Page 35 of Criminally Yours

Strike bared his teeth, and Millie gasped. He hated that she was scared of him, but she didn’t know him anymore. “I’ll send you numbers of people who might be able to help,” he lied.

“I’d appreciate that. Goodbye, Strike.”

Strike hung up the phone. He turned to walk out of the room, but Millie grabbed him, holding him tight.

His arms slowly slipped around her. This was dangerous. But as she tucked her head against him, his heart rate regulated, matching hers.

“I’m here for you, Strike. It’s going to be okay. I know a lot of techniques for anxiety.”

He eased her away. He wasn’t a client she could fix with a couple of words and techniques.

“I’ve got things to do. I’ll drop off your laptop and phone shortly.”

Millie forced a grateful smile.

The past was repeating, and with it came danger.

CHAPTER 15

Millie

Liss poked her head through the door to announce that dinner was nearly ready.

“Are you okay?” Liss asked as Millie stretched on the chair, the laptop cradled in her lap. “Strike told me about Randolph’s call.”

“I think so. I’ve been sitting here wondering how my life got this crazy in such a short space of time.” Millie moved to the bed, and Liss joined her. It messed up the imprint of Strike’s huge body that had remained on the covers after he left. But nothing could rid the ghost of him from her life.

“You seem to be handling it well.”

“Maybe working in mental health helps.” She worried her lip. “Strike rushed out of here. Is he okay?”

Liss shrugged. “He doesn’t reveal much. He’s making decisions and ordering the team around, so he’s coping the only way he can.”

“That’s something.” An unexpected peace had descended after he left. She was scared—it was impossible not to be—but Strike was keeping her physically safe. She’d have to work on the mentally safe bit alone. Like always.

“Well done for everything you’ve found out so far. People really do share a lot with you,” Liss said.

“I can’t believe that secretary told me Hugo was kicked out of school for stealing, or that his old business partner told me about his lacklustre performance, and that Daddy paid for him to be part of the company in the first place. Still no connection to the man he attacked, though.”

“Keep pushing.”

“I will. Staying busy helps, and I like being useful. I’m hoping a couple of people will call tomorrow. I don’t think anyone who’s spent time with Hugo likes him.”

“I’m not surprised. He’s lucky his dad bails him out all the time.” Silence filled the room. Liss chewed her lip as seconds ticked by. “It’s none of my business, but…”

Millie raised her eyebrows, waiting.

“But Strike and Casey are friends. I was bullied at school, too, and it sticks with you forever.”

“I’ll never forget the things they said. Strike apologised, but I still felt like he didn’t get it.”

“He probably feels guilty because he could have stopped it,” Liss added.

Millie pulled her hands down her face. “That should’ve been obvious to me. Why didn’t I see it?”

“Because you’re too close to it. I don’t know what you and Strike are to each other now, but your history will impact your thoughts about him.”

Her emotions were like a tangled dog lead when it came to Strike.