‘What did ma’am want?’
‘Just seeing how I was after today.’
‘That’s nice of her. From what I’ve heard, she’s all right. A good boss.’
‘She certainly is. Shall we get going?’ Maya circled slowly out of the police station as she adjusted to the unusual weight of Jack behind her. Eventually she relaxed as the road stretched out in front of her and Bonnie carried her away from Beech Field police station.
21
Maya sighed, feeling refreshed following a quick shower and change of clothes. ‘This was a good idea. What a beautiful evening.’ She inhaled deeply, the smell of freshly mowed lawns and summer stocks making her feel euphoric. The stress of earlier events melted away under the lemon-coloured sky.
‘Beautiful evening with a beautiful lady,’ replied Jack with a wink as he held the door of The Eagle open for her.
The pub was unusually quiet, and Maya guessed it was due to the balmy summer night. People would rather be alfresco than cooped up indoors. Although Maya herself would prefer to be outside, she was grateful for the peace. She was keen to continue getting to know Jack without having to strain to hear him or be heard. She was also conscious of the fact that she may be recognised by members of the public who had seen her interview with that Dave “the bastard” Wainwright.
‘What can I get you?’ Jack said as they selected a table.
‘A large Pinot would be lovely, thanks.’
‘Coming up.’ Maya watched him walk towards the bar with admiration.
The lone barman was turned away from Jack as he was busily polishing glasses as he removed them from the dishwasher. As he turned at the sound of Jack’s subtle cough, Maya was horrified to realise it was Spence working behind the bar. She turned away quickly, burying her head as she fumbled for her phone, so she had an excuse not to look up and be spotted by him.
Although she had to reluctantly admit to enjoying his company in The Brown Cow, it still felt wrong to have spent time with someone she had met during an arrest warrant. She certainly didn’t want Jack to know about it. Additionally, she could vaguely recall how Spence had attempted to flirt with her and how she had enjoyed his attention. However, in the cold light of day and the grip of sobriety, she felt exposed and compromised. She decided the best tactic was to either completely avoid him or remain aloof and non-committal.
Because the pub was so quiet, she could vaguely make out the muffled exchange between the two men as Jack placed his order. After what felt like an age, she looked up from her phone so she could steal a glance towards the bar. Her eyes met with Spence’s instantly and he gave her a huge beaming smile and a subtle nod of the head. Maya acknowledged him with a wan smile, then turned away quickly.
Jack returned to their table with their drinks and an easy smile. ‘Cheers, Maya,’ he said as they clinked glasses. The conversation came easily. Jack was good company and they made each other laugh. He asked about how she’d become involved in bikes. She told him about how her grandad used to tinker with them and had got her hooked on riding since she was little. She told him about the group she went riding with and the trips she and Dominique took together. She even forgot about Spence’s looming presence as Jack regaled anecdotes that made her laugh out loud. She was surprised to realise that before long, they had both finished their drinks.
‘Same again?’ Jack nodded towards the glasses. He was just about to stand up and reach for them, when she placed a hand on his arm to stop him.
‘Please, let me get these.’ She couldn’t stand the thought of seeing Jack at the bar with Spence again, but nor was she prepared to leave just so she could avoid him. If working at The Eagle was going to be a permanent arrangement, then she would have to get used to seeing him and would rather get it over and done with. Preferably without Letitia and Caitlin being there too, mooning over how wonderful he seemed.
Maya approached the bar with as much confidence as she could muster, determined not to let the sight of Spence’s rictus grin infuriate her. He walked towards her with his now familiar swagger and a pot towel slung over his shoulder. He was wearing a dark, long-sleeved shirt which was tight enough to accentuate his muscular frame. She hated to admit it, but he looked undeniably handsome.
‘Good evening, Maya, how are you?’ His dimples deepened with his smile.
‘Fine thanks, you?’
‘All the better for seeing you, obviously.’ He laughed as she rolled her eyes with annoyance at his predictable attempt to flirt.
‘Just a large Pinot Grigio and pint of Peroni please.’
‘Who’s your friend?’
‘Just a colleague.’
‘Looks a bit dodgy to me, police or forensics?’
‘He’s a DS. Not that it’s any of your business.’
‘Ha, that explains why he looks so dodgy then. Looks well up himself. You’re not on a date, are you?’
‘I said, large Pinot Grigio and a pint of Peroni. Please.’
‘Oh my God, you are, aren’t you?’ He laughed as he prepared the drinks. ‘C’mon, Maya, you could do so much better than him. Get rid of him and come out with me instead.’
‘You’re working.’ She handed him the cash. ‘Not that it makes any difference.’
‘I can get cover and be all yours in half an hour.’
Riled by his persistence, Maya practically snatched the change from his hand. ‘Thanks, but I’d rather lick the mortuary floor,’ she retorted before returning to Jack with the drinks.
His pealing laughter filled the pub as he called after her, ‘That wasn’t a “no” though, was it?’
‘Friend of yours?’ Jack asked, bemused as Maya banged the drinks down on the table and adjusted her chair so her back was to Spence.
‘Nope,
