Page 120 of Secret Paths

“I did not say that.”

“You said it with your stupid face.”

“My face is under considerable strain.”

“It always confesses under strain.”

“I need to pay.”

She studies me for a moment longer, and then her expression shifts. The teasing drains out of it, leaving something softer.

“Whoever she is,” she says, “you can tell me.”

That would be easier.

So much easier.

I think of Mandy on my sofa in my jumper, pale and embarrassed and trusting me with something small enough to be ridiculous and intimate enough to matter.

“I know,” I say.

Lexi waits.

I do not give her more.

Her mouth presses into a line. “That is still not an answer.”

“No.”

“And you are still a terrible liar.”

“Yes.”

“At least we agree on something.”

I manage a smile.

It does not quite work.

She steps aside. “Go on, then. Your mysterious guest is clearly in need.”

“Thank you.”

“And Peter?”

I stop.

“If you are going to use Hunter as an alibi, bear in mind that he is my boyfriend.”

The threat lands with terrifying precision.

“I will.”

I pay at the self-checkout with the speed of a man trying to outrun consequences.

Naturally, the machine has strong feelings about the knickers.

Unexpected item in the bagging area.