The Devil's Reflection by Colin Davy

Author:Colin Davy [Davy, Colin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wild Wolf Publishing
Published: 2019-05-27T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

When his mobile rang later that evening, Sophie’s voice sounded strangely hesitant. “Gary?” she asked. “Is it alright to come up?”

He and Maria were sitting on the settee while Maria digested her first decent meal since Debbie’s death and a summary of what William had told him. He decided Raif’s odd phone call could wait.

“Debs might have joined the party,” Maria said. “A celebration only feet away would have been tempting.” She’d changed her mind completely, it seemed, and she’d also changed her clothing. Now she wore jeans and a loose white top. The change of clothing had done her good, she looked more relaxed and the strain on her face had disappeared. The silver crucifix hanging on the loose white material between her breasts caught the dying rays of the sun and shone brightly.

“Sophie’s outside,” he whispered. “Can she visit?” After her swift nod of assent, he turned back to the phone. “Where are you, Sophe?”

“Talking to your Mr Maddison,” she said. “He’s very helpful and he’s given me free rein of your parking spaces. A very nice man indeed.”

“He can be,” he said. “But if you’re driving, where’s Scott?”

“At school, there’s an end-of-term meeting he couldn’t miss. He’s very conscientious about that sort of thing.”

“Well come up anyway,” he said “We’ll be pleased to see you.”

“I won’t be long.”

She was as good as her word, but after letting her in, he noticed a sheen of sweat coated her brow. “Take it easy,” he said. “You’re not as sprightly as you were.”

She wore a necklace of small beads he’d not seen before, and from it hung a smaller version of Maria’s crucifix. Noticing his stare, she touched it self-consciously. “My good luck charm,” she whispered. She sounded breathless and he shook his head in reproof.

“You’ve not been running up the stairs?” he asked.

She gave a brief laugh. “I took the lift,” she said. “On Tom’s advice, and I’m glad I did.” She took another long breath. “I’ve some interesting information for you.”

“What is it?” he asked

She smiled. “Let me settle first, I’ve some weight to take off my feet.”

After moving the settee cushions around, Maria rushed to help. “I’m fine,” Sophie said. “I’m not going to pod here, I promise.”

He wasn’t so sure, her baby bump looked heavier and lower than he’d seen it before.

“Tea or coffee?” Maria asked before scurrying into the kitchen alcove.

She turned to Maria. “Neither, thanks,” she said. “Water will be fine.” When Maria shoved a glass under the tap, Sophie nodded her thanks. “How are you, sweets?” she said. “I was so upset to hear the shocking news about your sister. Gary’s keeping us up-to-date, but I came round to make sure he’s looking after you properly. You must be devastated.”

“I’m coping,” she said. “Gary’s doing his best.”

“That’s good.” She turned her attention to him as he seated himself opposite. “I don’t know if this is relevant,” she said. “But I believe we’ve met Deborah’s neighbour.”

“Oh?” he asked. “William?”

She nodded.

“Where?”

“In a pub near the Oak,” she said, but lips tightened.

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