Page 53 of The Truth Will Out
“I’ll see you then, darling.”
Sam welled up. She whispered goodbye, then replaced the phone in its docking station. She glanced up to see Bob standing in the doorway, watching her. “Don’t say a word.”
He smiled. “Don’t be too hard on him, Sam.”
She rose from her seat and walked towards him. “I know you think I’m being silly.”
“You are.”
“It’s the deceit I’m struggling to handle. I had to deal with it for so many years with Chris. It changes you, Bob. Don’t forget, I’m also dealing with what Claire has done to me, to all of us, on top of everything else.”
“I admit, none of this is easy. All I’m saying is don’t go into the meeting screaming at him. He doesn’t deserve that.”
“I know. I’ll take your well-meaning advice on board.”
“Good, because that’s what it is. I’m only looking out for you.”
She smiled and rubbed his arm. “I know and I appreciate it. I shouldn’t be too long.”
“You know where I am if you need me. Talking of which, is there anything specific you’d like me to do in your absence? And yes, the request has already gone in for the warrant.”
“In that case, can you keep sifting through the file with the rest of the team?”
“I was going to do that anyway. Do you want me to call the lab to see if they’ve got anything for us yet?”
“Why not? It wouldn’t hurt to keep them on their toes with this one, especially considering how quickly the murders are happening. The killer has an agenda, and we don’t know where or when they are going to strike next.”
“Exactly. Okay, leave it with me. Drive carefully and try not to be too harsh on your future husband when you get there.”
She mock-saluted him. “I’ll let you know when I’m on my way back.”
Sam droveto the location and parked up in the square opposite the café. She crossed the road. Rhys was already there, sitting at a table next to the window. They waved at each other. Bile burned the back of her throat the closer she got to the entrance of the café.
I guess an afternoon cream cake is out of the question. I doubt if I would keep it down.
The girl standing behind the till welcomed her with a smile. “Can I help you?”
Sam returned the smile and pointed at Rhys. “My fiancé is already here.” She was pleased to hear, to her credit, that she didn’t stumble over the word fiancé.
“Ah, okay. Do you know what you want?”
“A flat white would be perfect. Thanks.”
“I can’t tempt you with a cake?”
“Believe me, I’m very tempted, but I’m getting married in a few weeks, so I need to watch my waistline.”
“Oh, how wonderful. Congratulations, and yes, cream cakes would be off the menu for me too if I were in your shoes. I’ll bring your coffee over when it’s ready.”
“Thanks very much.” Sam paid for the drink and then weaved herway through the tables, some full and others empty after the lunchtime rush.
Rhys stood and held out her chair for her.
“A bit over the top given the setting,” she said.
“You’re worth all the sniggers and whisperings coming my way from the customers.” He bent and pecked her on the cheek, then sat and laid his hand upwards on the table, ready to accept hers.
Sam hesitated for a moment or two, then decided against it. “Sorry, I need to keep my professional head on.”
