A Secret Schemer (33 page)

Later in the evening I was
sitting at the kitchen table with a plate of fish and chips that
Lucas had bought. I was aimlessly pushing the chips around the
plate. ‘I’m so sorry Lucas I just don’t have any appetite.’ I
sighed as I placed the knife and fork on the plate.

‘I know what you need Lucy.’
Lucas said softly as he came around to my side of the table. ‘Come
here.’ With his arms outstretched he held me close, I lay my head
on his shoulder as he clasped me firmly in his arms. Feeling the
warmth and power of his body next to mine, all my troubles melted
into oblivion, and in that moment I wanted to stay there forever.
How long we stayed like that I have no idea, reluctantly I eased
myself away, and looking up into his eyes. ‘You were so right,
that’s exactly what I needed.’

At that moment Jena came into
the kitchen. ‘How are you feeling honey?’ she said with
feeling.

‘I’m getting there love.’

‘Lucas would you be an angel
and put a new bitter on for me.’ Jena asked.

‘No problems, I’ll do it now.’
With that Lucas headed down to the cellar.

‘Lucy Ross when will you ever
realise that Lucas loves the very bones of you.’ Jena declared.

‘I’ve always thought he felt
sorry for me, well until just now.’ I replied.

‘So what happened, spill?’ Jena
demanded.

‘Oh it’ll save for another
day.’ I gave a smug little grin.

Early Tuesday morning Lucas
rang my mobile; I was already awake as I knew he would ring when
he’d seen the papers. Slipping out of bed I donned my robe and
after a quick visit to the bathroom, I ran downstairs. ‘Good
Morning, what delights have the papers generated today?’ I
quizzed.

‘How are you feeling this
morning?’ Lucas asked as he spread the paper out for me to
read.

‘I’ll feel better after reading
this I hope.’ There staring back at me was the picture the
paparazzi had so desperately wanted. Then there was an update on
the case, now known as ‘
THE GAY LOVER AFFAIR’
…The general
consensus from the customers in the pub were that Miss Ross kept an
excellent establishment, although there had been one complaint from
a Mrs Vie Butler stating Miss Ross did not allow dogs in the pub
unless on a leash.

Carter and Johnson had both
appeared in court yesterday to confirm their details. Johnson had
been given bail; however Carter had been taken to prison on remand
until the court case, which was expected to be held sometime in
August.

By this time Jena and Andy had
joined us in the kitchen and were both scanning the papers. ‘That’s
a good picture of you honey.’ Jena announced. ‘I knew it was best
to let them take the picture.’

‘So he’s in the nick, best
place for him.’ Andy added.

‘As the court case isn’t until
August love, why don’t you take a week or so off, Andy’s got leave
and he’ll help in the bar.’ Jena suggested. ‘By the way Lucas
you’re due a break as well.’

‘Jena Wright, as always subtle
is not your middle name.’ I added. ‘I may go to Spain for a few
days to stay with my parents, perhaps you’d like to join me Lucas
they have loads of room.’

‘I can’t think of a better way
to spend a holiday.’ Lucas added with a grin.