“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to protect and take care of the guy you love, but you’ve got to remember he’s a person too, and sometimes people just need a little breathing room.”
“You think I’m suffocating him?”
“Not at all. I’m just saying, in those moments when he just needs to take a tiny step back and find his balance again, don’t take it as a personal rejection. You guys have only been together what, six months?” I nod again. “You’re still figuring out how you fit together, but that's something that only comes with time. I do get it, Danny, I really do. After what you told me about your family and how they reacted to you coming out, I know rejection is a tender spot for you, but trust me. Eventually, you’ll feel secure enough in your relationship with Tris to let him take a step back to centre himself, secure in the knowledge that he’s not going anywhere. He loves you, it’s so easy to see, but you need to remember that being in a long-term relationship is new for him too.”
“When did you become a relationship expert?” I smile slowly as I ponder her words.
“Since I’ve been in a relationship with the same woman for over ten years. Trust me, whatever you’re feeling right now, me and Sonia have been there, done that, got the t-shirt and matching coasters. We figured it out, you will too.”
“Thanks.” I blow out a breath. “I guess I needed to hear that.”
“You’re welcome, I'm happy to tell you you’re being a big baby anytime you need it.” I chuckle quietly. “Now I’ve told you everything you’re doing wrong. Do you want my advice?” She tilts her head slightly as she studies me.
“Do I have a choice?” I reply with a smile.
“Nope.” She drains the last of her coffee and sets her empty mug on the edge of the desk. “I was just being polite. What you need to do is talk to him, be honest. Tell him you understand if he’s feeling a little shaky and needs some space, but that you’re here for him when he’s ready.”
I nod. “I can do that.”
“Good.” She slaps my knee companionably. “Now are we going to do some actual work, or do I need to start billing you for all this therapy?”
“I get the feeling I can’t afford you.”
“And you’d be right.” She grins. “How are you doing with your share of our suspects?”
I glance down at my notes and sigh. When we realised what had happened to Tris, we divided up the list of everyone that was sitting at or had access to that table between us and started running background checks.
“Nothing.” I shake my head. “I’ve checked Trudy Wells, Birdie aka Margaret Forester, and Vera Ashworthy. They all came back clean, nothing out of the ordinary.”
“There’s not much my end either. I checked Phyllis Grover and Violet Hardy, they’re both clean too. I checked Ivy Chappell and although nothing stood out, I still think she’s the one who had the easiest access to your drink. ”
“I think we should start by questioning Ivy, see if we can shake anything loose.” I scratch my chin contemplatively.
“Everything else is a bit of a dead end, so it can’t hurt.” Maddie shrugs. “Although there is one more thing that’s a bit odd.”
“What?”
“There’s one more person in their unholy little circle that has piqued my curiosity.” Maddie’s eyes narrow. “Maeve Landon.”
“What about her?” I ask. “I thought she came back clean?”
“Not exactly.” She shakes her head. “I hit a dead end.”
“What do you mean?”
“I can only trace her records back to the early nineties,” she replies. “Before that, there’s nothing. Mrs Abernathy’s niece seems certain she’d mentioned being married.”
“You think she’s using a different name?” I tap my fingers rhythmically on the desk. “I think I know someone who can help.”
“Who?”
“He’s a friend from up North and was on the force with me until he had to leave for… various reasons, but he was one of the best investigators I’ve ever worked with. He’s a PI now. I’ll contact him and see if he can help.”
“I don’t know, Danny. I can’t see how he’d be able to do anything we can’t do ourselves with enough time.”
“Exactly, time. He doesn’t have the caseloads we do, plus he’s not bound by the same red tape and paperwork we are,” I explain.
“Fine, do it.” She nods as she climbs to her feet, pushing the chair out of the way as she reaches for her jacket. “In the meantime, I think we should start by having a little heart-to-heart with Ivy.”
