All I See Is You by Charlotte Barnes

Author:Charlotte Barnes [Barnes, Charlotte]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloodhound Books

Gladis sat at the head of the room with us crowded around like hungry schoolchildren, some on seats and others – like me – loitering at the back. She waited until there was a dead silence before she cleared her throat; she looked down at the paperwork in front of her like she’d forgotten why she’d called us here.

‘I have an announcement I’d like to make which I imagine will have positive repercussions for most of the firm, which is why you’ve all been asked to attend. There will be some opportunities out of this that some of you might like to know about now, so you can ready yourselves.’ She flashed a smug sort of smile and I wondered how much she was enjoying laying out this bait for us. It felt like the grown-up equivalent of a young adult novel; career-hungry twenty-somethings set against each other in a battle for a bigger desk. ‘As of yesterday, we are representing Baker Mitchell.’

But this was big news. Baker Mitchell was a celebrity in commercial fiction. He wrote everything from crime to noir to romantic comedies making him an all-round threat and asset. But I didn’t know what this had to do with me.

‘We’ll be looking to do a big social media splash to announce Mr Mitchell–’

Ah, I thought, there I am.

Gladis looked as though she were about to address me directly. But the thrum of my mobile vibrating in my pocket forced me to break eye contact with her. I made my apologies to everyone and no one all at once while I tried to shuffle out of the room. I could feel my cheeks redden at the disruption I’d caused.

‘Hello?’

‘Hi there, it’s Dr Greenstone calling. Is now a good time to talk?’

It seemed a redundant question to ask after the interruption. ‘Of course, absolutely, thanks for calling me.’

‘No bother there. What is it I can help you with?’

I lowered my voice. ‘I was hoping to discuss the possibility of upping my medication.’ I stopped as though this alone were enough information for her to go on. ‘Sorry, I spoke to my counsellor about it, and he recommended that I talk to you about upping my dosage for the foreseeable.’

‘I see. Did he outline a reason for that?’

‘I’m going through a series of memory recall exercises. I think he suspects there are some upsetting times ahead.’ I tried to sound light-hearted but something about admitting it all aloud to a fresh stranger brought home the weight of it. I leaned back against the nearest wall to steady myself. ‘I don’t feel especially agitated at the minute.’

‘Generally, though, do you feel more agitated in yourself?’

‘No, I wouldn’t say so.’

‘Is your sleeping okay?’

I was tired most mornings, but wasn’t every adult? ‘Fine, as far as I’m aware.’

I could hear her thinking. ‘I don’t know that I’m entirely comfortable with upping your meds over the phone, it has to be said.’ There were the clicks and scrolls of a mouse in the background, and I imagined her reading through my notes.

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