Page 22 of The Truth Will Out
“I have a lot on my mind, boss. Would it be all right if I worked a little longer this evening? There’s something that’s bugging me, and I’d like to do some extra digging before I bring it to your attention.”
“If that’s what you’d prefer. You’re going to make me feel guilty, going on a date night while you’re slaving over a hot keyboard.”
“Don’t be daft. You go out and enjoy yourself. It’s been ages since Scott and I went out, or so it seems.”
“It’s good for the soul to get out with our partners, especially during the week. Don’t work too long. You can always crack on with the task in the morning. It’s not like we have much else to deal with at the moment.”
“I know. I should only be an hour at the most.”
“Cool. Do you want to come in an hour later in the morning?”
“There’s no need. I’ll be here at my normal time.”
Sam squeezed her shoulder and went into her office to ensure everything was switched off in there. She stopped by the window to admire the view. It was always spectacular at this time of the day. The sun’s rays were beaming through the fluffy clouds. If she weren’t trying to find a sadistic killer, the day would be perfect. Unfortunately, life never turned out to be that simple.
Forty minutes later,Sam drew up outside her cottage. Doreen was standing at the lounge window next door, waving. She knocked on the door, and Doreen came to open it.
“How are you doing?”
“I’m all right, Sam. I’ve been worried sick about you all afternoon, after the news you shared with me earlier. I can’t get Morgan’s death out of my mind. I don’t suppose you’ve had any news yet, have you?”
“No, it’s far too soon for that, Doreen. I hope Tilly didn’t run you ragged this afternoon?”
“She didn’t. We had a quick game of fetch in the back garden before she decided she’d rather have a nap instead. You must have worn her out this morning on your trip to Coniston. You’ve got yourself a very sweet dog there, love.”
“I know. I hope she doesn’t prove to be a handful for you to deal with over the coming months. I’ve been told it can take a rescue pup some time to settle into a family’s routine.”
“I’d say she’s pretty much there already. I’ll tell you if she’s having a problem. I won’t hold back, I promise. I’m glad you and Rhys are going out for a meal tonight. You both work far too hard and never seem to take time off to enjoy yourselves.”
“Really? I wouldn’t say that. We do okay at the weekends when we have time off. I’m never one to turn down the chance of free food. Oops, there’s me presuming that he’ll be paying the bill.”
“He will because he’s a true gent. Dare I ask how the wedding plans are coming along?”
“You’re asking the wrong person. Apparently, Crystal has it all under control. All Rhys and I have to do is show up for the big day.”
“I received my invite. Thank you. I’m worried about who is going to take care of the dogs, though, if we’re all at the venue on the day.”
“I’ve had a word with the hotel. They’ve told me Casper and Tilly can attend the reception.”
“Wow, that’ll be good, if they can come along, too. You’d better get yourself ready. Time is marching on, Sam. Thank you for dropping in to see me.”
Sam kissed her on the cheek and hugged her. “You’re welcome to join us for dinner, unless you’ve already eaten.”
“You don’t want me hanging around your neck like a spare part. Anyway, I’ve had my dinner earlier, but thank you for the offer.”
“We should go there for Sunday lunch one day.”
“Now that would be lovely. Let me know what the food is like when you drop Tilly off in the morning.”
“I will. See you tomorrow, Doreen.”
Rhys and the dogs were still out when she got home. She prepared the dogs’ dinners and then ran upstairs to jump in the shower. When she came out of the bathroom, Rhys was standing in the bedroom.
“Blimey, you scared me half to death.”
“Sorry. The dogs are eating. I managed to book the table. Are you getting dressed up for our date?”
“I wasn’t intending to. I had to have a shower. I felt lousy because of the clinic we visited earlier this afternoon.”
