Page 118 of The Other Side
“Missing how?”
“He came here because he’s a witness against an arms dealer. The man was remanded to prison but he’s had his people looking for him.”
“He’s all over social media…”
“What do you mean?”
“There’s a photo of Drum hugging a sheep. You can imagine the headlines. Loads of views.”
“Oh fuck.”
“What are the police doing?”
“They’re at the cottage now.”
“You spoke to them?”
“No.”
“You just…left?”
“I couldn’t stay.”
Will glanced across at him. “Why not?”
Because they’d ask who I am. Because they’d never believe the truth. And I can’t tell them anyway.
“I don’t know anything that would help them.”
“Hmm.”
The sound carried just enough doubt to make Osian’s stomach knot.
“So why Sparlow?”
“Because there are people there who can help me find Drum.”
Will followed Osian’s directions without argument, but his expression grew steadily more troubled.
At the next junction he slowed.
“Turn left here.”
“Are you sure? I thought it was straight on.”
“Left.”
Will turned left. “What aren’t you telling me, Osian?”
The question landed like a stone. Osian closed his eyes for a moment. Gods.
“I’m telling you all I can. Drum worked undercover in London. He was supposed to be safe up here. I was supposed to be keeping him safe. I failed.”
He knew Will would probably draw the wrong conclusion from that, though it was the truth.
Will gasped. “Bloody hell. Look. That’s the sign for Sparlow. I’ve never been here before. Not that I’ve tried. But I know what people say. Where do you want me to stop?”
“That café. Quick Bites.”
