Deadly States (Seaforth Files by Nicholas P Clark Book 2) (60 page)

Julie and Jack spilled into the small kitchen
of his
mother’s house
late one Friday
evening. The old woman was in bed. Jack had promised Julie a cup of coffee, and with his mother’s room right next door to
his room, a cup of coffee was all that was on offer. The physical side
of
their relationship was conducted at her house. It was a rule that was
never discussed but it was strictly observed.

As Jack brought two cups of coffee through to the living room the
phone started ringing.
“Bugger!” he exclaimed.
He handed Julie a cup and then he set the other cup down on the
table next to the phone. He picked up the receiver and answered in an
annoyed tone.
“Hallo.”
There was silence for a few moments.
“Hallo,” he repeated.
“Hallo,” said the voice
on the
other
end
of the line.
“Is that you
Jack?”
The woman’s voice was familiar
though
he
didn’t immediately
place it.
“Yes,” he said, simply.
This was the call that he thought he had been waiting for—initially dreading, then secretly longing for. Work had finally made contact.
“We need to meet,” said the woman. “Aye,
when and where,” Jack answered. “Soon,”
said the woman.
“Soon?” Jack asked, with confusion.
“Well, you know
how it is? Ships that
pass in the night, as you
once told me.”
“Huh?” Jack said.

Immediately he knew who he was talking to. How could he have
been so wrong about her?
“We will talk soon. Dad,” she said. The
line went dead.