Chapter 41
Chapter forty-one
Monday was exactly as one would expect a first Monday back at work after a week off. Rosa was flat out all morning with errands and research for Roger.
“I need to know how long it would take to strangle someone. Does size make a difference?” he’d said, before heading back into his office and closing the door.
She’d made an enquiry with a local pathologist and medical expert, Dr Tristan Barnard, before she’d left for Austria.
Rosa figured making that kind of request would be a lot easier than having to trawl through Google and research books.
There was a reply in her inbox stating he’d be happy to help, but his only availability was Thursday—and only if somebody didn’t die.
She wasn’t sure if that was humour or an actual warning, so she put it down to both and replied she would be there.
When her phone rang just after lunch, she didn’t expect it to be Imogen.
“Imogen? What’s wrong?” she said. Her jaw tightened and her fingers flexed against the desk, ready to propel herself out of her chair and into her car the moment Imogen said she was needed.
“Nothing, I just wanted to tell you that I’m going to Robbie’s after school. We’ve just been given a huge project and we want to get started on it.”
“What about dinner?”
“I’ll grab something, it’s fine. Georgia will probably cook for us.”
“We spoke about that, Immy.”
“I know, but you feed Robbie when she comes over—it’s no different,” Imogen said in that way only teenagers could—part annoyed, part you’re-the-best-mum-ever for caring.
“Okay, so I’ll pick you up at 6.40—”
“No need. Robbie wants to try her hand at guitar, so Pippa’s going to take us both and speak to Garth about lessons for Robbie. She’s already called him, and he’s happy to let Robbie and Pippa sit in on my lessons.”
“Right, so you just need picking up then?”
“I guess.” Someone said something in the background, and then Imogen said, “Robbie says she’ll get Pippa to drop me off.”
“Okay, then. I’ll see you tonight.”
And then Imogen was gone. For a moment, Rosa dwelt on it—her daughter was growing up, no longer needing her the way she used to—and then she had another thought...
She pressed the buttons and dialled the number.
“Billy Fisk,” the voice said on the other end. “How can I help you?”
Rosa chuckled. “Are you free later…I mean, earlier than we planned?”
“If I wasn’t, I’d make myself free,” Billy answered. “What’s going on?”
Rosa sighed. “Our daughter doesn’t require my services this evening, which means I’m free from about five.”
“Eager. I like it,” Billy said. “Okay, technically I finish work at five, but I can be home by…” There was a pause as she considered. “Quarter past. I just need a shower and change—”
“Hold that thought,” Rosa said, feeling suddenly aroused.
“You want to join me?” Billy said slowly, a little seductively. Rosa felt it hit her hard and ripple through her nervous system.
“I…yes, I think…yes, yes, I do,” she said, with more conviction as she finished.
“Okay, then. Well, I look forward to it. It’s always good to know in advance what to expect.”
Rosa chuckled. “Are you pretending that I’m a client?”
“Absolutely,” Billy said. “You know how much I like to make sure we’re all on the same page.”
“Well, then I look forward to you flicking through my pages later…and Billy?”
“Uh huh?”
“Make sure you have access to all of your—”
A gentle cough from behind made Rosa sit up straight.
“Yes, that would be perfect,” Rosa said, ending the call with Billy’s laughter still in her ear.
“Sorry to interrupt, Rosa, I can’t find that file you gave me on garrotting. Would you be able to print it again?” Roger asked, ruffling his beard with his pudgy fingers.
“Of course, I’ll bring it in in a jiffy.”