Page 152 of The Scene of the Crime

Donna smiled. ‘I know our relationship came as a bit of a surprise to you. It’s a bit of a whirlwind romance, but we are very fond of each other and want to have a long and lastingrelationship. And in case you’re wondering, he told me about his depression. That’s something else I know a bit about, so it doesn’t faze me. You mustn’t worry. I think we’re going to be all right.’

Jessica felt relieved. ‘Well, he was very secretive about you, which is typical of him, but David clearly thinks the world of you. I better tell him to hurry up or we’ll be late. Oh, I’ve also invited a colleague from work. His name is Mike Chapman. I think you’ll like him.’

‘Is he . . . ?’

‘No, just a friend,’ she said firmly.

Donna grinned. ‘You never know, perhaps that will change this evening.’

The pre-dinner drinks at The Bull went well, Jessica thought. Chapman looked tired, but he was friendly and seemed to be enjoying himself. The lively conversation continued through the meal, and she was relieved to see how well Mike and David got on. She had also really taken a shine to Donna and was pleasantly surprised to find how smart and well-read she was. She was also very interested in Jessica’s work and asked lots of thoughtful questions.

Midway through the meal, Jessica’s phone started ringing. ‘This better not be work,’ she sighed, looking at the number. ‘OK, definitely not work. It’s a plus one number followed by eight, zero, four.’

‘Plus one is the code for America,’ Chapman said.

‘Probably a cold call wanting you to buy bitcoins. I wouldn’t answer if I were you,’ David said.

‘You’re probably right.’ Jessica was about to end the call when Donna, who had checked the number on her phone, spoke up.

‘Eight zero four is the area code for Richmond, Virginia.’

Jessica suddenly realised where it might be from and asked them to excuse her while she answered the call. ‘Jessica Russell speaking. How can I help you?’ she asked as she stepped outside.

‘Good evening, Jess. This is FBI Agent Anna Travis. I’m sorry if I’ve interrupted your evening, but I’m off on holiday tomorrow and wanted to call you before I go.’

‘Anywhere nice, ma’am?’ Jessica asked, not wanting to jump in and ask if she was calling about the FBI Behavioural Analysis course.

‘The Maldives with my husband to chill out and soak in the sun. Please, call me Anna.’

‘How can I help you, Anna?’

‘I’ve got a bit of good news. You have been selected for the Behavioural Analysis course at our headquarters in Quantico.’

‘Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how honoured I feel to have been selected for such a prestigious course.’

‘It’s twelve weeks and very intensive, including a lot of physical fitness tests, I’m afraid.’

‘I’m looking forward to the challenge. When does the course start?’ Jessica asked.

‘I can’t give you an exact date, but probably early next year. I’ll put you down as the first reserve should anyone be unable to attend an earlier course.’

‘Thank you so much, Anna. Does Commander Williams know?’

‘Yes, I spoke to the Commander just before I called you. She was telling me all about the major part you’re playing in a current investigation. Like her, I was most impressed with your powers of observation, especially about the water bottle. That was very canny of you. It also takes a lot of guts to speak up when you think someone is innocent of a crime and your colleagues don’t. You’re to be commended for that, Jess. CommanderWilliams said you are a very special woman, and from what I’ve heard about you I agree with her.’

Jessica could feel herself flushing. ‘Thank you for your kind words.’

‘Keep up the good work, and I wish you continued success in your future endeavours. Take care, and we’ll speak again soon.’ Anna ended the call.

Jessica hurried back to the restaurant to tell everyone her good news. Chapman ordered a bottle of champagne to celebrate, and they all raised a glass. When the last plates had been cleared away, David suggested returning to The Bull for a drink. Jessica said she was tired and wanted to get some sleep, but David and Donna decided they would go to the pub and get a cab home. Jessica hugged them both and told them to enjoy the rest of their evening. Chapman said he was also tired and would call it a night and get a cab home.

‘That’s OK, I can drop you off. It’s only just down the road,’ Jessica told him.

On the journey to Chapman’s flat, Jessica told him how thrilled she was to have been selected for the behavioural analysis course. ‘I know it’s a cliché, but it really is a dream come true.’

‘I’m pleased for you. You deserve it,’ he told her. ‘Now, if you drop me off by the petrol station, I can walk from there.’

‘Don’t be silly. I’ll drop you at your house.’