Page 44 of Death on the Rocks (Lily Larkin Mysteries #1)

Chapter Forty-Four

FRIDAY

Walking back into work the following day, Flynn felt he was holding his breath to see what mood Sergeant Proctor was in, and whether he really might be thawing towards him.

The sergeant smiled at him, which was definitely progress.

“I was just thinking about you,” he said in a tone that gave nothing away. “I reckon you’ve earned yourself some holiday time.”

It was about the last thing Flynn expected to hear. Even though he’d been covering for his colleagues for the past week, he hadn’t expected the sergeant to acknowledge that. He had a sudden rush of hope that the next five months might actually pass pleasantly.

“Thanks.” A spark of anticipation hit him. If he had time off, he could get back to civilised society for a while. A couple of nights out with his mates would put everything into perspective. “If I escort the prisoner over to the mainland, I could take a few days over there.”

“No,” Sergeant Proctor mused. “PC Hill is going to take him.”

That made no sense. If Flynn had time off and planned to get back home anyway––

“I’ll need you on the island.” The smile his sergeant offered turned to a smirk. “With PC Hill away, you’ll need to be around in case there are any emergencies.”

Flynn frowned, knowing how slim the chances of an emergency were. “But––”

“No buts. You enjoy your time off. I’ll see you in a week.” Casually, he turned and walked in the direction of the cells.

“What am I supposed to do with time off if I can’t leave the island?” Flynn called. He realised exactly what the sergeant was up to. Time off wasn’t a reward; it was a punishment.

Sergeant Proctor turned back and sneered. “My first suggestion would be to go home and get yourself out of that uniform.” He didn’t add that he didn’t deserve to wear it, but the inference was loud and clear.

Flynn stared after him, trying to think of the best course of action.

It didn’t take him long to figure it out: stick to his original plan to keep his mouth shut, his head down and try to get through the next five months while making as few waves as possible.

He left the station with his jaw so tight he was probably damaging his teeth.

Stalking quickly back to his flat, he tried not to let his anger get the better of him.

The best thing to do would be to take Sergeant Proctor at his word and enjoy a week off.

Technically, it was a holiday, even if it felt distinctly like a suspension.

To avoid getting further sucked down by his negative thoughts, he didn’t linger in the flat, but left again as soon as he’d changed.

The ferry didn’t leave for almost an hour, so he assumed Lily would still be over at the Miller’s place.

On instinct, he set off in that direction.