Face in the Frame

by Heather Atkinson

  “Sorry, I do tend to get a bit carried away. Shall we get a drink?”

  “Yes please.”

  She glanced over her shoulder as Lucas took her hand and led her off the dance floor but Brodie had vanished, if he’d even been there in the first place. It was probably guilt creating an illusion after she’d ditched the bug.

  Lucas led her to a quiet table in a corner, away from the speakers and the gawpers and she sank down gratefully, anxiously scanning the assembled crowd, relaxing when she failed to spot Brodie.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Lucas asked her.

  “Fine. Just getting a little tired.”

  “Sorry, I’m keeping you out too late,” he said, looking disappointed.

  “No, I’m fine,” she replied, forcing a smile.

  When he took her hand she hastily looked around again, praying she didn’t see Brodie anywhere. She didn’t see Brodie but she did see Christian standing by a pillar on the dance floor, jerking his head to the right with an apologetic look. She followed the direction Christian was indicating and was dismayed to see Brodie leaning back against the bar, eyes locked on her, his disapproval seeming to roll across the room and wash right over her, depressing her happy mood.

  “Are you listening?” said a voice.

  She looked to Lucas and smiled. “Sorry, I was miles away there.”

  “So I see. What’s wrong?”

  “I’m just getting tired. Do you mind if we go?” she replied, forcing herself not to look Brodie’s way. She should have tossed the bug before saying she wanted to go dancing.

  “Alright,” he said, looking a little confused but not objecting.

  He assisted her on with her jacket - she loved these little gentlemanly ways of his - then took her hand and led her to the door, weaving in and out of the other clubbers. He was stopped on his way to the door and asked for his autograph, Cass taking the opportunity while he was signing the piece of paper thrust at him to glance around for Brodie. She saw him making his way towards them and the second Lucas had signed the paper she took his arm and practically dragged him to the door.

  “Cass, what is going on?” he said.

  “I need to get outside, the heat’s making me dizzy.” She realised this lie was a huge error when his arm went around her waist to support her. It was a sweet gesture but an unwanted one with Brodie so close but - unless she wanted Lucas to click onto what was going on - she was forced to let him leave it there.

  Lucas hailed them a taxi and as they climbed in she just managed to glimpse Brodie rushing to his car, digging the keys out of his jacket pocket. The look he shot her was murderous. Cass got the feeling this time coffee and cakes wouldn’t be enough to make it up to him.

  She gave the taxi driver the address of a flat Brodie owned that they used for undercover work. They never took marks back to their real homes. When the car pulled up outside the flats Lucas asked the driver to wait while he walked Cass to the door.

  “Will you be alright? You don’t look well, you’re very pale,” he said, pressing the back of his hand to her face.

  “I’m fine. Like I said, I’m just tired after last night then tonight. I really enjoyed myself, thank you.”

  “So did I. Can I see you again?”

  No. Say no her common sense screamed at her. “I’d like that,” her mouth replied.

  “Great,” he grinned. “Shall I call you?”

  “Please do.”

  When he leaned into her she thought he was going to kiss her and her lips puckered in anticipation. But instead he just gave her a hug. Although she knew she shouldn’t and that Brodie was no doubt watching somewhere she wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder. He smelt lovely, like soap. Covertly she slid her fingers through the ends of his silky hair.

  “Till next time,” he said, planting a kiss on her cheek.

  She watched him jump back into the taxi, smiling at her through the window as it pulled away, disappointed he hadn’t kissed her again. What was the deal there? Dear God, she hoped he wasn’t the type to wait until after marriage to have sex because she was starting to ache for him.

  Deciding it was time to face the music, she unlocked the main door and took her time plodding up the stairs, knowing Brodie would already be there, no doubt having entered the building the back way, working himself up into a rage that he would then unleash on her. She wasn’t looking forward to it.

  Sure enough he was pacing the room when she entered, amber eyes glimmering in the darkness.

  “Why didn’t you put on a light?” she said casually, switching on a lamp, hoping she could bluff her way out of this.

  “I don’t need light to be pissed off.” He stopped pacing to glare at her. “What the hell were you thinking tonight Cass?”

  “I was doing my job.”

  “Your job didn’t involve getting close to that creep.”

  “It’s not the first time I’ve had to get close to a mark,” she replied, plonking herself down on the couch and kicking off her heels to massage her left foot.

  “This time was different. You actually looked to enjoy it.”

  “I’m a good actress.”

  Furiously he shook his head. “Don’t lie to me. I saw the two of you together, dancing.”

  “So what?”

  “You couldn’t take your eyes off him. You’ve fallen for the prick, haven’t you?”

  “No.”

  “When did you start lying to me Cass?” he said softly.

  This affected her much more powerfully than his shouting and she felt horribly guilty. “I’m sorry, you’re right. I suppose I don’t want to admit it.”

  “You’ve fallen for him?”

  She relinquished her foot, looked down at the floor and nodded. “I’m really sorry Brodie, I didn’t intend for this to happen. I’ve gone on so many honey traps and I’ve never felt like this before.”

  Suddenly Brodie didn’t feel so righteous or angry. He’d thrown her in front of Lucas Thorne. If it hadn’t been for his meddling they would never have met. This was his fault, him and his stupid theories. Besides, she was looking up at him with those big dark eyes of hers, begging him not to fall out with her again and he didn’t want to. Cass was a mainstay in his life. Anyway, he was confident Lucas would drop out of her life as quickly as the other men she’d dated. Having a go at her would only push her closer to Lucas. That was a trap he was determined to avoid.

  He sighed and sank onto the couch beside her. “I’ve gone a bit over the top, haven’t I?”

  She gaped at him.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” he said.

  “I thought you were going to give me a proper bollocking.”

  “I was but I put you in this position in the first place.”

  “But I’ve behaved so unprofessionally.”

  “True but you’ve done these honey traps for a long time and it was bound to happen one day.”

  “Lucas isn’t one of those scummy cheating wife beaters or criminals I usually deal with, he’s different and he treats me so nicely. After the meat-heads I usually end up with he’s such a refreshing change.”

  “I can see that Cass. Are you seeing him again?”

  She nodded.

  “Do you want to see him again?”

  Another nod.

  Brodie’s heart sank even further. It seemed for the first time in her life Cass was serious about a man and it stung him. “I understand that,” he said, determined to be gentle with her. This situation had to be treated with kid gloves. “But I want you to keep in mind the possibility that he could be dangerous.”

  “I know that’s what you think but he’s really not. He’s so sweet and gentle.”

  “You know you can’t judge by first impressions. I’m sure Jack the Ripper’s mummy thought he was sweet at one point.”

  “I get what you’re trying to say but trust me on this one Brodie, please. You wanted me to meet him so I could gauge him and I have.
Lucas is so gentle and he loves art. He wouldn’t go around cutting off people’s faces and sticking them on walls. He likes to create things, not destroy them.” She caught his doubtful look. “Your gut’s telling you something different, isn’t it?”

  “I’m sorry Cass but it is.”

  “You’re wrong,” she said determinedly.

  “You’ve always trusted my gut before.”

  “I have but you’re not infallible.”

  “I can’t believe you’re doubting me.”

  “It’s not that I don’t trust you, you know I do, more than anyone else, but I don’t agree. I’ve met Lucas, spent time with him. You haven’t.”

  “Then I need to spend some time with him.”

  Her eyes narrowed at the mischievous look on his face. “Oh hell, what are you going to do?”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll be my usual subtle self.”

  “You, subtle?”

  “I can be when the situation calls for it. And if it keeps us good then it’s worth it.”

  Cass was astonished. “Are you trying to wrong-foot me like I did to you?”

  “No. I’m trying to do the right thing here sweetheart, work with me.”

  She smiled and gently nudged his arm with her elbow. “Thanks Brodie.”

  “You’re welcome. Jesus, I surprise myself sometimes, I thought I’d be tearing you a new one.”

  “So did I to be honest. I was prepared for battle.”

  “Cass, you’re my number two. I can’t operate without you. You’re also one of my best friends. Some poncy artist isn’t going to come between that.”

  “Wow, I’m touched,” she smiled.

  “I’m doing this on one condition. That you keep your guard up with this pri…I mean man until we establish for sure that he’s nothing to do with Fred’s disappearance.”

  “Promise.”

  He patted her hand. “That’s my girl.” Wearily he got to his feet and yawned.

  “Did clubbing take it out of you?” she said.

  “I’m too old for that shite.”

  “Not you Bossman,” she smiled up at him.

  Brodie looked down at her and felt a mixture of frustration and love. He would not allow Lucas Thorne to come between them. “Well, you must be tired so I’ll get off then. See you in the morning.”

  “Aye you will. I’ll get the coffee and cakes again.”

  He just nodded before leaving, slouching down the stairs and out the door. Christian and Ross were waiting for him by his car. “Well?” he asked them.

  “Thorne went straight back to the penthouse he’s renting,” replied Christian.

  “Address?”

  “I already sent it to your phone.”

  He nodded stiffly. “Well done.”

  “Is Cass okay?”

  “She’s fine.”

  “So she still works with us?”

  “Course she does. Jesus, the business would fall apart without her. I said she can date him if she wants.”

  “You did?” they exclaimed in unison.

  “Aye. I can be the bigger man when necessary. If I’d said she couldn’t see him I would only have pushed her closer to him. This way she sees him a couple of times, gets bored and dumps him like she always does with men. End of story.”

  “You sure about that Boss?” said Ross. “She looked pretty smitten.”

  “Don’t give me that old fanny. Now get yourselves back to Lucas’s. I want you to keep a close eye on that bastard.”

  With that Brodie hopped into his car and sped off, once the engine of his ancient blue Astra eventually started, leaving them standing on the pavement.

  “Wait a sec, we used Brodie’s car to get to Lucas Thorne’s. How are we going to get there now?” said Ross.

  “Aw crap,” groaned Christian.

  The second all the cleaners had left the museum Bill made his way straight to the Face in the Frame exhibition and to Sylvie.

  “Missed you hen,” he smiled, pressing her button.

  Her eyes opened and she smiled before launching into an explanation about women’s clothes that went right over his head.

  “You must get so lonely,” he said when she’d finally finished. “You need friends to keep you company while I’m not here.” He almost pressed the button of the face beside hers, until he realised it was a handsome young man. He scowled at that face before turning to the woman’s face on the other side of Sylvie, who looked to be of her own age. She too was very pretty but not as special as Sylvie. He pressed the button and she started to talk, her voice slightly nasal but no less interesting.

  “I’ll call you Cerise,” he smiled.

  CHAPTER 7

  “Morning,” said Cass chirpily as she walked into the office laden down with coffee and doughnuts for them all.

  “Morning hen,” said Brodie.

  “Here you go,” she said, dumping the box of doughnuts and a large black coffee on his desk.

  “Wow, a full box to myself?” he grinned. “I am being spoilt.”

  “You deserve it,” she said. “You were really great last night and I’m so grateful.”

  “You trying to turn me into a fat bastard?”

  “Just showing my appreciation Bossman.”

  “Have you spoken to Lucas?”

  She nodded, her soppy smile irritating him, but he hid his emotions well.

  “He called me just before I left the flat. We’re meeting tonight.”

  “He’s keen.”

  “So it would seem. He’s taking me out for dinner then we’re going to see an exhibition at the Kelvingrove. There’s a new artist making her debut and Lucas said I have to see her work, she’s amazing.”

  “She? I hope you don’t have competition on your second date.”

  “I don’t think so. He said she’d be there with her wife, apparently they got married last week.”

  “Oh, right. Well, enjoy.”

  “I will,” she grinned. “Have you had chance to think anymore about visiting Lauren Creegan?”

  “Not yet, there’s been a lot going on.”

  “Okay,” was all she said, knowing now was not the time to push the issue. “I’m just popping out to check on Marian Coulter, you know, the woman married to the man you broke my desk with.”

  “Yes I remember.”

  “Won’t be long,” she said before heading out the door, almost colliding with Pete on his way in. “Hi Pete,” she said.

  “Hello Cass. You look happy.”

  “I am,” she grinned before slipping past him out the door.

  Pete looked to Brodie, who released a groan and let his head fall to the desk with a thump.

  “Don’t tell me, Cass has a new flame?” Pete asked him.

  “She does.”

  “And you’re being driven mad with jealousy.”

  “It’s not that,” he muttered into the wood of his desk.

  “Aye it is.”

  Brodie sighed and raised his head. “Alright, it is, but this time there’s more to it.”

  “Go on.”

  Brodie hesitated, frowning at Pete’s head.

  “What?” snapped Pete.

  “What’s going on with your hair?”

  “Nothing,” he replied, running a self-conscious hand through it.

  “You wearing a wig?”

  “No I’m bloody not. I’ve had it cut, that’s all.”

  “It didn’t used to be that colour, it’s nearly blond.”

  “It’s sandy actually.”

  “How come there’s more of it than there used to be?”

  “There isn’t. The hairdresser simply worked with my natural hair to create an illusion of moreness.”

  Brodie cocked a sceptical eyebrow at the huge quiff atop his head. “What a load of bollocks. You’re wearing a wig, aren’t you?”

  “No I’m not,” barked Pete. “Now can we please talk about Cass?”

  Brodie sighed. “A couple of nights ago I sent her out on a honey trap. The ma
rk was Lucas Thorne.”

  “Should I know that name or are you just pausing for dramatic effect?”

  “I thought you might have heard of him. He’s an artist. He’s got an exhibition on at some fru-fru museum.”

  “Nope, doesn’t ring a bell.”

  “You always were a cro-magnon bastard.”

  “And you’re Damien Hirst I suppose.”

  “Who?”

  “Never mind, this is getting confusing. Let’s stick to the story. So you sent her to this Lucas Thorne to do what?”

  “I think he might be behind the disappearance of Fred.”

  “Fred the Jakey?”

  Brodie nodded.

  “Why would an artist - who must be pretty well known to have an exhibition on at a fru-fru museum - kill a jakey? I take it that’s what you think he did?”

  “My theory is he killed Fred, cut off his face then stuck it up in his exhibition.”

  Pete gaped at him before bursting into laughter.

  “Hey, it’s not sodding funny,” said Brodie.

  “Aye it is. If someone was going around doing something like that don’t you think someone at the museum would notice they had a piece of a corpse on their wall?”

  “He doesn’t stick them up all bloody and dripping you clown. He treats them first, puts some sort of resin over them so everyone thinks they’re plastic.”

  “And why would he choose Fred? He’s an ugly bastard.”

  “He doesn’t just go for the beautiful people, he picks people with interesting faces.”

  “People? So it’s more than just Fred?”

  Brodie nodded. “There’s loads of faces in his exhibition.”

  “You’re off your bloody heid. Don’t tell me, you sent Cass in there to seduce this alleged serial killer and she ended up falling for him?”

  “Yeah,” he said miserably. “Apparently he told her he pays homeless people cash to take casts from their faces. I mean, how ridiculous is that?”

  “Oh yeah, sounds mental. I’d send her for a CAT scan if I were you,” he said sarcastically. “What’s wrong with you Brodie?”

  “What’s wrong with me?” he exclaimed. “She’s the one who…”

  “Came up with a perfectly reasonable explanation.”

  “It doesn’t explain why my gut’s still telling me something’s wrong.”