The Girls Who Disappeared(26)

‘It’s not going to break the bank.’ He grins. ‘What do you want?’ He stands up and I ask for another wine and lemonade. While he’s at the bar I finish my pizza. Wesley is chatting away, loving the sound of his own voice, unaware of our presence. And then I see his eyes go to Dale at the bar. He leans forwards and whispers something to Olivia. Then they turn in my direction. I smile but they look away.

‘I see they’ve clocked us,’ says Dale, returning with our drinks. ‘We’d better be careful what we say now.’

Damn it. ‘I’ve still got so much I want to know …’

‘Well, hold off on those questions. There will be other opportunities. I’m staying with my dad in Stafferbury for the next few days so I won’t be far.’

‘And you’re happy for me to interview you for the podcast?’

‘Sure. Why not? You might want to wait a few days, though, until I have more information.’

It’s there again, the nagging feeling that there is a reason for reopening the case. Something he’s not yet ready to share.

‘This works two ways, though,’ he adds, in a low voice. ‘If you find out anything while conducting your interviews I’d appreciate being kept in the loop.’

‘Of course.’

Since we can no longer discuss the case, he starts telling me about his family, how his mum died a few years ago of cancer and how he tries to stay with his dad regularly to keep him from getting too lonely. He has a sister who lives in Spain – he sees her twice a year. ‘And you’re from Manchester? I can tell by the accent.’

‘Yes. I’ve lived there all my life.’

‘Have you ever thought of moving away?’

I shake my head. ‘Not really. My son is happy at school and I wouldn’t want to uproot us all.’

He glances at my wedding ring. ‘And what does your husband do?’

‘He’s in finance. He’s …’ The wine burns in the back of my throat. ‘We’re actually separated at the moment.’ I instantly regret saying this. Gavin says I often overshare.

Dale looks a little uncomfortable. ‘I’m sorry to hear that.’ Then he adds softly, ‘I’ve been there.’

‘I’m sorry.’

Now he tries to look nonchalant, even though I’m not fooled. A broken marriage – I’m coming to realize – hurts like hell.

‘It is what it is.’

‘How long ago?’ I ask.

‘Two years now.’

‘Kids?’

‘No, thank goodness. It was messy enough without bringing a child into it all.’ Then he’s mortified. ‘God, I’m sorry. That was thoughtless of me.’

I wave away his apology. ‘That’s okay.’ But there is a lump in my throat.

‘How old is your son?’ he asks.

‘Finn is only ten. And I love Gav. Gavin, my husband. I’ve been with him since I was nineteen. Half my life. I really want to make it work.’

‘So it was his idea?’

I nod, my eyes smarting. I shouldn’t be drinking. I’ve already shared too much with someone I barely know.

‘Jody, that’s my ex, well, it was her idea too. It sucks, doesn’t it?’

I laugh despite the pain behind my eyes. ‘It does.’

‘I’m sure it’ll be okay. Hopefully you guys can sort it out.’

‘I hope so too.’

Dale’s mobile buzzes on the table next to him. He glances at it. ‘Shit. Sorry, it’s work. I’d better get this.’

I nod and take a sip of my drink. From across the room I see Wesley get up to go to the bar.

‘I see,’ says Dale, into his mobile, his expression stern as he fiddles with the edge of his paper napkin. ‘Right. Okay. Yes, yes, I’m in the area. I’ll go now.’

‘Is everything okay?’ I ask, when he ends the call.

He has a distracted look about him now and his face is grave. ‘I’m so sorry, Jenna, but I’ve got to go. Something’s happened.’ He gathers up his coat and I follow suit.

As we’re leaving I hear a peal of Wesley’s fake laughter. It sends prickles of irritation shooting up my spine. The cold air hits us as we step outside and I wrap my coat further around my body. ‘I bet they’re relieved to see us go. They can enjoy their night now,’ I say.

Dale gives a snort of laughter. ‘I expect so.’ He strides off towards our cars, which are parked near each other, and I fall in beside him.

‘Are you okay to drive?’ I say, when we reach his car, a blue Volvo with a dent in the bumper.

‘I’m fine. I had a very weak shandy and there was hardly time to get started on my second pint. But thanks for your concern.’ His lips twitch. ‘Maybe you should have been a police officer.’ I wonder if I’ve offended him but his tone is light.

I hesitate as he points his keys at his car and the lights flash on. ‘Are you able to say why you’ve been called away urgently?’

He opens the car door and my heart sinks with disappointment. He’s not going to answer me. But he seems to change his mind. ‘A man’s been found dead.’

‘In Stafferbury?’

He nods curtly, then gets behind the wheel.