Live and Let Fry by Sue Williams

Author:Sue Williams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Text Publishing Company
Published: 2018-04-09T04:00:00+00:00

26

It was midnight by the time I was slumped inside my little Corolla, headed back to Rusty Bore. I won’t bore you with the long and tedious details of my evening: the rapid freeing of Devlin from his loo, his untrusting response to my suddenly acquired lock-repair skills, his ‘quick call’ to his father, Dean’s siren-shrieking police escort of Devlin to Mildura airport, our glacial chat with Stephens. And his boss.

For anyone in need of the full details, they can read about it in the Sunraysia Daily, in any case. Just look for the headline that says Shaken son of Police Minister recovering after kidnapping by crazed ice-ravaged Rusty Bore shopkeeper.

Hardly a kidnapping. And quite how they decided anyone was ravaged by ice beats me. But I’ll admit the operation wasn’t a complete success.

Some awkward reflections while I burned up the miles to Rusty Bore. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.

Stephens had told Dean he was on leave until further notice, not looking anywhere near as friendly as the first time I’d met him. Driscoll, Inspector of Mildura Police, a.k.a. Stephens’ boss, a tall balding bloke, looked even less friendly. And I don’t know why they had to have the lights so bright in that white room.

‘You said you were keen to utilise my mother’s expertise. Her unorthodox methods blah blah.’ Poor old Dean, he certainly gave it a go.

‘I have no idea how you could have formed that impression,’ said Stephens. ‘Why on earth would we use the services of an unlicensed amateur?’ He glanced at Driscoll. No mention of anyone being an asset.

‘What about the phone in Devlin’s kitchen bin?’ I said.

‘We have only your word against his on that,’ said Stephens.

‘So much for the idea that connections don’t matter.’ Dean kept trying.

Shut up, Dean, I did my best to send that to him as a mind message. Anyone could see he was on a path to nowhere good.

‘Take as long as you need,’ said Stephens.

‘So, I’m suspended?’ Dean had dark shadows under his eyes.

Stephens spoke, his voice gentler. ‘Listen, you’ve got twenty-three weeks of accumulated leave. You need a break. And you’ve been under a lot of stress lately, mate. Everyone knows what you’re going through.’

‘Do they?’ Dean’s hand clenched into a fist.

I grabbed his arm and pulled Dean towards the door.

‘Thanks sergeant,’ I said. ‘Inspector Driscoll. We appreciate your understanding. Won’t happen again.’

I opened the door and pushed Dean through.

It was well after one in the morning when I got home and, frankly, I was in serious need of a cuppa. And chocolate. Luckily, I had that box of top quality Republica del Cacao waiting for me on my coffee table. Leo and I might be about to bust up—quite possibly we already had—but that was no reason to spurn his chocolate.

I staggered into the kitchen, headed straight for happier times in Republica del Cacao. Brad was sitting on the table, holding a squirming ferret, trying to trim its claws.

He looked up. ‘Jesus, what time do you call this? I’ve been worried sick, Mum.

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