Read DECOY (Kindle Single) for Free Online Page B

Kate’s was still full. There was nothing wrong with the prawn salad but she couldn’t do anything but rearrange it.
    Soon afterwards, Geoffrey munched his final chip, mopped up the last bit of gravy with the last bit of pie crust and called to the passing waitress for his bill. It came, he paid, he put his book inside his briefcase, he got up and left. He walked past Kate’s table without as much as a glance.
    Kate sat there alone with her prawn salad. The word that kept coming back to her was shit . Shit, shit, shitshitshit. Talk about a screw-up. Talk about inexperience. There she’d been, thinking how easy this was going to be. Money for old rope. ‘Some jobs aren’t as straightforward as you think they’re going to be.’ Megan had warned her on the phone.
    No kidding.
    There was no way she could go back to Julie Hawkins with such flimsy evidence. Nor could she think of a way to try again. What was she supposed to do, follow the guy? Hang around his shop, hoping he wouldn’t recognise her and twig what was happening or take her for some kind of loony stalker and call the police?
    Kate realised that she’d have to abandon the case. That was seven hundred and fifty pounds she’d paid into the bank that morning that she’d now have to withdraw and return to the client. Three-quarters of a grand that wouldn’t be going towards Charlie’s treatment.
    The prawn salad was looking even less appetising now. Kate finished the mineral water, then asked for the bill and left.
    She felt defeated and morose as she walked out to the car park. The silver Porsche had gone. She was approaching the Nissan, getting out her keys, when she suddenly noticed that the big black Mercedes was still there.
    And that Geoffrey Hawkins was standing next to it. Looking at her.
     

Seven
    Kate froze rigid and stared back at him. Before she could move or speak, he was walking over towards her. Alarm flashed through her mind. Why was he waiting for her? Had he sussed her out? Was she that obvious? Had his wife gone and spilled the beans?
    But as he approached, Kate saw there was a softer look in his eyes. He smiled. ‘Please excuse me. I hope I didn’t frighten you. You see, I wanted to apologise. For before, I mean. I was terribly rude to you.’
    ‘No—’
    He raised a hand. ‘Really, I was, and I can’t apologise enough. I’ve had rather a stressful day, and I took it out on you. No excuses. I only hope you can forgive my behaviour.’
    Kate realised that this was the second chance she’d thought she would never get. The lost seven hundred and fifty pounds mentally reappeared in her bank account with a little ‘ ping! ’. ‘Not at all,’ she replied, giving him the warmest smile she could manage. ‘It’s me who should be apologising for breaking in on you like that. Just that when I saw your book, I thought—’
    ‘You thought right, actually. As it happens, I am in the antiques trade. If I can help, or advise in any way, I’d be delighted. If you still want me to, that is.’ He stuck out his hand. ‘My name’s Geoffrey. Geoffrey Hawkins.’
    ‘I’m Helen, Kate said, shaking hands. ‘Helen Brown. And yes, of course I’d appreciate any help I can get. Thank you so much.’
    ‘It’s the least I can do.’ He hesitated. ‘Look, I know it’s late, but if you wanted to see some furniture and if you have time, I could even take you to my showroom.’
    ‘You mean right now?’ she asked, smiling. Bingo.
    ‘If you like. It’s not far from here. You could follow me in your car.’
    ‘That would be perfect for me. The sooner I don’t have to live in an empty cottage, the better.’
    ‘I hope you don’t think I’m giving you the hard sell. No obligation. You might get some ideas from looking at my stock. In any case, I have items to suit all budgets.’
    ‘That sounds wonderful,’ she said. If only you knew.
    She still could hardly believe her luck as she followed the Mercedes out of the Signet Inn’s car park.