Read Online Echoes of Justice (DI Matt Turrell Book 2) by JJ Franklin - Free Book Online Page B

away from the towel rail that was burning into his back, Matt thought how absurd it was that the only place they could talk was in the bathroom. Angela was now firmly ensconced in their bedroom. She was the sort of woman who was used to getting her own way, and declared it imperative that shehave a good night’s sleep, adding that a woman of her years couldn’t possibly be expected to sleep anywhere but in a proper bed. Matt wondered why she couldn’t stay in a hotel and pay for the service she wanted ’til Eppie reminded him that her husband had kicked her out without a penny. Not that Matt could blame him; he would like to do the same.
    Eppie sat on the side of the bath. ‘We have to think of something before tomorrow. There’s no way she’ll fit around that table – just the four of us will be a squash.’
    ‘She can have my place.’
    The look Eppie gave him told Matt he was condemned to attend the dinner. Mum was no problem, but his feelings towards his dad were stuck back in the time of Granddad’s suspension. Dad had used it to underline how precarious a life in the police force could be in a clumsy attempt to push Matt into going to university and following in his footsteps. For a while Matt was torn, before turning his back on a history degree and opting to join the police.
    ‘Do you think she might like to go to rehearsal with Ida? She used to like Gilbert and Sullivan. I think she was quite involved before Mike and I cramped her style.’
    ‘Anything is worth a try.’
    ‘Right. You keep her talking while I nip down to Ida’s.’
    ‘Oh God, what shall I talk about? Rugby’s out, so is work.’
    ‘Listen to her then. Pretend she’s a suspect. Do you want me to sort this?’
    ‘Yes.’
    Eppie opened the bathroom door, forcing Matt up against the shower cubicle. She turned to kiss him. ‘Good luck, Agent Turrell.’
    ‘If we come through this, we’ll meet on the other side, Agent Eppie.’ Matt returned her kiss and with a laugh, followed her from the bathroom.
    Angela was sitting on the sofa watching the early news. She ignored Matt as he sank into his chair. Giving a thumbs up to Eppie as she left the flat, Matt sought something to say and decided to link into one of the news stories.
    ‘Dreadful business,’ he ventured in response to a story about serious flooding. All he got back was an ‘Mmm’so Matt waited until the next item about a dog saving its owner from a fire. ‘Lucky fellow,’ he said. Not receiving any reply, he decided to give up and opened his paper, looking up only when Eppie returned, relieved as she nodded.
    Eppie moved to sit beside her mother. ‘Mum?’
    ‘Yes?’
    ‘I wondered if you would like to go out tomorrow night with our neighbour, Ida.’
    ‘Why on earth would I want to do that?’
    ‘Well, she’s in the Gilbert and Sullivan society.’
    Matt watched Angela’s eyes light up.
    ‘I’ve taken so many leads in G&S. My Yum Yum was rated─’
    ‘That’s why I thought you’d enjoy it. Plus, they’re involved in something very exciting.’
    ‘Such as?’
    ‘The reopening of the RSC theatre and a movement workshop with someone from the RSC. Ida’s checking to see if you could go to their rehearsal tomorrow as she’s not sure they’ll allow you to join at this late stage.’
    Matt saw from Angela’s face that she was tempted. He piled on the pressure.
    ‘They might be very glad of any tips you could give them.’
    ‘Yes, they might. But I thought I was needed at this dinner party to meet your parents?’
    Eppie jumped in before Matt could reply.
    ‘To tell the truth, Mum, we have a very small folding table and it’s going to be extremely difficult to fit four people round it. I think five would be just impossible.’
    ‘Although, I know Mum and Dad are desperate to meet you. We thought that a pub lunch on Sunday might be a little more…er…’ Matt looked to Eppie for help and she filled in.
    ‘Relaxed.’
    Matt warmed to his task. ‘We could