The dangers of Smoking
Part II
The dangers of smoking are widely known, by smokers and non smokers alike. Detective Sergeant James Hathaway knows them, accepts them and lives with them. Except one. No one thought to warn about that one did they?
Chapter 32
James tried not to look impatient as Lewis tried every key except the obvious one at the front door of Brookes house. Of course, he mused, it was obvious to him, but it didn't always follow that it was obvious to everyone else. What was obvious though was that he hadn't done a good a job of controlling his face as he thought.
"Next time Sergeant" Lewis said wryly as the door swung open "You take the keys"
"Sorry Sir" James muttered, stepping through behind and closing it again.
"So the humble abode of Theodore Brookes" Lewis said, looking around at the plush surroundings.
"Very traditional cottage" James remarked "In a modern and totally untraditional way"
It was as close to a description as either man could get really. The house was what would be termed a 'new build', but on the interior, someone had tried hard to make it seem an old house. False beams threatened to concuss even Lewis as they made their way through the hall way, complete with an umbrella stand and pair of highly fashionable with the country set, yet highly clean, Wellington boots.
Rugs adorned polished floors and panelled doors lead to a sitting room, kitchen, with a gleaming aga as big a James' kitchen, and a study.
"Up or down?" James offered.
"Down" Lewis said "The only place that looks lived in is the study"
James took two steps towards his destination and paused "Did he have anyone at the dinner with him?" he asked "A partner or someone?"
"His secretary" Lewis mumbled "Life long bachelor apparently"
James nodded "Shouldn't be any nasty surprises upstairs then"
Famous last words.
…...
"Oh" James came through the study door to see Lewis piling folders and papers into boxes.
"Yes" Lewis said "Our Ted had fingers in many pies, he was into a lot of dealing, property, cars, antiques, you name it, he sold it"
"Young boys?" James asked, Lewis at first thought he was being facetious, until he glanced up and saw him holding a lap top "Had a quick look, seems he may be a life long bachelor, but liked his companions just this side of legal"
"Anything else upstairs?"
"Usual medicine cupboard, paracetamol, sleeping pills, toothpaste" James replied "Spare room with empty drawers and a made up bed, master bedroom with clothes, books, oh and the bedside cupboard with more sex toys than a shop and enough lube to...well a lot. With condoms and viagra for added frisson..."
"At least he was safe" Lewis replied "So much for no nasty surprises then"
"Seen worse" Hathaway smirked "Though that lot, combined with the laptop, might guide us towards a motive"
"Seen worse or got worse?" Lewis teased lightly, receiving a snort from James at his question "What's on the lap top then? Pictures?"
James opened it "Web sites" he tapped through the history "For 'dates'. Basically, they're dating sites, exclusively for men, who want to meet up for no strings sex. There's several areas on the sight, younger men, older men, married men etcetera. Brookes likes the 'Just Legal' page, but to access it, I need a password"
"One for Gurdip then" Lewis said.
"He's ready and waiting" James nodded.
"Right, lets get this lot out to the car and back to the station, see what Julie's got and what Gurdip can turn up. Tomorrow, I want to talk to the secretary again, and anyone else at his office" He caught a fleeting look of disappointment on his sergeants face "Unless you have somewhere better to be?"
James shuffled and coughed, and then spoke.
"Right" he bounced the car keys in his hand, and picked up three boxes, stacking them on top of each other.
Lewis looked at his watch "But as it's 6 o'clock, already, we'll take this lot back to the station, and log it in, and then, if she who must be obeyed isn't around we shall take some time owed I think"
"What are you suggesting Sir?" James replied with a smirk.
"Good old fashioned skiving" Lewis grinned "I promised Laura dinner at her favourite restaurant"
…...
James watched Evie as she took his plate and straddled him on the sofa, her hands creeping around the back of his neck.
"Exactly how much of that wine did you drink before I got here?" he asked, humour in his eyes.
"I was frustrated, waiting" she met his eyes with amusement of her own "And needed to pass the time"
She bent her head and kissed his chest where he'd loosened his tie and undone a couple of buttons. He couldn't answer for a moment, his just let his head fall back into her hands and closed his eyes. The day melted away.
He cupped her face gently in his hands and lifted her head "You have no idea what you do to me" he whispered, laying small delicate kisses on her face.
She moaned and he kissed her lips softly, trying to communicate how he felt without words, but he knew it was only a matter of time before he said them.
He watched as she pulled back and lifted her top over her head, allowing it to drop to the floor behind her, he ran gentle hands up her waist and torso, thumbs tracing the outline of her bra.
He bent forward, now kissing her bared skin, nipping lightly as she held him closer, arching her back. He looked up and he saw the same intensity in her eyes as he knew were in his own, he brought her face down to his, and kissed her, allowing himself to get lost.
"Oh James" she breathed as his lips moved to her neck and collar bone, his hands on her back pulling her ever closer.
"So beautiful" he uttered into her skin.
"Please..." her hands tightening on his shoulders.
"I know" he soothed, continuing.
She shuddered as he moved his hands to her thighs, sliding them gently upwards.
And then she resisted , pulling away and standing up. She leaned forward and pulled his hand gently. He complied and stood, watching as she removed the tie, and unbuttoned the shirt, allowing it to fall where they stood.
He felt humble, standing there as she touched him, he didn't care if it was alcohol induced. They had slept together, in both meanings of the phrase, but this was different, she was giving herself to him, totally. The fact that she trusted him so implicitly after what she'd been through made him fiercely protective, no one would hurt her again, he vowed privately, because he'd give everything he had, his life, to stop that happening. He loved her, he knew it, and he admitted it to himself finally.
He buried his face in her hair, feeling her hands roam his chest, his ribs, his back. His own hands mimicked her actions, stroking softly, enjoying the small sighs she gave as a result.
He looked up and cradled her face again, just looking at her, it was all there, he realised. Love, contentment, faith, all in one person.
"James I..." but his lips cut her off, she wanted to tell him, what she'd come to realise today. The incident with Gordy had sealed it, he was a touch jealous, she realised, but more than that, his instinct had been to protect her. Any feelings she had of being wary with him had vanished, and she knew, she loved him, totally.
"Shhh" he murmured between kisses "It's OK"
He'd seen the look of uncertainty, and he didn't want her to say anything she wasn't ready for. He wasn't ready for the words, not yet.
…...