She couldn't believe what she had found. Or rather, her pal from the force had found. Mishti read the file on her laptop once more, trying to convince herself that it was all a mistake.
When Leo had said he was involved with the Renshaw's she had expected perhaps a bit of blind eyeing or peddling stolen goods. Not this.
Never this.
Sighing, she decided there was only one thing that she could do if she wanted the full story. She'd have to talk to Leo.
A hot coffee in his hand and a file of paperwork under his arm, Leo made his way to the Backpackers. He was pleased with himself. He'd managed to get things back on track with Mishti, and he didn't even need to lie. Much.
His stomach twinged slightly with guilt but he ignored it. Some things were definitely best left in the past. A lot of things, actually.
Shaking his head to clear it, he went back to focusing on the positives of his life. He had a business that was doing well, a father he actually liked and respected who gave him the same back, and his brother was happy and in love. What more could a guy ask for? Add the coolest, hottest girl in the country going out with him, even if it was only on the down low, and there was the cherry on top. His life couldn't be better.
It was a busy day at the Backpackers. It was the height of winter, which meant tourists from Europe and America came flooding in for their summer holidays. He'd been working non stop, and was glad he had decided against his usual outfit of a jacket, shirt and trousers, and opted instead for a pair of khakis and a t-shirt.
His small pleasant smile turned into a beam when he saw Mishti approaching the front desk. "Good afternoon Miss Sharma would you like a bed? I've got one just for you," He teased, winking at the end for effect.
His smile and amusement trailed off when he saw the serious expression on Mishti's face.
"What's the matter?"
Mishti stared at him for a long minute, in a deep, probing way like she was trying to see into his soul. Her eyes flicked down his body before returning to meet his own eyes. Confusion was very present in them.
"We need to talk."
Leo winced. That was never a good phrase. "I thought we were. I say something, you say something, that's generally how it works." His joke fell a bit flat, as did his attempt at a suave grin, which ended up looking nervous and uncomfortable.
Mishti simply raised an eyebrow at him. She was not in the mood for humour. "When you're finished, let's go somewhere private. This isn't something I want other people to hear."
Now Leo was just plain confused.
Surely if she was gonna break up with him, it would be much easier to rip the band aid off here, in his place of work where he couldn't make a scene. Leo had tried that trick before.
"Sure...I finish at three," Leo turned around to check the rota pinned to the wall. "Yeah three." He repeated as he faced Mishti.
"Okay. I'll pick you up in my car at three." Mishti stated, before leaving the backpackers.
With a sinking sensation in his gut, Leo watched her retreating form. What this was about, there was no way it could be good.