Clean Cut by Lynda La Plante

made physically had given him a new energy and confidence. Anna suspected he was probably fuelled with painkillers, but it didn’t matter. He had been in such good spirits, she decided not to make him think about his case or go over the discussion she’d had with Lewis.
    Sunday found him in an even better state, both physically and mentally, but Anna did not bring up his case, as Barolli and his wife turned up and, no sooner had they left, his ex-wife and stepdaughter arrived. Kitty was such a sweet child and his interaction with her was very moving for Anna to watch. Lorna, his ex-wife, was very much the focus of attention: another reason for Anna to remain quiet. Lorna was cordial to Anna, but she still felt slightly out of the loop, as they discussed Lorna’s baby son and she showed Langton photographs. Anna was totally unaware that Lorna even had another child; there was no mention of who her new partner was, or even if she had one. Anna felt so excluded that she decided that it would be best if she left, to allow Kitty and Lorna to spend more time alone with Jimmy. She was disappointed that he wasn’t more eagerfor her to stay, but he did kiss her and say to Lorna how much she had done for him.
    ‘I might not be able to see you tomorrow,’ she told him, ‘as we will be going to trial soon and—’
    He wafted his hand. ‘Yeah yeah, you do what you have to do. Call me, okay?’
    ‘Yes, I’ll call you.’
    She kissed him goodbye. It was sweet, the way Kitty insisted she walk with her to her car. The little girl was really adorable and so full of energy; she chit-chattered nineteen to the dozen about riding her pony and taking piano lessons. Sometimes, she referred to Langton as Papa but would also call him by his Christian name.
    ‘You love him lots, don’t you?’ Anna said, as she bleeped open her Mini.
    ‘Yes, ’cos he’s so much fun. Now with Tommy, I don’t get to see him as much as I used to.’ She was hopping from one foot to the other.
    ‘How old is Tommy?’
    ‘He’s eighteen months and can’t talk yet. He’s always crying, ’cos some more of his teeth are coming.’
    ‘Who’s Mummy’s friend?’ Anna asked, rather coyly.
    ‘What friend?’
    ‘Well, who do you live with now, apart from Mummy?’
    ‘Oh, no one, we just live together.’
    ‘I see, so who looks after Tommy?’
    ‘Nana–we have a Nana. She lives with us most days, but goes home at weekends.’
    At that moment, Lorna came out and called to Kitty, worried about her. Kitty gave a wave to Anna as she returned to her mother. Lorna also waved to Anna as she drove out of the car park.
    When she let herself into her flat, Anna was feeling at odds. Sometimes, it felt as if she never really knew Langton at all. Not that he was secretive–just that he didn’t ever really discuss his past life.
    As she was getting ready for bed, the phone rang. It was Langton. He sounded quite drunk.
    ‘Eh, how you doing?’
    ‘I’m doing fine. Good thing is, so are you.’
    ‘Yep, I’m doing great. It got a bit tiring with so many visitors. I’m going to crash out soon for an early night.’
    ‘Me too.’
    ‘Thanks for the goodies you brought. Kitty ate most of the grapes.’
    ‘She’s lovely.’
    ‘Yeah, she’s growing up fine.’
    ‘Very pretty.’
    ‘Yep, takes after her mother.’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘Okay, just called to see if you were home safe and sound.’
    ‘I am.’
    ‘Good. So I won’t see you tomorrow?’
    ‘No, I’m in court.’
    ‘Okay, well, whenever. Sleep tight. Love you.’
    ‘I love you too.’
    There was a pause. ‘Yes, I know,’ he said softly.
    ‘Goodnight then.’
    ‘Goodnight.’
    He ended the call. She held the receiver in her hand a moment before she replaced it.
     
    Anna did not actually have much to do at all. A trial date had now been set, so the incident room was beingcleared and all papers and documents pertaining to the case were being selected. The defence and prosecution would contact them