Page 56 of Four for a Boy

Ally stiffened. “Unfortunately. I have a few choice words about thearthe keeps down there…”

“He’s got a painting of Romeo’s, fuck knows how he got it, but he refused to sell it to me.”

“How much?”

“£30,000.”

Ally whistled. “Christ.”

“It bothers me that he’s got it.”

“Why?”

Chad pushed down a hysterical laugh. “I don’t know. It just does.”

“Hey,” Olivia shouted, jogging over. She held out a slip of paper. “Can you give this to the buff detective?”

“What is it?” Ally asked, taking the slip.

“My number. Tell him to message me, and I’ll send him some snaps of Sonya.”

“Will do.” Ally said, heading out. Chad followed her, and they rounded the corner towards the chip shop. They spied Josh through the window, waiting in the queue.

Ally ripped up the slip of paper, and let it go.

“That’s harsh.”

“He barely keeps his mind on the job as it is.”

Chad watched the torn-up pieces being swept away by the wind before pulling away from Ally and running to gather them. She shook her head and tutted under her breath.

“He doesn’t have time for a love life.”

“We’re detectives. If we can’t squeeze a love life in and around a case, then when can we?”

Chapter Eight

The second time Chad’s phone buzzed on the bedside table and broke their spooning sleep, Romeo didn’t curl his arm tighter around Chad and pull him into the warmth of his chest, instead, he leaned over Chad, and snatched the phone off the table to see who’d interrupted their peace

Romeo perked up at the name flashing on screen. “It’s your DI.”

Chad shuffled up in bed as Romeo handed it over. He was poised on all fours over Chad’s legs, listening intently as he answered the call.

“Hell—”

“Ally will be at yours shortly.”

“Another one?”

The DI was quiet for a few seconds. “He’s still alive.”

“What?”

“Tate Bacon was found wandering around behind the back of The Desperado, disorientated, confused, and reeking of chloroform. He collapsed, and a member of the public called an ambulance. He’s been taken to St John’s hospital.”

“Status?”

“Last I heard he was unconscious but stable. I’ve sent uniform over there as a precaution, but I need Ally, you, and Josh to be there when he wakes.”

---