Page 79 of The Meaning Of You

I stared open-mouthed at the device, as did everyone else. “What the actual fuck?” This whole thing had suddenly taken a sharp turn into the way-too-organised-not-to-be-scary territory. I spun to Nick, who sat stock-still in his seat, face ashen.

His gaze lifted to mine and he began rubbing his palms up and down his thighs. “We have to get the rest of that notebook decoded. If they didn’t find what they wanted at the caravan—and we know they didn’t—they might think I have it with me and they’ll?—”

“Shit.” I connected the dots. “They’ll follow you here, won’t they?” A wave of panic gripped my chest and I spun to Samuel. “Should we destroy this?” I tapped the tracker.

Nick’s hand landed unseen on my thigh, the warmth of it settling my fear. “It’s a bit late for that.”

“I’ll deal with the tracker.” Samuel was using his cop voice. “So everyone needs to just take a breath and calm down.”

Jerry elbowed him none too softly. “Not helpful, babe.”

He shot her a look. “If I might be allowed to continue?”

She rolled her eyes but sat back, and Samuel looked around the table. “Nick’s right. Decoding that notebook is a priority, but you don’t need me for that. I’ll drop Jerry at Golden Oaks for her midday shift and then head back to the station and run Lachlan King and Justin Leonard through the system. I’ll take the tracker with me so they think you’re on the move, but keep the doors locked, regardless. Google every name you find in that notebook and call me with anything interesting. And I meananything.”

We all nodded, and I turned to Jerry. “Tell Shirley that something came up and I’ll visit later in the week.”

“I can do that,” Jerry agreed. “But on one condition. Sundays are slow and you’re gonna have a lot of names. Send me a few and I’ll help if I can. Many hands make light work.”

Samuel spun in his seat. “No, Jer. You need to stay out—” His mouth snapped shut at the I-fucking-dare-you look on Jerry’s face.

She cupped his cheek and smiled approvingly. “Smart man.”

A snort of amusement came from the kitchen where Nick was rinsing plates.

Samuel shot him a glare. “Got something to say?”

Jerry tugged Samuel’s arm. “We need to get going.”

Samuel grunted unhappily but swept his keys and the tracker into his hand and followed Jerry to the front door. He paused on the front step and flicked his head to where Nick was nowstacking the dishwasher. “Thanks for letting Nick stay. I’ll admit, I’m worried about all this. And I was serious when I said to keep your doors locked.”

“Nick’s a friend. It’s what you do.” I brushed it off, hoping my cheeks didn’t betray the lie that he was a lot more than that. “And I hear you. We’ll stay safe.”

Samuel’s eyes met mine and he hesitated. “You know if you and Nick?—”

“We’refriends,” I reiterated, meeting him look for look.

“What’s up?” Nick was frowning at us from the kitchen.

“Nothing.” Samuel’s gaze flicked between the two of us and he sighed. “Call if you find anything, and for fuck’s sake, take a shower.” The last was directed at Nick who promptly flipped him off.

When they were gone, I leaned against the closed door and sighed.

“You want another coffee?” Nick made his way toward me.

I shook my head. “I think I’ll take Samuel’s advice and have that shower. I’ll leave clean towels in the bathroom next to the studio, and there are plenty of spare toiletries in the drawers.”

“For overnight...guests?” Nick’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Thought you didn’t have a lot of those.” Curiosity, or something more?

I chose not to answer, because he didn’t deserve one. Instead, I continued, “Help yourself to what you need. The bedroom alongside is yours.” I pushed off the door and headed for the lounge.

“Mads?”

“What?” I snapped, turning in time to see him flinch. And I really hoped he wasn’t planning to push for that conversation he wanted because, quite frankly, I was done. My eyes prickled from lack of sleep, my brain had thrown in the towel, and my patience was hanging by a thread. I needed a break fromthe ridiculousness of the last day, and I wanted to feel clean, dammit. Was that too much to ask?

“I was, ah, wondering if you’d want to come with me... to where it happened?”

I blinked. “You mean, the accident?”

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