The meeting went on until the early hours of the morning, every man having their input, yet each of them looking to Zara for a nod of assurance. By the time they’d left, a plan was in place. Zara was exhilarated. However, there was still the thorny issue of Eric, who preyed heavily on her mind. As she climbed the stairs to her old bedroom, she felt her body suddenly become so overcome with exhaustion that she only just made it to her bed. She flopped down and went straight into a deep sleep.

Chapter Eight

CHAPTER EIGHT

Mike arose for the first time in twelve years from his own bed. But it had been a restless night: Zara constantly appeared in and out of his dreams.

He had to put a smile on his face for Ricky’s sake. Coming back to the home that his son had lived in for the first six years of his life was like stepping into a toy shop with a kid again. Ricky’s beaming smile and excitement couldn’t be contained. He’d run from room to room, recalling every last detail, and his enthusiasm went through the roof.

Mike could hear him downstairs, making coffee and singing along to ‘Story of My Life’ by One Direction. He sighed and thought about Zara for the umpteenth time.

Forcing a smile, he arrived in the kitchen and ruffled his son’s hair. ‘How did ya sleep in ya old room?’

Ricky turned to face him, with an egg slice in his hand. ‘Better than I’ve ever slept before. It’s hard to explain, but I feel like me again.’

Mike sat at the breakfast bar. ‘So, you like ya new car, then?’

Ricky was laughing and his whole face was alive. ‘Oh my God, Dad, it’s like a dream. All I gotta do now is learn to drive. You should see it, Dad. It’s bright red and goes like shit off a shovel. Er . . . not that I’d drive like a lunatic.’ He handed Mike a coffee. ‘I’ll be careful, Dad, I promise.’

Mike nodded. ‘Son, you were taken away from me twelve years ago. For eleven of those years, I believed you were dead. I couldn’t lose you to a fucking car crash, so you promise me you’ll be sensible?’

‘I will. So, what’s happening now with this police business?’

Mike ran his hands through his hair. ‘Yeah about that. I’ve a job to do, and although we said you can join the firm, I think we need to do this on our own. You just enjoy your freedom and the new car. I wanna see that smile on your face and the spring in your step. This work could get messy. Right now, I need to have a clear head. If I’m worried about you, then I won’t get the job done.’