‘Really?’ Robin said, wide-eyed. He thought Bunty, more than anyone, would have kept quiet about such a personal detail.
‘Yes, he’s called Perry. Does the name ring any bells with you?’
‘No, but it wouldn’t. I only moved to Samphire Bay in my teens. This Perry had most probably been long gone by then.’
‘Yeah, probably,’ she agreed. ‘But it resonated with me. So much so, I did a bit of—’
‘Snooping?’ Robin laughed at the irony; he knew all about snooping.
‘Researching,’ corrected Jasmine and told him all she’d uncovered.
‘I’m impressed, Sherlock,’ Robin laughed again.
‘But don’t you see? It’s left me in a bit of a quandary,’ Jasmine pointed out.You and me both, he thought wryly. ‘Do you think I should contact this Perry from Lancaster?’
Robin breathed in, considering his reply.
‘I think…’ he hesitated.
‘Yes?’ she prompted eagerly, leaning forward.
‘I think, if you believe it’s in Bunty’s best interests, then yes, maybe you should contact him.’
Jasmine nodded as though Robin had confirmed her decision.
‘Although, it very well might not be him—’
‘In which case, no harm done,’ she interrupted.
‘Yes, but if it is him and he’s a wife and family, would he want contact?’ warned Robin.
‘As an old friend he might,’ Jasmine countered.
‘And more importantly, what about Bunty? Wouldshewant contact?’ he pressed.
‘Hmm, a lot to think about,’ Jasmine said contemplatively.
A pensive moment passed, then Robin decided this was the right time, and inhaled deeply.
‘Jasmine… there’s something I need to tell you actually.’ He looked at her gravely, hating that he was about to bring this storm onto her.
‘What?’ She sensed something ominous from Robin’s manner. He looked troubled, uncomfortable.
‘Can we go to yours? I think we need to sit down with a drink.’ He thought it best for Jasmine to be in her own familiar surroundings, not stood there in his newly refurbished kitchen.
‘OK.’ She frowned, wondering what on earth Robin was about to tell her.
An hour later Robin was holding a shaken, crying Jasmine. He wrapped her tightly in his arms as she juddered in shock and distress.
‘Do you think… he–he definitely k–killed Tom?’ she stuttered.
‘Time will tell, but the police certainly took what I reported very seriously. They have your details too, so could be in touch imminently.’
More sobs followed, making Robin wince. He held her firmly, in some vain hope that he could absorb some of the emotional pain currently wracking her body. He’d do anything to mend her, anything. He looked down towards her blonde head resting on his shoulder and instinctively his mouth dipped down to kiss it. Then realising what he’d just done, froze. She hadn’t even noticed, and he breathed out in relief.
‘Robin?’ she croaked.
‘Yes?’ he replied huskily, fighting his own emotions.
