Page 75 of Hidden Daughters (Detective Lottie Parker #15)

Alone at last, Lottie opened the window and looked out at the dark night. The tide must be in, she thought, because the sound of the waves crashing on the shore was loud, albeit soothing. The hum of the city traffic in the distance brought a little reality to the scene.

Turning back to the room, she picked up the two glasses and stowed the bottle under her arm.

She looked around the space that was hers for the night.

She missed Boyd. She should ring him. He probably wouldn’t answer.

And she would not be able to sleep with that hanging over her.

No, he’d be back in Galway tomorrow. They could have a proper talk then, face to face.

Iron out their differences. Everything would be fine. She hoped.

The room smelled of the two men who had left.

Stale cigars and body odour. They could both do with a shower, she thought.

Then there was the fusty wine perfume from the glasses.

It was so strong she could almost taste it.

She emptied what was left and put the bottle in the bin, then ran her finger over the glass that contained the small drop Kirby had poured for her. She tasted it. No, God no. It was vile.

After pouring the remains of the wine down the sink, she had a long, cool shower, brushed her teeth and got into bed.

Her body had chilled, but her mind was on fire.

Even the sound of the waves breezing through the open window could not lull her to sleep.