Echoes of Justice (DI Matt Turrell Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

‘It will be fine, I promise to be on my best behaviour.’
    ‘Only while they’re here, I hope?’
    Matt kissed her again but she wriggled away, murmuring something about dinner. He watched her as she went back to the kitchen, walking as she always did, with that sense of purpose.
    Eppie was a great cook, so she should have no worries about his parents on that score. He knew she’d never taken to his tiny flat. While he’d never noticed the lack of colour, Eppie had persuaded him – no, insisted – that the flat needed light and colour. Now bright curtains hung at the windows, and he had to admit he had accepted and even liked the matching cushions on the new modern sofa. It pulled out into a bed, ready for the occasional visitor. She’d culled his rugby trophies that graced the mantelpiece to allow room for some of her belongings, including a wedding present he wasn’t particularly fond of: a small jade Buddha, a present from her father. It sat there and seemed to glare down at him.
    He hadn’t realised how much marriage was about sharing and thought things would stay as they were, with the addition of Eppie, of course. Although it was difficult, after nearly losing her so soon into their marriage he would do anything to keep her happy.
    ‘Dinner’s ready. Grab your tray.’
    Eppie handed him a tray across the folded table. There was a pork chop, with mashed potato and tasty gravy. All smelt delicious and he congratulated himself again on his good luck.
    After he had wolfed down his meal, Matt joined Eppie in the kitchen to clear up. He quite liked having his hands in the hot soapy water and the time spent together doing ordinary domestic chores. When the doorbell rang, he let Eppie answer and heard Ida Davis’s voice.
    ‘We’ve just received the tickets, so I thought I’d bring yours round.’
    Ida and John Davis lived in a flat down the corridor. No one saw very much of John but Ida was always cheerful and friendly. Puzzled about what tickets Eppie had been buying, he picked up a tea towel and went to say hello.
    ‘Thank you, Ida. We’re looking forward to the show.’
    ‘I think you’ll enjoy it. Oh hello, Matt. I see you’re getting him domesticated. That’s the way.’
    ‘How are you, Ida?’
    ‘Very well thank you. Have you both fully recovered?’
    Eppie went to Matt and circled her arm around his waist. ‘Yes. Although if he forgets something he still blames that bang on the head.’
    Ida laughed and Matt invited her to sit down.
    ‘No, thank you. John’s waiting for his dinner. Hope the table fits.’
    After Ida left, there was silence between them as they finished tidying the kitchen. Finally, Matt spoke. ‘So what am I sure to enjoy?’
    Eppie hesitated. ‘Ida’s choir is singing at the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre. They’re having an open event for all local groups to test everything out. She is so excited.’
    ‘You want me to go with you?’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘To listen to Shakespeare, musicals, stuff like that?’
    ‘Why not?’
    ‘Because.’
    ‘Because what?’
    ‘It’s a girly thing.’
    ‘God, you are old-fashioned. Why do you say that?’
    ‘It will be all screeching and the like.’
    ‘How do you know if you’ve never been?’
    ‘Well, er…everyone knows.’
    ‘Who? A lot of blokes sitting around in the pub?’
    ‘No…everybody.’
    ‘For an intelligent man, Matt Turrell, you are woefully uneducated. Listen, if I can come and enjoy your rugby matches then you can, occasionally, just occasionally, put yourself out for me. Right?’
    Matt felt himself backed into a corner and decided the best option would be to comply while hoping that work or some other emergency would rescue him when the time came. He held up his hands. ‘Okay, I give in. Mrs Turrell, I will be delighted to attend with you. Here is my arm, ready and waiting.’
    Eppie saw he was taking the mickey and flipped him with the tea towel before moving in closer and pummelling him on the chest,