Page 130 of Five for Silver

“And the news reports,” he sighed, “and thepapers.”

Chad put his coffee down on the sidetable.

“HollyStevenson is enjoying herself.” Chad swallowed back his bitternessthe best he could. “She lives in LA now, has a big apartment andlots of journalist friends. She has a channel, and a podcast, andshe is spewing out hate for me like you couldn’t believe.”

Keeley bit her lip. “Can’t the police dosomething—”

“The police,” Chad chuckled without humor.“They won’t help me. Superintendent Peter Watts has made sure ofthat. My professional reputation is in tatters.”

It was supposed to be an internal enquiry ona need-to-know basis, but of course Peter had spread details aroundAlborough, and they’d spread to other areas, including Bardhum.Josh had wanted to keep Chad out of the loop, but Ally said Chadhad a right to know what was being said about him.

“If I was on fire, the police would standback and warm their hands on me.”

“Chad…”

“It’s true.”

“It might feel like that—”

“It’strue.”

Keeley looked away. “I’m really worriedabout you.”

“That’s sweet.”

“I think you might need some extra …help.”

“That’s why I’m here,” he snorted. “I didn’twant to come today.”

“I’m glad you changed your mind.”

“I didn’t. Frank convinced me.”

Keeley lowered her gaze. “When I mentionedextra help. I meant medication. I’m a therapist. I can’t prescribeyou anything, but maybe your doctor—”

“I don’t need anything.”

“Not even something to help you sleep?”

He shook his head.

Keeley slumped. “Okay.”

She noted something down.

“Are Josh, Ally and Frank beingsupportive?”

Chad thought of them and immediately feltlighter. They cleared the dark fog in his head and let his wordscome easier.

“They’re great. Josh and Ally, I couldn’twish for better friends, and Frank … he keeps me sane. I love him,and he loves me, and no one can touch that.”

Keeley sighed. For the first time during thesession, she smiled. “Keep them close.”

“I will.”

“Have you given any thought to what you wantto do now you’re no longer a detective?”

Chad shook his head. “Not yet, it’s stillquite raw.”

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