Page 61 of The Temp

‘Anyone can rustle up a basic DNA report using a template online.’

‘I don’t believe this.’ Tom picks up his phone, jabs at the screen, then holds it out to me. I pinch the screen and start reading.

From: @alphaomegadna.com

To: Tom Harris. Ref: TM789126 Report.

Dear Mr Harris, further to your request, please find enclosed a copy of your recent DNA test report. I scan the report – the exact copy he showed me. He’s not lying.

‘Satisfied?’ I don’t answer. A plate smashes from the depths of the cafe. A few people cheer. A tall, slim waitress with chocolate skin rushes past our table. ‘Look, if there’s nothing else. I’ve got work to do.’ Tom gulps half of his drink in one, complains that it’s tepid and costs a fortune.

‘Can’t you stay a while longer? We need to talk. Things between us are…’

‘Sorry, no,’ he says, ‘not when you’re like this.’ A pause and then. ‘I wonder what Georgia would make of it all.’

‘What do you mean?’ Surely, he’s not threatening to tell her I tricked her into taking a swab for DNA testing.

‘We’ll talk later, Bella.’ And with another final gulp, he’s gone.

I watch in a daze as Tom’s swallowed into the crowd. The DNA report might be genuine, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t kill Liam. I take a sip of coffee, wondering if I’ve been sharing a roof with a killer, when my phone starts ringing.

‘Linda,’ I sigh, pushing a hand through my hair. ‘You won’t believe what a morning…’

‘I’ve got news,’ she cuts across me, breathlessly. ‘Liam’s story has been updated.’

‘And?’ I’m on the edge of my seat.

‘He wasn’t murdered, after all. The coroner’s report says it was drug-induced.’

Chapter 56

Zelda launches herself at me the moment I walk through the door. I had her on loudspeaker on the journey home, told her how I’d falsely accused Tom of murdering Liam and if my marriage wasn’t in trouble before, it is now. ‘I received another email from killingsteve1984,’ I say now.

‘What did it say?’

Pulling out my phone, I locate the message and start reading out loud. ‘Are you satisfied now, you heartless cow? This isn’t over by a long shot. I’d sleep with one eye open if I were you. F.’

‘Bloody bastard,’ Zelda seethes. ‘That’s a threat. We should inform the police, not that they’ll do anything about it. Hang on a minute, you need to see this.’ Zelda scrolls through her phone and then holds up a photograph. ‘It came though just as you left.’ I peer at the screen. It’s of a man’s hairy arm.

‘What’s this?’ I say, shrugging out of my coat. ‘A new fetish?’

‘Look at the bigger picture.’

‘Oh, blue skies. Lovely.’ I hang my coat on the hook as Zelda goes on about looking at what’s in plain sight. Taking the phone from her hand, I pinch the screen and then every hair on my body stands on end. On his wrist is an expensive looking watch with a green face and emerald green leather strap. In his hand, a Starbucks cup with the initial F written in a black felt-tip pen. I read the message beneath it – Hasta la vista. ‘So, he has done a runner,’ I mutter.

‘I phoned the police, forwarded the photo. DC Pernice said the case was now closed but to contact them if he made a threat. Well, he’s just threatened you.’

Over a late breakfast of freshly made croissants and coffee, we agree to park the Frank story. I’ve no proof that KillingSteve1984 is Frank, so going to the police would be futile.

‘How did you leave it with Tom, then?’

I rub the back of my neck. ‘I tried phoning after Linda gave me the update on Liam, but he wouldn’t pick up. I’m such a shit wife.’

‘To be fair, he did lie to you about Daisy. I mean, bribing her with a job to keep quiet.’ Zelda shakes her head. ‘That would really freak me out.’

‘I suppose,’ I say, ‘but he had good reason.’

Zelda chews, shrugs her left shoulder, and then her phone lights up next to her. She picks it up and frowns at the screen, then rolls her eyes. ‘Chris.’

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