Hathaway entered the office, carefully avoiding any eye contact. Still, he couldn't help noticing Lewis sliding some papers under a manila envelope on his desk.
"So what's this work you mentioned?"
"D.I. Laxton needs you for a couple of days. Some sort of massive file checking, looking for a needle in a haystack. Everyone who can be spared is on it. Briefing is in ten minutes." Lewis took a sip of coffee. "Been paying Hobson that lunch you owe her?"
James inhaled deeply through his nose. Then he plunged in. "About that, Sir. Laura's a bit upset that you left without any explanation. I thought you said Friday night went so well . . . ?" Major mistake.
Lewis looked up at him, the fury showing clearly in his face. Then he exploded. "I may not be experienced in recreational shagging, Sergeant, but I know that in my time it was considered bad manners to tell your mates all about it the next day. So just piss off!"
"Sorry, sir," James said quietly, looking away from Lewis's burning stare. Recreational shagging? It that what he thought had taken place? For once, Hathaway resisted the urge to say anything more. It would probably just make things worse, if that were possible. A couple of days' break from him was probably just what they both needed. Thank you, D.I. Laxton, for good timing!
Just then, a familiar female voice came from the doorway. "Lewis—"
"WHAT?!"
Chief Superintendent Innocent frowned at him, folding her arms across her chest.
It took a moment of visible effort for him to compose himself and become appropriately submissive. "Um, sorry ma'am. Didn't mean to shout."
Her eyes narrowed. "Where's the report from last week?"
She took it from Lewis without comment. Then she looked from one to the other.
"Are you and Hathaway having a disagreement?"
"It's just temporary, ma'am."
James remarked to himself that, no matter how acrimonious things were between him and his partner, Lewis always closed ranks when Innocent tried to pry. No one could accuse him of being disloyal.
She turned to James. "Lewis told you about D.I. Laxton's project, yes? She's briefing in a minute. Better get your skates on." Then, "Lewis, I just received a rather disturbing call from Personnel. I'd like a little chat. Now."
Lewis followed her out of the office. Hathaway started after, but the envelope on Lewis's desk caught his eye. Trying to avoid guilt by telling himself he was really acting out of concern for his boss, he slid the envelope to one side and peeked at the papers underneath. The title of the sheet on top made him catch his breath.
"Application for Pension Benefits."
Damn Laxton's timing!