Goading

"Tom." Mared sighed in exasperation as she followed him back to the car. She knew he had instantly disliked the head teacher but there was nothing to suggest Ivor Evans was anything to do with the murder. "Was it really necessary to goad that woman like that?"

"Yes." He answered honestly. "A dead man, a drowning victim was found in her school. She's not exactly being forthcoming with information."

"Is that why?"

"And." He unlocked the car as they both got in.

"And?"

"I didn't like the way she spoke about you."

"I've had sixteen years of that crap. I can deal with it. Truth be told her precious daughters were a nightmare. Andrea was a bully."

"I know. I overstepped the mark but she got under my skin."

Mared squeezed his hand.

"Its ok. Aber isn't exactly a big place. Everyone knows everything about everyone. What they don't know they make up." She shook her head. "And its women like her that made me keep my pregnancy with Elin secret as long as I could. That way Mam couldn't force me to abort to keep face with the golf club ladies." Mared sighed. "But that's the past."

"She wouldn't?"

"Dad would have backed her. He had me down as the black sheep of the family. Mam says jump and he jumps." Mared looked far away, her free hand resting on her slightly rounded tummy. "So? Are we going to see Ivor Evans or not?"

Tom nodded once, not thrown by her sudden change in topic. Mared rarely spoke about home at work. Now that she had realised she had let that slip she changed the topic back to work. He started the engine as another part of Mared' history was filed away in his brain.

Xxxxxxx

"Sian." The blonde detective looked up as Delyth walked into the small room that housed CID.

"Hi."

"ti'n iawn?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. Lloyd has gone to the chip shop. He won't be long."

"K."

"Del? What is it?"

"Nothing." The brunette sighed. "I'm ok. Just thought I'd see if Lloyd wanted to go to the Chinese after work."

"Is everything ok with you two? Not my place to ask. I know."

"Yes. No. I think so. He just plods on. I dunno if he wants me to be a mate. A girlfriend or if he's just too nice to tell me to do one." Delyth sighed. "Lee thinks I'm an idiot but." She shrugged.

"Funny thing the heart." Sian smiled. "Lloyd is a good bloke, but he's a plank. He's waiting for you to make a move. Told me as much. Don't let life pass you by. It's too short. If there's one thing this job has taught me, it's that."

"Yeah?"

"Yes." Sian smiled. "Go on. Tell him."

Delyth nodded as she sensed someone in the room behind her.

"Tell him what?" Lloyd asked. Sian rolled her eyes, grabbed a file and left the room. Passing Lloyd she turned back.

""Chwarae 'n glws." She winked at Delyth before leaving the room. Lloyd looked confused as Delyth shrugged her shoulders.

Xxxxxx

The rain battered the small car as Tom drove into the small side street. He couldn't shake the feeling they were missing something. A man in custody helped calm the nerves of the local community but it didn't necessarily mean it was only one man that had to account for the death.

"Welsh weather." Mared tugged her coat around her.

"Nothing quite like it." Tom held her gaze a little too long. She felt herself blush before turning back to the job.

"Cmon then."

She left the car and walked towards the address she had been given. Tom followed her; knowing he always would. He jogged to keep up with her as she reached the terraced house. Minutes later she was knocking the glass panel of the door.

"Someone is in there."

"Don't seem keen on talking to us." Tom answered. He hit the door more forcibly, causing the glass to shake. "Police! Open up!"

A disgruntled shout could be heard from inside the house caught their attention. Mared stepped back as the door opened and an overweight man barrelled into her, knocking her off her feet. Tom made to chase after him, stopping when he realised Mared wasn't with him.

"Mared!" He turned, yelling her name as he saw her double over in pain. Panic gripped him as he ran to her.

"Go after him!" She gasped. Tom swore as he reached her.

"Hospital."

"I'm ok! Tom." Her face screwed up in pain. "I'm not ok." She gasped. Tom tried not to let the panic paralyse him. He scooped her up in his arms as he headed her towards the car. She winced, trying not to cry as he lowered her into the passenger seat.

"It'll be ok." He kissed her forehead before running to the drivers side & starting the engine. He just prayed he was right.

Xxxx