Chapter Text
Strike lumbered through the door to a handshake from Wardle and a party which was well underway. Wardle’s voice was raised over the noise of thrumming music and people.
“Nice to see you mate – beer? And you can leave your coat there.”
As Strike mumbled thanks for the invite his thoughts briefly went back to his quiet and solitary flat, already determining to stay 2 hours at the most. The weeks surveillance had taken it out of him and he was tired. He knew there was one good reason why he had shown up and that was in the hope Robin was here. He hadn't seen her in about a week. Strike shrugged out of his coat and followed Wardle through a thriving crowd to where April stood beside a laden table of drinks. In spite of himself and his tiredness he could not fail to appreciate April’s aesthetics. She had chosen a sky blue retro dress with a full netted skirt and it’s off the shoulder neckline accentuated her cleavage, which Strike stoically avoided. As she extended her cheek for a kiss and told Strike how pleased she was that he had made it, she flicked her blue hair out of her eyes. Strike wondered what she saw in the rather staid policeman. A very good example of punching above his weight.
Wardle had spoken again, although Strike hadn’t heard him, he then winked and, as he handed Strike a can of Doom Bar, said in Strike's ear “I think you better get that down you Strike – your past and present are all in the room!” With a sharp laugh and raised eyebrows Wardle turned and disappeared into the crowd leaving Strike nonplussed and uneasy.