Page 14 of The Sunken Truth

“Hello again,” he said, his smile more of a smirk.

Lily’s jaw tightened. “Hi.”

“Looks like you have a fun evening planned,” he said, his judgemental gaze shifting to the beers on the table.

“Just having a drink with a friend,” Flynn said through gritted teeth.

“Always did know how to relax after a shift, didn’t you?” The superintendent winked at Lily. “I see some things haven’t changed.”

Instinctively, Lily rose from the chair. “He’s off duty. He’s allowed to have a drink with a friend.”

Flynn shifted, blocking Lily’s view of the superintendent. “Did you need me for something?”

“I was at a loose end,” the superintendent said. “Thought maybe you could show me around a bit.”

“I thought Sergeant Proctor gave you a tour,” Flynn said.

“He did, but it was all shop talk.”

“It’s not a great time,” Flynn said, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb.

“Come on.” The superintendent threw his hands up. “I haven’t eaten, and I fancy a drink. I assumed you’d be the right person to show me the best pubs on the island.”

“Your choices are limited,” Lily said, moving beside Flynn. “Just pick one. You can’t go wrong.”

“It’s fine,” Flynn said, flashing her a pleading look.

“You’re not on duty,” she pointed out. “He can’t boss you around.”

“I didn’t mean to boss anyone around,” the superintendent said, his words smooth and smarmy. “Just thought Flynn might save me from dining alone. If it’s a big deal, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“Great,” Lily said. “Enjoy your evening.”

“Lily!” Flynn hissed.

“What?”

His shoulders sagged. “Can we take a rain check?”

“You’re going to just do what he tells you?”

The superintendent chuckled. “You really know how to pick ‘em, don’t you?”

Lily didn’t need to look down to know that Flynn’s hand had curled to a fist. There was no way he’d let that comment go.

Except, when she looked at him, he didn’t look angry. He looked defeated.

“Sorry,” he said to Lily. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Turning, he headed for the bedroom. “I need to get changed,” he called over his shoulder. “Give me a minute.”

Lily glared at the superintendent and was all set to stalk out of the flat when she thought better of it.

Instead, she followed Flynn. He only noticed her when she quietly closed the bedroom door behind her.

“What are you doing?” he asked, apparently unconcerned at her catching him removing his jogging bottoms.

“I don’t get it.” She took a seat on his bed with her back to him to give him some privacy. “Why are you letting him push you around?”

It was an effort to keep her voice calm when what she really wanted to do was shout at him and give him a good shake. But he was acting so out of character that it was unnerving.