Life For a Life (39 page)

As Gilchrist listened to the camaraderie banter, he was struck by how young his team looked. Even Stan with his thinning crown and healing wounds looked in better shape than Gilchrist felt. And Jessie, too, looked as if she had never been wounded, although she did give the occasional flinch. He really was beginning to age. He seized an opportunity in a lull in the conversation by pushing to his feet and saying, ‘Anyone like one for the road?’

‘What are you having?’ Jessie asked him.

‘Maybe a pint.’

‘Maybe a pint?’ she said. ‘That sounds like you’re ducking out for an early bath.’

He grinned, and said, ‘Same again, then?’ and stepped to the bar without waiting for their response. He bought another round, and asked for a receipt. CS Greaves would choke on his porridge when Gilchrist turned in his expenses, but it was the festive season after all, and Greaves was still basking in the glorified aftermath of Kumar’s international trafficking organisation being blown wide open.

Back at the table, Gilchrist said, ‘Merry Christmas, everyone. I’m heading off,’ and was bombarded with a mixture of festive wishes and complaints to stay for another pint. He waved them all away and walked to the door, only to find Jessie gripping him by the arm.

‘You can’t go just yet,’ she said. ‘Stay for another.’

He shook his head. ‘An early bed is what I need.’

She squeezed his arm and said, ‘Thanks for everything.’

He frowned.

‘You know, keeping my family secret a secret.’ Then some idea seemed to cross her mind and she said, ‘Stay put for one more minute. I’ve got a surprise for you.’

‘But I haven’t bought you a Christmas present,’ he complained.

‘That’s not what I’m talking about. Well, not exactly. Wait outside,’ she ordered, and almost pushed him through the door.

Snow was falling, beginning to lie. Thickening flurries clouded the street lamps.

Through the window, he watched Jessie talking on her mobile. Then she looked up at him, and smiled, and placed her first finger and pinkie to her ear. He played along, slipped his hand in his pocket to retrieve his mobile, when it rang.

He glanced at Jessie, but she was seated with the others, grinning at him with a smug look on her face. Then he looked at the incoming number – ID Cooper.

‘Hello?’ he said, and caught Jessie giving him the thumbs-up. ‘Becky? This is a surprise. Or do I have that the wrong way round?’

She chuckled. ‘Thought I would drive into town and see who I might bump into.’

‘Well, I was just about to head home,’ he said. ‘But I suppose I could be persuaded to stay a little longer.’ He frowned when the connection was cut and was about to redial when he felt an arm slip through his.

‘Where would you like me to take you?’ Cooper said.

Gilchrist’s smile turned into a chuckle. He glanced at Jessie, and she blew him a kiss and gave him one of her toodle-do waves.

He winked at her, then walked on to Market Street, Cooper on his arm.

‘We could try the Doll’s House,’ he said, ‘if we can find a table. Will that do?’

She leaned into him, her thigh bumping his as they crossed the cobbled street.

‘I think that’ll do quite nicely,’ she said. ‘For starters.’