As Wendy’s car passed through Mildenheath and the formality of the hospital setting faded into the rear-view mirror, a sullen air of silence fell over her and Michael as reality began to set in.
‘So, how's work?’ Michael asked, eventually.
‘Yeah, fine. Working on a big case at the moment so I'm glad to have you at home where I can keep an eye on you.’
‘Yeah? How so?’
‘Well, it's a lot easier than trekking to the hospital all the time, especially as I can’t guarantee I’ll be free during visiting times.’
‘No, I meant the big case. What's it all about?’
‘Ah, you know,’ she said with an air of false joking. ‘Madman on the loose bludgeoning young girls to death. The usual fare.’
‘Just another day in the town of Mildenheath, then?’
‘Something like that,’ Wendy replied, smiling.
‘And how's the love life?’
‘You think I get time for one of those with work?’
‘Probably not, seeing as you tend to be so obsessed with it.’
‘I am not obsessed with work, Michael. Being a police officer isn’t just a job, you know. It’s a way of life. You can’t just switch off at five o’clock and lock the office door.’
‘Yeah, but does it need to get in the way of your social life?’
‘It doesn’t. I don’t have a social life, Michael,’ she said, half-smiling.
‘Well yeah, exactly. You used to, though. You were always bringing boys back to the house when we were at upper school. Now, you’ve barely got time for your own brother, let alone anyone else.’
‘That’s just not true, Michael,’ Wendy replied, hurt. She brooded in silence for a few moments before speaking again. ‘As a matter of fact, I've met someone.’
‘Oh?’
‘His name's Robert.’
‘Good start.’
‘Yes, well. That's exactly what it is: a good start. It's still early days and I don't know if anything will come of it but I thought you ought to know. If we’re going to get this all sorted out, we both need to be totally open and honest with each other.’
‘I’m delighted for you, Wend. Why don't you invite him over?’
‘What, are you sure? Are you ready for that?’
‘I’ll be honest, sis; I've had bigger emotional shocks in my life than my sister telling me she's got a new boyfriend.’
‘I didn't mean emotionally, you berk. I meant physically.’
‘Well I didn’t think I was going to have to challenge him to a duel, if that’s what you mean,’ Michael said, joking. Wendy simply smiled. Michael’s sense of humour was returning. Good sign. ‘I’m fine, Wend. Physically, too.’
‘Well, if you're sure, that would be lovely. And I promise I won’t buy lamb.’
‘Oh, but I like lamb,’ Michael said. ‘It's just the smell it makes when it cooks that I can't stand.’
‘Exactly. You're cooking.’
For the first time in as long as she could remember, Wendy truly felt as though everything in her life was improving. Well, almost everything. Although it was still very early to say, Michael seemed to be getting better and she had met a truly alluring man in Robert Ludford. She remained haunted, though, by the prospect of there being another girl murdered before the killer could be caught. A positive outlook would help her, she decided. If her private life was going well, her work life would follow, surely?