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“Interesting.” She picks up one with a robin on the front and turns it over to read the back. Then she does the same with the other two and nods. “They are the same as the others. Obviously, a box purchased from a value retailer. The card is flimsy, and the picture quality is poor. Obviously, whoever it is, doesn’t like wasting money.”
“Or lives near a value retailer.” I shrug. “You can’t pass judgement on that alone.”
“Probably not.”
“It could be a member of staff that I fired. There is quite a list of those.”
“We ruled them out because of my involvement. I’m guessing it’s someone who is close to, or has access to your movements.”
I sigh and look at my watch. “I should go. I have meetings and a store to run.”
“Of course. We’ll meet back here later and hopefully I’ll have got somewhere by then.”
I hate leaving her to go to work, and I wonder if this insatiable need I have developed will ever subside. It appears that I’m only happy if she is by my side and when she isn’t, I’m wondering where she is and if she’s thinking about me.
As I head to the door, I’m surprised when the bell rings and without thinking, I open it wide and stare in shock at the person waiting outside.
“Sam!” He nods and I note his hands are deep in his pockets, making me wonder irrationally if he has a gun in there.
“Hi, Robert.”
Jessica instantly appears by my side and her eyes narrow as she takes in the scene and then she says briskly, “Samuel Masters?”
He appears a little shocked and I’m not sure if it’s the pyjamas with unicorns on, the tousled hair, or the fierce look she’s giving him.
“Yes. I’m sorry, have we met before?”
“Detective Constable Taylor, please come inside. I have some questions to ask you.”
I almost feel sorry for Sam as he shuffles nervously into the hallway and stares around with wide eyes.
“Wow, is this your house, Robert?”
“It is.” I feel bad about that because it’s obvious it was paid for with the money he believes is also his and I say guiltily, “Come into the kitchen. There’s some coffee on the go.”
He follows us in and I’m strangely nervous and a little emotional as I see my once best friend again. I’ve never had friends until him and not any since, which is sad when I think about it.
Jessica pours him a coffee and points to the Christmas cards lined up on the breakfast bar.
“Do you recognise those cards, Sam?”
He glances at them with a bemused expression. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand?”
“It’s perfectly simple, Sam. Did you send Robert these cards?”
Sam looks startled. “No! I’ve never sent Robert a card, ever. In fact, I don’t send anyone cards.”
“Is that right?” Jessica starts pacing the room before saying angrily, “Then why did your wife tell us you were at the post office when we called yesterday – posting some cards?”
She raises her eyes and Sam visibly pales at her fierce expression.
“They weren’t mine.” He appears bemused. “I was helping Carlotta out. She was inundated with preparations, and I was pleased to get out for some fresh air.”
“So, you never sent threatening cards to Robert. Is that what you’re saying?”
“Of course not.” To his credit, Sam seems shocked, and I’m surprised to discover I’m extremely happy about that.
“I see.” Jessica catches my eye and I’m not sure if she believes him and Sam obviously notices it too because he sighs heavily and says with a groan. “Look, when I returned from the post office yesterday, Carlotta told me a detective and a man were asking about me. She described you and when I showed her your picture, she confirmed it was you, Robert.”
