Before he’d left, Lawrence had recommended Mallory for the Woking post. Last order of business. It turned out they needed a DI. Rob would miss him, but it was well deserved.
They threw flowers onto the coffin. Wildflowers, her favourite.
Then she was covered up, to rest in peace. Finally.
They’d chosen a pretty spot for the burial. It was close to the woods that she’d loved. Where she’d chosen to die. Jo had seen to that.
Jo was currently on suspension. Pearson hadn’t given her leave, as it turned out. A small point she’d neglected to tell him. Jo had walked out after a row. Pearson would take her back, of course. There were extenuating circumstances. He hadn’t realised her sister was a victim of the notorious child killer.
She’d forfeited her promotion, though.
“It doesn’t matter,” Jo told Rob, smiling. “I’m not sure I want it anyway.”
“Why not?”
“I think I need a bit of a break. I thought I might take some time off.”
He’d left it at that.
The burial was over. The few friends and family members who’d come to pay their respects were going back to the hotel for canapes.
“Ready?” he asked her.
She smiled. “Yes, let’s go.”
Together they walked towards the hire car. It was parked under a bushy magnolia tree, enveloping them in its sweet fragrance.
Jo turned to him. “Rob, there’s something I’ve been meaning to say, and now seems like the right time.”
He met her clear, uncomplicated gaze. “What is it?”
A smile played on her lips. A gust of wind lifted her hair off her forehead. He felt his chest swell.
He loved her too. He knew it now, but he couldn’t say it. Not first.
She looked into his eyes, and said, “I’m pregnant.”
What’s Next for DCI Rob Miller?
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Acknowledgments
Many people helped make this book possible. To my editor and proofreader, a huge thank you. Also, to my beta readers and advanced readers, your loyalty and feedback is much appreciated.
A special thank you goes to ex-Scotland Yard detective, Steve Gaskin, and his team at The Crime Lab for their fantastic True Crime webinars and to Steve, for fact-checking the manuscript for me.
I’d also like to thank my family who have to live with me – and the serial killers in my head – while I’m writing.
About the Author
BL Pearce is a British crime writer and author of the DCI Rob Miller series.
B.L. Pearce grew up in post-apartheid South Africa. As a child, she lived on the wild east coast and explored the sub-tropical forests and surfed in shark-infested waters. She attended university at Cape Town during the protests and on more than one occasion rode through burning tyres and riots in order to get to lectures. She was also present at Nelson Mandela's inauguration. She moved to London with her family after gaining a post-graduate degree in Business Science, but South Africa has left an indelible mark. The poverty and desperation, the crime and corruption, as well as the exquisite natural beauty and awe-inspiring wildlife, will always be a part of her.
Visit her at www.blpearce.com.
