Page 41 of Finding English

“Well, I can make you something later if you get hungry.”

Cassie rose and walked to the sink to swill her mug before loading it into the dishwasher, resting her hand on Josie’s shoulder to reassure her as she did.

“Can we go see Majestic before we start the cookies, Mom?”

Cassie’s head turned to Jerry, asking silent permission, smiling at his nod.

“Why don’t we wait for Henry?”

“Okay.”

Her daughter hung off her shoulder as if waiting pained her. Cassie wanted to speak to Henry without her daughter’s ears wagging. She was trying to think how to get away for a few minutes when Aubrey saved her.

“Michaela, I could do with some help. I need to sort all my colored pens into different boxes, can you help me?”

Michaela nodded, exaggerating the move. “Yes.”

Aubrey stood and held her hand to the little girl as Will and Jack followed her.

“Thank you.”

Aubrey grinned. “No problem, when you’re finished with Henry come down to the bunkhouse.”

Cassie went upstairs, opening the door to see Henry buckling his belt. His eyes met her own before hers lowered, taking in the beauty of the man in front of her.

“Looks like I’m too late.”

Henry walked toward her, taking her hands, and pulling her close to his body, resting his hands on her hips. “I didn’t realize we might get five minutes alone.”

He smelled so good, of shower gel and his own particular scent that was so uniquely him.

Cassie rested her hands on the carved muscle of his chest as her eyes tipped to his. “Aubrey took Mic to help her with something in the bunkhouse. I think she guessed we needed to talk. I have the sense they know something I don’t.”

Henry sighed and tugged her toward the bed, pulling her on his lap as he sat. His hand went to her hair, holding it back from her face as he looked at her with love and sadness.

“Just tell me, Henry.” The suspense was as bad as actually knowing.

“Bunce killed two more people last night. It was exactly the same as your parent’s murders and the couple were grandparents from Mic’s pre-school.”

Cassie’s hand flew to her mouth on a gasp. “Who?”

“Mr. and Mrs. Fuller. Do you know them?”

Cassie dropped her gaze to the floor as tears hit her lids. “Yes, their granddaughter Marny is in the same class as Mic. I only met them once at a birthday party, but they were lovely people.”

Henry held her tight brushing the tears away with his thumb. “I’m sorry, Cass, there’s more.”

Cassie straightened up at his words, not knowing how much more she could take. “What?”

“Bunce left a magazine at the scene. A publication called European Chemistry Weekly.”

Cassie went pale at his words. She’d had that interview last year after her paper was published. Had been so proud to make that list at all let alone at number five. They’d sent her a copy that she still had in her drawer. A silly and vain thing to do, but she’d been proud of herself.

“Did he take it from my home?”

Henry’s brows rose. “You have a copy?”

“The magazine sent me a copy after it was published.”