Richard, her Father’s friend. “Are you ok, Sugar Plum?”

Richard Arnett was a very old friend of her Father’s. They’d gone to school and then university together. Rowed in the same boat crew. Gone into business together and become very successful before her father passed away from cancer a few years ago. Mara’s mother had collapsed in on herself with her husband’s untimely **** but her dad’s friend had promised to look after Mara like his own daughter. Sugar Plum was the name her dad had called Mara her entire life.

<Are you ok, Sugar Plum?>

Mara couldn’t ignore a message like that.

<I’m fine. Thank you, Mr Arnett.>

<Are you sure? You didn’t seem too happy on The Facebook. Your dad would want me to check up on you.>

Mara could feel a tear well and then run down her cheek at the thought of her father looking after her still.

<I broke up with my boyfriend.>

She wasn’t truly sure they’d broken up but for now, Mara wanted the sympathy and care of this father figure in her life.

<Are you safe? Did he hurt you at all?>

Mara could just imagine Mr Arnett throttling Hugh if she’d told him Hugh had struck her. Even in his mid-50’s Richard Arnett was a strong and capable man still. He worked out daily and looked like a buff Anderson Cooper.

<No. He didn’t touch me. He would never.>

<Do you have somewhere to stay for now? I’m in town this week. I’m staying at the Hilton. I could get you a room there if you like?>

Hugh had gone out. Mara could stay there without an issue but she did also like the idea of staying at the Hilton. Hugh would wonder where she had gone and it might make him worried if he returned and she wasn’t around.