Page 26 of The Truth Will Out
He gripped her by the elbow and guided her to the bed. “You’re worrying me. What is it? What’s wrong, Sam?”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I’m in shock. I thought I’d be okay after I had a cold shower. The truth is, I’m not.”
“It’s all right. Tell me in your own time. I’m going to make us a coffee. Stay there.” He sprinted out of the bedroom, and the two dogs bounded down the stairs after him.
Sam stared at the doorway long after they had departed.
I should get dressed, but I can’t. I feel like I’m in limbo. I need to get a grip, shake myself out of this. Otherwise, I’m going to be worse than useless at the crime scene.
She shook out her arms and summoned up the energy to sort out her outfit for the day. She chose a black trouser suit as a sign of respect for her dearly departed colleague.
Gone too soon, long before her time. She had so many adventures leftahead of her… Shit! I’ve got to break the news to Scott. That’s going to be tough. He’s an odd one; even though Claire loved him, there were still days when she struggled to handle him. He has a mind of his own and is one of those men who think they’re always right, even when it’s obvious they’re wrong. I remember Claire telling me how he always needed to have the final word when they had an argument. It’s not going to be easy… telling him that she’s no longer with us.
Rhys entered the bedroom carrying two mugs. He placed one on the dressing table in front of her.
She raised her head and managed to offer up a slight smile of appreciation. “I’m sorry. You must think I’m a right idiot.”
“Why? Something has obviously happened that has rocked your world. I’m not going to force you to tell me what that is. Just know that I’m here for you, ready to listen when you want to offload.”
“Thanks, Rhys. I love you for being you.”
He smiled. “That’s good, because I have no intention of changing. You’re stuck with me as I am.”
“It’s Claire, a member of my team… she’s dead.”
He walked back towards the bed, mug in hand. He sat on the corner. “What? Do you know how it happened? Was it an accident?”
“No. I don’t know much about the incident, not yet. I’ll know more when I turn up at the scene. I feel numb. She volunteered to stay behind after we all left the station last night. She told me she wanted to carry out some extra research on something before she presented it to me, presumably as evidence.”
“Damn. Do you think she followed up a lead she found on someone, and they ended up killing her?”
“You tell me. That seems to be the most logical explanation. Oh God, I’m struggling to get my head around this one, Rhys. Why Claire?”
“You won’t know that until you find the killer.”
The dogs came running up the stairs again and separated when they entered the room. Little Tilly ran towards Sam, expecting her usual hug and tummy rub, but Sam didn’t have it in her to give her one. Her mind was elsewhere.
“Sam. Love, please don’t ignore her,” Rhys prompted gently.
Tears filled her eyes, and she bent down to scoop Tilly into her arms. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. Please forgive me.” She sobbed into her pup’s fur.
Rhys came towards her and rubbed Sam’s back. “I’m sorry you’re going through this. I know it’s too raw to talk about right now, but please know that I’m here if you ever need to unload.”
Tears blurred her vision as she looked up at him. “I’m sorry. I’m not sure what has come over me. I should be there at the scene. I just can’t bring myself to go there… to face the truth that I’ve lost one of my officers.”
“Do you want me to drive you? I think you should be there, but no one is going to blame you if you can’t handle it, love.”
She kissed the top of Tilly’s head and put her on the floor. “Hug time over, sweetie. Mummy needs to get her shit together.” She held out a hand to Rhys. He slipped his into hers. “Thank you for caring.”
“Always. Sam, you’re never alone, not with me around.”
“Thank you. That means the world to me. I need to get my act together and get over there.”
“The offer is still on the table if you want me to drive you.”
“No, what you can do is take care of the dogs’ needs for me. It’s too early to drop Tilly off at Doreen’s before I head off.”
“Leave it with me. I’ll see to the dogs.”
