Cath Staincliffe: Stone Cold Red Hot

I shuddered at the thought of passing him my bill on Monday and then devastating him with the truth. No, I’d post the bill on to him later. I’d have to sort out someone I could refer him to, he’d need support, tons of it, to weather what was coming.

And now?

It was tricky dialling but I got through straight away, the number that the pencil rubbing revealed was legible.

“It’s Sal, I’ve been thinking it over. I’d like to do that, have a meal sometime. Can I ring you next week to fix it up?” By then I may be able to hold cutlery like a grown-up.

“Great. Yes, do. I’d like that.” He sounded delighted.

“OK. I’ll do that, then. Bye bye.”

“Bye.”

I grinned and felt a cloud of butterflies rise in my belly.

The future beckoned.

Cath Staincliffeis the author of the acclaimed Sal Kilkenny mysteries as well as being creator of ITV’s hit police series, Blue Murder , starring Caroline Quentin as DCI Janine Lewis. Cath was shortlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library award in 2006. She lives in Manchester with her family.