Page 130 of Fire Must Burn

‘Some other time,’ he said.

He got back in the Bentley and drove off.

They returned to work the next morning, trying to match people who they hoped wouldn’t end up in any criminal conspiracies. Around two thirty, they heard footsteps ascending the staircase. Then Carlton Edwards appeared in the doorway.

‘How are you feeling?’ asked Mrs Bainbridge with concern.

‘Still woozy, no thanks to you,’ he said.

‘You’re off hospital duty, at least,’ said Sparks.

‘Yeah, the boss wasn’t exactly thrilled with my performance yesterday,’ he said. ‘I let two women get the drop on me.’

‘It was a good thing you did,’ said Sparks.

‘He sent me to collect her files,’ said Edwards. ‘Wouldn’t even give me a day to rest up.’

‘I have her file here,’ said Sparks. ‘Oh, and you’ll need the index cards.’

The two women each rifled through their boxes of eligible women and pulled out Lowle’s cards. Sparks clipped everything together and handed them to him.

‘Are you up for that drink?’ she asked.

‘That was a serious offer?’

‘I’m always serious when it comes to drinking,’ she said.

‘Not today, Sparks,’ he said. ‘Have to wait for the noggin to ease up.’

‘Some other time, then,’ she said.

‘See you around, Sparks.’

He left.

‘Are you all right?’ asked Gwen.

‘You know me,’ said Iris. ‘I am sustained as always by my innate cheerfulness.’

‘That was the last part, wasn’t it? I guess we’re done.’

‘Not quite,’ said Iris.

CODA

Pickard Mansion, 1936

She sat at the head of the bed, her back against the headboard, her legs drawn to her chest, her arms wrapped around them.

‘Is something wrong?’ she asked softly.

‘I’m sorry,’ he said disconsolately. ‘I don’t seem to be able to manage it.’

‘Is there something I could—’

‘It’s not you, Sparks,’ he said. ‘You are perfection.’

‘Hardly.’