Indefensible (DI Sara Ramsey Book 12), M Comley [world of reading TXT] 📗

to ask yourself why he wants to see you.”

Carla stamped her foot in annoyance. “How the bloody hell will I know that unless I meet up with him?”

Sara shrugged. “That’s up to you. I’m backing away now. I get the sense that you’ve already stopped listening to me. The last thing I want to do is fall out with you over Gary. You have to do what’s right for you, hon.”

“But you forgot to say, ‘I won’t be there to pick up the pieces if things go pear-shaped’, right?”

Sara issued a stiff smile. “That about sums it up.”

Knowing what I know about Gary, no, I can’t agree to that. Does that make me a bad person? Maybe. Such an awful dilemma.

“Wow, okay, at least I know where I stand.”

Sara was torn between telling Carla what she knew and letting her make her own decisions in life, without interference.

Is it my place to tell her what’s right and wrong? She’s a grown fucking woman for God’s sake. But then, could I live with the consequences if things go belly-up?

“Sorry, Carla. You have to put yourself in my shoes, I’m damned if I advise you one way or the other. The only advice I can offer you is to take stock of the last six months, the time you were together, and don’t let your heart rule your head. That’s me officially butting out now, okay?”

Carla nodded and marched out of the incident room. “Carla, Carla, come back.” By the time she reached the top of the stairs, her partner was gone.

“Are you off for the day?”

Sara clutched her chest and spun around. “Jesus, you scared the crap out of me, boss.”

“Sorry. I thought you heard me approaching you.”

“I didn’t, guilty of being in a world of my own.”

Carol Price cocked her head to the side. “Now you mention it, you seem a bit stressed. I have five minutes if you need to bend my ear about something.”

“I’m fine. Things will work out good in the end, I’m sure.”

“Glad to hear it. Fancy a drink?”

“Ugh… I promised myself an early day, I got home late last night after interviewing the suspect.”

“Ah, yes, so I heard. I was hoping you’d drop by and give me an update. I don’t appreciate hearing about things second hand, Inspector.”

“Damn. I forgot. It wasn’t intentional, I can assure you.”

“Did I say it was? I’m aware of the pressure you and your team are under. I’ll let you off this time.”

“Thanks, boss. The suspect was arrested and is tucked up safely in the remand centre now.”

“I know. Jeff informed me as I came into the station earlier. I’d been to a meeting with Social Services. No, you don’t want to know what that was about. More paperwork for me to file and directives to get signed off for a memo heading your way in the near future.”

Groaning, Sara started to descend the stairs and the chief caught her up. “I’ve had enough shop talk for the day.”

“Are you sure everything is all right, Sara?”

“Yes, boss. Ignore me. I’m grouchy and in dire need of a glass of wine and cuddle with my hubby.”

“Ah, I was going to suggest I can supply the wine, but a cuddle is another matter entirely.”

Sara turned and offered her boss a smile. “You’re a good woman, DCI Price.”

“I know. Even though I have several people around me who would eagerly stab me in the back given the opportunity.”

Sara gasped. “Hey, I hope you don’t consider me one of them.”

“No, I don’t. Although saying that, due to the extra pressure I’ve put you under lately, concerning the cuts, I’ve seen the anger in your eyes at times.”

Sara paused and opened her mouth to object. The chief carried on walking. “But…”

“No buts. I totally understand the untenable position I’ve put you in. Enough said about that, we’ve covered that particular topic more times than I care to remember.”

“Okay. I haven’t got the head to fight our corner again, not right now anyway.”

“Good. I’m glad we agree about something.”

They reached the main door, bid Jeff farewell for the evening and separated in the car park. Sara felt relieved the chief hadn’t insisted on taking her for the drink she’d suggested. She got in the car and rang Mark. “Hey, I’m on my way. Are you at home yet?”

“Yep, dinner is on the go.”

“Aww… I was going to stop off at the supermarket and treat us to a nice steak.”

“Great minds. Already sorted.”

“Okay, a bottle of wine perhaps to go with it?”

“Done, just come home.”

“Yes, sir. Can’t wait to see you. It’s been a long day.”

“I’ll give you a foot massage later, to help you relax, if you like?”

“Sounds wonderful. I’m up for that. I’ll be fifteen minutes.”

She ended the call and sat back to mull over her conversation with Carla. Have I done the right thing, keeping the secret from her? My heart says yes but my head is saying no. Bugger, what should I do? What about the investigation? Is my gut feeling right about Jo Zappel, or has it gone to pot? She shook her head to dislodge the dilemmas rattling around and decided to ring her mother instead. “Hi, Mum, how are you both?”

“Sara, is that you?”

She smiled. “Yes, Mum, it’s me. I know it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been in touch, don’t make me feel guilty.”

“I wasn’t having a go, dear. I was just surprised to hear from you. How are you?”

“Tired. It’s been a long week so far. What about you and Dad coming over to us for Sunday lunch this week?”

“Oh my, that would be lovely. Are you sure it’s not too much of an inconvenience after you having a long week?”

“Not at all. Mark and I will share the cooking as usual. Come to us at around twelve, we’ll have a good old natter while we’re preparing the dinner. Anything in particular you fancy?”

“Just someone cooking a meal for me for a change would make my day,