Page 105 of The Scene of the Crime

Jessica turned and faced him. ‘Are you serious?’

He grinned. ‘We’ve known each other for about six months and have been dating for two. She’s also into cycling and she’s joined the Petts Wood club. We’ve been away together on a few cycling trips.’

‘So, you weren’t with friends like you told me.’

‘Sometimes there was a group of us . . . on others there wasn’t. Is it a problem?’

‘Of course not. I’m pleased for you. But I don’t understand why you didn’t tell me you were in a relationship.’

‘I didn’t know I had to.’

‘But why didn’t you?’

‘Because I knew you’d start asking me loads of questions and worrying if she was right for me.’

‘No, I wouldn’t.’

‘Yes, you would. You can’t help it. You’ve always worried about me when there was no need to.’

‘It’s because I care about you and wouldn’t want to see you get hurt. Is it serious?’

He raised his eyes. ‘There you go, worrying.’

‘It is a reasonable question to ask.’

‘And the answer is yes. I like her a lot, and I think she feels the same about me.’

‘Why didn’t you bring her to the house before now?’

‘Her name’s Donna!’ he snapped.

‘Sorry. It’s just a bit of a surprise, that’s all. I’m pleased to have met Donna and I’m glad you’re together. Maybe we could all go out for a meal, then I can get to know her better.’

‘Yeah, that would be nice – as long as you don’t get called out to a crime scene in the middle of dessert.’

‘I might have to work on Saturday, but I’ll make sure to get the night off.’

‘I’m going to a party with Donna on Saturday night. What about tomorrow evening?’

‘Let’s pencil it in, but I can’t promise as it’s really hectic at work. You book somewhere you and Donna would like to go and the meal’s on me. What does she like, food-wise?’

‘She loves seafood, especially prawn linguini. I’ll book Quattordici in Chislehurst for seven thirty.’

‘Sounds good. I’ll do my best to be there.’

‘Just so you know, I’ve told Donna about the past and my problems with depression. She really understands because she’s had her own issues to deal with over the years.’

Jessica nodded. ‘It’s good that you told her and that she’s confided in you. Right, I better get a move on. I’ve got to be at the office at half six. You OK if I use the bathroom first?’

He nodded. ‘I got an email from the doctor about my creatine kinase levels. I’ve got an appointment with the neurologist tomorrow morning at Guy’s. I got in earlier than expected due to a cancellation.’

‘That’s good news. I can ask DCI Anderson for a few hours off work to go with you.’

‘Donna’s taken the day off to go with me. You’d probably have to spend hours in the waiting room while the tests are done. I know you’re not comfortable sitting about doing nothing,’ he smiled.

‘Are you sure you want to go out Friday evening after your appointment?’

‘Of course. I can’t eat or drink anything for twenty-four hours before it, so I’ll be famished. And don’t worry if you’re stuck at work. We can all go out another time.’