The Nurse by J. Corrigan (list of ebook readers txt) 📕

sent the letter is threatening you and the girls.’

‘Do you think it’s authentic? I mean… I mean…’ He hears the increase in the pitch of her voice. ‘Theo, you really do attract bad luck, don’t you?’

‘Sophie, I’m sorry. I need to go. I’m calling the police. Stay home with the girls. I’ll call you back. Is Nick home?’

‘He’s out of the country on business. I told you.’ The line crackles. ‘I’m scared, Theo. I love the girls.’

‘I know you do. Sit tight, and I’ll be in touch soon.’

He ends the call and feels cold sweat trickling between his shoulder blades. Making his way into the study, he slumps onto his chair, gives himself a minute and then calls DI Alison Greenwood’s direct number. He should have done this yesterday.

‘DI Greenwood speaking.’

‘Hi, it’s Theo Hazel.’

‘Ah, Mr Hazel. What can I do for you?’

‘I’m calling you because I’ve just received a typewritten letter hand-delivered to my building, warning me that if I don’t lay off the Rose thing, something will happen to my ex-wife and her two young stepdaughters.’

‘You really should have cooperated earlier, Mr Hazel.’ Her voice has slipped into a monotone. Theo guesses it’s her annoyed voice. She carries on. ‘Give me your ex-wife’s number. I’m calling her now.’

He gives her Sophie’s details. ‘Please keep me informed.’

‘I will, Mr Hazel. I believe in sharing information for the greater good.’

Her tone is still absolutely flat. He really should share the information from Natasha’s text about Abe’s parentage. After seeing Hugo. He has to give her something, though. ‘It’s Ed Madden you need to be talking to about the letter, DI Greenwood.’

‘Ed Madden? I know about his connection with the Deanes.’ She clears her throat. ‘I’ll be in touch. We will need to interview you, Mr Hazel. Ideally we should be talking in person now, but distance is an issue.’ DI Greenwood is based in Herefordshire. ‘Ensure you’re available to answer my calls.’

Ten minutes later, Sophie calls him.

‘A DI Alison Greenwood is sending the local police to the house,’ she says. She sounds more together. ‘I’m absolutely furious with you.’

‘Soph—’

‘Don’t call me that.’

‘Sophie—’

She’s already disconnected.

The only person apart from Rose who knows he’s been asking questions is Marion. He can’t envisage Marion making it to Manchester to slide the letter under his door. Which only leaves two options: Daniel Deane or Ed Madden. Deane has disappeared, and Theo doesn’t think he’d risk it. That leaves Ed.

He attempts to clear his mind so he can focus on Hugo’s visit. The interior designer isn’t due until 1 p.m., but Theo needs to go to Asda to stock up on Desperados.

He contemplates calling Alison Greenwood back and telling her about Natasha’s message, but he knows he needs as many facts as he can gather before speaking to her again. And tomorrow he’ll confront Marion about Daniel Deane.

54

Hugo is bang on time, and Theo makes his way to the communal entrance to let him in.

‘Bit of a bastard to find, I have to say,’ are Hugo’s opening words.

‘Great to see you. Thanks for coming. How’s Bella?’

‘She’s good. I kipped on her floor last night. It’s healthy to go back to basics sometimes. She dropped me off here, wanted to come in but has lectures.’ He pauses. ‘She wanted me to have some time alone with you too…’

‘I think your sister wants the best for you, Hugo.’

‘She does.’ He rearranges the collar of his shirt. ‘She says hi.’ He searches Theo’s face. ‘You all right, mate? Look a tad distracted.’

‘I’m okay. Just had some news.’

‘Not good, I take it?’ Hugo asks.

‘A solvable problem. C’mon in.’

Hugo scans the foyer of the flat complex. ‘Nice development.’

‘I’m sure this isn’t your usual gig.’

‘I get all sorts.’ He holds out his hands in an expression of acceptance.

Theo can’t help but smile. He’s sure Hugo doesn’t get that many two-bedroom flats in Chorlton to do up.

‘Third floor.’ He gesticulates towards the lift, which Hugo declines.

Theo follows him up the stairs, which he’s taking two at a time; Hugo brims with unexpended energy, and Theo laments the passing of his thirties. He likes Hugo and doesn’t like what he himself is about to do, although both Bella and Hugo to a certain extent have intimated that Hugo is here to unburden himself.

DI Greenwood will be contacting Ed Madden soon, but clearly she hasn’t yet – or if she has, then Hugo is unaware of it. He wouldn’t be here if he knew.

Inside the flat, the young designer paces and Theo watches.

‘It’s small, but good light. You said the lounge and kitchen?’ Hugo questions.

Theo nods. They’re now standing in the kitchen. ‘Beer?’

‘Shouldn’t really, at work and all that, but Bella said she’d pick me up and take me to the station. I don’t drive. I’d have liked to stay with her tonight too, but Ed wants me home.’ Theo hands him a Desperado. ‘Cheers, mate. Our favourite. Mine and Ed’s.’ He takes a swig and quickly goes on to finish the bottle.

Theo’s limit is three of the tequila-infused beers. He hands Hugo another from the fridge.

Hugo loosens up pleasingly quickly. ‘The kitchen’s bigger than I’d thought in a two-bed flat. There’s a lot we can do in here.’ He scribbles down notes on a leather-bound clipboard, but already he isn’t as deft with a pen as he was in the shop. He finishes bottle number two. ‘The lounge,’ he continues, ‘is… compact, but it’s got good light coming in from the balcony doors. Nice feature. I’m sure I can do something with that. Shall we go through some ideas?’

‘Sure. Let’s go sit on the balcony.’ Theo gets out more beers and takes them outside. It’s a cool day, but he long ago invested in a small outdoor heater. Hugo sits down on the narrow terrace and crosses his legs. He looks at home there. Theo plonks another Desperado in front of him, and flicks on the heater to its highest setting.

‘I like it here,’ Hugo says. ‘Good vibes.’

Theo begins. ‘So how long have