Page 135 of Reinventing Cato
“When did you last see it?”
Cato put his mouth to Vigge’s ear. “I don’t know. I don’t use it. It was a gift from Max after I got a paper cut opening my mail.” He took a shuddery breath. “You need to call it in.” His heart hit his stomach. “It’s okay. I understand.”
Vigge kissed him. A sweet press of his lips that almost broke Cato’s heart.
“I have to get something from my car,” Vigge whispered. “Don’t leave the room. Don’t let anyone in. Don’t touch it.” He grabbed his coat and disappeared.
Cato nodded. After Vigge had gone, he crawled over to the door and sat next to it, hugging his knees. So Sam or Pedro? Was that really the choice?But both Louise and Max had been on their own in his room.
He flinched when Vigge returned.Don’t moveVigge mouthed. He took a picture of where the letter opener was taped, then pulled on latex gloves and removed it. That plastic bag went into an evidence bag, which Vigge sealed and slipped into his coat pocket.
“What are you going to do?” Cato whispered.
Vigge put his mouth to Cato’s ear. “If the police had found that, it would be hard to convince them to look beyond you. I wish I could check to see if Sam or Pedro have appeared on Brighton’s radar, but I’ll make things worse if I’m seen to be interfering with the enquiry.”
“Not the worst thing. Me getting arrested would be the worst thing.”
“Question is, how long did whoever planted that letter opener intend to leave it before prodding the police in your direction?” He sighed. “I think they’ll come here with a search warrant. And soon. I need to get the letter opener out of the house.”
Cato nodded. “What happens if they come anddon’tfind it?”
“Then either Sam or Pedro are going to give themselves away.”
Cato hoped that was true.
“Send me out to get something you need.”
Cato nodded. They went back down into the kitchen. Only Sam was in there.
“Like a coffee?” Sam asked.
“No thanks,” Vigge said before Cato could answer.
The nudge in his back, out of Sam’s sight, made Cato shake his head too.
“Anything I can do?” Sam asked.
“Let me see.” Cato began emptying the fridge and cupboards of the ingredients he’d need. He pushed a container of tandoori spice right to the back of a pile of cans in his cupboard.
“Do you have any tandoori mix?” he asked Sam.
Sam laughed. “Er, no.”
“Well, I need some.”
“Want me to go and get it?” Vigge asked.
“It’s fine.” Sam headed for the door. “There’s some stuff I need. I’ll get that at the same time. Text me if you think of anything else.”
“Thanks, Sam.”
When he heard the front door slam, Cato sighed.Safe?he mouthed.
Vigge shook his head, then shrugged his shoulders. Cato got it. He didn’t know.
“Can I help?” Vigge asked.
“Think I should make some desserts?”
