Fatal Love by Michael Patterson

Author:Michael Patterson [Patterson, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780956979896
Publisher: Crescent Books Publishing
Published: 2019-09-13T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 27

‘I’ve just received an email from Paul,’ said Mary, excitement clearly evident in her voice. It was later that evening and Tom had just arrived home.

Despite her very positive tone, all Tom could think of to say in response was, ‘Is everything okay?’

He was finding the situation very peculiar. When he was at work, and in the middle of a complex investigation, he could usually think very clearly. When, however, it came to any personal matter, but especially that of his son’s visit, that clarity of thought seemed to disappear. And it wasn’t something he felt comfortable with. Above all else, he liked to be in control of his own emotions. All through his adult life he had seen this as a strength. Just lately, though, he had found himself becoming more emotional, in both his thoughts and, occasionally, his words. He didn’t know if this was due to his age, meeting Mary or the impending visit of his son and unknown family. What was clear, however, was that the visit had heightened those feelings.

‘Everything is fine,’ she answered. ‘Don’t worry. He hasn’t changed his mind.’ She gave a slight laugh. ‘He’s just updating me. Apparently they have packed and are just waiting for a taxi to take them to the airport. Providing their plane is not delayed, they should be in the air in about five hours’ time and are due to land at terminal 4 at about 10 pm, the day after tomorrow.’ She fell silent, giving him the opportunity to respond. When he didn’t immediately do so, she asked, ‘Do you think we should meet them at the airport or wait until later in the day?’

He hadn’t really given any serious thought to this, although, as Mary said it, he realised it was a sensible and practical question. ‘I think we should meet them later. They will be tired, especially the children, after such a long trip, and by the time they’ve cleared passport control and retrieved their luggage it will be very late. I think we should arrange to meet them at their hotel after they’ve had some rest. Anyway, I’m not sure that Heathrow’s terminal 4 is the best place to be reunited with a son who you haven’t seen for almost thirty years, and grandchildren you never even knew you had, let alone met.’

Mary smiled at him. ‘You’re not trying to put this off, are you?’

In truth, he didn’t really know. Certainly what he had said was true, but, deep down, perhaps there were other reasons. ‘No,’ he replied. ‘I think it will be better for all of us if we meet later at their hotel.’ He suddenly had a thought. ‘Is that what Paul suggested? That we meet at the airport?’

‘No,’ she quickly answered. ‘We left it open. He’ll text me when they are in the UK, so we can then agree when to meet.’ Suddenly she seemed to think of something else. ‘Incidentally, have you given any thought to what you would like to do whilst they are here?’

‘Not really,’ he said.

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