Sweet Peas in April by Clare Revell Read Free Book Online Page B

asking questions. What about you?”
    Adam swallowed several mouthfuls of coffee before answering. “Actually it was through David.”
    “The cop, David?”
    Adam nodded. “I met him in court and we’ve been friends ever since. He invited me along to a guest service at church. I’d always thought I was a good person, but the pastor that night made me see that I wasn’t.”
    Sam sighed. “And never will be.”
    “Not this side of heaven, anyway. Did you want to go back to work?”
    “No,” she sighed. “But I ought to.” She took a long drag on the coffee. “This caution they gave me. Is it permanently on my record now?”
    “Yes,” he said quietly. “It will stay on your police record forever, but if you stay out of trouble it will disappear from CRB checks after five years. Unless someone does an enhanced check, in which case your file will light up like a Christmas tree.”
    “Why would they do that?”
    “In case you want to work for the police or GCHQ or something.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “But you got off lightly.”
    She nodded slowly. “So this third trail you found on those files in my office?”
    “It seems to suggest there’s either someone else skimming the books or Troy Branning still has access somehow. I’d like to bring in a private investigator.”
    Sam glanced at him and then down. The coffee lay heavy and her stomach pitted. “Is this because we kissed?”
    Adam looked flummoxed. “Yes…no…”
    “Well, which is it?”
    “Neither, both.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Look, I’m not sure I’m the right person to track the money. I just know what to do with the end result.”
    “You’ve done fine, so far.”
    “And it’s time to get someone in who knows how to go deeper.”
    “Fine, but I still need a lawyer. To bail me out of jail if nothing else.”
    Adam rolled his eyes. “This morning’s mess will be forgotten before the week is out. I’ll speak to a private investigator friend of mine, see what he says.”
    “Thanks.” Sam paused. “I should get back to the office.”
    “I’ll drive you.”
    She nodded and stood. “Adam—I’m not sorry we kissed.”
    An awkward look crossed his face and he stood there for a moment. “We should go.”
    Sam picked up her bag and followed him out to the car. Her heart sank. Again she’d said something about how she felt and he hadn’t reciprocated. Did he really dislike her that much?
    Could the day possibly get any worse?
    The answer to that question was waiting in her office for her. Peter sat behind her desk, still reeking of alcohol, and fuming.
    Sam hung up her coat and looked at him. “You shouldn’t be here. And what are you doing my side of the desk?”
    He scowled. “So, where’s your posh lawyer friend now? Bailed you out and left me there to rot. How come you’re not being charged?”
    “I got a caution, a slapped wrist if you want.”
    “They took my license,” he slurred. “And I have to go to court. And it’s his fault.”
    She frowned, knocking his feet off her desk. “Who’s fault?”
    “West’s. Think about it, Sam. He knew we were going to Lancini’s. He didn’t want me seeing you. Who else could have done it?”
    “I have no idea.”
    “You honestly believe that two random plainclothes cops want a quick chat about something totally unrelated, just as I’m about to drive away?”
    Sam rolled her eyes. “You were about to drive whilst drunk.”
    “You were about to let me.”
    “That isn’t a crime and that isn’t what they arrested me for.”
    He stabbed a finger at her. “You need to ask your lawyer if he did dob me in and ask him why.”
    “You need to go home. Ask reception to call you a taxi.”
    He pushed upright, staggering and grasping the desk for support. “This isn’t over.”
    “Just go home, Peter. Come back tomorrow. Preferably sober.” She glared at him until he left the room. Then she sank into her chair and buried her face in her hands,