Louise isn’t on shift today so we’re stuck talking to a woman named Amanda. After spending five minutes with her, I decide she’s as cagey as Louise. It’s clear she’s nervous about discussing the murder by the way her eyes avoid mine. Just like Louise.
“Look, Amanda,” I say in frustration after she continues fobbing us off, “I’ve got enough to take to the police now. I know Louise wasn’t actually working on the day of the murder and once the police hear this, they’ll be all over her. But I’d rather just talk to Louise and get her side of the story. You need to tell her this for me because I can’t seem to catch her here lately.”
Her eyes widen. “Why can’t you just leave her alone? She’s going through stuff you wouldn’t even believe and this is the last thing she needs.”
“I just want to talk to her about it. It won’t take long and then she can get back to dealing with whatever she’s got going on.”
“That’s not the problem here. If she talks to you about this, it’ll just stir up more shit for her and that isn’t something she wants.”
I frown. “What could be more important than helping someone else finally prove their innocence?”
She shoots me a dirty look. “Have you ever stopped to think that other people have stuff going on in their life that is just as bad to them as that?” Nodding at the door, she adds, “Just go. I’ll tell her you came by again but I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you.”
“Make sure you do and also be sure to mention what I said about the police.” With that, I turn and leave, more frustrated than when I entered.
“Is that true?” Avery asks when we’re in the car.
“That I’ll go to the police?”
She nods.
“No. I believe what I said about her not being on shift that day but I have no proof except for the signatures in the sign-in book. I doubt the police would even look at it. Not when they already have a conviction for this crime.”
I turn the key in the ignition and move my hand to the gear stick, but Avery places her hand on mine, stopping me. “I’m so proud of you, Callie.”
I face her. “Why?”
“Because of everything you do and everything you are. I’m not sure I would have done what you did by giving up Luke, but I admire the hell out of that move. It showed me your heart and how good you are. There aren’t many pure people left in this world. I’m proud to have one as my bestie.”
Her words catch me off guard and I’m lost in the moment thinking about what she’s said. I don’t feel worthy of her declaration. I’m just doing what I would want someone to do for me.
36
Luke
“George is coming for Christmas.”
I eye my mother. “Okay.” I couldn't care less who comes for Christmas. I’m only celebrating it for Sean. If it weren’t for him, I’d find a bottle of whisky and spend the day with it.
“Oh for God’s sake, you could show a little more emotion, Luke.” She reaches for the cocktail in front of her.
“What would you like? Tell me and I’ll be sure to show it.”
Avery steps around me to reach for the glasses near my hand. It’s Tuesday and the bar is dead at the moment, but that’s because it’s still early at just after six. “You’re a moody asshole when you’re going through a breakup.”
“No, I’m just a moody asshole, full stop,” I mutter.
She stops and raises a brow at me. “No, you’re not. You were nice for about four months there.”
“Have you heard from Callie?” Mum asks, shoving her empty glass at me.
I take the glass. “I’m not making you any more. And no, I haven’t heard from her and I don’t expect to and I don’t want to discuss this.” I resist the urge to throw the glass at the wall, and instead, place it down with as much restraint as I can manage.
“It’s been, what, three weeks now?” Mum continues hounding me about Callie.
“I told you this isn’t up for discussion.”
Mum scowls at me and directs her gaze at Avery. “Will you please make me another Cosmo, Avery? My son is being a bastard and refusing.”
Avery gives me a questioning look.
I exhale loudly trying to force my irritation out. “Oh for fuck’s sake, make her another drink. I’ve got some paperwork to sort out in the office. Come and get me if you need me.”
I stalk into the office and slam the door behind me. I’m wound so tightly tonight and can’t seem to get my shit under control. Then again, it’s no different to the last twenty-one days since Callie walked out of my life.
Taking a seat at my desk, I start going through the bills I need to pay. There aren’t many, though, because I’ve thrown myself into work over the past three weeks and am up-to-date in a way I have never been before.