The Silent Suspect by Nell Pattison (epub e ink reader .TXT) 📕

wondered if she had plans to go out this evening, or if she’d just put on something she knew he’d like.

He crept up behind her and put a hand on her hip, startling her. When she turned round and smiled at him, he thought he saw a glimmer of sadness in her eyes, but it quickly disappeared. She put down the wooden spoon she was holding, and turned to wrap her arms around him, holding him tightly.

When they separated, he smiled at her. What was that for?

Can’t I greet my husband when he comes home from work?

He leant forward and kissed her, pleased that she was in a good mood with him for once. Of course. How was your day?

Fine, she replied, turning back to the pot of stew. When she didn’t add anything else he frowned. Nadia always told him about her day, in the smallest detail, and it was usually boring as hell. The fact that she didn’t today made him wonder why.

Is something wrong? he asked, moving around to her side so she could see him. He knew she’d been furious with him recently, blaming him for the way their lives had been invaded.

No, I’m just tired, she told him with another smile.

She did look worn out, he realised, and for a moment he was reminded of those first few months when Caroline was pregnant with Mariusz. She couldn’t be, could she? No, he didn’t think so. They weren’t too old to think about it, though, and he’d been considering broaching the subject soon.

It occupied his mind all through their meal, and he knew he must seem distracted. Once they’d both finished eating, he put his fork down by the side of his plate and looked at Nadia. She was truly beautiful, and she was so caring, even if that did sometimes manifest itself as nagging. She would be a good mother, he knew.

Would you like to have children? he asked her directly, needing to express the thoughts that had been filling his mind. Perhaps it was something they should have discussed before they got married, but it had been a bit of a whirlwind.

She frowned. I would. But we can’t afford a baby right now, not with our debts.

Lukas’s heart sank. That debt would be hanging over them for the rest of their lives if he wasn’t careful.

I will sort out the money, he told her firmly. You were right about Roy. I should never have taken his money. I’ll find a way to repay him, then we can have a family of our own. Mariusz can be a big brother.

He’d be a wonderful brother, she replied, her expression wistful, but then she shook her head. We can’t think about that at the moment. Whatever made you suggest it?

I thought it might be something you want, he said.

I did, but I don’t want to think about things that can’t happen.

Lukas bristled slightly. You don’t believe me, do you? I said I would sort out the money, and I will.

Nadia sighed and stood up, reaching over to collect his plate. Before she could pick it up, Lukas grabbed her wrist.

Answer me.

‘Let go of me!’ she shouted, taking him by surprise, so he did as she asked. He saw her eyes flash with a mixture of fear and anger before she turned away from him, grabbed the plates and stalked into the kitchen without giving him the satisfaction of a response.

Her reaction strengthened his resolve. Whatever it took, he’d find a way to get Roy Chapman out of their lives for good.

Chapter 19

Sunday 21st April

I was woken by the door buzzer, and groaned as I dragged myself out of bed. My head felt like it was stuffed with cotton wool after my overindulgence in red wine the previous evening. Who the hell was at my door at this time in the morning? A quick glance at my phone surprised me – it was already well past ten o’clock. It had taken me so long to get to sleep last night that I’d slept in far later than usual. The buzzer went again and I went to answer it.

I was about to press the button to answer it when I stopped. What if it was Max, coming to beg me to change my mind? Or worse, to have a go at me for letting him down like that? As I was debating whether to ignore the door, my phone vibrated in my hand. It was a message from Sasha.

Are you in? I need to see you. Urgent.

I buzzed her in straight away, and a moment later she hurried into my flat, dropping her bag in the hall before turning to me, her face frantic.

They’ve charged him.

What? I was still half asleep and it took me a moment to process what she’d said.

Lukas. They’ve charged him with murder. He’ll be in court for a hearing in the morning.

My heart sank. I could see tears in Sasha’s eyes, which surprised me. I knew she felt strongly about this, but I hadn’t realised just how much it was affecting her.

Go through and sit down, I told her. I’ll make coffee.

I had assumed Anna was still asleep, but I found a note in the kitchen saying she’d gone out. I must have slept even better than I’d thought, because Anna was notorious for making a hell of a lot of noise when she got up. She said it was because she couldn’t hear things like cupboard doors banging, but I’d complained about it often enough that she knew by now. I thought she just did it to wind me up.

A few minutes later I joined Sasha in the living room. I’d made the coffee pretty strong, because I needed it to wake me up and she looked like she could do with it too.

What happened? I asked.

She shook her head slowly. I don’t know. I just got an email informing me that they’d charged him with Nadia’s murder first thing