Page 41 of Between the Lies

Robert knew it and ignored it. They weren’t engaged in any criminal activities, and he wasn’t a cop at the moment. Besides, Billy was trying to make the best of what life had thrown at him. And on principle, Robert refused to upend the livelihoods of people like him.

His perusal finished, Billy waved towards the back of the pub. ‘Too many eager ears here.’

They headed around the bar and through another doorway. Robert’s shoulders once again bumped the doorframes, but he focused on the area around them. He’d never been back here before.

Billy had led them into a small alcove that doubled as his office space and locker room. Bags sat against a wall, and coats hung on rungs. There was just enough space for the three of them. A table had been shoved against the wall, and the room had one chair.

‘It’s not much. This area is just for me and the lads… um, my employees, I mean,’ Billy said, shoving his hands into his pockets.

It wasn’t much better than the bar area, though pinned to the wall above the desk was a child’s painting. It said, ‘To daddy,’ in stocky, block letters.

Robert leaned against the doorway. He could hear the murmurs in the main bar resume once again.

‘Daisy said she met with you,’ Billy said. ‘I told her I’d ask around for you.’

Robert jerked his chin towards Nina, who was standing in the middle of the room, as if unsure what to do with herself. ‘We need some information. Harish Shah. He owns or rather owned, a nightclub. Have you heard of him?’

Judging by the narrowing of Billy’s eyes, Robert’s hunch had been spot on.

‘That bastard,’ Billy muttered. ‘Do I know him? Like I know a dead rat when I see one.’

Nina’s sharp inhale reverberated through the room. ‘What do you mean?’

Billy crossed his arms. ‘I heard it was his nightclub that caught on fire. It was the same night your wife died, wasn’t it? And I knew I needed to ask around. Heard nothing different than the usual. But Shah is a sleaze. Most people who steal do it to provide for their families, make ends meet, or because the drink or the drugs eats away at them…’

The man paused, his eyes haunted. Robert wanted to reach out to Billy. Once, over a pint after a late shift, Billy had told Robert of his own struggles with drugs. And Robert respected Billy for all that he’d overcome.

‘Shah is a thief?’ Robert asked, hoping to pull Billy from his thoughts.

Billy’s eyes regained that shine. ‘Aye, he’s an absolute arsehole. He’s rolling in it. Doesn’t look like it; he looks like he could be on the streets. And that club of his… He walks around like he’s one of us, but hell, he has too much money. And he does it for the kicks – encouraging young boys to do drugs, drink, or allowing young girls to sell their bodies. I’d spit in his face if I ever met the man.’

Nina crossed her arms. ‘So you haven’t actually met him?’

‘I’ve heard of him, and his lot.’ Billy tapped his nose. ‘And my folks don’t lie. My pub might not be much, but if a client comes here stoned or drunk when they should be at work, I take them.’ Billy pointed at Robert. ‘Take them to the folks Rob told me about.’

Nina’s hair swayed when she snapped her head towards him, lips pressed tight, eyes narrowed.

Robert shrugged. ‘It’s a charity for the homeless, and they also have an extensive rehab program.’

‘What did I say about good people?’ Billy stabbed a finger at Robert again. ‘He’s a catch. Shah on the other hand… Word on the street is he set his place on fire on purpose for the insurance money.’

A cold shiver zinged down Robert’s spine. He stared at Nina. Shah had told them Nina was the one responsible for the fire. And according to Nina, Shah had chased after her too…

But Shah had motive to set that fire. Could he have accidentally killed Anne? Robert tried to suck in air, but his lungs wouldn’t work.

A man – Nina had killed her male colleague…

His ears pounded, as if someone was smacking a hammer against them. Robert pushed off the wall. He had to get out – now. His legs carried him out of that tight space, straight through the dingy pub and into the cold air.

He gasped, trying to swallow the freezing air. Oh God, oh good God, had he truly been so wrong?

CHAPTERTWENTY

Nina tugged at her hair and shot Robert a glance. The man kept surprising her at every turn, whether it was asking her out for a drink or accusing her of setting fire to the nightclub.

That afternoon, Billy had painted yet another picture of Robert, a very believable picture. Hell, the man had let her cry on his shoulder after she’d confessed to a murder.

Once again she snuck a look. The more time she spent with him, the more she… started to feel something for him.

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