Page 40 of Read Between The Lines

‘I’m fine. Again.’ I paused. ‘But thanks for that.’

‘It’s no big deal,’ he said.

Given that I’d been in the middle of bawling him out for intervening and blowing up our investigation at the Single Mingle, I was grateful that he’d not let it stop him noticing my apprehension at the appearance of the drunk and acting on it. But it was important that I made clear the difference in the two situations.

‘Seriously though, I could have handled Marc back in the bar. He was sleazy and definitely a creep, but what could he really do? It wasn’t like he could jump me right then and there. We were surrounded by people.’

‘People who were actively looking away from what was happening right in front of them.’

Leo had a point, although I didn’t want to admit it out loud.

‘Look, it’s been a long evening. I’m tired and I think it’s probably time for me to head home,’ I said.

‘Good plan,’ he said. ‘The city centre’s only going to get more feral as the evening goes on.’

‘See you later, then.’ I gave a little half wave and turned to walk to the bike rack, glad to clock that there was no sign of Gavin and Robin carrying out surveillance from its shadows. Hopefully that meant they were now safely tucked up at the dog-friendly hostel.

Leo fell into step beside me.

‘Don’t worry, you don’t need to see me home. I left my bike here after work so I could get back more easily tonight. See, I thought of everything.’ I omitted the fact that I’d forgotten to bring my bike lights, so I’d be pushing it home, rather than riding it.

He frowned. ‘You don’t have to talk to me, if you don’t want to. But I would prefer to make sure you get back safely. Let’s say it’s for my peace of mind, if that’s an easier pill for you to swallow.’

There was an edge to his voice. I figured it was the influence of his previous career coming to the fore again.

‘I do appreciate the thought, but I managed to get around the city perfectly fine by myself before you came into my life, and I’m sure I’ll do the same after we’ve both moved on.’

I knew I was coming across as rude, but he was still setting me off balance and the only way I could think to deal with it was to get on the offensive.

‘I don’t doubt it for a second. Call me old-fashioned, but I can’t rest easy if I see a friend marching off into the darkness alone, particularly after they’ve had a bit of a rough night, even if they’re doing their best to pretend that everything is “just fine”.’

His imitation of my speech was uncannily accurate, and despite myself, I smiled. Time to give in graciously.

‘Then, thank you. I appreciate your concern. It’s good to be able to walk home with a friend.’

I hoped he didn’t notice my slight stumble before I said ‘friend’. It felt weird using that term for him. We were investigation partners. Our relationship was meant to be entirely professional, each of us assisting the other towards their desired goal. It was important that the lines didn’t get blurred in any way. Once again, I stamped down on the strange stirrings of a very different kind of feeling towards him. ‘Friend’ didn’t quite fit in that scenario either, but it was definitely a much safer term than any other, and safe was sensible. I had learned that lesson the hard way.

‘Where’s your bike? Or rather, where on the rack was it? I know they have a habit of disappearing in this town.’ Leo thankfully seemed oblivious of my internal dilemma, and I welcomed the change of topic.

‘Tell me about it. Someone once told me that the bikes in Oxford get stolen to order and sold off in Cambridge, and vice versa. You’d probably know all about that, being in CID, although maybe you were dealing with much more serious stuff. Anyway, the combination of hardcore locks on both front and back wheels, and Betty being the most basic of bikes, has managed to put the thieves off so far, touch wood.’

I tapped the side of my head.

‘Of course, you’d give your bike a name,’ said Leo with a laugh.

‘It’s probably a bad idea. If she ever does get nicked, I’ll be devastated.’

Thankfully, Betty was still securely locked where I’d left her, and, even better, my helmet was still attached too and didn’t contain someone’s leftover kebab, which had once happened.

‘May I?’ asked Leo. ‘Please note that I’m not suggesting you’re incapable of unlocking your own bike, but given the vulnerability of yellow dress fabric and the potential risk of oily marks…’

‘In for a penny, in for a pound,’ I said. ‘On this occasion, I will play the helpless female and graciously accept your offer of assistance.’

‘There’s nothing helpless about you, Kat Fisher.’

‘And nothing gracious, either?’ I got in there first before he could.

Leo laughed. ‘There’s never a dull moment when you’re around, I’ll give you that.’

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