The young man bowed and made his exit swiftly.
Pedro dug his spoon into the coffee-flavoured Italian treat. “I won’t bore you with the details, but I work on the pharmaceutical side. In other words, we develop drugs to determine the quality and suitability of medicines.”
“It sounds like quite a complex job.”
“Not really. When you have an interest in something, it can be fascinating. It’s a bit like you and your supernatural thing.”
I dug into my mousse, and the intense flavour infused my palate with the chocolate I adored.
After we both had several mouthfuls in which we made appreciative sounds, Pedro asked, “How does it all work – your talents? Are there certain times or places for ghosts?”
For a moment, I was distracted by his tongue flicking in and out as he licked his spoon. I imagined it intertwined with mine. Mesmerised, I somehow managed to reply, “Um… no. Ghosts are around us – everywhere, every day.”
Pedro gazed around the restaurant as his eyebrows furrowed. “In here? Now?”
I laughed and wiped my mouth with my napkin before I spoke. “If I looked hard enough, I could find some. They’re in the building's fabric. Mainly just people doing what they’ve always done. They’re the spirits of what they once were, and they make up the history of a place.” I took another mouthful and savoured it.
Waiting for me to continue, Pedro seemed to be contemplating my words. He was looking around with a new intensity.
“Now that I can control it, I only see them if I choose to. Or, if one particularly wants to communicate with me,” I explained.
“That sounds freaky,” he said as the spoon disappeared into his mouth once more.
When it came out and dipped into the dish again, my eyes never left his mouth. I licked my lips and said, “Perhaps, but it isn’t, not really. It’s just part of me, and as I said, I know how to control it.”
“Sounds a bit scary to me. Or, at the very least, intrusive.”
I laughed. “I haven’t had any show up in my bathroom if that’s what you’re implying.”
Having savoured every last morsel of my pudding, I said, “That was gorgeous. I’m such a chocoholic.”
Pedro grinned. “Then, you will be a fan of Easter.”
“Ooh, yes, just the excuse to eat more.” I laughed again, and, this time, he joined in. “Mama fancies chocolate, too. She and I are very close. Does it put you off to know I live with her?”
It was my turn to raise my eyebrows. “No. It’s a bit unconventional, but not unheard of.” A weird wave of emotion washed over me though I wasn’t sure how to interpret it. “And, what of your dad?”
“Cancer. He died when we were children, leaving Mama to bring us up on her own. The early years were tough, but now, because of my job, we can afford to live more comfortably.”
I leaned back in my chair, my taste buds dancing, and gazed at my handsome date. “I think it’s lovely that you care for your mother.”
“As every good Spanish son should.”
Chapter 7
The killer on the heath was finally identified as David Plinth, only no one could prove it. Despite what I knew to be true and Seb’s gut feelings, there was no concrete evidence to connect him to the murder of Mandy Smith. All police questioning was met with “no comment” interview responses. Chantelle wasn’t even on the radar.
Seb hoped my statement would help offer unforeseen insight. I wasn’t sure what he expected to find. All I knew is that Detective Inspector Newbold and his team had their work cut out for them.
In the meantime, only Plinth’s assault on me kept him in custody. I tried not to dwell on it, although it still made me shudder when I thought about those two words: attempted rape. What nearly happened was frightening enough, but considering his history, it probably wouldn’t have ended there. In truth, I most likely would’ve ended up dead.
There were nicer things to concentrate on, and I’d deal with Plinth soon enough. I wasn’t sure I wanted to face him again, but I’d cross that bridge when I came to it. No use worrying about something that hadn’t happened yet. Besides, Seb would know how I felt and do everything he could to put me at ease. Ultimately, though, it would be me –
Stop it, Cassie! Think of Pedro, I scolded myself.
Pedro… He and I were getting on well. On our third date, he’d invited me back to his house to watch a film. As his mama was out for the afternoon, I agreed to go (it still felt too early for introductions).
Since our official date at El Dorado’s, the sexual tension between us had ramped up. It was a little too soon for that, but I hoped we’d, at least, get to know each other better. Maybe fool around a little. I giggled aloud at the naughty thought, relishing the idea of a cuddle on the settee while we watched a film.
Pedro’s semi-detached property was on the better side of town. As I disembarked the bus, I looked around with surprise. This wasn’t where I expected to be, yet the driver informed me this was my stop.
Pedro had said his job made things easier for his family to afford a better home, but clearly his assessment was downplayed. As I followed his directions from the bus stop, I took in the houses around me. They weren’t the humble semis I’d expected. They were large luxurious residences more in-line with wealthy people, such as magistrates and solicitors. All of which were set back with large front gardens and longer driveways that sported expensive cars.
The spring sun broke through the leaves, dappling on the pavement as I turned onto the appropriately named Lime Tree Road. I took a deep breath of the fresh, clean air, so different from the often fume-filled High Street, then pulled a piece of paper from my pocket. Pedro’s address was written on it, and I wanted to confirm this really was right. Stopping for a moment, I looked around. Such a pretty place.
As my eyes roved over the homes around me, I scrutinized the displayed numbers. Squinting in the sunlight, I glanced across the road and spotted the one that belonged to Pedro. For a moment, I stood in the open driveway to admire it.
It was just the type of property Seb loved. The cultivated front lawn was idyllic, and my brother would’ve respected the care with which it was shown. A separate garage meant he could keep his “baby” out of the elements, instead of under a car port. Yeah, he’d be in heaven here, however, I’m not sure a policeman’s wage would cover the cost of one of these.
I loved the bay windows. They made the house appear regal with the craftsmanship they sported. As I danced my way up to number ten and rang the bell, I was in awe of the scene. From the front door was a spectacular view of the heath.
Greeting me with a wide, sexy smile, Pedro stepped out to join me as I said, “I didn’t know you could see the heath from here.”
“Yes, and if you follow the road to the end, where it meets the main street, you’ll come to one of the entrances.”
You’ll have to show me sometime. I’m sure you know all the intimate places,” I flirted.
He laughed, wrapped his arms around me, and kissed my lips. “I do, but right now, I’m very glad you came.” Drawing me inside, his foot urged the front door closed as his mouth found mine. This embrace was deeper and lingered longer.
Pedro wore a cheeky grin and his eyes twinkled when he pulled away. “I’ve prepared us a light lunch,” he said, then guided me toward the settee in the front lounge. “I’ve chosen Captain Marvel to watch. I hope that’s okay?”
“Oh, that’s lovely. I’ve been meaning to watch that,” I replied, genuinely pleased.
“Fantastic. I’ll be right back.”
Standing alone, I assessed my surroundings. The bay window I’d admired was dressed in green velvet drapes, with a gold trim and a pelmet at the top. They hung to the floor in luxurious folds that framed the garden beyond. Though I couldn't see the heath, it was still very pretty. Although it wasn’t my taste, it was stylish. It, also, showed wealth. A three-piece furniture suite and elaborately carved mahogany sideboard suggested Spanish influence.
<
br /> Pedro returned a moment later with a plate of food he obviously prepared in anticipation of my arrival. “Mama doesn’t allow food on our knees, so doing this is treat.”
What an odd thing for a man to say. I couldn’t help but query, “Doesn’t allow you?”
Pedro’s grin turned sheepish as he put the plates down on a small table next to the settee. “Well, look around. She likes things tidy and in its place. Food’s place is in the kitchen or dining room.”
I smiled and, not for the first time, wondered about his mama. “I always eat off my lap because my flat’s not big enough for a table.” I shrugged with indifference. “Then again, no one lives with me. Um, might I use your bathroom first?”
“Sure,” Pedro replied and pointed in the direction I ought to go before sitting down. “There’s one just down the hallway. It’s the first door on the left.”
“I won’t be a minute,” I said, excusing myself. “That looks lovely, by the way.”
Upon returning, Pedro jumped to his feet and handed me my plate.
Gazing at the appetising tuna and salad sandwich, my stomach reminded me how hungry I was. Taking my seat, I leaned back on the sofa with the dish perched atop my knee and began to eat. It was just as delicious as it looked.
We enjoyed the film whilst we ate.
Once the food was dispensed with, Pedro hit pause and returned the plates to the kitchen. When he returned, we cuddled up and resumed our program. It wasn’t long before I felt Pedro’s arm snake around the back of the settee. Enfolding me into him, my hand rested lightly on his thigh.
Solid and soft at the same time, it wasn’t long before my fingers were gently moving in circles. After a while, I could feel Pedro’s hot breath against my ear.
“You know, that’s incredibly sexy, and soon, I won’t be able to control my actions.”
I turned to glance at him with a demure smile. “Oh? Maybe I should stop then.”
“No, don’t. It’s nice.” His eyes lingered on me while the contours of his lips beckoned.
Pedro gently tugged the end of my scarf, freeing it. He froze when he saw the fresh line on my neck. “What happened?” his voice filled with concern.
I hated lying, but I couldn’t tell him the truth. Playfully, I stroked his cheek and moved closer to him. I replaced my hand on his upper thigh. “It’s really a silly story, and I can think of better things to do than talk about what a klutz I am.”
His body responded to my touch. No longer distracted by my injury, he leaned forward, claiming my mouth with his own. The passion set in.
Our kissing intensified the moment. My heart raced, matching the increase of his breath. It wasn’t long before we slipped sideways on the couch.
As Pedro manoeuvred himself alongside me, I tried to remember the promise I made myself. It’s too soon, I thought, but I was already drowning in the sensual feel of his touch. It’d been a long time since I’d had a boyfriend, and the electric charges he incited were consuming me.
When his hand disappeared up my skirt, Pedro paused until I opened my eyes to regard him. Then, he gave me a looked of askance, and I knew he was seeking permission to venture further.
I gave a slight nod. My eyes fell closed again as his fingers slipped inside my panties and found my magical spot. Being sensitive gave me heightened responsiveness, and my moans became more verbal.
Spurred on, Pedro inserted both his fingers as I thrust myself to meet them. My muscles spasmed and throbbed in the most wonderful way as he repositioned himself lower down my body.
“Oh, Pedro!” I cried out as he brought me teetering to the edge.
Tensing, I could feel the explosion rising. Arching my back, my neck leaned over the arm of the settee. I gasped and cried in ecstasy, thrusting my head to the side for the ultimate release. With an eruption of colour behind my lids, my eyes flickered open to meet the eyes of another – Pedro’s bloody mother, peering through the window.
Chapter 8
On the fourth day of the investigation, Seb walked through the doorway. With a grin, he threw me a bar of chocolate, which I caught. “Brought you this to show I haven’t forgotten.”
He always thinks to bring me my favourite treat just to make me happy, I thought with appreciation. “Why, thank you, dear brother. That’s very kind of you, and just because you made the effort,” I said as I moved towards the kitchen, “I’ll make you a nice cup of tea.”
Seb sat himself on the side seating of my L-shaped sofa. He wore a huge grin. “I have some exciting news.”
I jiggled the kettle to confirm there was enough water, then lit the flame. As I prepared the cups, I glanced at him. “So, what news have you?”
“We have officially linked Plinth to Mandy Smith.”
“Hey, way to go!” I said cheerily, “That’s great. How?”
“I went back to his house and searched again.”
“Weren’t you already there?” Finishing the preparation, I turned to him and leaned back against the counter while I waited for the kettle to boil.
My brother crossed his ankle over his knee. “Yes, but it bugged me, so I spent a whole afternoon there on my own. I searched around the house because, you know,” my brother gave me wink, ‘if you want something done right, then do it yourself.’”
I laughed as I took the whistling kettle off the heat and poured the steaming liquid into the cups. “You have staff trained to do that.”
“Yeah, but you know me.”
“Only too well.” I handed him the drink and sat down. I did know him and with his meticulous method of searching, he would’ve located something.
“I retraced every footstep that homicidal maniac might have made. I was rewarded with a scrap of fabric. It was easily missed, located at the side of the house, blended with the foliage. And so tiny that I wasn’t totally certain until it was tested. Sure enough, it came from Mandy Smith’s dress.”
I shook my head. “You really are a wonder.”
Seb shrugged with a cocky air. My brother was his own biggest fan. “Anyway,” he said, raising his voice to make a point of changing the subject. “Talking about wonders, you bloody nitwit.”
He’s referring to Pedro’s mother. I threw my head back and laughed out loud. “I don’t think it was a wonder – more like a bloody shock, for both of us.”
“Oh, Cassie,” he said with a chuckle. “You really are funny.”
I smiled and felt the colour rise to my cheeks. “How did I know she’d be back? Pedro didn’t know or he wouldn’t have instigated anything.”
Seb raised his eyebrows and frowned. “He instigated it, did he?”
I picked a cushion up and threw it in his direction.
“Hey, watch my drink.”
‘“Never mind your tea. Don’t you dare spill it on my sofa.” I put my cup down and unwrapped the chocolate. I broke off two pieces, put them both in my mouth, and closed my eyes. “Hmm,” I sighed, savouring each succulent piece. Opening them again, I grinned at my brother, then unwrapped a bigger chunk and tossed it over to him. “Thank you.”
My brother shook his head in amusement. “There is something else, Cass,” he said and popped the whole lot in his mouth. “I brought up Chantelle Parslow with Plinth, and he denied ever seeing her. We expected him to say that, but I swear, there was something in his eyes.” Seb clicked his tongue. “The way he smirked at me; it was as if he was holding a secret. I think he knows exactly who we are talking about.”
Seb’s intuition was always spot on.
Anticipating his next question, I asked, “You need me?”
“Dunno know yet. I’m going to try and do it without you if I can. I don’t want you involved with this bastard any more than you have to be.” Seb sighed. “He’s been very smart so far, so we can only charge him with the Smith murder and what he did to you for now. Unfortunately, we’re no closer to Chantelle, but, well…” He shrugged. “We’ll see.”
“Well, I’m here if you need me.”
; “Thanks.”
Spring was in the air over the weekend as the sun continued to shine. Pedro and I took a picnic and explored the beautiful countryside we were fortunate to live around. Neither of us mentioned it, but we avoided Lowhampton Heath, despite our conversation at his house.
As we drove home, I asked, “You’re still staying over, aren’t you?” It was the first time we’d spend the night together. Although we hadn’t really discussed it, I decided I would cook for him. I’d already googled ‘sexy dinners for two’. I wasn’t the greatest cook but had found something fairly simple, attractive, and tasty looking.
“You bet,” he replied. “I have to nip home first, but I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
It didn’t surprise me. His mother had already phoned him, and although he said nothing, I suspected he’d been summoned. “Good, I’m going to pick up a few groceries, then cook up something special for us.”
“Oh,” Pedro said with surprise. “You don’t need to. I’m going to bring something with me.”
“It’s okay. I don’t mind.”
“I insist.” He gave me a knowing smile. “Don’t go to any trouble. I have everything handled already.”
“Take-away?” I asked, feeling slightly disappointed. I hadn’t realised until that moment how much I wanted to try my hand at cooking a romantic meal.
“Not really,” Pedro answered. Then, with a smile, he left me hanging. After a slightly awkward silence, I felt his hand touch my knee. “Trust me, Cassie. I have it all in hand. You don’t need to worry.”
I gave me a tight smile, not wanting to spoil his surprise.
Pedro dropped me at home with a kiss. “I’ll see you later. Adios!”
I closed the door with a wave of my hand. Then, I legged it up the stairs and into my flat. That was when I realised that I now had free time. I contemplated ringing Seb, but quickly decided against it because I knew he’d be busy.
After a long soak in the bath, I tackled my hair. Being so long and thick, it took a while to dry. By the time I was done, I’d achieved the lustrous look I was going for. Continuing my beauty routine helped to calm the butterflies in my stomach.
The Killer on the Heath (The Cassidy Newbold, Clairvoyant Collection Book 1) Page 5
