Page 16 of Soul of Discretion

The other people around the table stood and murmured their shock at Jack’s sudden demise. Josh walked over to Decker and gave him a hug before turning to leave.

He looked over at Simon before he left. “You still want me to contact that friend of mine?”

Simon sighed. “Yes, please. Business still goes on, and now, with Jack gone, we’re going to need all the help we can get.” He knew it sounded callous, but it was the only way to keep aloof from the fact his friend lay dead somewhere.

The young accountant nodded. “I’ll get in touch with her. I’m sorry about Jack.” He turned and exited the room, leaving Simon and Decker staring at each other.

Sorrow was etched across the older man’s features. “I think we need a drink,” he murmured and crossed over to the corner bar. “I know it’s probably not decorum to smell of alcohol while talking to the police, but I don’t give a damn.” Decker poured them each a stiff shot of whisky and returned to Simon’s side. “This makes things even more alarming,” he muttered. “Do you think it’s a coincidence that there’s money missing, and Jack turns up dead?”

Simon frowned. “I don’t believe in coincidences. Anyway, we don’t know if foul play was involved in Jack’s death. He may have been in a car accident or something.” Even to his ears, he didn’t sound convinced.

Decker gave a dry laugh. “There’s that I suppose. But I’ve a feeling shit is about to fly.”

Simon sat down and stared at the pile of paperwork spread across the table. “I’ll carry on doing what I was doing before the news hit. Might as well keep myself busy.” He pulled over a document and started to read it, his mind not truly focused.

Fuck, Jack, what did you get yourself into? Why didn’t you come to me for help before you got yourself killed? I thought we were friends.

Decker busied himself doing the same, but Simon noticed frequent intervals when his hands stopped shuffling paper and he stared blindly out of the window. Forty-five minutes later, the phone rang again. Decker answered it and uttered a brief, “Let them in. Send them up to the second-floor boardroom.”

Simon took a moment to visit the restroom and gear himself up for what was to come. As he zipped himself up, he heard low, murmured voices outside.

The RCMP had arrived.

When he entered the room, two men stood with their backs to him, talking to Decker. They were dressed in suits and he was a little put out that they weren’t wearing their red uniforms.

Decker waved him over. “Mr Bridgeworth, please join us. I’d like to introduce you to Inspector McKenzie and Sergeant Nick Cooper.”

Simon walked over extending his hand as the two men turned around. “Afternoon, gentlemen, I—”

Fuck, he knew those glacial blue eyes and that strong jaw line. He’d traced his tongue along it often enough over the past two evenings.

Northernsalute stared back at him, apprehension in his eyes. Simon’s first thought was “Damn, he looks good in a suit.” His second was a wry sense of surprise that the world was indeed small and what were the chances of meeting his current fuck buddy like this?

He took a deep breath and schooled his face to be polite and professional. After all, that’s what a gentleman would do.

****

It couldn’t possibly be true. That couldn’t be Simon aka Aristocat69 staring back at him with the same disbelief no doubt reflected in his own eyes. Nick could only clench his fists to calm himself down.

It was him all right. Nick would recognise those eyes and their honey brown hue anywhere. Except now, those eyes were wary and suspicious. He had to hand it to Simon, his savoir faire exerted itself, and without even missing a beat, Simon extended a hand toward Nick and inclined his head in his direction.

“Sergeant Cooper, Inspector. I’m sorry we must meet under these circumstances. Thank you for coming down to give us the news personally. It’s been a shock to us all.”

There was no sign, not even a flinch, that Simon and Nick knew each other, and the sense of relief Nick felt was immense. The last thing he wanted to do was compromise this investigation.

Dazed, Nick shook the hand offered and let his inspector do the talking while his anxious brain thought of what to do next.

McKenzie shook Simon’s hand next with enthusiasm. “Mr Bradshaw told me who you were, Mr Bridgeworth. It’s an unexpected pleasure meeting the owner of Breakforce. Even under the circumstances. My brother-in-law has one of your prosthetics. He lost a hand a few years ago in an industrial accident.”

Christ, Simon was the owner of the company. This got worse and worse. Nick would have to recuse himself from the case at this rate.

Simon smiled graciously. “That’s excellent news. We pride ourselves on producing the most innovative equipment.” He motioned to the chairs around the table. “Would you and Sergeant Cooper like to sit down? I’ll get us some coffee or tea if you wish?”

McKenzie waved a hand as he sat down. “No, not necessary. The sergeant and I are fine.”

Simon sat down, Decker next to him. “So please tell me about Jack.” His tone was strained, and Nick got the distinct impression Jack had been more than a business associate.

Simon’s next words bore that suspicion out.