Page 24 of Burn for Me
He leaned forward to place the gentlest of kisses on her forehead. Getting to his feet, Gray turned to Kitty’s mother. “Mrs Spence, it’s been a pleasure. I’m just sorry we couldn’t meet under better circumstances.”
“Darling, the pleasure was all mine,” Elenore replied mysteriously.
“Walk me out?” He turned to Kitty, holding out a hand.
Placing her hand in his, she got to her feet. “I’ll be right back, Mom,” she said, speaking over her shoulder as she walked with him to the front door.
Turning to take her into his arms, Gray said, “Kitty, I don’t want to scare you. You’ve had enough of a crappy day as it is, but I’ve got a really uncomfortable feeling about this one. Will you do me a favour and stay indoors this evening? Please?”
Swallowing, she nodded. “Okay. I’ll ask Mom to stay for supper. We can make dinner together and catch something on the box.”
“Thank you, honey. I feel better knowing you’ll stay here and that you won’t be alone. We’ll talk later.”
Pulling her in closer, he laid his lips on hers. Sliding his tongue along her bottom lip, he silently asked entry. Opening to him, she let herself sink into the kiss, pushing everything else from her mind. Finally, with regret, he pulled back. “I have to go.”
Kitty opened the door for him. “Bye, Gray. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Yep. Later, babe.” Gray waved as he headed for the stairs.
* * *
Gray’s plans tostart combing through the evidence gathered at Decadence were interrupted as he walked into the fire station. Standing talking to a colleague, the station commander called him over when he spotted him.
“Gray, you got a minute?”
“Sure, Chief. What’s on your mind?”
“Come on up to my office. I wanted to chat to you about the Kloofnek fires, son.”
Excusing himself, Chief Mattison led the way to the stairs.
“Grab a cup of coffee, if you want, and meet me in my office,” Mattison said as they reached the landing.
“Yes, sir. Can I get you anything while I’m busy?”
“My usual, thanks.” The other man smiled his appreciation as he entered his office.
Carrying the two mugs of steaming coffee, Gray entered the chief’s domain. Nodding his thanks, Mattison indicated for Gray to take a seat.
“We’ve not had a chance to talk about the Kloofnek case in the last few days. Any progress you can report?”
“Nothing further since our last meeting, sir. I’ve processed the scene of yesterday morning’s fire, and I was just on my way to start analysing the evidence I found this morning. We got lucky for the first time since the fires started. The perp left some evidence behind this time. I just need to see if it can be salvaged. and if there’s anything useful to extract from it. I’m hoping to have something more positive to report back to you soon, Chief.”
“Good, good. Well then, I won’t keep you. The higher ups are getting a little nervous about this one since it’s so close to our national elections. I don’t need to tell you the pressure’s on.”
“No, sir. I’m fully aware. And I’m working flat-out. I’ll get it solved.”
“I know you will. You’re the best damn investigator I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I just need you to work your magic as quickly as possible.”
“Yes, sir. I’m on it.”
“Let me know what you find.”
“Yes, sir.” Gray knew he was being politely dismissed. Gathering up the empty mugs, he stood. “I’ll get to it then.”
Nodding, Chief Mattison said no more.
Baggingsamples to send to the lab, Gray eyed the desk phone sourly as it rang across the room. He hated being interrupted when he was processing evidence. He always worried the distraction would cause him to miss something. Putting the bag in his hand down on the table where he stood, the phone stopped ringing. “If it’s important, they can phone back,”he muttered to himself.
