‘No, we can’t. They’ll arrest you and send you back to Bronzefield.’
‘What for? I’ve found the killer.’
‘Breaching your bail conditions. You’re not allowed to investigate your own crime, or break into cars. They’ll say you planted it.’
‘Shit, you’re right. Then what do we do?’ says Cait.
‘We need more. At least we know it’s him now, but we need something that ties him directly to the murder.’
‘The murder weapon?’
‘Yes, or something that connects him to Owen. We should see if we can search Hollis’s apartment.’
‘Seriously?’ she says.
‘Yes, and if we get this right, you’ll not only clear your name, you’ll be known as the woman who caught a contract killer.’
For the first time since her release, Cait smiles.
Chapter57Revenge
Friday, 3 January
The first icicle of the new year hangs from the guttering of the Grove Café. I’ve spent the morning with a doctor discussing my fertility. The nurse took more blood than seems decent, as I pretended my marriage is not on the rocks. Although it’s not pretence, it’s determination. A baby is just what’s needed to save it.
Tor is huddled into a parka, her hands wrapped around a hot chocolate. Although the temperature has dropped to below freezing, we’re sitting outside with rugs over our knees, as the Italian owner swoops from table to table, singing operatic arias and spreading joy.
‘How are you bearing up?’ I ask.
‘Nothing like the terror of being exposed as an adulterous slut to add a little spark to your life.’
‘You haven’t heard anything about the tape?’
‘Zac is ghosting me. Completely. I’ve no idea what’s going on.’
‘What an inconsiderate bastard.’
‘I know, I fucking hate him, but I’m also having severe withdrawal symptoms.’
‘Well, choose your outlet more carefully next time.’
‘It’s all shit at the moment. Even the pool house is on hold.’
‘Why?’
‘The foundations haven’t set properly. One of them is completely cracked and they’re going to have to dig it out or something.’
‘Poor you,’ I say, wanting to ask more but fearing that too much interest in her concrete will appear odd. Another problem I have to solve as it won’t help anyone if the builders find Mercer’s body.
Aisha arrives at the end of a run, and sits, panting. ‘How’s things?’
‘Bloody marvellous,’ says Tor. ‘And talking of shitshows, how’s your move abroad going?’
‘Ranni’s still convinced it’s best for us all. Isn’t it clever of him to know what we all need and feel without asking a single question? I’m just in awe of the man’s intuition.’ She opens her water bottle and drinks.
‘Cut up his passport,’ says Tor.
‘But leave it till the last moment so he can’t get a replacement,’ I add.
