Page 19 of Not So Very Sensible

“Um, sure.” He moved, took his seat, then immediately turned to Katie. “So, what is it you do?”

She prattled on about finishing her recent history course, and he nodded, leaving Ellie feeling like a nonentity.

Then he turned to her and asked the same. She told him about her various jobs, then returned the question.

He cleared his throat. “I work in forensics as a detective for the police force.”

Katie’s eyes rounded to the size of the side plates. “Really?”

That seemed his cue for returning his attention to the youngest Bennett, as Katie’s interest in all things gothic and gory was displayed in the series of questions she shot at him. Good for Chris for being so patient in answering her many questions.

Ellie fiddled with her water glass, smiled when Chris glanced her way, even as she wondered at her sister’s interest. Chris seemed patient, kind, and handsome in a mature way, but not exactly Katie’s type. She’d always expressed an interest in men who appeared a little rougher around the edges, with a debonair poetic pirate swagger. Chris wasn’t exactly Ellie’s type either, but she knew better than most not to judge a book by its cover.

“So, have you always been involved in police forensic work?” Ellie asked when Katie finally took a breath.

He cleared his throat, sipped his water. “Actually, I used to be in the army.”

“Really?”

He dipped his chin. “I reached the rank of major, when, er, circumstances led me to retire.”

Katie leaned in. “What kind of circumstances? Was it one of those scandals you hear about on the news?”

“Katie!” Ellie protested. Clearly the man was embarrassed, judging from those pink cheeks.

He coughed. “Why would you say that?”

“Please forgive my sister,” Ellie had to explain. “She gets a little carried away sometimes. So, um, why did you get involved in police work?”

“I’ve always had an interest in history, and I thought some of my skills could transfer over into police work with cold cases.”

“Oh, I love cold cases!” Katie exclaimed. “Have you worked on anything famous?”

“I’m not sure about famous.” He sipped his water. “Really, I do what I can to help families get a sense of closure when a loved one goes missing or dies unexpectedly.”

This was enough for Katie to—once again!—ignore the sad ramifications of what that meant and ask questions that Ellie suspected were a little raw. She half listened as she continued people watching, wondering when the rest of those seated at their table would arrive.

It didn’t take too long before a couple appeared, glanced at their place cards, glanced at Ellie and co, then sighed and seated themselves.

“Hello.” Ellie smiled.

The woman eyed her, her gaze flicking over her peacock ensemble, before a moue of discontent saw her instantly turn to her companion and murmur something in his ear.

Okay. Looked like she wasn’t going to be talking to them.

Chris, too, smiled and offered a greeting, which again met the same response.

“So rude,” Katie said, in a loud undertone Ellie bet was pitched loud enough for the couple to hear.

And hear they apparently did, as the woman complained (in a voice they were all likely meant to hear) about the kinds of people who were allowed to attend events like this.

Which instantly drew Katie’s ire, as she snapped, “Well, perhaps you should see if you could be seated at a different table.”

“Ignore them,” Ellie murmured, apologising to Chris as she leaned past him to gain her sister’s attention. “It’s not worth spoiling your night because some people are rude.”

“Fine.” She heaved out a loud sigh, which caused Ellie to suppress her own, even as she noticed Chris’ lips twitch, like he found the episode entertaining. Although how anyone could find Katie’s behaviour entertaining, she didn’t know.

Chris didn’t seem to mind though, quickly reengaging Katie in conversation that soon had her laughing. Well, bravo for him.