Face in the Frame by Heather Atkinson Read Free Book Online Page B

ways.
    “Come in,” he eventually barked after letting her stand there for a bit.
    He heard the door open then close, heard her boots as she made her way towards his desk then sensed her standing before him. Once again he didn’t react, studying the papers for another thirty seconds, hoping she couldn’t see what he was reading because he’d inadvertently picked up a leaflet about bras that had been stuck inside his morning newspaper.
    Eventually he deigned to look up at her and his insides melted. Those lovely dark eyes of hers were huge and full of regret.
    “I’m sorry Brodie,” she said.
    This wasn’t what he’d been expecting. He’d assumed she’d come in fighting and that was what he’d prepared himself for, that he could have handled but this was eroding all his armour. But he didn’t speak yet, he wanted to hear what she had to say before letting her off the hook.
    “I was out of order last night,” she went on. “I knew I shouldn’t have a drink and I did and I know you’re disappointed in me for agreeing to go out with Lucas.”
    “I’m glad you’ve finally seen sense.”
    “I feel terrible, I hate falling out with you.”
    His smile was gentle. “Me too Cass. It’s alright sweetheart, I forgive you.”
    “Thanks,” she beamed. “How about I fetch the coffees and cakes?”
    “That would be smashing doll.”
    Her grin widened and she made for the door.
    “Cass,” he called just before she went through it.
    She stopped and turned. “Yes?”
    “I take it this means you’re not going on your date tonight?”
    “I’m still going. Hear me out,” she added when he looked thunderous. “I messed up last night and I didn’t do the job to your satisfaction, so I thought I’d go tonight and see if I can get you more answers.”
    His amber eyes narrowed, well aware her intentions weren’t entirely altruistic. “I don’t like it.”
    “Please Brodie. I want to make it up to you.”
    “Or you want to see Lucas Thorne again.”
    “Give me another chance. I’ll find out for sure one way or the other to put your mind at rest.”
    He noted she didn’t deny that she wanted to see Lucas again but he wanted to give her a chance. “Alright, but you wear the mike. That’s my condition.”
    “Fair enough,” she said cheerfully. “Right, I’ll get the snacks. And by the way Bossman, I think you’d suit the black balconette with the satin trim.”
    He was confused until he looked down at the leaflet before him and grinned. “I think you might be right hen.”
    She flashed him a smile before vanishing out the door. He watched her go suspiciously, getting the feeling there was a lot she wasn’t telling him.
    Three minutes after she’d gone Brodie frowned as a disgusting smell wafted into his office, a mixture of decomposing food and stagnant water. Ross and Christian slouched through the door looking the worse for wear, Ross’s shock of red hair limp and stuck to his forehead and Christian’s usually sharp suit torn and stained.
    “What the bloody hell happened to you two?” said Brodie.
    “We’ve spent the whole night in and out of stinking squats and hovels,” replied Christian, assessing the damage done to his suit. “It was horrible.”
    “Did you find Fred?”
    “No and no one’s seen him, that’s the ones who spoke to us anyway,” said Ross. “The rest were either too scared or too spaced out to tell us anything. They wouldn’t have noticed if their own noses had set on fire.”
    “So you found sod all?” huffed Brodie.
    “It wasn’t for lack of trying,” exclaimed Christian. “Look at my suit.”
    “I can’t believe you wore that you daft bastard,” said Ross.
    “I would have changed but I don’t have any scruff clothes like you,” he snapped back. Christian and Ross were the best of friends but they were tired, smelly and annoyed.
    “Don’t start,” said Brodie, silencing them both. “Get yourselves home, eat, sleep and for God’s sake shower. Then