The Death Messenger (Matthew Ryan Book 2)(22)

‘Why? Nothing seems to faze her.’

Ryan shrugged. ‘Over-protective, I guess.’

‘She’s making a real name for herself with the CPS. You should be celebrating.’

‘I am.’ Ryan checked his watch, keen to make that call. ‘I wasn’t early enough to wish her luck this morning. The court will have adjourned for lunch now. Do you mind?’

‘Not at all. It’s sweet of you to consider her.’

‘She wants me to drop the daily calls. Keeps telling me she’s a grown-up.’ Ryan pressed 1 on speed-dial: his twin’s personal number went straight to voicemail.

‘Hi, it’s Caroline. Leave a message. I’ll call you back.’

Exasperated, Ryan glanced at O’Neil. ‘I’ll try her work number.’

‘She’ll be fine, Ryan. It’s natural for you to feel responsible for her.’

‘Even though she’d rather I didn’t?’

‘Even then.’

Caroline had been the centre of Ryan’s universe since they were kids, even more so since their mother’s death. He’d called her daily when he could steal away from work, if only for a brief conversation. If he didn’t care for her, who would?

‘Does it scare you, her working a case like that?’ O’Neil asked.

‘Not today.’ Nerves tugged at Ryan’s gut when his sister failed to pick up. ‘She’s surrounded by a firearms team. They’re taking no chances.’

Ryan didn’t tell O’Neil that he’d almost declined his new job because it would take him away from home, removing a level of support for his twin, or that Caroline had insisted that he grab the opportunity and run with it. O’Neil admired his sister. She was impressed by her ability to study, to work, to have a normal life in spite of her blindness, if a little fearful that her disability left her exposed and vulnerable. Although he’d never voice it publicly, Ryan shared that concern.

If she were under attack, she’d never see it coming.

The ringing tone terminated, a chirpy message kicking in. ‘You’ve reached the voicemail of Caroline Ryan. Sorry, I can’t get to the phone right now. If you leave a number I’ll call you.’

A beep signalled the arrival of an incoming call.

Ryan delivered his message in an upbeat tone to mask his anxiety. Caroline wanted him to concentrate on his job, not hers. ‘Hi, it’s me checking in. I have a call waiting. Hope it’s going well. Ring you later.’ He rang off, accepting the other call. By bizarre coincidence, it was Grace Ellis who came on the line. He was immediately suspicious. And so, it seemed, was O’Neil.

‘Grace! I was just thinking about you. How’s married life?’

‘Oh y’know, we’re aiming for a year minimum,’ she said. ‘Two if we’re really lucky. Thought I’d ring and see what my protégé is up to.’

What had she heard?

‘Oh, y’know,’ Ryan mimicked her. ‘Moseying along as usual.’

‘You back with Roz yet?’

‘No, I’m done with Roz, as well you know.’ Ryan felt his cheeks warm up. With the phone on speaker, O’Neil was all ears. That said, his past love life was no one’s business but his own. He tried to laugh it off before Grace got going. ‘Actually, I’m done with women. Period. I’m now a confirmed bachelor, destined to live alone – unless you decide to give Newman the elbow, then I’m all yours.’

O’Neil was smiling.

‘I should be so lucky,’ Grace said. ‘How’s O’Neil?’

Ryan’s heart nearly stopped. ‘Why d’you ask?’

‘Shootin’ the breeze is all.’

The Americanism jarred with Ryan. Then he remembered where she’d been. ‘Are you still Stateside?’

‘Got back last week.’

‘How was it?’

‘The best, I love New York Siddy.’

‘That is the most pathetic US accent I ever heard.’

She giggled. ‘My talents lie elsewhere. Where are you?’

‘Heading north.’

‘Over the border? Got time to pop in?’

‘Not this trip – much as I’d love to. Soon though, I promise.’

‘So how is O’Neil?’

Ryan could feel his boss’s interest in the conversation growing. ‘As it happens, she’s sitting next to me.’ That was code for Grace to get off the line.

She didn’t. ‘How come?’

‘We’re working on something.’

‘In Professional Standards?’ she huffed. ‘Have you lost your mind?’

‘I’ve moved on,’ O’Neil interrupted.

‘Still listening at keyholes, eh?’

‘Always.’ O’Neil played it cool. ‘Especially yours, Grace. Retirement doesn’t mean you’re immune from a knock on the door from my old team. It can happen day or night, without warning, when you’re least expecting it. You be sure to watch your back, won’t you?’

‘I can sleep nights,’ Grace said. ‘Shame the same can’t be—’

‘How’s Newman?’ Ryan cut her off before she said something they might both regret. He still had a mind to use her, to use them both, just as soon as he had a chance to discuss staffing with O’Neil. It was obvious to him that this case required more than a core team of two.