Page 69 of The Other Side

“We’d like you in. Now.”

Drum shot Osian a look. “I’ve had a drink, sir.”

“How much?”

“A small glass of wine.”

“Then you’re fine.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Drum put down the phone and groaned.

“I’ll come with you. I’ll stay in the vehicle and hide.”

“No, stay here. Let’s not risk it. If they sack me or take the vehicle away…”

“Is that likely?”

“I don’t know.” Drum stood for a moment without moving. “I’m exhausted. I thought we’d get one more night here together.”

“So did I.”

Drum crossed the room and pulled Osian into a brief embrace. Neither of them held on for long. If they had, Drum suspected he wouldn’t leave at all.

“I’ll tell them exactly what’s in the report.”

“Don’t volunteer anything.”

“I know.”

“And if they ask something you haven’t prepared for…”

“I’ll think before I answer.”

Osian rested his forehead against Drum’s for a second. “You only have to convince them of your version of the truth.”

Drum gave a humourless smile. “Only that? That’s all right then.” He picked up his keys and his phones. At the door, he paused. “If I’m not back by midnight…”

“I’ll wait.”

“If I’m still not back by morning…”

“I’ll still wait. They have to let you come back here. All your stuff is here.”

The evening air was cool against Drum’s face as he crossed to the garage. Behind him, the cottage lights glowed warmly through the curtains. For a ridiculous moment he considered going back inside and pretending the call had never happened.

Instead, he started the engine.

The drive to the station seemed much shorter than usual. Every bend in the road reminded Drum of the afternoon, of the stream, the meadow, Matthew’s bewildered face.

My wife will be worried.

The words still made his stomach tighten. He’d returned a man who had been missing for four months to his family without a single reasonable explanation. What exactly had Matthew said?

The car park was almost full despite the hour. Lights burned in the CID offices upstairs. Drum rang the bell. The station was closed to the public at this time of night.

Ruskin, one of Purbeck’s minions, came down to open the door.