by Sabina Manea
‘You look lovely,’ said the inspector, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners.
Her hair was nearly brown, a sign that they were in the depths of winter, with no sun to lighten the tips, and she wore her trademark red lipstick with a hint of the woody perfume that she suspected he liked.
‘Thank you. I see you hit the shops,’ she replied, sizing him up approvingly. ‘New everything?’
‘New everything, for my sins.’ He sighed, somewhat self-consciously. ‘These trousers make me feel a bit like mutton dressed as lamb.’
‘I don’t think so. They suit you.’
They settled in front of the homely fire. The lights were low, and under the watchful eyes of the birds on the light green chinoiserie wallpaper, the flames crackled convivially, entwining themselves around the burning logs. They sat in companionable silence, sipping sweet sherry out of heavy, beautifully cut crystal glasses.
‘It feels like heaven. I’m so glad we managed to close the murder case at last.’ Lucia had to remind herself she wasn’t to talk shop – not for too long, anyway.
‘You’ve got the right to precisely five minutes on that topic, and after that it’s off bounds,’ said the inspector, looking as serious as he could muster under the circumstances. He wasn’t planning to waste an evening in the company of a beautiful woman talking about death.
‘Got it, boss,’ she replied playfully.
‘There isn’t much to say. We found the taser at Will Sherriff’s flat, and plenty of prints on that bracelet. He’s been duly processed and charged with both murders,’ explained Carliss.
Lucia crossed her legs, staring at her mesmerising shoes. ‘It’s sad, isn’t it? He killed Alec out of a misplaced sense of honour. Sometimes the way we’re brought up doesn’t fit with the world around us.’
‘It’s always sad when a good man gets it wrong but there’s never any excuse for taking a life, or two for that matter.’
If there was one thing Lucia was grateful for, it was that Will had given no indication they knew each other beyond the confines of the case. That was to be buried deep and never brought up.
‘What’s for dinner then?’ she asked expectantly as an enticing smell wafted in from the kitchen.
‘I’ve cooked us boeuf bourguignon, with a cheese board for afters. No pudding in sight. I have a good memory, you see. I know you don’t like sweets.’ He winked as he headed into the kitchen.
Lucia curled up into the armchair, glass in hand, and smiled, a picture of contentment. DCI Carliss turned around and watched her for a moment before busying himself with the food. She was happy that they could make each other feel that way.
MURDER IN HAMPSTEAD
If you haven’t already, check out the debut novel by Sabina Manea:
When ex-lawyer, now interior designer, Lucia Steer accepts a job renovating a large London house, she has no idea she’ll discover the owner dead. Lucia is determined to unlock the secret of this closed room mystery, no matter the trouble she’ll inevitably land in.
Available free with Kindle Unlimited, and in paperback.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B092VZTT1M/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092VZTT1M/
OTHER TITLES OF INTEREST
AN EARLY GRAVE by Robert McCracken
A tough young Detective Inspector encounters a reclusive man who claims he holds the secret to a murder case. But he also has a dangerous agenda. Will DI Tara Grogan take the bait?
Free with Kindle Unlimited and available in paperback.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08PC42J2L/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PC42J2L/
BLONDE by Stan Jackson
Under suspicion following his girlfriend’s murder, a York University professor must prove his innocence and find the killer. With police following his every move, he must turn private investigator to get justice for his lost love. BLONDE is a clever whodunit full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.
Free with Kindle Unlimited and available in paperback.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BRYMRH8/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BRYMRH8/
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