"The matter's closed.' He smiled back at her, then lifted his tea to his lips and took a sip. 'The man Wainwright knew no-one but Bergman, his motive for getting involved in the job was purely spite against Harry and we've marked his card. Joe and Duke are both dead, the other men awaiting trial. In my opinion, matters are pretty well settled.'
'I almost wish I'd never admitted the truth to Mum,' Tara said with a sigh.
'I think you'd have found the knowledge becoming like a wedge between you,' Morris said understand-ingly. 'As it is you've laid the ghosts once and for all.' He drank the rest of his tea and put his cup on the table. 'I'll be off now, Tara. I wish you luck and happiness.'
Tara took his outstretched hand and gripped it with both of hers.
'Thank you so much.'
'I'll tell you one thing,' the policeman smiled a little uncertainly. 'MacDonald's biggest punishment was not seeing you as you are now. I'd be so proud if you were my daughter!'
'So that's it? It's over?' Harry's bright blue eyes danced with delight.
'Buried for good.' Tara smiled. 'Case closed.'
Harry reached out to hug her, closing his eyes and rocking her in his arms.
'I'll just have to tell you my good news now then,' he said, dropping little kisses on to her nose and cheeks.
'What good news?'
'I've sold the club, or at least granted a five-year lease on it.' He grinned. 'Most of the staff, including Needles and Tony, are staying on with the new owner. I've got a fat little nest egg to modernise the farm. In a few years' time we'll sell the freehold of the club for a packet and meanwhile I've got a nice little regular sum coming in from the rent. What could be sweeter?'
'Being carried off to bed by you, with a bottle of chilled Champagne to celebrate?' Tara raised one eyebrow.
One moment she was standing, the next he had her up in his arms and was walking with her towards the door.
'I haven't got any Champagne right now.' He laughed as he made towards the stairs with her. 'But I don't need asking twice to carry you off to bed!'
Lesley Pearse, Tara
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