Page 184 of The Examiner

Suzie

We’re also ditching Patrick and Cameron.

Gela

What? No! You need stooges, you said. That’s why the three of them are on the course!

Suzie

Things change. It’s too risky. J will redefine the sourcing team to us three.

Ludya

Pat and Cam won’t be bothered.

Gela

That’s not the point. I need Cameron to be there because he hasn’t put in the hours yet. Pat has to go – he’s in charge of sourcing. Surely you want them there to testify that nothing untoward happened?

Ludya

You don’t know what we’re planning to do, though, Gela.

Suzie

We could be planning to blow the place up, in which case we’re saving the innocents by leaving them at home.

Ludya

Suze, stay vague, FFS.

Gela

It wouldn’t be anything like that.

Suzie

If you don’t know what we’re planning to do, why are you so sure of what we’re NOT going to do?

Jonathan

Let’s keep focused. Gela, you’re working to our old plans, but things have changed. I’ll tell them, in my role as project manager.

WhatsApp chat between Gela Nathaniel and Cameron Wesley, 11 January 2024:

Gela

Bad news. You and Pat are bumped from the sourcing trip. They’re going to Thorney Coffin on their own. Sorry, I tried, but they were beginning to sound suspicious.

Cameron

Don’t compromise yourself by protesting too much. I’ll speak to the boss, see if there’s a way she can insist more of us go.

RH WhatsApp group members Ludya Parak, Suzie Danners, Jonathan Danners and Gela Nathaniel, 15 January 2024:

Gela

You’re still talking to the group as if everyone’s going to Somerset except Jem. When will you tell Pat and Cam they aren’t invited?