Page 95 of A Poisonous Plot

“Sure you will,” Lily said while Jago ushered him towards the stairs.

A smile pulled at Lily’s lips as she watched them go.

At the top of the stairs, Jago said something Lily couldn’t make out, but whatever it was made Flynn laugh. The sound made Lily’s stomach flutter with butterflies.

He’s going to leave in a few months,she reminded herself, but knew that there was nothing she could do to keep from getting too attached.

She was certain she was already doomed to get her heart broken by PC Flynn Grainger.

“Lily!” Seren called, snapping her from her trance. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she said, smiling as she turned to her friend.

Doomed, but fine.

Chapter Forty

Predictably,Flynn didn’t reappear to help Lily in the shop. She hadn’t for one moment expected him to, and she was actually glad he hadn’t. As things quietened down, she nipped up to check on him, relieved to see him sleeping soundly.

He was still in a peaceful slumber when she trudged upstairs once the shop was closed and everything tidied up. After getting changed into her pyjamas, she had a momentary hesitation over whether to sleep on the couch before deciding against it. Flynn finally stirred when she slipped into bed beside him.

“Did I miss it?” he asked, then yawned widely.

“You missed it.”

His forehead wrinkled. “Sorry.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“It matters to me,” he said, shifting onto his side. “Because now Ted will forever get all the credit for helping you.”

A smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. “Ted was very helpful. As were Kit and Seren. I really found out who my true friends were today. Some really went above and beyond… and some people just slept the whole day…” Her words turned into laughter as Flynn dug his fingers under her ribs.

“How did it go?” he asked seriously.

“I think it went well. Lots of people came, and everyone seemed to love the ice cream. As long as no one gets ill, I’ll call it a success.”

“No one will get ill. You tested all the ice cream yourself. I still think you’re crazy for doing that.”

“Ted and Sergeant Proctor also questioned Gordon about it and he swore he hadn’t tampered with the ingredients for the ice cream, but he’s hardly the most trustworthy person.”

Flynn sighed heavily and sank further into the pillow. “I can’t believe it was him. Why would he do that?”

Lily told him about her conversation with Sally, and they spent an hour chewing over all the details of the case.

When they’d finally exhausted rehashing it all, Flynn looked at her wearily. “Would you mind if I sleep here tonight? I don’t think I can face walking home.”

“It’s fine. I assumed you would.”

“I can move to the couch,” he said without enthusiasm.

“You can also just sleep there. Whatever you want.”

“It’s comfy here,” he said. “If you’re sure you don’t mind.”

“I don’t. Are you hungry? I can make you a sandwich or something.”

He gave a small shake of the head. “I’m not hungry.”

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