The Murder Show

CHAPTER 16

"I'm impressed, Carina. I mean, I know it was my idea to go out but I didn't think they would actually agree." Amelia whispers as they sit in the back of the car heading to the bar of their choice.

Carina frowns. "You didn't?" She says.

"No, you've been under lock and key practically for the last few weeks. So come on - what sexual favours did you promise to get a pass?" Amelia jokes quietly.

Carina's eyes go wide as she smacks Amelia in the arm, gritting her teeth, she spits out "SHUT THE HELL UP." In a harsh whisper.

"Everything ok back there?" Andy asks from the passenger seat as she turns slightly, seeing Amelia rubbing her arm and Carina frowning at her.

"Fine." Amelia grumbles rolling her eyes at Carina. Once Andy nods and turns back around she continues. "You don't need to get violent."

Carina smirks slightly. "Oh please, you deserved it." She says.

Amelia matches her smirk, as the car comes to a stop. "Good job I like it rough..." She whispers sniggering at Carina who rolls her eyes at her always inappropriate friend.

The car comes to a stop as Maya twists in the seat to look at Amelia and Carina. "Ok guys we're here. You know the drill. You agreed to the rules, we will sit at a separate table ONLY on the condition it is directly in the immediate eye line of yours and within easy reach. Otherwise you will have to deal with us all being on one table for the evening." Maya says seriously.

"Aye, aye Captain!" Amelia mock salutes.

Maya narrows her eyes whilst Carina tries not to laugh. "This is serious Amelia, we are taking a huge chance letting you come to a busy bar - he could be ANY of these people. Do you get that? In fact if it was up to me you." Maya says pointing at Carina. "Wouldn't leave the safe house until we have him in custody." She says, causing Carina to roll her eyes.

Amelia opens her mouth - likely to make a risky comment - and Carina elbows her, before speaking. "We know it's serious, and thank you for letting us come out. You know Amelia is just winding you up right, we will be careful and stick to all the rules. Promise." Carina flashes a smile.

Andy moves to get out of the car as does Amelia, Carina holds eye contact with Maya for a second more before throwing a little wink her way and climbing out of the car. Maya feels a small blush creep up her cheeks, as she shakes herself free of her thoughts joining the others on the sidewalk.

The four of them organise themselves as the detectives advised they should, Andy in front with Carina walking next to Amelia and Maya behind. They headed into the bar as Andy looked around at table options, finding two tables barely an arms length from each other just to the left of the bar.

"Perfect." Andy smiles, indicating Amelia and Carina to take the table closer to the wall and her and Maya taking the one slightly more forward.

"We'll be right here ladies." Andy says as she sits down. Maya shrugs her jacket off, rolling her shirt sleeves up, and hanging her jacket across the back of the chair, having made sure to choose the one directly facing Carina and Amelia's table.

"Drink?" Maya asks Andy.

Andy nods. "Club soda please."

Maya nods, going to the bar ordering herself an alcohol free beer - pouring it into a glass to conceal the lack of alcohol - and Andy her club soda, figuring they look less inconspicuous if Maya 'appears' to be drinking.

As Maya waits at the bar, she feels her hair stand on end as someone comes to stand next to her, she doesn't need to turn her head to know that it's Carina. But the whole point of sitting separately is that they appear not to know each other.