Page 9 of Artful Deceit
“That’s what I’m hoping.” Desperately, she clung to that hope, but she was also aware that it probably wasn’t realistic.
“This is a terrible thing to say…” Seren leaned closer as she whispered. “But I was thinking earlier that maybe these thefts might be good for Flynn. It gives some weight to Sergeant Proctor’s claims that they need another officer.”
Lily grimaced.
“Yeah, I know,” Seren said lightly. “I told you it’s a terrible thing to say… it’s not as though I’m happy about people being robbed, but if every cloud has a silver lining…” She shrugged.
“It’s certainly keeping Flynn busy,” Lily said, then lowered her voice. “Last night Sergeant Proctor called at a very bad time…”
Seren’s eyes flashed with understanding. “I thought Flynn was insisting on taking things slow?”
“He was. But apparently we’ve gone slowly enough. Last night he was going to stay at my place. But then the sergeant called, and Flynn had to rush away.”
She rolled her eyes. “Perfect timing.”
“Yeah. And he doesn’t know when he’ll finish work today. With PC Hill away and all these thefts, he’s busy.”
Seren’s eyes darted behind Lily. “Speak of the devil.”
“Hi,” Flynn said, the door swinging behind him as he approached Lily. “You’re easy to track down.”
“You could have messaged me.” She checked her phone, but there was nothing from him.
“I’d offer you a drink,” Seren said, eyeing his uniform, “but you don’t look as though you’vefinished work.”
“I haven’t.” His hand settled on Lily’s back as Seren wandered away. “That’s why I was looking for you. I told the sergeant I’d work late. It looks as though I’ll be spending my evening driving around the island. We’re hoping a visible police presence will act as a deterrent.”
“Makes sense.”
“I’d really rather spend the evening at your place.”
She smiled weakly. “Maybe tomorrow.”
His radio crackled to life, and he moved away from Lily to speak into it. “I have to go,” he said a moment later. “I’ll talk to you later.”
The speed at which he took off gave the distinct impression that the thief had struck again.
Chapter Five
It was almostmidnight when Flynn messaged to say he was only just getting home and would call Lily the next day. He didn’t give much more information about his evening, other than to say that there’d been another break in but the culprit was long gone by the time they arrived.
As she got ready for her run the following morning, Lily messaged to ask if he wanted to join her. While she waited for a reply, she went to the kitchen for a glass of water, then wandered into the living room.
In the doorway, she stopped short and stifled a shriek. With her heart pounding, she raised a hand to wave at the window cleaner.
“Morning, Len,” she shouted through the glass.
“Hi! Did I startle you?”
“Took a few years off my life.”
“I have that effect on people,” he said, the weathered skin around his eyes crinkling as he smiled. He touched a hand to his neat brown hair and gave a quick salute, then set off down his ladder.
“Creepy,” Lily muttered, then felt a pang of guilt. Len was warm and cheerful and obviously loved his job.
It was the concept of unannounced window cleaners that bothered Lily. Surely it should be a job that you booked a time slot for, so you could be prepared for a face at the window, or make sure you weren’t at home when they came around.
After checking her phone, she decided Flynn was probably still asleep after his late night. Jogging alone wasn’t something she was used to any more, but she wanted to get a run in before she opened the shop.
