Page 122 of Not That Ridiculous

“Hi, Liam,” I said. I was sitting on the doorstep beside Kevin, who still hadn’t let go of Phil. Phil had his head on Kevin’s shoulder and was snoring like a drunk lumberjack with sleep apnoea.

“Charlie.”

“So,” I said.

“So.”

“Another dead guy in a box,” I said. “What are the odds?”

“Better than I like, it would seem.” He glanced down at Kevin. “He all right?”

“I’m not sure. Probably not, no.”

As soon as I’d called the police, I’d sat beside Kevin and put my arm around his tense shoulders. He’d pressed against me and mutteredsorrya few times, but other than that, he didn’t seem to be up for conversation. I hadn’t pushed it.

I didn’t have much to say, either.

I was pretty sure we were both in shock.

“Let’s get him checked out,” Liam said with a nod at his sergeant. DS Patel lifted her chin at him and strolled away, talking quietly on her radio. “While we’re at it, we may as well go ahead and get you checked out.” He eyed me. “You don’t look too good.”

“I wonder why?” I said, heavy on the sarcasm.

Liam grunted. “Right.” Two uniformed officers skipped eagerly up the drive to join the party.

Big exciting day for them, I supposed. It wasn’t every day a dead body showed up in Chipping Fairford.

In fact, to my knowledge, the last time a dead body showed up in Chipping Fairford was four years ago, when Ray’s dad dug up the clown.

Was finding a dead cowboy better or worse than finding a dead clown?

“Do you need me to come inside with you?” I asked. Kevin’s arm around my waist spasmed. “Just me,” I told him, and absently kissed the side of his head. “You don’t have to come in.” I looked up at Liam. “He doesn’t, does he?”

“He doesn’t have to, but I’d like him to. It might be a good idea to sit somewhere more comfortable—and private—while I do the official thing and take your statements. We can have a nice cup of tea while we’re at it.”

I raised a brow.

“Nice cup of coffee,” he amended.

”Sure. We can do that.” I stood up. “Come on, Kevin.”

After a moment’s hesitation, he sighed and stood beside me.

“Maybe you should put Phil down?” I suggested gently.

He did it just in time. Phil snorted awake, spotted Liam, and had a little gambol around about it. Cuddles, naps, Kevin and now Liam? Phil was having the best day!

Nice that someone was.

Liam ushered us inside, aided and abetted by Phil who was always happy to herd people.

The uniforms stayed outside.

I fussed around in the kitchen making drinks while Liam and DS Patel went upstairs. Liam came back down on his own.

I was in the middle of steaming some milk and decided Liam could wait while I quickly made Kevin a latte with his usual heart on it. I took it over to him and set it on the kitchen table. He was slumped in his chair, his gaze distant.

I turned to Liam and put my hands on my hips. “What’ll it be?” I asked him.

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