The Locked Door

Part 12

Now that the mystery had been solved she was aware of a feeling of excitement at having dinner with Walker. It seemed that she had known him for longer than an afternoon and remembered with pleasure the feeling of his large hand wrapped around hers.

Within twenty minutes Walker was back with the beer and right behind him was the pizza. It was still light as she closed the door on the pizza boy and carried the pizza into the living room. She had given away all the seats so they sat down with their backs against the wall and after opening a beer each they clinked bottles. “Cheers” Walker said.

“Thanks for helping me solve the mystery.”

“As I said that was the most enjoyable job I’ve had in months. I’ve never been called on to try and pick a lock before.”

“How long have you been a handyman here?” she said as she offered him a slice of pizza.

“About six months” he said. “I’m actually a steel manufacturer by trade but when mum got sick and I came back here to live, there wasn’t much call for that.” His smile was wry.

“Is your mum okay now?”

“No” he said in a flat tone. “She’s hanging in there but it’s only a matter of time I’m afraid.”

“I’m sorry” she said and she was. It must be horrible waiting for something that was inevitable but hoping all the time, which was just human nature, that the doctors had it wrong.

He looked over at her “thanks” he said and his eyes moved away again but not before she saw the pain in them.

Jaya did not know what to say. She wanted to change the subject but could not think how.

Walker saved her the trouble when he said “what are you going to do about the room.

“I’ll have to clear it out” she said “but I’ll tell my mum first. She may want to see it.”

“You could send her a video” he said.

“Good thinking” she said with a smile. “That might save her the trip down here.”

“So I guess you’ll be going back soon” he said looking down at her.

She looked into his eyes for a minute and then nodded. It was only then that she noticed that darkness had seeped into the room. She struggled to see his features now but she didn’t move to turn the light on. For some reason it felt nice to sit there in the dark with him.

Walker continued to hold her gaze “it’s a shame you’re not staying” he said.

Jaya’s heart was hammering in her chest. “Why?” she said.

“Because I really want to do this” he said and leaning towards her his mouth met hers.