Keeping Thyme (Thyme Trilogy) Read Online Free PDF Page B

most obvious. I put the firearm into a snap-lock bag and pop the stainless-steel casing from the drain’s entrance. The pistol fits nicely into position. It will have to do for now.
    I turn the shower on and wash the remnants of last night’s taste away. I feel better already.
    I pick out a loose summer all-in-one playsuit in watermelon and pull my hair up into a topknot before heading back downstairs. Tench sits with his back to the door as I enter the kitchen. I press my index finger to my lips for Mrs Oktar to stay quiet and throw my arms around Tench and whisper, “I missed you this morning” into his ear. Mrs Oktar beams a bright smile and continues prepping her meal. Tench grabs hold of my arms and pulls me around to his lap. He kisses me all over my face and holds it between his strong hands.
    “I miss you every day you’re not here.” He smiles back to me.
    “Well, I’m here now. My brother came home from being away for a long time, so I had to spend some time with him.”
    Tench’s eyes light up. “Your brother? You never talk about your family, you know?”
    Of course I know this , I snigger to myself. “There’s not much to tell you. My father … and mother are dead, and all I have left is my twin brother.”
    “You’re a twin? Why don’t you invite him over here? I’d love to meet your last remaining family member, especially a twin. Is he much like you?”
    Tench, you are way too predictable . “Yes he is a lot like me.” I smile.
    “So, where’s he been? What does he do?”
    My mind races quickly. “Nepal. He’s an adventure travel consultant. He finds rich guys fun things to do with their money.” Where the hell did that come from?
    Tench laughs. “My interest in meeting your brother has just piqued. What an interesting person he must be. So he is very much like you, then? You find fun things for rich guys like me to do with my money.” Tench pulls me to him again and kisses me with soft longing kisses. I laugh at Tench basically calling my brother a male prostitute. I wonder if he’s watching right now?
    Mrs Oktar clears her throat. “Sorry to interrupt you two lovebirds, but would you like breakfast, dear?” she asks with a warm smile.
    I slide off Tench’s lap and finally give Mrs Oktar the hug I wanted. She smells of flour, honey and nutmeg all mixed into one. Her round body feels caring and squishy around my arms; it’s warm and homely. I wonder what’s going to happen to her when Tench gets locked away forever? I almost want to warn her to run away now while she can, before shit turns bad.
    “What’s brought this on?” She holds me out.
    I guess I wasn’t the hugging type … until I met Nick. Now I crave that love again, but know I’ll never get it.
    “I just realise how much I missed being here,” I say, looking straight at Tench.
    He smiles as if he’s just heard everything he’s ever wanted to hear. “Toni said you had a lot of luggage with you this time. I want you to stay as long as you like. I’ll be going over to Russia next week though, but make yourself at home while I’m away.”
    This is my chance. “I can come with you. I have a friend over in Russia that I haven’t seen for years …”
    Tench’s head twists sideways and he stares at me, attempting to cut into my soul. Is that too keen? Maybe I’ve come on too strong? Maybe he likes me more when I’m not so available?
    “… or I could just stay here and spend time with my brother,” I add, hoping I haven’t sounded too eager for him.
    Tench sighs and holds out his arm for me. “How can I ever say no to you, Miranda? I would love for you to join me. I have a lot of business to do while I’m over there, though, so I won’t be able to be with you the whole time.”
    This sounds too good to be true! “That’s fine. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do with my friend, anyway.”
    “Who is this friend?” Tench is not giving up getting information out of me today, and I’m going to give