Under His Influence

“Yes,” Mimi agreed, aiming hard for a conciliatory tone. “You do. But right now, he is unavailable. And, more than that, you’re in danger.”

“What? What the fuck? Mimi, you’re making this up!” Liam was scornful, but Anna’s face had paled and she seemed to understand that Mimi was not lying.

“What sort of danger? I’ve had this kind of awful feeling…”

“There are…forces…that are out to get John. They are getting close. If you are near him, they will take you down too. I’m sorry this all sounds so vague, but please believe me, you need to get away.”

“Get away?”

“For your sake, and the sake of the child. You have access to John’s money. Use it. Buy a ticket to Australia and lie low. Take Liam if you want. John won’t mind.”

Mimi was inventing John’s sanction for that part of the offer, but she was prepared to do whatever was necessary to get Anna safe.

Liam put a hand on Anna’s arm. “Australia?”

“Yes. You want to go there, don’t you? I remember you telling me you’d love to be a surfer dude. Here’s your chance. Take it. Let John pay for it.”

“Anna?” He turned to her, his eyebrows raised in hopeful query. Surely, Mimi thought, he would see that this is the most brilliant way imaginable to get her away from Stone and into his arms.

“But can’t I see him?” she whispered, strain clear in her voice.

“I know you don’t trust me, and you have good reason not to, but I am totally serious, Anna. I love you, I care for you and I want you out of danger. If you are away from John, you stand a much better chance than if you stay in London.”

“But why? Who are these people?”

“Anna, there just isn’t time to explain,” moaned Mimi. “Go to Heathrow. Get on the first plane to Oz. We’ll meet again sometime, and I can tell you everything then. But you must protect yourself and your baby.”

Mimi hoped beyond hope that she was projecting enough sincere desperation and fear to convince her friend.

“Anna, it’s a good idea,” urged Liam. “And you need to get away from him. After the way he’s treated you. A good holiday is the least you deserve.”

Anna convulsed in pain, bracing an arm beneath her stomach.

“If I get away, will this stop?” she asked, tears spilling from her eyes.

“I don’t know. But it will help.”

She turned to Liam. “Will you come with me?”

He bent down and put an arm around her. “Try and stop me.”

“You got rid of her?” asked John, terse as could be.

Mimi nodded.

“Is she leaving the country?”

“Uh-huh. Australia.”

“Australia. Good.”

“Liam’s going with her.”

John’s machinations halted for a moment as he shot Mimi a look of pure distaste.

“Liam? That useless berk is supposed to take care of my wife? He couldn’t defend a point of view, let alone my child.”

“I think you underestimate him. He hasn’t had to step up to the mark before, but he will. He loves Anna, you know.”