by Lisa Hartley
‘You bought yourself an engagement ring?’ Catherine couldn’t help it. She laughed. ‘What did the people in the jeweller’s say?’
‘I got it online. Anyway, that’s why I was such a cow to you for the first few days.’
‘Because …?’
‘Because you were living the life I’ve never let myself have. You’re gay, and you don’t care who knows it. And me – I’m Rafferty the bitch, Rafferty who never smiles, never lets anyone close. I’m awful with Adil, selfish and difficult, keeping him at arm’s length in case he guesses. He doesn’t deserve it. You were closer to him five minutes after you met than I’ve managed in a year of working together. I resented you.’
‘But you don’t have to live like this – sell your bloody engagement ring for a start.’
Rafferty pulled off the ring, stared at it. Slipped it into her pocket. She shook her head. ‘It’s not so simple.’
‘It is, Isla. Live your life. No one’s bothered, honestly. I’m not saying it’s easy. You don’t come out once, you come out every time you meet someone new. But if you don’t … If you don’t you’ll never be happy.’
‘But my career …’
‘You’re worried you won’t be promoted because you’re gay? Would it even matter? When I’m old, looking back at my life, will I care whether I made DCI, or would I sooner have someone by my side, reliving the memories with me? You’ve got a chance, Isla, a chance to find happiness. Lots of gay people in the world still don’t.’
Rafferty said nothing. Catherine stood, turned away, knowing she had said her piece. ‘I’m sorry, Isla. I should go.’ She moved to the door. ‘Maybe we’ll work together again one day.’
‘I’ll be civil next time.’ Rafferty got to her feet, hands in her pockets, her eyes fixed on the floor.
Catherine laughed. ‘I’ll look forward to it.’
‘Thank you for coming back, for what you’ve said. I know you’re right. I …’ She couldn’t finish the sentence.
Catherine opened the door, embarrassed. ‘I’m sorry I barged in here, Isla. It’s none of my business. Goodnight.’
She was pressing the button to summon the lift when Isla’s bedroom door opened.
‘Catherine. Catherine, wait.’
Slowly, she turned. Isla walked towards her, held out her hand. Catherine took it, not smiling now, or wondering what was right.
Inside the room, the door closed behind them with a click. Slowly, tenderly, Isla raised her hand to Catherine’s face, frowning as if about to ask a question. Catherine touched her lips to Isla’s forehead, to her cheeks. She hesitated, not wanting to push too hard. Gently, she pulled Isla closer, closing her eyes, savouring the moment.
Then Isla was kissing her, their hands caressing, exploring, and the world ceased to exist. When Isla eventually pulled away, there were tears in her eyes. Catherine took her hand, kissed it, and led her across the room.
As Isla sat on the edge of the bed, Catherine knelt between her knees, arms circling her waist, holding her close. She pressed her lips to Isla’s throat, kissed her ear, felt her shiver.
‘Are you sure?’ She whispered. Isla beamed. Not her usual quirk of the lips, but a genuine smile. There was no doubt in her eyes, no hesitation. Catherine saw only tenderness and trust. She unfastened the buttons on Isla’s sweater and lifted it over her head, knowing for the past few days, they had both been waiting for this.
And Dolan? Dolan had known, sensed it, pushing them together until they realised themselves. As Isla moved closer to kiss her again, Catherine sent the DCI a silent message of thanks.
The End
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As always, my friend, agent and editor Britt Pflüger (hardyandknox.com) has been invaluable throughout the process of writing this book. I’m extremely grateful for her support and professionalism, and very lucky to have her on my side. Thank you, Britt.
Thank you to Christa Holland of Paper and Sage Design (paperandsage.com) for creating another great cover. My thanks also to Yvonne Betancourt for her ace formatting skills.
My wife Tracy believes in my work even when I don’t, and I will be forever grateful for her support and faith in me. Thank you to my son, Mum, Grandma, Paul and the rest of the family for their constant encouragement and support. A mention too for my furry writing companions, Evie and Poppy.
Thank you too to the wonderful friends, who have shown me so much support since the first book was released, and who continue to do so. I won’t mention names for fear of accidentally missing someone out, but I hope you know who you are, and that I’m hugely grateful.
A huge thank you to everyone who bought and read On Laughton Moor and Double Dealing. It means so much to know people are reading your work, so special thanks to those who have taken the time to email me to say they’ve enjoyed the books. It’s a dream come true.
My website is lisahartley.co.uk, and you can also follow me on Twitter: @rainedonparade
Thank you for reading From the Shadows. Catherine Bishop and her colleagues will return soon.
