Chapter 254 - What do you think? (4)

11 April, Police headquarters, City K

After shutting the door behind Matthew John moved back to his desk. He knew Matthew was aware of his lie about not being prepared for the weekly meeting, but he had not called him on that.

Sitting there, John re-read the report and made a few amendments to deal with his meeting with Matthew, setting out the arrangements in a way that hid the real reason for their change. Those in general duties had no need to know of the issues as it would not impact what they did, but he had a responsibility to tell his direct superior of the situation.

John therefore picked up the telephone and called this superior to explain what he was going to do at the department heads meeting. After getting the OK for that, he printed off enough copies of his report, before closing his computer.

Looking at the clock, he knew that he had enough time to make a couple of calls. Without thinking, John picked up his phone and dialled Lexi. As soon as she picked up, he said "Hi Lexi? Are you able to talk?"

Lexi looked at the staff sitting in her office, and after signalling to them, they quietly left the office. She responded "I can now. My staff have just left."

"Apologise, you should have told me you were in a meeting?"

"And forgo the pleasure of speaking to you? Never."

"Your husband would kill me if he heard that."

Laughing Lexi responded "One of a hundred ways John. He would not dare, as it would hurt Dominic who loves him so much."

"And you?"

"We have been over this John. This is not a marriage I want. It was not my choice, and I know what disasters marriages where you have no choice are?"

"Are you serious about that? I thought you were giving thing a chance to see what could have been?"

"I am John, but I still have my position about this marriage."

"Damn, that makes things difficult."

"What?"

"I just had a meeting with your husband, and before you ask it was business related. But we spoke a little and he commented he was regretting that you did not have the chance for a proper wedding. He knows that his parents would not lift a hand to help him, and he asked me could I see if my mother would help to do that…"

"But she has Sally and Andrew's wedding to plan."

"She does, but that has not stopped her wanting to matchmakre for me. When she worked was capable of organising multiple events at once, without missing a beat. I got the impression from Matthew that he really wants to give you a proper ceremony, but like most of us males he has no idea what he needs to do."

"Idiot. That is something I do not want."

"Lexi talk to him, but I believe he was sincere. It does not have to be big, but let him spoil you and have that opportunity to be a real bride…"

"I suppose that it would make good business sense, as I could design everything for the wedding party…."

"Always thinking about business?"

"Someone has to John; this is my livelihood and helped me deal with the disaster that was Richard. There is no way I would jeopardise it."

"So, are you up to at least talking to my mother?"

Lexi paused, hearing the tone on John's voice she realised that he was certain that Matthew was sincere in wanting this. Taking a deep breath, she said "Fine, get her to give me a call. No promises, but I will at least speak to her so Matthew cannot take it out on you."

"Thanks, but there was another reason I called."

"Matthew raising his concerns?"

"Lexi, I can tell you still are not coping with what happened. It would be an ordeal for almost anyone. Matthew is lucky he has his training he could rely on to get him through, but he said you refused to see a psychologist he could arrange through the military."

"I did, I have no faith that they would not tell him about sessions…"

"How about I use my contacts and organise a private counsellor for you?"

"No way John do not push your luck," came a sharp reply. Lexi knew if John was in front of her, she would have thrown something at him. How dare he try and push her into counselling. She had spoken to the counsellors that eventually helped her deal with Richard's death and everything from that relationship. As they told her, she needed to be ready to have counselling and they would help her find the right counsellor when she wanted someone. It was just something she could not face presently.

After a few seconds of silence, she continued "John, I promise you that I will get some help when I am ready for it, but I am not presently ready for that. Can you accept that?"

"I will, but I will keep asking, so do not get angry?"

"Fine. Now, I need to go so I can get back to my meeting." Before John could respond, Lexi hung up and relaxed in her chair.

Meanwhile, hearing Lexi hang up John paused. Matthew already knew what he had intended, but the strange thing was that for the first time in a long time he had yesterday met a woman that interested him. Lieutenant Li. There was just something about her. Nothing that he could put into words, but his instincts were telling him he needed to act otherwise he would potentially miss out on something.

Maybe, it was worth calling her on the number she gave him yesterday, and asking her to meet him after he finished for the day? The worst thing that she could do is tell him where to go. However instinct told him that not acting might be the biggest mistake of his life.

Picking up the phone, he dialled the number, and it was quickly answered "Lieutenant Bronwyn Li here."

"Lieutenant, it is John Nang here…"

"Liaison officer Nang, how can I help you? It must be a legal matter as I have just spoken to the Boss and he said he had just come from a meeting with you?"

"Lieutenant, it is not. I have a favour to ask but do not want to do it over the phone. Could we meet say at a restaurant of your choice for dinner. My treat, so I can talk to you about the favour."

-------

If you are reading this novel anywhere other than at or its apps then you are reading work that has been stolen in breach of the authors rights and those rights assigned to others.

Please support this author and only access this novel through at /book/15095783406874805 and report the illegal posting of this work.