Page 75 of Beneath the Quiet

The sound of my phone vibrating snaps me out of my daydreaming, and I pick it up.

AIDAN: When are you going to let me taste you?

A slow smile spreads across my face. I slap a hand to cover my curving lips to try to hide it and look down at the file on my desk. I flick the locket hanging from my neck with my pen and move restlessly in my seat. Aidan’s text sets off a low throb between my legs, and I squeeze my thighs together, trying to quell it. The only problem now is that I still want more of him. While the orgasm he gave me was more than I could have hoped for, my thirst has not been quenched.

I’m definitely not in love with him.

More like in lust, but I don’t know how smart it’ll be to seek him out again, asking for more. I’ve been half-dizzy ever since, thinking of how easily he made my head swim with desire. How he worked my nipples with his tongue and teeth, spurring me on, making me wild for a release. It’s a heady feeling, even though it might be a little irresponsible.

I start to type a reply, only my desk phone rings, interrupting me, and I reach for it.

“Detective Sergeant Gallagher.”

I wait for the caller to start talking, but I’m met with silence.

“Hello?”

I give the person a chance to speak, waiting a few seconds, but nothing comes.

I frown and lower the phone, stopping short, my hand hovering in the air. I half expect the line to crackle back to life, even though the rational part of me knows it isn’t possible. My pulse races, but nothing happens. I set the phone back and stare at it, willing it to start ringing again.

Something doesn’t sit right with me, and I make a mental note to check with Franny what name was given when she transferred the call to me.

When the phone starts ringing a second time, I snatch it up. “Detective Sergeant Gallagher.”

“Maeve, is that you?”

I release the tension in my shoulders at the familiar voice this time. “Hi, Mrs. McCarthy. How are you?”

“To tell the truth, not my best. Harry is in my garden again.”

I groan and push my chair back. “I’m on my way.”

“Thank you.”

I stand up and put the phone down. It seems like my time for fantasising is well and truly over. With a last scan of my desk to make sure I have what I need, I set out for another bout with the village menace.

Only this time, I’m determined to win.

“I can’t believe I’m back here again.” I wince and glance at Mrs McCarthy. “Sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it came out.”

She puts a hand on my shoulder, squeezing it once. “Not to worry, pet. I know what you meant, and you’re not the only one.” She tucks her lavender shawl around her middle and leans into me. “You’re always welcome here, of course.”

I give her a small smile in thanks. We stand side by side and watch Harry back in her flowerbed. It’s bizarre.

“That’s it. This has to end.” I reach for my mobile in my back pocket and swipe the screen. “Murdoch will have to come fetch Harry himself this time.”

“Are you sure phoning him is a good idea?”

I glance at her. “There’s no way he’s going to get away with this for a second longer.” I soften my voice. “It’s for the best, Mrs. McCarthy.”

With one last look at her, I turn my attention back to my phone and find what I’m looking for. I place the phone up to my ear and settle in to wait.

Lucky for me, I don’t have to wait for long before the real culprit answers my call.

“Murdoch.”

“Detective Sergeant Gallagher here.”