Phosphate Rocks Chapter 44: Bombe Glacée

John waves at Detective Inspector Rose Irvine as she walks through the door of the Italian café in Canonmills. He stands to help her with her coat, pulls out a chair at his table. 

She’s had the courtesy to ring ahead, has asked Giuseppe to ask John if she can join him for lunch. When John sees the specials board, spots the new dessert options, he rubs his hands together at the prospect of Rose’s face lighting up.  

He is not disappointed. 

Rose brings news. The list that John asked for is complete. 

He is to come to the station when he is ready. 

There is something else; he can see her excitement, the slight flush to her cheek when he asks her about forensics. 

‘Let’s eat first,’ she says. 

They order the specials. Polpette followed by Zuppa de Pesce, and an ice cream bomb for Rose. A carapace of crisp milk chocolate with a melting interior of ice cream. 

‘I hear you’ve been talking to people, asking about me.’ 

‘All part of the job,’ she says, unruffled. ‘How did you know?’ 

He taps his long nose. ‘I have my sources.’ 

She nods towards the window, up the hill. ‘The lass in Tesco Express?’ 

‘Wee Jackie.’ He nods. ‘We look out for one another.’  

‘And others,’ she says. 

‘What did you find out?’ he asks.