After finishing off his vodka, Riddick intercepted Barnett outside the Winters’ home. He wiped a couple of heavy drops of rain from his forehead.
‘Change of plan, Ray,’ Riddick said. ‘I’m going to speak to Hannah.’
Barnett eyed him suspiciously. ‘The boss only just contacted me, sir.’
‘And me. She was very clear – she asked me to do it.’
Barnett nodded. ‘I suppose we could do it together then?’
‘She wants all hands on deck in the search for Richard and Neil – could you head back to HQ?’
Barnett furrowed his brow.
‘She was very clear about this too,’ Riddick said. ‘Problem, Ray?’
‘No, sir.’
‘Good man.’
He waited until Barnett had driven away before heading down Hannah’s driveway. He rested his finger on the doorbell but didn’t press it. The alcohol had given him enough courage to get this far, but not enough to take the plunge. He took a deep breath.
Get a grip, Paul. This is one thing you can give her back.
He pressed the doorbell.
Hannah opened the door. Her mouth fell open. Her head turned slowly from side to side. Riddick wasn’t sure if it was an expression of disbelief, or a flat-out refusal to entertain his presence.
‘What do you want?’ Hannah asked.
Riddick looked down at the ground for a moment, took another deep breath, looked up and said, ‘I’m sorry… I’m sorry for what I put you through.’
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
It took a long time.
Eventually, she said, ‘Thank you… I appreciate it.’
Riddick saw that she had tears in her eyes, before realising he did too. He wiped them away.
‘I was so sorry to hear what you went through,’ Hannah said.
Riddick nodded. ‘Thank you. I do also need to speak to you about something. It’s not good news, I’m afraid. I felt I owed it to you to deliver it.’
‘What is it exactly?’
‘Can I come in first? It’s better if I do.’