Page 76 of Criminally Yours

“It would feel like cheating on Strike, which is ridiculous because we’re not together. I don’t know if we should be friends or if we could be more. I should ask him, but…” Millie hoped Liss would fill in the sentence for her, but her listening skills were too good. Eventually, she relented and added, “But I don’t know what I want, and if I start that conversation, I need to know my own mind.”

“You don’t have to decide anything right now. Just get through this situation.”

“Okay.”

“And no matter what your family says, remember how ballsy you are. You ran from a guy attempting to attack you, sneaked into your old place, and stood up to a politician’s son. You also give Strike shit in a way lots of others are too scared to. You’re a fighter, so fight, whether that’s the past, your fears, or even your family.”

Courage bloomed in Millie’s chest. She slid the ring back on and stood. “Okay.”

“Try harder, Mills. What are you going to do?”

“Fight.” Millie fixed her jaw.

“Never back down. Never give up.”

“Hell yeah. I’m calling my mum and then Dexter.”

“Good luck.”

“Thank you for the pep talk, Liss.” Millie jumped up and down, readying herself for a fight.

“Always, lovely. Call me if you need me.”

CHAPTER 32

Strike

Achill settled around Strike as he stared out into where the sea was blanketed by darkness.

He fiddled with the box that Millie’s ring had come in before stowing it in his pocket.

It was impossible to fix things for her, but that was where he excelled. As he walked the perimeter of the house, it was as if his skin was too tight for his body.

He wanted to scream or punch something, but instead, he made plans, including working out his tension in the house gym.

His phone vibrated, and he checked the messages.

Randolph: You didn’t send me any contacts. I still need to track Millie Haven. I’ll pay you well for finding her.

Strike paced. What he’d give to have a dog with him right now, something to soothe his moods and be by his side.

Strike: I’m supposed to be on annual leave.

Randolph: In Wales. Except you’re not in Wales, are you?

Strike closed his phone. Again, the need to destroy things and regain power over his surroundings ripped at him.

His phone buzzed.

Randolph: I’m trying to do the right thing by my family. If I find out Hugo has committed a crime, I will report him myself. Help me, Strike.

Normally, he’d lean into his instincts, but everything was fried after the last twenty-four hours. He couldn’t protect anyone if he couldn’t trust himself.

He sent a quick message to Bear, requesting his opinion.

As he reached the front of the house, Joyce called his name. “Have you settled in?”

Strike surveyed the scene as he stepped closer. “Yes, thank you. We loved the lasagna you gave us.”