Page 142 of Hold On

“Playmobil figures. I’m the good-looking one.”

“They’re identical apart from the helmet.”

“Humph. Remember that tree you nearly hit?”

Dominic kissed him. “I do. Oak tree not a fir tree, and maybe the grass wasn’t quite so lush, but still… It looks great, Ren. Lucrative career here if the other thing doesn’t turn out.”

“That was definitely sarcasm.”

“I love it. I really do. No one…” Dominic had to swallow hard. “No one has ever made me a cake before.”

“Take a picture.”

Dominic took one.

“Just in case it looks better than it tastes. You never know. Anyway, this is the other surprise. Have it before you try the cake.” Ren handed him a plain A4 envelope.

Dominic lifted the flap and pulled out a letter. It was from the Ministry of Justice. He sucked in a breath and staggered. The letter fell from his fingers.

“No, no, it’s good, not bad.” Ren picked up the letter. “Come and sit down.” He guided him over to the couch. “I’ll read it to you.”

Dominic’s head was buzzing too loud for him to be able to take in anything. He’d agreed to let Ren give a copy of his conversation with Kilic to a friend in the Met. Not that it could be used as evidence of anything, but Ren had persuaded someone that an investigation should be launched into the murder of Adem Kilic.

“Sturdy confessed,” Ren said. “Are you listening? So did the two prisoners who lied about the knife being yours. The guard who sided with them has been dismissed and will be prosecuted.”

“How?” Dominic whispered.

“Does it matter? New evidence cast doubt on the verdict. Adem’s DNA was found under the wrapping on the knife handle. He made it. Not you. It’s been declared a miscarriage of justice.”

There was something blocking Dominic’s throat and he was having trouble breathing.

“Miran Kilic?” he managed to ask. “Is he going to be a problem again?” Kilic had been the reason Ren had to talk Dominic into appealing. Dominic hadn’t seen the point in poking that nest of hornets.

“No. There’s been no link proven between the family and anyone else.”

“But there is a link.”

“We all know that, but you’re safe.”

Dominic wondered if he’d ever feel that. At least the Georgians had all put in guilty pleas so there would be no court case for him and Ren to attend. Ren had told him they’d all get life.

“Levan will never get out,” Ren said.

“Reading my mind again?”

“I suspect he might not survive for long.”

“Why?”

“Once he’s been bled of information, word might well get out about how helpful he’s been. Or maybe relatives of the guys he killed could be transferred into his prison. There are lots of ways he might get what he deserves.”

“I was surprised Levan didn’t want his day in court.”

“He didn’t want people to think he’d been cooperating. But that won’t save him from rumours.”

“You think he’ll be killed?”

“Yes.” Ren snuggled up against him. “Everything’s fine. Levan is done. If Kilic had wanted to do something, he’d have done it. He won’t. And you’re in line for compensation. Ten years you shouldn’t have spent inside. A lot of money, Dominic. It could never be enough but it’s something, right?”

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