Page 73 of She Saw What He Did

‘What? But …’ began Graham.

They watched as Peter marched from the pub, bumping into a couple as they entered.

‘What’s up with him these days?’ Cheryl huffed.

‘Missing Ellen, I reckon,’ said Graham. ‘She’s off to Porthaven a lot.’

‘At least she’s doing her job,’ said Roy, nodding over to Ryan who sat at a table in the corner nursing a whisky.

‘What else is he supposed to do here?’ asked Graham. ‘It’s a bloody boring job if you ask me.’

‘They could catch a murderer for a start,’ quipped Cheryl.

‘Alright, Ryan?’ Graham called.

Ryan lifted his head and smiled.

‘Yeah, thanks Graham. A bit tired, you know.’

Cheryl made a tutting sound.

‘Tired my arse,’ she muttered. ‘Tired doing what?’

‘Give it a rest,’ said Graham.

‘He’s giving it a rest alright,’ complained Cheryl.

She’d be relieved when they’ve caught the murderer.

Chapter Forty-Five

Weis pulled the chair back for Ellen and waited before sitting opposite her.

‘It’s very nice here,’ she said, glancing around. The restaurant was full. A group of girls on a hen night at a nearby table collapsed into helpless giggles. Ellen smiled. The noise level was high, but it didn’t bother Ellen. In fact she rather liked it.

‘By nice you mean expensive,’ chuckled Weis.

‘Yes,’ she smiled, looking down at the menu.

‘It’s on expenses,’ he grinned.

‘We don’t have expenses on the islands,’ said Ellen.

She was feeling very guilty even though she knew she had no reason to. It was stupid, she knew that. All she wanted was a proper job in the police force and not one where there was barely policing at all. She’d felt more alive the past few days than she had the past three years. She couldn’t understand why Peter didn’t get it. Would it be so awful for him to come to Porthaven, she wondered? After all, there were plenty of hotels there that he could work in.

‘A penny for them?’ asked Weis.

‘Oh, I was thinking about Peter,’ she said truthfully, accepting the wine that was offered by the waiter.

‘Is this connected to the job at Porthaven?’ Weis asked.

She nodded.

‘I’d like to apply,’ she said honestly. ‘I’m not sure Peter would be happy about it.’

‘I’d like you to apply,’ he said. ‘For selfish reasons, I have to admit.’

Ellen bowed her head. She didn’t want him to see the pleasure written on her face. She studied the menu, chose the beef bourguignon and said,

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