Page 30 of The Unseen
“Yes, I’ll call you when I’m ready. Give my regards to Jude. I hope he’s well.”
“As well as can be expected. He’s signed on with a methadone program, but it’s very easy to revert to old habits, especially in the music business, where drugs are a way of life.”
“I’m sorry, Sylvia. It must be difficult for you to see your baby try to self-destruct and not be able to stop him.”
“You’ve no idea. Enjoy him while he’s tiny,” Sylvia said, smiling down at Alex. “Motherhood can be the most heartbreaking thing to ever happen to you.”
Quinn walked Sylvia to the door and allowed her mother to kiss her cheek.
“I’m really proud of you, Quinn, for what it’s worth. You’re everything I never was or ever will be. You’re a star.”
“Thank you. That’s high praise.”
“It’s how I feel. I will love you always, no matter what happens.”
Quinn closed the door behind Sylvia and returned to the living room, where she scooped Alex up off the play mat and held him close. “I love you so much,” she whispered into the baby’s downy curls. “I will never let you down, I promise, and I will stand by you no matter what. You hear? No matter what.”
She held the baby so tight, he let out a whimper of protest, alerting her that she was hurting him. Quinn kissed him again and returned him to the play mat, her eyes full of tears.
SIXTEEN
Quinn felt a flurry of excitement as she headed toward FreeState Coffee. This time Alex had remained at home with Gabe, sleeping peacefully when she left. It felt good to be out on her own, and she walked along at a brisk pace in an effort to keep the winter chill at bay. London was glittering in the afternoon sunshine, its urban sophistication softened by the magical touch of Christmas decorations. Christmas was just two weeks away, and everyone seemed happier, more excited, and more purposeful as they went about their day. Several women carrying colorful shopping bags passed Quinn, laughing and talking, their cheeks rosy with cold. The pubs were full, still serving the lunch crowd, and several people smiled at her for no reason other than they were in a festive mood.
Quinn was filled with anticipation as she approached the coffee shop. Drew had said he had something to share with her and Logan, and regardless of what news he had to impart, she planned to take a few hours after their meeting and go Christmas shopping. She’d already ordered several things online, but she wanted to experience the pleasure of buying gifts for the people she loved in person, and she wouldn’t be filling their gift boxes with pajamas and socks. The gifts would be personal and special, something to really put smiles on their faces. And this year, she’d be buying more than ever. There’d be presents for Logan and Jude, a little something for Colin, gifts for Seth and Kathy, a present for Rhys, and even a gift for Sylvia. And of course, there’d be gifts for her parents, Phoebe, and Jill. She’d feel like a right old Father Christmas.
Quinn pushed open the door and entered the warm, fragrant café. There were few empty tables, but she managed to snag one and ordered herself a decaffeinated cappuccino and a chocolate croissant. She felt the urge to indulge. The baby weight was far from gone, but she had a craving for something decadent.
Logan arrived a few minutes after Quinn. His normally spiky hair was nicely combed and he sported what he referred to as “designer stubble.” “Sorry, was running late this morning and didn’t have time for the beauty routine,” he explained. “Overslept.”
“Right. Did Colin oversleep as well?” Quinn asked, grinning at Logan. She knew only too well what usually led to Gabe “oversleeping.”
“He did, rather,” Logan admitted. “But his patients don’t mind waiting, being dead and all.”
“Always an advantage.”
“Do you think Drew’s found Quentin?” Logan asked as he unwound his scarf and settled into a chair.
“He’d have told us, I think. This is more of a status report.”
“Better than nothing, I suppose.”
“We’re about to find out,” Quinn replied as she spotted Drew Camden passing the café window and opening the door.
Drew lumbered into the café and headed straight for their table. He wore a plaid scarf in green and red and a charcoal-gray wool coat that made him look more like a corporate executive than an ex-copper.
“Good afternoon,” he said as he took the outside chair and sat down, stretching his damaged leg before him. “I love this weather. Very bracing.”
“Indeed,” Logan replied with a smile. “Love freezing my bollocks off. There’s nothing like it.”
“Dress warmer,” Drew suggested, glancing at the short black leather jacket slung over Logan’s chair.
“Have you been able to discover anything?” Quinn asked, eager to get to the point. She’d waited a long time to learn something about Quentin, and she didn’t want to waste time on pointless banter.
“Not much, but I thought I’d give you a progress report nonetheless. I know how anxious you two are.”
“Go on then,” Logan invited.
“I had a relatively productive day in Leicester. I began with Karen Crawford.”
