this van.”