Page 48 of Imogen

“Nothing is going on between Ben and I,” I point out. “I just want this to be resolved.”

“Then go resolve it. Layla won’t be long, and the dishes aren’t going anywhere.”

“I thought we could enjoy a cuppa together,” I announce as I bring in her tea.

“Well, pour it in one of those to-go mugs you love. I saw one sticking out of your bag. You aren’t doing yourself any favours by sitting around here with an old hag like me.”

“You aren’t a hag. And you aren’t old,” I start.

She waves me off. “Be gone, my girl. I’m happy to sit here in my chair until Layla comes. I’ll see what movies are on the Net.”

“Netflix,” I correct.

“Net still not catching on?”

“It will never catch on,” I tease, pouring my tea into my travel mug. Once I’m done, I grab the orange juice, knowing she’ll need it for her meds. “Are you sure you don’t mind me leaving early?”

“Of course not. But I’ll expect to hear the outcome for the abandonment.”

I walk over to her chair, reaching down to press a kiss to her cheek. After, I place the glass down next to her food. “I’ll pop by as soon as I can to fill you in. We still have our chess game to finish.”

“On your way out, wake that old goat up. Teach him a lesson for keeping this old bird awake all night, and not for the right reasons.”

“I’ll get right on that,” I reply as I grab my things. “Do not attempt to clear the table. I’ll message Layla on my way out to let her know.”

“Don’t you worry about me.”

I quickly grab her medication from the side, placing the dosage next to the glass of juice. “I’ll always worry about you. Call me if Layla runs late and I’ll come straight back.”

“You deal with that wretched boy first,” she warns.

“Behave,” I call out as I reach the door.

She mutters something under her breath as I let myself out. The cold air hits me in the face as I scramble to put my coat back on.

I didn’t get much sleep last night, too busy overanalysing today and stressing myself out. I’m not as patient as my dad. He’s always been happy to wait things out, my mum the same. Whereas I can’t do that. I need things resolved. I can’t go to bed angry. I can’t leave something unfinished. I can’t wait until tomorrow,when things will look brighter.

And today, I need the police to have something.

I glance at my watch, seeing it’s eight-forty-nine. As I make my way to my car, I hope it’s not too early to get answers.

*** *** ***

I finished giving my statement about an hour ago, but the policewoman who took it told me to wait as a PC Marsden wants to have a word with me before I leave. I don’t even know a PC Marsden.

“God, you sound like Olaf,” I groan to myself. “I don’t even know a Samantha.”

“Loved that scene,” a voice announces.

I turn in the chair to see who it is. “Please forget that you heard me say that. It’s Jackson, right?”

“You should probably call me PC Marsden whilst we’re in the station,” he warns as he takes a seat. “And your secret is safe with me.”

“Good, because I would hate to tell all your work friends you watch Disney movies in your spare time.”

“Who do you think I watch them with?”

I grin. “It’s so funny to picture. Men in uniform laughing at a child’s movie.”

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