Page 91 of The Last One to See Him

Rowan waits a moment then rushes to the table. ‘What the hell are you playing at?’ he hisses. ‘You can’t be here. This has gone too far now. I’m calling the police.’ He reaches into his pocket for his phone, but Kate springs up and grabs it, shoving it in the inside pocket of her coat.

‘Kate, I’m going to need my phone back, okay? Just hand it back to me and we can talk. I promise.’

Kate stares at him for a moment, acknowledging the fear in his eyes; Rowan doesn’t know what she’s capable of. He doesn’t trust her.

And he’s right not to.

Kate pulls out the kitchen knife that’s been in her pocket since she left Harper’s house, and stares at the blade.

Rowan backs away, glancing at the closed kitchen door. But Daniella warmed to Kate, she can tell, so Kate’s confident she’s in another part of the house. ‘Kate, what are you doing? Please, I’m truly sorry for what’s happened to you, but this isn’t the answer. Please give me the knife. Or just put it down on the table, and we can talk.

Kate moves closer towards him, relishing the fear in his eyes; it fuels her. ‘Sit down, Rowan. And don’t think for one second that I’m going anywhere.’

FORTY

ONE YEAR AGO

Today’s session with Rowan was heavy going, and Kate feels as though he’s delved deeper than ever. It’s terrifying to think that she might say the wrong thing, and that the truth about Mona will come out, so she keeps any mention of Graham White vague. Mona’s threat all those years ago still haunts Kate.

She’s never been a big drinker, so hasn’t paid much attention to the bar down the road from Rowan’s practice, but this evening she’s drawn to it. There’s a book in her bag she’s been meaning to read but never seems to have the chance. Kate steps inside, relieved to find it fairly empty, and heads to the bar.

Kate orders a gin and tonic from a female bartender with tattoos covering most of her skin, then finds a booth in the corner and takes out her book, losing herself in the words, pushing from her mind how strangely Ellis has been acting over the last few weeks. He’s still there for Thomas, and for Kate if she needs any help around the house, but there’s a vacant expression in his eyes when he looks at her, as if he’s checked out of their marriage. It’s as if there’s a glass partition between them, allowing them to see each other but never quite reach each other.

‘Hello.’

Kate looks up to see Rowan Hess smiling at her.

‘Oh, hi.’ Her cheeks flush. She’s never seen Rowan outside of his office and she feels embarrassed. As if he’s caught her doing something she shouldn’t be. ‘I don’t normally come in here,’ she explains. ‘Just fancied a quick drink before I go home.’

Rowan holds up his hand. ‘No need to explain anything to me. You have every right to go to any pub you wish. None of anyone’s business.’ He smiles.

‘I don’t normally drink alone,’ Kate says.

‘Ido.’ He laughs. ‘Nothing wrong with that after a long day. And I know I pushed you today.’

Kate shrugs. ‘Guess that’s what I’m paying you for.’

He nods. ‘Anyway, you’re not drinking alone.’ He gestures to her book.

‘Oh… right.’

‘We’re never alone when we’ve got a good book, are we?’

‘Well, I’m not far enough in to make that judgement yet, but I’ll let you know.’

Rowan laughs. ‘Well, I’m off to order a nice pint and read what’s happening in the news. See you next week, Kate.’

He turns to head to the bar.

‘Wait!’ Kate calls.

Rowan stops and turns back, raising his eyebrows.

‘Seems silly both of us sitting on our own. Would you like to join me?’ Kate’s boldness takes her by surprise, and she can only imagine what Rowan will think of it. There’s no way he’ll sit and have a drink with her.

There’s a flicker of hesitation, and Kate prepares herself for his rejections, but then Rowan shrugs. ‘Why not?’ he says, taking off his coat and placing it over the back of the chair opposite Kate. ‘Back in a moment.’

While he heads to the bar, flutters of excitement explode in Kate’s stomach.Did Rowan Hess just agree to have a drink with me?This can’t be appropriate, but Kate doesn’t care. She’s done with being the good girl – always doing the right thing. Look where that’s got her so far. If she wants to have a drink with her therapist, then she can. It doesn’t have to mean anything. But if Kate’s honest with herself, she does find Rowan attractive; he’s not conventionally good-looking, but his aura is powerful and she finds that intoxicating. Even more so now that he’s agreed to have a drink with her.

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