Chapter 18

 

It was Saturday morning. April was walking slowly alongside Paddy by the duck pond in the park. They’d met to discuss her progress. She linked her arm in his as they’d agreed. To anyone watching them, they’d appear like father and daughter walking around the busy park amongst the children playing ball games and running about, and couples laid about reading and enjoying the freedom of the weekend.

“So, Rider’s asked you out. Why am I not surprised?”

“I’ve said no.”

“But he’ll ask again?”

“I think so. Or at least he should do. I know Dylan Rider better than he knows himself. He’s in it for as long as the chase goes on.”

“Have you managed to find out anything more at the house?”

“No, nothing. I’ve flicked through a few drawers and things, but I can’t get into his study yet. His housekeeper cleans that. I’m more the beds, toilets and bathroom girl,” she looked down at her hands, “which my hands can vouch for. They’re so bloody dry, now.”

“Maybe he keeps his house separate from the gallery and other work?”

“I’m guessing he keeps everything stored at the gallery, although he does have a huge safe in his bedroom at the house.”

“Do you think you could get access to it, you know, somehow get the number?”

“I doubt it. I reckon I’d have to sleep with him first to get that.”

Paddy quickly turned his head to look at her.

“I’m only joking,” she reassured, “I’m good at my job, but I draw the line at that.”

He looked relieved. Paddy wouldn’t expect that of her.

“Can you get near anything at the gallery?”

“I’m working on it. I’m getting close to Rachel, the girl that cleans the offices. I’ve been out with her socially, and my intention is to somehow get rid of her, so I can get in that office myself to clean and have a good scout round.”

“How will you manage to get rid of her?”

“I’ll slip something in her drink that’ll make sure she’s off work the next day.”

His expression darkened.

“Hey, don’t be looking like that. I’m talking about something to give her the runs.”

“And you think if she’s off one night, they’d let you clean his office?”

“Why not? Ingrid, the lazy supervisor will want the work done, she won’t care who does it. And besides, anything of interest will be locked away. Rider’s not the type to be leaving stuff lying around.”

“Be careful,” he warned, “we’ve got a lot riding on this. He’ll have to move that painting soon. We need to know where it’s stored, and link him to it. Then we’ll have you out of there. It’s gone on long enough.”

“Yes, it is slow,” she sighed, “but I’m sure I can locate it.”

“Me too. If anyone can, you can. There’s no-one better than you.” He smiled affectionately at her, “No wonder you’ve turned Rider’s head, you’re a stunning girl, far too beautiful really to be a police officer.”

“Why thank you, kind sir,” she joked, “on that note I’d better get going. There’s more cleaning to be done,” she rolled her eyes, “I should be getting double, I’ve never had an undercover job like this before,” she twisted her hands upwards, “I’ve developed calluses with all this bloody cleaning.”

“You get Rider, and you’ll be eligible for a huge bonus,” he smiled, “but watch your back, won’t you?”

“I will do.”

She gave him a hug which felt a bit awkward. They’d decided in the beginning it would be more realistic if they did so for the benefit of anyone watching. “Bye, then,” she smiled as he walked away.

She watched as he made his way to his exit.

She’d lied to him.

She would sleep with Dylan Rider if she had to. In fact, she was expecting to.

She’d told the parole officer she would bring Dylan down, and she would. Nothing was more certain than that.

If that meant having sex with him, then so be it.

It had been that long, she might even enjoy it.

 

***

 

He’d stood a safe distance away so he couldn’t be spotted, and watched her talking as she walked leisurely around the lake.

It was a beautiful day, perfect for a stroll. They looked so innocent, just a father walking with his daughter.

You could tell it was her even from a distance. April Masters held herself in a graceful, poised way. The new short-cropped hairstyle would look butch on some women, perhaps more suited to a gay woman, but on her it was incredibly sexy. It exposed her long graceful neck.

She was wearing jeans which hung off her hips and clung to her race-horse legs. His eyes were drawn to her boots which were full-length, like riding boots. Oh, how he’d love to be riding her in only those boots and nothing else.

The conversation between the two of them looked intense. To anyone passing by, they weren’t interacting like a casual encounter. But he knew what they were discussing was serious.

It hadn’t been long before they said their goodbyes.

He knew exactly what they’d been talking about.

The question was, could she pull off such an elaborate plan?

Only time would tell.