Bad Sister(63)

It was time to give Lindsay another call.

Connie hesitated, her finger poised over the button to dial. She’d want her to be alone when she visited. No Mack. No other officer. Just Lindsay. She sighed, and pressed it.

By the end of a slightly uncomfortable conversation, Connie had invited Lindsay Wade over for wine and an evening meal. And surprisingly, Lindsay had accepted.

Connie couldn’t suppress her smile as she opened the door to Lindsay. Although she’d asked her over, she hadn’t expected Lindsay to say yes. She came across as very ‘by the book’ and Connie had supposed, with the police’s current interest in her, that Lindsay would feel obliged to decline. Mind you, it might not have been accepted with the same intent that it was offered. Maybe she had an ulterior motive for spending time with Connie. With a bottle in one hand and the other stuffed in a trouser pocket, Lindsay stepped over the threshold. She pushed the bottle towards Connie.

‘Thank you, there was no need, though.’ Connie tucked her freshly washed and straightened hair behind an ear and stood aside to let Lindsay through. Her outfit was no different from the one she wore to work. Wasn’t this woman ever off duty? She didn’t exactly seem relaxed, comfortable. Mind you, Connie had invited her over to discuss the latest development, so she wasn’t going to give her a night off anyway. Leaving Lindsay sitting on the edge of the sofa, Connie went to the kitchen and opened the wine, pouring two large glasses.

‘I wondered if you could get a taxi home? Or …’ Connie called from the kitchen.

‘Oh, er … no. It’s a bit far to Plymouth by taxi. I thought I’d get one back to the station after, seeing as it’s so close. I’ve lots to do. I can kip there and drive back home tomorrow.’

Connie walked in and handed the glass to Lindsay. ‘Wow, you don’t give yourself much time off, do you?’

She shrugged, but didn’t offer anything further. For a long moment neither of them spoke, and Connie began to regret the invitation. She took the armchair nearest to the end of the sofa Lindsay was perched on.

‘Thanks for agreeing to come over. I don’t really do cooking, so I thought we’d get takeaway. Chinese? Indian?’

‘I’m rather partial to Chinese.’ Lindsay smiled.

‘Excellent. Me too. I’ll grab the menu.’ She jumped up.

After choosing what they wanted and ringing it through, Lindsay settled back into the sofa. ‘I’m guessing you didn’t ask me here for purely social reasons?’ She swigged from her glass.

‘I did have an ulterior motive, yes. But let’s not worry about that until after we’ve eaten. I was wondering, Lindsay, how long have you and Mack worked together?’ As far as idle chit-chat went, Connie realised that topic wasn’t the best. Not for her.

‘A fair few years now. He’s a great officer, you know. Can be a bit old-hat at times, but he’s good at his job. And he’s kind, too.’

Connie let a sharp breath out through her nostrils. ‘Sorry. Yes, I’m sure he is. I don’t think I’ve witnessed that side of him yet. Given our personal issues, I am guessing I might not.’

‘I know. You two didn’t get off on the right foot. I’m sure he’ll come around. When you’re not in possession of the full facts, it’s hard to make a proper judgement. Particularly when emotions are involved.’

‘Yep. I know.’ Connie lowered her head.

‘You live on your own.’ It wasn’t a question. Obviously, Lindsay was already aware that she didn’t live with a partner.

‘No, I live with Amber.’

‘Oh. Er … sorry, I had no idea, um—’ Lindsay fumbled.

‘My cat,’ Connie jumped in. Had Lindsay thought she meant another woman?

‘Ah-ha. Of course.’

‘What about you, Lindsay? You married?’ The question was out before she thought too much about it.

Lindsay gulped some wine – several mouthfuls – before she answered. ‘Well. I am, I guess. I mean, officially.’

‘Oh, I see. Sorry, I wasn’t trying to pry.’

‘No, don’t be. It’s fine. He’s been gone well over a year. Moved in with another woman now. It’s most definitely over.’ She fiddled with the stem of the glass. ‘Not sure I’ve moved on, though. I’m stalling on signing the papers. Not sure if it’s because I’m hopeful he’ll change his mind, or because I want to be a bitch – make his life more difficult.’

Connie laughed. ‘I could hazard a guess.’

‘Thanks!’ Lindsay’s smile seemed unsure at first, and Connie winced. She’d overstepped the mark. But then Lindsay gave a snort. ‘So, you’ve noticed that about me then? That was quick, it usually takes a good few weeks of knowing me before people realise I’m a bitch.’

They both laughed, Connie relieved she hadn’t caused offence.

After they’d shared out the Chinese and devoured almost all of it, plus opened another bottle of wine, the atmosphere became altogether more relaxed. Connie told Lindsay that she had seen one of the tattoos found on Hargreaves’ body before, or at least something very similar to it. She explained about the emblem briefly, mentioning her dad’s business as well. Then she felt comfortable enough to tell her about her brother’s death, and handed over the memory stick.