I nodded slowly. “And just appearing in front of him will be a good thing?”
“Yes.” She tightened her jaw, a stubborn gesture I’d seen previously. “It will be.”
“And if he just showed up here. How would you feel?”
“Right now, good, because it would save me the journey to Bristol.” She caught my hand. “Please. I don’t think I can do it without you.”
“Little girl needs her daddy, huh?”
“Yes.” She went onto her tiptoes and kissed me. “I really do.”
The woman had me in the palm of her hand. I was putty when she wanted anything from me. “Okay, we’ll go now. But if we don’t find him, you have to not be too disappointed, it’s a long shot.”
She grinned. “I know, but it’s a chance. And…he’s my twin. I can’t not see him again for the rest of my life. That has to change, and it might be today.”
“It might be.” I scooped up the car keys, tossed them in the air, and caught them. “Come on then, get your sexy ass moving. The cuffs will have to wait…for a few hours at least.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Amy
The approach to Bristol took us along a wide muddy river flanked by rocky cliffs and overhung by an ornate bridge with stone towers. The houses were colourful, the civic buildings old and imposing, and there was very much a student vibe when we approached Priory Road.
Being in a police car, we did draw a few glances as we weaved along with the traffic.
“It’s right near here.” I was following Google Maps on my phone. “Where shall we park?”
“In this car, wherever we damn well want.” Mitch chuckled. “It’s quiet at this college, maybe lectures haven’t kicked out yet.”
“Mmm, maybe.” When we’d got closer to Bristol, a sense of uncertainty had crept over my skin. Had I been too hasty? Too ambitious? Too hopeful? Perhaps this building was quiet because there were no lectures today.
Oh well. We were here now.
And at least Mitch was with me. His presence gave me strength.
Mitch parked up beside a red postbox and an off-licence selling bargain booze. He killed the engine. “You okay, baby girl?” He squeezed my hand. “Having second thoughts?”
I shook my head. “This is something I need to do. And if we don’t see him, then I’ll go and find someone who can tell me what lectures he’s in and come back. I will find him now I’ve decided to.”
He smiled. “I like your determination.”
“It helps to have a wingman. Thank you.” I smiled up at him and saw my reflection in his dark sunglasses.
“I’ll always be here for you. I’ll always look after you.” He touched the tip of my nose with his index finger. “But you know that.”
I did know that, and it felt good.
“Right, this way.” He set off to the left toward a big Georgian building with pale stonework, tall sash windows, and surrounded by huge oak trees.
I trotted to catch him up then walked quickly to keep pace. There was something strange about being with a uniformed cop. We drew curious glances, and there was a fizz in the air when we walked past a group of youths clouded in the scent of weed.
Mitch took no notice.
We rounded the building and into a fresh trickle of students. A long pergola heavy with a leafy wisteria shielded a cobbled path from the sun. We walked along it, bees buzzing overhead.
“Officer.” What appeared to be a don nodded at Mitch. “Good day.”
Mitch gave a flick of his head in reply and carried on walking. “Can you see him?” He slowed and glanced left and right at a junction in the pergola.
