Closer to the Heart (The Heart Trilogy Book 3) Read Free Page A

take a look at the roasting turkey.
    “So what's on the television this afternoon, apart from the Queen's Speech” James asked.
    “Not much” I said “Perhaps we should watch Top Gun”
    Everyone apart from James let out a collective groan.
    “When are you going to ring Rob?” Charlotte asked. He looked at his watch and stood up.
    “I'll do it now” he said, leaving the room.
     
    “Anyone for another cup of tea or coffee ”
    “Beer more like” Chris said, standing up.
    “Here, here” chimed in Peter “I think they're all in the fridge”
    “G and T for me” Sarah said, looking at me.
    “Of course I'll make that two or three?” Chris enquired, glancing at Charlie.
    “I'll just have a shandy” Charlie replied, her face still pale and her eyes tired. I could see she was trying not to look at all the small presents she had bought for Mitchell. Instead she kept them trained on the lounge door, waiting for James to return.
     
    I intercepted him in the hallway.
    “You know that Charlie is waiting for you, hoping for good news”
    “I know, but I don't really have any. Rob says they can only attempt a search if there is any sign of an accident or if we still can't get an answer after three days. No bike accidents have been reported at the moment”
    James hung his head and waited for me to say something, but I had no words. Instead I held open my arms so that his bulk filled my frame, it felt strange to be the strong one.
     
    “Come on , let s tell her and then perhaps we can try and have a normal Christmas” I murmured, taking the opportunity to plant a light kiss on his cheek. His grip tightened around my waist as he pulled me closer and his lips grazed mine. Then he straightened up and we both wandered back into the lounge in time for Chris handing round the drinks.
    “So” Charlotte piped up.
    “Rob told me that until either an accident is reported or between us we haven't heard from Mitchell in three days then we can get back in touch and the Police will launch a missing person report” James said, trying to keep his tone light.
     
    Charlie nodded and reached for her phone.
    “Well I'll keep trying to reach him” she said, her fingers moving quickly over the keys to type a message.
    “Dinner's ready” Pam announced.
    The rest of the afternoon passed in usual fashion, digesting too much food in front of the fire and television. Charlie grabbed Jester's lead and he followed her to the door.
    “Don't be too long, they're talking about more snow later” I said. She nodded and shrugged her warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf on.
     
    In the park Charlie gave way to all the tears she had been holding in during dinner. She let Jester run and burrow his nose through the snow in a dance of doggy delight as she stumbled along, not noticing another walker heading in her direction until she banged straight into a firm chest.
    “Charlie, I thought it was you ” Zac h said, as she looked up at him startled and confused.
    “Zach, sorry” she stuttered, trying to wipe the tears away.
    “I can't think of anyone I'd rather bump into”
    “I'm not good company today” she stammered, very aware of the heat radiating from his body.
     
    A silence stretched between them as Charlie contemplated stepping back.
    “So what are you doing in the park?”
    “My flat is on the far side but my friends live just round the corner from your place” he said “I promised I would go over for dinner this evening”
    “Oh”
    “So why are you in the park alone?”
    Charlie pointed to Jester, running in her direction, wet fur flying.
    “Dog walking, I needed to escape the house , it’ s no fun when you're the only single person there” she stuttered out the last couple of words, her heart pounding for Mitchell.
     
    “Shelley did mention something about you and Mitchell”
    “It’ s all my fault and now he's living with his hateful mother” she replied “I thought he was coming home yesterday but he didn't and