Days passed, James kept up a relentless series of questions in a failed attempt to elicit information. Robbie continued to play dumb, delivering deliberately more obtuse answers. It wasn't often he got the chance to be a step ahead of the clever clogs and he was enjoying every minute of it.
Lizzie was gone for the day, only he and James remained. The lad had an almost defeated look on his face. Robbie fought a smile as he gathered his things. Standing, he nodded at James, "Laura and me are going for drinks. Care to tag along?"
James glanced up at the man who, in many ways, was a father to him. Perhaps a few drinks would loosen Robbie's tongue and James could get real answers. Last night, in a moment of self doubt, he'd briefly wondered if Robbie might be having him on. But he'd dismissed that thought quickly. Robbie was a good detective but he didn't always apply those laser skills around those he trusted.
He nodded as he stood, "Sure. Laura won't mind will she?"
"Not at all, she even said last night you were looking a little underfed. Suggested we have you to dinner." James turned away, desperate to hide the eager look on his face. "Let her ask you though. She wouldn't want me to mention the underfed part."
Finally certain he had his expression under control, James turned back to Robbie. "I will be happy to keep your secret. I'm very good with secrets."
"I'll keep that in mind should I ever have any secrets that need keeping."
James rolled his eyes in frustration as Robbie turned to leave. Robbie smiled to himself as he walked through the door.