Page 66 of The Truth Will Out
“I know. It tells me that on my little screen. Marvellous inventions, these new smartphones. They’re smarter than some adults I know.”
“All right, smart arse… see what I did there? Anyway, I’m just checking in with you to see if you’ve managed to secure a bolthole for the next few days.”
“I have, but I’m not going to tell you. That’s the wisest thing, isn’t it? What if the killer is monitoring your phones?”
“Oh God, you’re on top form. I never even considered that. When do you head off?”
“That’s need-to-know information. Again, I don’t think you should know.”
“I’ll call you back on another line.” She ended the call, bolted out of her chair and walked towards Bob at speed. He ducked, sensing that she was about to clobber him when she held out her hand.
“What in God’s name are you doing, man?”
“Protecting myself.”
“You’re a damn idiot. All I’m after is your phone.”
“What? Why?”
“Just because I can.”
“You think the killer is monitoring your calls, is that it?”
“It’s a precaution I’m willing to take.”
He handed his phone over, and she returned to her office to call her sister back. “It’s me again. I’m using Bob’s phone.”
“You’re presuming that one is safe?”
“I have to. Give me the address of where you’ll be staying, just in case.”
“God… you’re now scaring the shit out of me, Sam.”
“Sorry, that’s not my intention, I promise. All I’m trying to do is keep you safe.”
“What about Dad? Have you contacted him?”
“No. I reckon he should be safe, being overseas at the moment. Address?” she prompted a second time.
“As it happens, after we spoke last night, Vernon rang around a few of his mates. One of them is away for the week. He’s told us we can stay there, provided we don’t have any wild parties.”
“As if that’s likely to happen at your age. Oops, sorry, that slipped out.”
“You wait until I see you. You’ll pay for that.”
“I still need the address, Crystal.”
Sam jotted it down. “I’ll arrange for a drive-by now and again, if only to ease my mind.”
“Thanks, I think. I appreciate your willingness to keep us safe; however, it’s a little disconcerting that you’re having to do it in the first place.”
“I’m doing it because I love you.”
“Before you go, I don’t suppose there’s been any news on Rhys overnight, has there?”
“Nothing at all, which is why I’m doing my best to ensure you stay safe. I’m glad you’re not fighting me on this one, sis. Thank you for trusting me.”
“I’d trust you with my life. I’ll keep in touch. Maybe you should invest in a new phone.”
