Grind Their Bones by Drew Cross Page A

have your wealth of other assets, and I’d like to discuss a unique proposition with you tonight, if that’s okay? The only condition is that if you accept, then you must promise to exercise complete discretion, and tell absolutely nobody else about it for now.’
    He placed subtle emphasis on the words ‘assets’, ‘proposition’ and ‘discretion’ as he spoke, testing the water and allowing for possible naivety. If it all backfired then she would simply assume that he was fishing for some extra-marital entertainment and turn him down flat, and then he’d walk away and choose another companion instead.
    ‘I’d very much like to hear your suggestions,’ she replied instead, and rested her slim hand on the top of his thigh underneath the desk, maintaining steady eye contact and smiling considerably less shyly now, just for him.
     
     

Chapter 30
     
    I'd not really planned it, but when I finally left Lee's place I wasn't yet in the mood to tackle Emily back at home and I soon found myself walking along Hallie's road. As her neat red brick house came into view I saw Mike and one of the boys out on the drive washing the car, Mike accidentally-on-purpose spraying the bare-chested boy with the hosepipe and then ducking out of the way as a sponge was thrown in retaliation. The scene was pleasant and peaceful, so utterly removed from my world at the moment that I briefly entertained the thought of turning back around, but then Mike looked up and spotted me, waving me over with a loud and cheery 'good morning.'
    'Hallie's just headed to the shops for milk, but she'll be back pretty soon so you've only got a couple of minutes to try to seduce me if you find yourself overcome by desire at the sight of my manly torso!'
    He hugged me tightly, grinning, and then let go to ruffle his son's wavy brown hair, sending him on his way to put the kettle on.
    'Cute as you are, I'll try to restrain myself this time for Hallie's sake.'
    I replied, starting to feel slightly more like a human being again after my late morning walk.
    'Come on, let’s go inside and I'll sort out coffee; I would suggest something stronger, but I think you already beat me to that one.'
    He turned and led the way indoors and I realised I was grateful for the chance to get back in out of the sun, since it was beginning to feel like intense dehydration looming large again.
    'Guilty as charged, Mike. Don't suppose I could get a vat of water to go with that coffee too, please?'
    I grimaced sheepishly and he nodded as he disappeared from view to organise the drinks, whistling loudly and tunelessly and clanking cups together as he did so.
    No sooner had he walked out then Hallie arrived back looking effortlessly immaculate in a cream coloured maxi dress and a sparkly headband that matched her painted finger and toenails. I found myself contemplating how you can easily go off a person.
    'Woah there! No offence Webby, but you look like you went swimming in a barrel of gin last night! What's up?'
    She handed milk to Mike when he emerged briefly at the sound of her voice and he kissed her gently as he took it from her, and then leaned over to pass me a large glass of water.
    'Thank you. I owe it all to a heavy and eventful night laden down with sister trouble.'
    She shared a look of sympathy and took a seat opposite me.
    'Want to talk about it hun?'
    'Maybe later. I actually wanted to run some ideas about the murder investigation past you while I sober up away from Emily. Sorry, I know it's not exactly the most pleasant choice of conversational matter for a social call that you'll get this week, but I don't want to go back there yet and my minds running in circles as ever. I've already been over to Lee's this morning, and he's so disgustingly fresh and cheerful that I might just have killed him if I'd stayed in his company for another minute.'
    I tried on a weak smile and she turned her body to face me properly, pulling her feet up onto the chair and crossing her legs.