Read Online Hard Case by Elizabeth Lapthorne - Free Book Online Page B

chance to watch the football and a few non-threatening conversations with likeminded guys.”
    “Cheers.” Steve raised his glass.
    They saluted each other and both drank again.
    Troy thought about what they’d both just said. He’d seen that change in his small group of friends. There were those who had to rush off after the speediest pint ever, or who groaned they were teased and dared for ‘just one more’. And there were those who acted like there was nowhere else they needed to be—foot loose and fancy free.
    Troy had a sister who lived in Ireland, and his parents had retired to Spain almost five years ago. While they all kept in touch, he definitely fell into the latter category of someone who probably obsessed a bit too much about work and had too much free time on his hands after hours.
    “It might also be the change of scenery,” Troy added with a look around the pub.
    The room held mostly men drinking and eating. On the walls were three large screens, each showing a different game. Warm and well lit, it spoke of a simpler time when working class men would have a bit of a breather before going home to the missus and kids.
    “This isn’t a regular haunt for you then?” Steve asked.
    Troy chuckled and shook his head. “Nope. At this time of the evening I’m usually either in the field putting something together or at my desk in the spare room of my flat, trying to puzzle out whatever my latest quandary is. Don’t get me wrong. I often go out for a drink with a friend or two, and sometimes one of us will talk the other into some take out. But between work and home, I don’t get out much anymore.”
    “Is that something you want to change?”
    Troy thought about it before he answered. Starting slowly, he watched Steven to see if he was overstepping some unknown boundary.
    “I hadn’t thought about it really,” Troy said. “Certainly I’m not unhappy with my life—far from it. But I think I’d enjoy going out to various places with you—drives, hikes, restaurants and things like that. I’m perfectly capable of doing such things myself, but it’s always more interesting and fresher if someone is there to enjoy it with.”
    “I agree,” Steve replied warmly. “And I’d also like to spend a lot more time with you.”
    Troy leaned his elbows on the table, tilting his head toward Steve. He opened his mouth, about to tease with a raunchy come-on, but a chirp sounded from his phone. It was the audible signal that a text had been received. Casting a quick glance to his jacket, which was slung over the back of his chair, Troy made a face.
    “Unfortunately it’s not often I can turn that off completely,” he apologized. “But like you, I’d like to see where we can lead.”
    “We’re fine, Troy,” Steve assured him. “Check your message. Goodness knows it will be my turn to be chained to my phone soon enough.”
    Digging his phone out, he then quickly pressed a few buttons and read the message from Fin.
     
    Any news? How about a brainstorm session—breakfast tomorrow, my place?
     
    “Fin’s suggesting we brainstorm over breakfast at his flat tomorrow,” Troy explained. “You in?”
    “A few of the girls owe me shifts. I can get someone to cover for me tomorrow, then I’m off for two days,” Steve agreed with a nod. “Sure, I’d love to tag along.”
     
    We’ll see you there. Marshall a dead end but will look into his PA – Leland Knox. Same school.
     
    Satisfied, he sent the message and put his phone back in his jacket. Taking another sip, he glanced across at Steven’s drink. Troy grimaced. His pint was still over half full, whereas Steven had almost finished his.
    “Are you up for another?” Troy indicated Steve’s drink.
    “Nah, I’m all right, mate. You?”
    “I’m not keen on this pale ale, so I think I’ll leave it.”
    Troy frowned, mulling over the patterns and coincidences stacking up in this mission, but still not seeming to resolve into any kind of clear