Josephine Cox 3-Book Collection 1: Midnight, Blood Brothers, Songbird. Josephine Cox

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      On the drive home, Jack couldn’t get Molly out of his mind. He kept thinking of the good times, and the guilt was like a clenched fist in his chest. Did he still want her? Or was he well rid of her?

      There was a time, not very long ago, when she was his saviour. She had been there for him in his darkest hours. She had comforted him when he was low, and listened to him when he needed to talk things through. They were friends and lovers, and he had actually believed their relationship was too special to flounder.

      Lately, though, he had seen a side of her that had shaken him. Maybe he had only now seen the real Molly. The Molly who by nature had to be in control. The Molly who had a nasty, vicious side when she was unable to pull all the strings.

      When he actually thought back, Jack realised that he had always danced to her tune. But not this time, because he must follow his instincts and take this new promotion. As far as he was concerned, he had gone as far as he could to include Molly in his new venture, but she wanted none of it. With that in mind, he could see there was really no way forward.

      His only option was to make a new life without her. Sometimes, though, it was hard – almost impossible – to close the door on someone you loved.

       Chapter Eleven

      THERE WAS A real buzz in the showrooms, and Jan was more excited than anyone. ‘Ooh! It’s been a long time since we had a party here. The last one was four years ago, when Archie Taylor got promoted to Head Office. I’d only been here six months and I was asked to organise the food and everything – just like now.’

      ‘I hope you didn’t cook this food yourself?’ Charlie said cheekily. He glanced along the reception desk, where a generous finger buffet had been laid out – more than enough to satisfy the dozen or so staff who had stayed behind for the event.

      ‘No, I did not cook it,’ Jan replied huffily. ‘Not that I couldn’t have if I’d been asked, but I got all the stuff from the supermarket, like I was told to do, and if I say so myself, I think I’ve done right by everyone.’ She gestured to the many trays. ‘We’ve got sausage rolls, assorted sandwiches and cold potato salad; there’s all kinds of meat and enough bread rolls to build a house. We’ve got various pastries and all manner of desserts, and—’

      ‘All right, all right!’ Charlie’s stomach was already rumbling. ‘We’ve got eyes. We can see it all, thank you very much.’

      ‘Right! And have you seen the balloons – forty of them, all colours and shapes? And the banners that took me a good hour to put up all round the walls. Oh, and what about the toy car on top of the cake? I bought that out of my own money,’ She gave a cheeky wink, ‘which I fully intend to claim back.’

      Charlie looked at the little red sports-car which had been plonked atop the small round cake. ‘It’s a bit naff, if you ask me.’

      ‘Damned cheek!’ She clapped him round the head. ‘I wasn’t asking you! Now clear off and find something to do, while I sort out the plates and stuff. The party doesn’t start for another half hour.’

      Charlie slunk away, while Bill arrived to take up residence in the same spot. ‘I hope they give me a party when I take up my promotion,’ he said longingly.

      ‘If they don’t, I will,’ Jan grinned. ‘But it won’t be like this. It’ll be crisps and Twiglets and a can of Coke – if you’re lucky.’

      Bill ignored her teasing. ‘I hear one of the top brass is making an appearance here tonight. Why’s that, then?’

      ‘Three reasons,’ said Jan importantly. She counted them off on her fingers: ‘One, Jack’s leaving here after ten years’ service. Two, on Tuesday, he takes up the managership of a state-of-the-art showroom. And three, it will also be his birthday. So, don’t you think that’s reason enough for them to send at least one representative from Head Office?’

      ‘Well, I think it smacks of favouritism,’ said Charlie, who had rejoined them. He grabbed a sandwich and wolfed it down before Jan could stop him.

      ‘Give over, Charlie,’ said Bill. ‘I reckon you want to party, and make a fool of yourself with the ladies. The thing is, you’re worried that the man from Head Office might not approve. He gave a knowing wink. ‘That’s the truth, isn’t it?’ Charlie was not best pleased. ‘I’d say you’re stepping out of line, young man. You’d be wise to keep your opinions to yourself!’ With that he stormed off to his office.