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Gripping the banister, I walk slowly down the stairs to the hall. I find Nick hanging up his coat on the clothes rack. He looks a little flustered, but quickly smooths it away with a smile.
“Baby, you’re awake,” he beams. “Did you have a good sleep?”
“The best. Where have you been?”
“I just came in from the garden. I needed a bit of fresh air.””
I hesitate, wondering if I should ask him about Veda. I try to find the words, but the moment passes.
He flings his arms wide and I step into his embrace. Instantly, all of my misgivings fade away to be replaced by a the wild beating of my heart. “Are you feeling hungry?” he asks. “I was going to make spaghetti.”
I force a laugh. “That sounds lovely.”
Pushing thoughts of Veda from my mind, I follow Nick into the kitchen. After dinner, he takes me upstairs and tells me what he wants to do to me. Needless to say, we don’t get much sleep.
The next morning, I’m sitting at the kitchen island, eating my breakfast, when the doorbell goes.
“Darling, do you want me to get that?” I shout.
“Yes, please,” Nick replies from somewhere upstairs. “I’m not sure who it could be, though. I’m not expecting any visitors.”
Frowning, I put down my cup and head into the entry hall. Unlatching the door, I find a man and a woman dressed in dark clothing standing on the steps.
The man, an overweight guy in his forties with black hair, smiles at me. “Good morning, sorry to trouble you; is this the home of Dr Nick Craven?”
“Yes, it is,” I reply.
“I’m Detective Chief Inspector Philip Holmes of the Metropolitan Police. And this is Detective Sergeant Tina Ashford. May we come in, please?”
“Of course.” I step aside for them to enter.
Instantly, Nick appears behind me and flashes a winning smile. “Hello, hello, I’m Nick Craven. How can I help?”
Holmes explains who they are and Nick shakes each of the detective’s hands warmly. “Holmes, eh? As in Sherlock Holmes?”
“Yes,” Holmes laughs. “But my first name is Philip and I don’t live in Baker Street.” Nick chuckles and it seems the visit is off to a good start. Even so, my stomach churns as he leads the detectives into the living room and gestures for them to be seated.
Just what the hell is this about?
Fighting hard to keep my feelings in check, I take the armchair opposite the police officers and cross my legs. Nick follows suit and gives me a reassuring grin. Ashford’s eyes dart from left to right, scrutinising everything in meticulous detail. For a second, her gaze rests on the hole Nick punched in the door last night, and I wonder what she’s thinking.
“What a beautiful room,” she says finally.
“Thanks,” Nick replies. “Would either of you like a drink? Tea, coffee?”
“No thanks,” Holmes replies. “We only just had breakfast.”
There’s a brief silence. “So, what can I do for you both?” Nick pushes. His smile is starting to get a little strained.
Ashford steals a quick glance at me and Holmes gives a business-like cough. “If you please, we’d much rather discuss this with you in private. The matter is a little…sensitive.”
Nick laughs good-humouredly and places his arm on the headrest behind me. “I’m perfectly happy for Carly to stay. Anything you wish to discuss can be done in front of myfiancée.”
Ashford raises an eyebrow. “The two of you are engaged?”
I flash my ring at her. “Yes.”
“Congratulations,” Holmes grins.
