“I’m picturing maybe a series of articles,” Heather said, her voice low. “About Reave, and when they get this new bastard, him, too. From my unique perspective. Do you see? I’m the only person he’s spoken to in any detail.”

“Apart from your mother.” Heather winced at this, but Diane carried on speaking. “You’re right. It’s a unique angle.”

“You have to promise me, Diane, that I get to write it. I’ll come back to you when I have everything I need.”

“Heather, the way things ended before … Well, it leaves me without much space to maneuver. There are people I work with now who wouldn’t be thrilled to see a story from you gracing our paper.”

“Does that really matter? Or, do you think I’ve somehow lost the ability to write in the last few months? Come on, Diane.”

“Tell you what, since I’m fond of you. Send me over a few pages.” Diane sipped at the foam on the top of her coffee. “Give me a solid idea of what you’re going for. It’ll make it easier for me to get it in.”

Heather sighed and leaned back in her chair a little. This was risky, and she knew it, but just seeing Diane again had brought back a lot of memories; memories of how much she had enjoyed her job; memories of how, at one time, it had been enormously important to her.

“Fine. I’ll send over some notes.”

“It’s a deal,” Diane gave one of her rare smiles, like sun breaking through on a winter day. “This feels like dangerous ground though, Heather. Be careful. Stay safe.”

CHAPTER

25

“THERE’S BEEN A complication with today’s visit.”

Heather curled her hands around the warm polystyrene cup, watching Ben Parker’s face for a clue. Today he was all business again, no hint in his manner of the cozy lunch they’d shared, but he flashed her a slightly pained smile as they walked down the corridor.

“Oh?”

“An incident with another inmate.” Seeing her look, Parker shook his head slightly. “Nothing serious, but alongside a bit of a cock up with communications it’s messed up Michael Reave’s schedule. So. Now he’s in the yard for the next hour, when he’s supposed to be chatting with you.”

“You can’t just get him out?”

“I could,” Parker conceded. “But the warden isn’t keen. If there’s one thing Reave does like to complain about, it’s his yard access, or lack of it, and the warden doesn’t want to provoke more belly aching. So you’ve got a bit of a wait. Shall I get you another tea?”

Heather glanced down at the brown liquid in the cup. It smelt like it might have been near some tea once. “No. Thanks. Listen, can’t I see him in the yard?”

They had reached the door that led to the small interview room. Parker stopped, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand.

“That’s very much not allowed, Heather …”

“But it’s urgent, isn’t it? And you’ll have your guards there. Besides, he might be more amenable in the fresh air. I think it’s worth a try.”