by Tara Lyons
EPILOGUE
Hamilton opened the door to the last of his guests. The woman’s tanned skin glistened in the sunshine, and her hourglass figure hugged the white linen dress stopping just above her knee. Although her beauty was undeniable, he couldn’t help but detect a sternness in her expression as her brown eyes darted around the hallway. Hamilton smiled and welcomed her through, hoping for more of a relaxed atmosphere today. The corners of her mouth turned up, exposing a single dimple in her left cheek, and she silently followed him through his home and out into the garden.
It wasn’t an enormous space, most central London houses don’t offer that luxury, but it was a sanctuary for him and his wife. Elizabeth was the green-fingered one of the pair, and had spent a lot of time tending to the area since their daughter died, even planting a small primrose tree in Maggie’s memory. He smelt the sweet scent from the yellow heart-shaped leaves as he stepped onto the patio. It was weird and wonderful to see the place so busy with life.
“Everyone, can I just ask you all to stop chatting for a moment?” he called out. “I’d like to unofficially introduce Detective Sergeant Yasmine Dixon. And, although today isn’t about work, or investigations, or anything formal, I thought it would be a nice opportunity to get us all together.”
“First time I’ve been invited around to the big man’s house, and I’ve been his partner for four years.” Clarke laughed, and accepted another can of beer from Elizabeth.
“And it will be the last if you ever call me big man again – injured or not,” Hamilton retorted with a wink. “Anyway, as I was saying… we’ve got ourselves a new team here and I thought that needed celebrating.”
Hamilton had taken some time the previous evening to speak with his colleague, Les Wedlock, who had requested a transfer to the Kent Constabulary after his mother’s failing health. Though saddened to lose an experienced member of the team, Hamilton empathised with his family values. He decided to take a punt, and offered a place on his team to an officer desperate to climb the ranks. After discussing the matter with DCI Allen, Rocky had been offered a promotion. He knew it was a big step for the lad, but having observed how he worked the last case, Hamilton saw great potential in the new recruit.
“Before I let Dixon… sorry, Yasmine, get a word in, I would just like to congratulate DC O’Connor. Although I’m sure it’ll be difficult to call you anything else but Rocky, now that name has certainly stuck in my head.”
“To Rocky!” they called in unison, and raised their glasses.
Yasmine brushed the long strands of black hair from her face and smiled. “I’ll admit, this is quite intimidating… My public speaking is usually confined to an office or crime scene. I’m sure I’ll talk to you all individually at some point today, so for now I’d just like to apologise to you all. I know you were expecting me sooner, especially to help out on the last investigation, but I couldn’t leave my last case without seeing it through to the end.”
“That’s something we can all understand,” Clarke chimed in.
Hamilton stepped away to add more coal to the BBQ fire, while Elizabeth turned up the music.
“That’s enough office banter,” she said, and gave Hamilton a kiss on the cheek before re-joining Yasmine. “So, love, tell us more about you.”
“Well, I’ve been married to my husband, Warren, for ten years and we have two beautiful children, Sabrina and Ali. I was born in Marrakesh, but have lived in London since I was two.”
“Oh, I’ve always wanted to visit Morocco,” Elizabeth said. “That word, Marrakesh… I just love how it rolls off the tongue.”
Hamilton frowned as he stood near the primrose tree. “You okay?” he asked Fraser. “Looking a bit distracted today.”
“It’s nothing, boss.”
“Hey! For today, it’s Denis.”
She smiled, but there was no sign of any happiness in her eyes. He probed her further for an answer.
“Well, my cat hasn’t come home.”
Hamilton raised his eyebrows and nodded, unsure how to reply.
“Sorry, this isn’t the time to talk cats,” she said, and turned to rejoin the group.
“Listen, I don’t have a pet, and I’m more of a dog person anyway, but I do know that people who have them, see them as family.”
“Exactly! I’ve had Felix for three years, and he’s never stayed away from home this long.”
Hamilton shrugged. “Perhaps, working on the Campbell case, and you not being home as often meant the cat couldn’t get in, or a neighbour fed him and so he’s prowling about having a good time. It’s something like that, I bet you.”
“Yes, I’m sure you’re right, and I must sound so pathetic. Time for another drink… Denis.” She laughed as she walked away, stopping next to Rocky and the cooler box of drinks.
Hamilton returned to his command station at the BBQ, ensuring he had the necessary cooking utensils ready. He watched the women laugh together, Clarke chilling on the sun lounger, and listened to the chatter and noise as it drifted through the air. An uncharacteristically warm feeling washed over him, and he smiled. While it was strange to have work colleagues in his garden, to see his wife interact with members of the MIT – people he’d steered her away from in fear of reviving painful emotions – it was uplifting to have finally invited these colleagues, and friends, into his home.
THE END
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Readers who enjoyed No Safe Home will also enjoy K.A. Richardson’s best-selling North East Police Series:
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Time to Play – Amazon UK – Amazon US
Acknowledgements
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my family and close friends. Without them, No Safe Home would simply be an idea in the pages of my notebook. Your constant faith is inspiring.
A special shout out to the readers. You all continually amaze me with your enthusiasm, and all you do for the love of books. For the endless support and promotion, huge thanks to the #BlogSquad, The Haphazardous Hippo, Bookstormer, The Great British Book Off, Emma the Book Worm, My Chestnut Reading Tree, Linda’s Book Bag, Damp Pebbles and The Writing Garnet. To the amazing people at Book Connectors, Crime Book Club, UK Crime Book Club, Crime Fiction Addicts and to every member of The Book Club (I hope you enjoy this in your pants).
Finally, to the formidable Bloodhound Books team and author gang – a massive thank you for your support, encouragement, expert opinions and friendships, all of which made DI Hamilton’s return possible.
