Page 64 of Savage Redemption

“The fire started in the bedroom.”

I knew that.

“And there is no sign of any accelerant being used.”

“Which means?”

“The lack of any accelerant suggests the fire started and spread spontaneously, but I have to complete my investigation before I can be definitive.”

“Naturally. I’ll show you to the library, while Jack, here, rounds up your witnesses.” The sooner this odious little man gets on with his task, the sooner I can wave him a fond goodbye.

“So,she was telling the truth. At last.” I’ve just finished listening to Megan’s recording of the happy reunion between Rosie and San Antonio. “That sounded cosy.”

Jack’s mouth purses. He’s less than convinced. “It could be some sort of act.”

Megan shakes her head. I don’t think so. When he came round, they were pretty… physical. Lots of hugging and kissing. Long lost-lovers stuff.”

I turn to Nico. “Are you sure of your translation?”

“I reckon so, boss. He was pleased to see her, and she was frantic to know that he was okay. Some of the sound affects you can judge for yourself.”

I can indeed, and on a sickbed, too.

“Right, so they’re screwing like bunnies, or have been in the past and given the chance probably will again. And Miss Darke seems happy with the situation.”

Nathan loses his battle for self-control, despite my many warnings. “Don’t be fooled. She’s not happy. How could she be? He has some sort of a hold over her, that’s obvious.”

“Is it? Not to me, Nathan.”

“You don’t know my daughter. She wouldn’t?—”

His wife steps forward and lays her hand on his arm. “But it does seem as though she has.”

He rounds on her. “Eva, not you!”

“Nathan, I’m just trying to see things from Rosie’s point of view. She’s told us over and over that this Adan was different from the others. Maybe he was. And that translation, if anything was on the mild side.”

“You speak Spanish?” I hadn’t realised.

“And the rest,” her husband mutters. “I can’t count how many languages my wife speaks.”

“I don’t understand.”

“It’s quite simple, really. My wife has a natural gift for languages, can pick one up in a matter days. Her repertoire is vast.”

“Well, that’s useful.” I regard the academic with renewed respect. Does she want a job? “And you are inclined to believe Rosie’s latest story?”

She inclines her head. “I see no reasonnotto believe her.”

“Thank you, Professor Byrne.” I turn to her still fuming husband and inform him of my decision. I know he won’t like it, but that can’t be helped. “Nathan, I’m going to do what he wants. I’m going to let him return to Tenerife to meet with Kristian Kaminski.”

“But you can’t do that!” he protests. “What if he just disappears?”

“Firstly, let’s be clear. I can do what the fuck I like. And right now, I’m inclined to let San Antonio sort out his problems as he sees fit. If he’s telling the truth, why would I not? What does it have to do with me?”

“He’s a fucking criminal.”

I raise an eyebrow. “And?” I cast my gaze around the conference room. “The only people here who aren’t criminals are you and your lovely wife, and just possibly our esteemed doctor,though that’s probably a stretch.” I can see he’s not buying this, but I press on. I’m prepared to explain my reasons. Once. “We don’t have that final fire report yet, but it’s clear already that San Antonio had no part in starting that fire. He actually saved three of our children?—”

---