Blood Loss by Kerena Swan

Author:Kerena Swan [Swan, Kerena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hobeck Books
Published: 2021-03-19T22:00:00+00:00

Despite his growing hunger and the unused three-hour parking ticket, Paton decided to go straight to Salford. The Castlefield café was too busy and he didn’t want to waste time. He thought he could wait a bit longer to eat, but after sitting in traffic for fifteen minutes and spending another ten trying to park Paton was so hungry he could happily eat week-old leftovers.

He decided to order lunch first and try to build rapport with the waitress before asking if she knew anything. At least this café was quieter. He sat near the window and requested a ham and cheese toastie and the longed-for custard slice. The waitress was young, with round cheeks and an easy smile, and he had no trouble striking up a conversation with her. ‘This cake is delicious. I might have to find a hotel nearby so I can come back tomorrow for another one,’ he joked.

She laughed. ‘Yummy, aren’t they?’

‘Is this the only place that sells them?’ he asked, already knowing the answer. ‘I might get some for the team. It’s my turn to buy cakes.’

‘There are six other Bramwell cafés across Manchester and they all have the same cakes so you can buy them elsewhere. For now, anyway,’ she added darkly.

‘For now?’

‘The owner is selling out.’ She shifted uncomfortably, clearly regretting her indiscretion.

‘Shame. Will you keep your job?’

‘I think so. I just hope the new owners are good to work for.’ She gazed out of the window for a moment then pulled her attention back into the room. She lowered her voice. ‘Although, the last I heard the deal had come to a standstill.’

Paton was about to ask if she knew why when another customer called for his bill. She was back within minutes and Paton ordered a coffee. He put the photo of Robert Nash on the table and showed her his police ID badge. She looked startled. ‘Have you ever seen this gentleman in here?’ Paton asked.

She picked up the photo and stared at it. ‘Has he done something wrong?’

‘We’re just trying to trace someone he may have met.’

‘He came in a couple of times to see the boss. I remember because he tripped over his bag and knocked a woman’s coffee over her magazine.’ She giggled. ‘He asked me to make her another coffee, dropped a five pound note on the table and ran out of the door.’

Paton’s face fell but she smiled. ‘I thought he couldn’t face the embarrassment but he was back within five minutes with another magazine for her. They got chatting and a few days later met here again. So romantic.’ She sighed and rubbed her naked ring finger. ‘I wouldn’t mind him throwing coffee over my table. He’s very handsome.’

Not anymore. ‘Would you be able to describe the woman he met?’ Paton asked.

‘Probably.’ She lowered her voice to a whisper. ‘To be honest I was a bit envious. She was skinny – slim, I suppose is the right word – and blonde with lovely green eyes and clear skin.

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