Chapter 2 – Dressed to the impress

For the first time in a long time Strike had arrived to a social occasion early. He rang the doorbell to Nick and Ilsa's place wearing his brand new suit. He had treated himself to a new one now that the business was doing well and his other one had seen better days. He had looked at himself in the mirror before leaving his attic apartment and had to admit, he was looking pretty good. Over the last few months he had lost a little weight and so the new suit fitted him nicely and, along with brushing his hair and being clean shaven, he couldn't complain at his appearance. The 'formal attire' request on the invite gave him a nice excuse to not think about why he was putting in such an effort. Nick opened the door to him, gave him a big hug and said 'Crikey Corm, who are you trying to impress?"

"Happy Birthday Nick. You said formal suit and tie, this is formal. Anyone else here yet?" said Strike as he stepped into the hallway.

"Yeh, Chum is through there" Nick directed Strike towards the living room

Dave Polsworth was chatting to Ilsa in the living room which was set up like a casino with various tables spread out displaying cards, chips and even a roulette wheel. He looked up as Strike entered and shouted "Diddy!".

They were instantly chatting away about the old times in Cornwall and each took a drink from Nick as he came to join them. The room started filling up with Nick's work colleagues and a few family members who Strike knew to look at but was not friendly with. The three of them had moved over to the roulette table, easing themselves into the gambling whilst still being able to chat properly. Dave's wife was still back in Bristol looking after the children and Strike got the impression he was planning on having a fair few drinks tonight like they would back in the day. As the evening proceeded Strike found himself looking around the room more regularly in the search for Robin who still hadn't arrived. Strike looked again at his watch, it was nearly quarter to 9pm. He checked his phone to see if he had any messages from her but there was nothing.

"Sorry Diddy am I boring you, or are you waiting for someone in particular?" Dave grinned and raised his eyebrows as he looked at Nick.

"Sorry Chum, I just thought Robin would have been here by now that's all"

"That's the beautiful business partner right?" asked Dave, with a tease in his expression.

"Yep, That's the beautiful, newly divorced, business partner" confirmed Nick with a grin

"There's no need for that tone. She's my business partner. That's all."

"I disagree" said Nick "I think there is every need for this tone"

Strike could tell Nick had already had a few drinks, he's not normally this brave talking about Strike's relationship with Robin.

"Oh, please tell me more" Dave said to Nick.

"I mean it guys," interrupted Strike a little sharper than he intended "Nothing is or can happen between me and Robin. No matter what your theories may be. So please just behave yourselves tonight, I don't want her feeling uncomfortable"

Dave turned to Nick and whispered loudly "me thinks the lady doth protest too much"

Strike shut him up with a glare and Dave put his arms up in surrender "alright,….. but if that's your girl, you're an absolute fool". Strike followed Dave's eyes to the living room door through which Robin had just walked. Strike's heart leapt. She seemed to draw the attention of the whole room. She was wearing the dress; the one he had given her; it fitted her just as he had remembered, flowing perfectly over her gentle curves. Her hair was in the loose curls he loved so much. She was, in that moment, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He couldn't help but stare but who was the very handsome man on her arm?