“What’s all this? ” I asked, squinting at the tray in his hands. . ing Breakfast in bed.
Scrambled eggs on toast. ” He set it down, looking hopeful. “Oh, no. Can’t face eggs.
Hung over. ” I rubbed my temples. He sighed, taking the plate back. “All right.
Well, I’ll have those then. What do you want? You want toast? You want cereal?
We got pancakes. ” “Gary, we didn’t end up here because you’ve not made me enough breakfast. ” He stopped, setting the tray down again. “Yeah.
Fair point. I’m sorry. I did mean it though. When I said that I wanted it to work.
So, I do appreciate all this. ” His eyes searched mine. “I just don’t want you to think I’m taking anything for granted. Look, why don’t we do something today?
The four of us. ” “No, I can’t. I’m working. ” I pulled the duvet higher.
“Well, to be fair, he did say you’re feeling ropey. Once David’s on paternity leave, you won’t get a day off for months. ” “I just want to sit in a dark room. ” “Cinema then.
” He perked up. “It sounds good, but it’s just Dave. It’s Windas. ” “Yeah.
Listen, mate. Um, Maria’s not going to make it in today. ” I heard him on the phone, his voice dropping. “Where is it?
Just a bug. Well, I mean, she’s massively leaving me in the lurch, but suppose it can’t be helped, can it? All right. Bye.
” He hung up, turning back to me. “Maria’s sick. ” “Oh no. Is it bad?
” “Some summer bug. Means I’m going to have to cancel Miss Pritchard. ” “Why? ” “Because I’m supposed to be going to visit Sarah, aren’t I?
Unless I cancel that. ” “No. No, you can’t. You’re taking Harry.
” I sat up, suddenly more alert. “Where is it? ” I heard a small voice from the hallway. “Where’s what?
” “A console. It wasn’t where I left it. ” “I’ve hidden it. ” Gary’s voice was firm.
“Some oldies. You should be outside playing, not cooped up inside staring at a screen all day. ” “Every picture of you when you were my age, you were glued to a Game Boy. ” I shot back.
“And look how I turned out. ” He shrugged. “Go and knock on the Dobs’ girls or something. See if they want to hang out.
Go play hopscotch. ” “Keystone species. ” Harry muttered, stomping off. I frowned at Gary.
“You know, it’s got me thinking, all this stuff with Sarah. ” “What? ” “Well, that night we found her unconscious. I mean, she must have killed Theo just before.
” “You think it’s connected to getting bopped over the head here? ” “Don’t know. It’s just weird. ” Gary shook his head.
“But wife says hi. ” The doorbell rang, cutting us off. Gary went to answer it. “Oh, great.
You’re here. Uh, we’re all set up. I’ve left the induction folder on the counter. Okay.
Send my love to Sam. ” He was already heading out. “Wait. What do I need the induction folder for?
” “It’s Holly’s first day. ” “What? When were you going to tell me this? ” “I messaged you.
” “Did you? ” “Yeah, I did. ” “Oh, well, I didn’t send it. So, there you go.
” Gary rolled his eyes. “Sent it. I’m on phone meetings all day. I’m only here in case of an emergency.
” “All right. Well, Ollie’s the only chef on the rota, so if you can’t look after him, we’ll have to show up short. ” “There must be something else we can do. ” The door opened again, and a young man walked in, looking unsure.
“Ah, Ollie, you’re here. Welcome to Speed Daal. I’ve got to head out, but uh, Ali’s going to look after you. Break an egg.
” Gary clapped him on the shoulder and left. Ollie turned to me, nervous. “Thanks. So, uh, where do you want me?
” I sighed, already exhausted. “I don’t believe you two. So, I’m not allowed on my console, but you two are allowed on your phones. ” Harry’s voice drifted in from the next room, mocking.
I looked over at Gary, who was now scrolling on his phone, and at Leanne, who had just arrived and was tapping away on hers. “I’m checking my emails. ” Gary said, not looking up. “And I’m checking the salon calendar.
” Leanne added. I pointed at the mirror behind them. “There’s a mirror behind you. I can literally see you playing games on your phone.
” “Mine’s not a game. It’s a puzzle. It’s good for me, Ed. ” Leanne said, smug.
“And if I don’t take care of this raid, then they’ll kick me out of my clan. ” Harry piped up. “So hypocritical. ” “Right.
Can I please have a tenner? ” Gary finally looked up. “What for? ” “Tyrone’s charging an entrance fee to his house now.
” “No, it’s in case we get a coffee. ” “Right. Yeah. Send you a fiver.
” He handed over the money, shaking his head. Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Steve. “We’re closed.
” “How come you’re closed? ” “Because Maria’s called in sick and I have to take Harry to see his mom. ” I explained. “Oh.
Why? ” “What? ” “Zet Marie left this in the pub yesterday. ” Steve said, his voice off.
“Was she drunk? ” “I don’t know. I wasn’t working. I’ll leave you to it.
” He hung up. I frowned at the phone. “Bet she wasn’t. ” Leanne raised an eyebrow.
“Do you think we’re closed? ” “Closed? ” I repeated, confused. The shop door opened, and Leanne’s sister Tracy walked in, looking lost.
“He told me to meet you here. That traffic was something else, wouldn’t it? ” “Bet you didn’t miss the Manunian way when you were in hospital. ” I said, trying to lighten the mood.
“I think he had more on his mind than road congestion, Leanne. ” Tracy replied, quietly. “Yeah. All right.
So, uh, are you hungry? Did you have any breakfast? ” Leanne asked, changing the subject. “He had some cereal.
” I said, glancing at Ollie. “Dad, you don’t need to keep answering for me. ” Ollie muttered. “Okay.
Sorry. Still, breakfast was a long time ago. Well, I’ve got all your favorites in. So, what’s your fancy?
” “Sandwich. ” “Perfect. Oh, I bet you’re looking forward to sleeping in your own bed tonight, eh? ” Leanne smiled.
“Oh, we’ve got a whole movie night planned. Popcorn, the lot. ” “Perfect. Right then, what you fancy?
Cheese and pickle? Tuna, mayo? ” I was already moving toward the kitchen when I stopped. A laptop sat on the counter, open.
“Did you get a new laptop? ” I asked Ollie. He looked over, confused. “Sorry.
This isn’t yours. ” I picked it up, frowning. “Oh, it’s her friends. ” Leanne said, waving a hand.
“Look at him. Look. Like butter wouldn’t melt. ” She nodded toward the window, where a man was walking past.
“It’s weird that in it. Butter wouldn’t melt. ” “Some people got cold mouths or something. It’s not dictionary corner.
” I muttered, setting the laptop down. “Oh, yeah. Oh, give us a sec. I’ll just say hello to Ross.
” Leanne said, spotting someone outside. She stepped out, leaving Tracy and Ollie with me. A moment later, my phone buzzed again. It was Steve.
“All right. Now, have you two got much on today? ” “No, we’re off today. ” “Oh, I don’t suppose you’d mind just nipping in and looking in on the girls?
Just check they’re not on the phones all day. ” “Uh, yeah. Yeah. ” “And please keep them off that flipping teacher rating app.
Honestly, it’s awful. ” “What is it? ” “That app where they review the teachers. ” “Yeah.
Mr. Daniels had a roasting on there. Brutal. ” “Funny though.
” I hung up, sighing. The door opened again, and Steve walked in, holding a card. “Morning all. Hey, look.
I know things have been a bit tense. I hope you don’t mind, but I paid your bill. Peace offering. ” “Funny way to pronounce bribe.
” I said, but I took the card anyway. “Mom. Thank you. ” “And Tracy, you free for a chat?
” Steve asked, turning to her. “What about? ” “Well, not here. I’ll meet you later in the Rovers.
” “I’ll think about it. ” “All right. Well, I’ll text you anyway. See you later, folks.
” He left, and Tracy turned to me. “In a bit, Steve. T. Bowl.
” I said, waving. “Thank you for checking in on the girls. ” “If only he knew, darling. Daddy likes to pay for a lot more than breakfast.
” Tracy muttered, darkly. “Do you mind? ” Leanne had just walked back in, arms crossed. “I really wanted to tell you, you know, about your boyfriend.
” “Well, I’m not sure how he’d feel about that label, to be honest. ” Tracy said, flat. “It’s fine. That’s not why I left.
So, what’s up? ” Leanne’s voice dropped. “Schizophrenia. ” Tracy froze.
“Oh, yeah. ” Leanne continued, her voice strained. “And while I was in hospital, it was so easy to believe it was a temporary thing because hospital was temporary. But now I’m back here.
I just have to get on with my life. I have to accept schizophrenia is going to be with me forever. ” “Yeah, but we’ve got medicine and you can lead a normal life. ” “Maybe, but I don’t really know what normal means anymore.
” “Well, we’ll figure it out. All of us together. ” Tracy reached out, squeezing her hand. “Thank you.
” “That’s okay. So, what’s his name? This boyfriend. ” “Idris.
” “When can I meet him? ” Leanne’s face lit up, slightly. “Oh, are you sure? I didn’t want to overwhelm you.
” “Soon. I figure out what the new normal is. ” “The better. ” “Okay.
Ha. ” Just then, the door burst open,and Sarah stormed in, pale and shaking. “Where have you been? ” I asked, startled.
“Out. ” She snapped. “Out. ” “Oh.
Oh, see, I knew you weren’t in, but I had no idea you’d been out. ” “I was in town. ” She said, her voice too controlled. “Some, yeah.
I’ve um been thinking about the night Theo died. ” “I know, Sarah, right? Who’d have thought it? ” I said, trying to tread carefully.
“No, actually, I was thinking about you. ” Sarah’s eyes locked onto mine, hard. “About me? ” “Tell me again.
” She said, challenging. “Um, you heard a scream. Is that right? ” “Mm-hmm.
” I nodded, cautious. “And then he came running in here and found Sarah lying on the ground. ” “Yeah. ” “Yeah.
But you didn’t see how it happened. ” “No. ” Sarah’s voice was flat. “See, that’s the bit that doesn’t make sense.
Because you must have seen how it happened. ” “Why is that? ” “Because you were the one that did it. ” The room went silent.
I stared at her, my heart hammering. “I’m so sorry, my darling. Did you do it? ” Sarah’s face crumpled, but she didn’t cry.
“Look, it’s complicated. ” “You told the police you did. ” “I told the police the truth, which is that I hurt him, but I didn’t mean to. ” I said, my voice cracking.
“Does that matter? ” “Well, yeah. Let’s hope so, because that’s what the courts are for. Because if they believe me that I didn’t mean to hurt him, then hopefully I can come home.
” Sarah’s jaw tightened. “Look, why don’t you go and get yourself some crisps? Do you want to? I’ve got to kill.
” “No, they take contactless. ” I said, trying to joke. “Warm bag. Thanks.
” Sarah didn’t smile. “I was actually trying to keep him out of this. ” She said, low. “You overheard.
” “What could I do? ” “Well, then you should have just been more careful. ” “Well, you should have stayed off the scaffolding, shouldn’t you? ” My voice rose.
“So, murder? It wasn’t like that. ” “So, your bib’s just a fashion statement, is it? ” Sarah shot back.
“Look, it was him or me, okay? I didn’t mean it. But I had to defend myself. And I thought you’d kill Todd.
” “Listen, I believe you. All right? I do. But the thing is, with self-defense, Sarah, is you’re meant to tell the police, not try and get away with it.
” I said, firmer now. “All right. Fine. Thank you.
I can count on you to point out my failings, can’t I? ” “I’m sorry. ” “It’s fine. You’ve got a lot of failings.
” “I am not in the mood for jokes. ” Sarah turned, storming out. I stood there, shaking, when the door opened again. It was Kit, the police officer.
“Kit told us about Jody trying to brain you. ” Steve said, walking in behind him. “I thought he wasn’t going to arrest her until they got more evidence. ” Kit said, grim.
“Yeah, he hasn’t. Not yet anyway. He’s just giving us a heads up. ” I looked at him, a thought clicking.
“Did she know about Theo then? ” “No. I have no idea what she was playing at, but there was something weird. ” Kit said.
“So, when I got into the house, there’s this like um box, this like trinket box on the side in the kitchen, right? And I’m about to look inside it, and that’s when I get whacked over the head. ” I said, pieces falling into place. “Was it there when you found me?
” “I don’t know. I can’t remember. ” Kit said. “I am telling you, I think she was trying to stop me from looking in that box.
” “What do you think’s in it? ” “I have no idea. But whatever it was, it was worth nearly killing me for. ” “You thought she was one of the Hollage guys at the time?
” “Yeah. ” I admitted. “You know, I’m starting to doubt whether or not you were even kidnapped. ” Kit said, studying me.
“Well, it was very real. I can assure you. ” “Okay. So, you mistook dicky little Sarah for a big burly bloke.
” “It was dark. The dog was barking. I was confused, scared, and—” “Okay. All right.
So, you hit her then. ” “What? What do you mean? ” “Well, I mean, you know, you see her lying on the ground.
You realize you’ve just attacked David’s sister. I mean, you know, did you check a pulse? Did you do mouth to mouth? ” Kit pressed.
“I was panicking. All right. Okay. So, that’s a no, is it?
You just left her for dead. ” “I was going to call an ambulance, but I got kidnapped. I mean, cut me some slack. ” “Why should I?
” “Well, because I’m your sister and I made a mistake. Under a shitload of pressure, may I add? And yeah, maybe you would have acted perfectly in that situation. But, well, I’m not perfect and I’m sorry.
” I took a breath, my voice quieter. “You know, when you think about it, by not saying out, well, I was actually protecting Sarah. ” “Oh, well. Oh, so now you’re the hero of the story.
” Kit snorted. “That’s not what I meant. ” “You keep bringing trouble to my door, Jod. I don’t know how much more of this I can take.
” I shook my head. “No. You know what? I’ve heard enough.
Okay. I’ve got a million things to do before Harper gets back, and dealing with you is not one of them. Just get out of my sight. Just go.
” “Go where? ” “I don’t care. Just out. ” I turned away, my heart pounding.
Kit left, and I stood there, trying to steady myself. “Health and safety checklist done. First covers in five minutes. ” Ollie’s voice came from the kitchen, calm, professional.
“So, we’re going to crack on with prep unless there’s anything else. ” “Just the temperature log if you’ve got time. ” I said, forcing myself to focus. “Yeah, I need to take this.
Um, logs are in the office. Mr. Mortimer, hi. Thanks for calling.
Let me just grab your file. ” I drifted toward the office, my mind still spinning. “Oh, sorry. Just a moment.
” I was halfway there when Leanne walked in, her face flushed. “Hi. You okay? ” “We’ve just run out of lemons and so is Dev.
” She said, distracted. “Don’t suppose you—” “Help yourself. Go through. ” I waved toward the back.
“Thank you. ” She disappeared, and I turned back to the phone when I heard a commotion from the front. “What are you doing here? ” “I might ask you the same thing.
” “This is a TV show. ” I walked out to find Leanne and her sister Tracy arguing near the counter. Tracy was holding up her phone, a game on the screen. “Look, you’ve got one life left or you can give up.
” “I give up. ” “What? What on earth is a wan? ” “What is a wan?
What do they teach you in school these days? ” “What are you guys playing at? ” I interrupted. “I’m just playing snowman.
” Tracy said, defensive. “Oh, hangman. It’s PC gone mad. ” “Who’s winning?
” “No one. Everyone who plays this game is a loser. ” “Come on, girls. Let’s find something better to do.
” I said, trying to defuse. “Gladly. Like what? ” “I don’t know.
Maybe there’s some paint drying or something. ” Tracy muttered, but she put the phone down. “Yeah. ” Leanne sighed.
“You smiling for once. ” “So happy about you, knowing I’m high on life. Makes a change. Come on.
” Tracy followed her out, shooting me a look. “What you grinning for? ” I muttered, watching them go. My phone buzzed again.
It was Steve. “Okay. But promise you won’t get on your high horse. ” “What is it?
” “You know what Fierce was going on about? That app, the one where the kids can slug off to see each other. Yeah. Well, there’s one for boyfriends, too.
” “What have you said about me? ” “Not you, Ross. I don’t get it. ” I frowned.
“Okay, so I’ve uploaded a photo of him and soon there’ll be plenty of horror stories to show Tyrone from any woman who’s ever met him. ” “I thought we weren’t going to say anything to Ty. ” “Yeah, we weren’t going to say anything. But who’s to stop Barl from making it from writing a review?
” “I don’t think this is a good idea. ” “Why not? ” “Well, because what’s Ty going to do when he finds out you’ve been trying to dish the dirt on his dad? ” “Delete it.
” I said, firmly. “So, how long’s this been going on? ” The door opened, and a man walked in, looking around. It was Tyrone.
“It’s my first shift. ” Ollie said, stepping forward. “Is this place the reason you didn’t take the other job? ” I asked, realizing.
“I don’t have to explain myself to you. ” “This is the competition. I don’t remember you in your notice. ” “Can we get a table for two, please?
” Tyrone said, looking at me, ignoring the tension. “Two seconds, lads. ” I said, still staring at Ollie. “Look, if the Rovers starts selling pakora, then we’ll be competition.
Now, can you get out of my kitchen? ” “Well, if there’s nothing wrong with working at this desk, please. ” “How come you kept it a secret? Is everything okay?
” “We’re just looking for a table. ” Tyrone said, his voice tight. “Friday curry club. It’s Monday.
” I said, confused. “I had the dentist on Friday. ” “No, everything’s not okay. You’re approaching my staff.
” “Uh, I didn’t even know he worked here until this morning. ” “Hey, should we come back in a bit? ” Tyrone’s son Sam said, looking between us. “I can’t be too late.
I’ve got a dentist appointment. ” “What again? ” “I forgot I’d canceled it on Friday for Curry Club. ” “Oh, I need to take this.
We’re in the middle of something here. ” I said, my phone buzzing insistently. “Ali, take your call. Lads, grab any table you like.
First round of drinks on me. ” I stepped away, taking the call. “Look, I don’t know what the trouble is here, lads. And I’m not taking sides, but how would you feel if a punter went behind your bar shooting the odds?
” “All right, point taken. ” I heard Tyrone say, his voice softening. “To be continued. ” “Yeah.
Can’t wait. ” I hung up, walking back. The tension had eased slightly. “You good?
” “Yeah. ” I nodded. “Cheers. ” Just then, a man walked in, tall, with a easy smile.
“Oh, looks like you got a visitor. ” Steve said, nodding. I turned, and my heart skipped. “Ah, Idris.
I’d like you to meet the most important man in my life. ” I said, guiding him toward Sam. “You must be Sam. Idris.
Nice to finally meet you. ” Idris extended a hand. “Nice to meet you, too. ” “What are you on about?
I obviously let you in. ” Sam said, frowning. “No way. You’re well annoyed.
You were thought you were going to launch that putter onto the M60. ” “Yeah, it was unfair that dinosaur rode as I was about to take my shot and I had a wonky putter. ” Idris laughed, easy. “Bad workman blames his tools.
I taught you that. ” “Hey, walking wounded. ” A voice called out from the door. It was David, holding a child’s hand.
“Oh no, it’s a medical miracle. ” I said, dry. “Oh, hang on a sec. ” David said, stepping outside for a moment.
“Dave, no out wind. ” I heard him mutter. He came back in, his face tight. “No problem.
I’ve had to close the salon today because of you and your bug. That’s money out of my pocket you’ve nicked. ” “Yeah, I’m sorry, David. I just needed a day off.
” Maria said, looking genuinely apologetic. “Well, if anybody needs a duvet day, Maria, it’s me. I’ve got a sick child in hospital waiting to come home. I’ve got a lodger with a death wish.
And me sister’s in the slammer. ” David’s voice rose. “Yeah, well, you know what? You had me at the first hour for that.
” “Excuse me? ” “Oh, Sarah’s where she belongs, David. And truth be told, she’s the reason that I needed a day off today. Okay.
So, forgive me, won’t you, if I’ve not got any sympathy for you. ” Maria shot back, her eyes flashing. “Come on, boys. ” David grabbed his son’s hand and headed out.
I stood there, the room feeling smaller. “So, what did you say? ” I asked Sam, trying to break the tension. “I said I don’t care if he’s the ambassador or not.
If he’s on my transport, he wears a seat belt. ” Sam said, shrugging. “All right, talking of which—” “Hey, thanks for babysitting the grown-ups—had a chance to relax. ” Tyrone said, steering Sam toward the door.
“Spending time with my grandkids isn’t babysitting. ” Sam corrected him. “I’m talking to Steve. ” “Can’t be easy keeping an eye on you.
” Tyrone laughed. “Ross is telling us his war stories. ” “Literally. ” “So, what’s then?
A conscious recoupling? ” Steve raised an eyebrow. “Well, it turns out we’re quite a good pairing. I’ve left our own devices.
” “Do you want to sit down? Join us. ” “Uh, no. Don’t want to intrude.
” “Well, I’m sure Cassie’s got to go and feed her flying monkeys. ” I said, smiling slightly. “Tell you what, let’s be sociable. Same again.
” Tyrone said, waving at the bar. “No, I’ll get this. ” “No, no, you got breakfast earlier. I need to get you back sometime.
” “Two secs. ” I walked to the bar, ordering. As I waited, my phone buzzed again. It was David.
“What can I get you, love? ” The barmaid asked. “Same again for that table over there. And um a small white and a logo.
” I said, distracted. “Thank you. ” I brought the drinks over, setting them down. “You’re like a teenager with that thing.
” Steve said, nodding at my phone. “There’s something interesting on there. ” “Very. I mean, cheek of it, kicking off at me when she’s the one who’s pulling a ticket.
” I said, my frustration bubbling back. “It’s just ringing out. They’re asking me to cover for her when I’m on Pat leave. ” “Should be getting Windas to go in and cover for her.
I’d like to see him attempt to shaggy Bob. ” Steve laughed. “Oh, voicemail. Should be firing her.
Wait, can I fire her? ” I muttered, tapping at the screen. I stepped outside, calling. “Hi, Jody.
It’s me. Um, will you just ring me back when you get this? All right. Bye.
” I hung up, staring at the phone. My mind drifted back to the box. I walked back inside, finding Kit still there. “Any idea where this thing might be?
” I asked. “I don’t know. What does it look like? ” “Oh, it’s a trinket box in it.
” “Box of trinkets. ” “All right. I was only asking. ” “What do you think’s in it?
” “I must be somewhat valuable if she wants Sarah getting her hands on it. ” “Yeah. Or incriminating. ” Kit said, low.
“Honestly, David, I’m really worried. What she got herself wrapped up in. ” “Listen, come here. It’s going to be fine.
Stop worrying. ” I said, but my own voice wavered. “What’s happened now? ” “Never.
You mind? ” The door opened, and Harry trudged in. “Fine. Uh, can I have my console, please?
” “No. It’s after five. ” I said, automatically. “You said never mind what I said.
” “I said no. ” “You are well unfair. ” “Life’s unfair. And don’t be going looking for it either.
” “Look, we’ll have some tea. All right. We’ll try and get an early night. I mean, Harper’s coming home tomorrow.
” I said, softening slightly. “Don’t worry about Jod. All right. She’s a big girl.
She can look after herself. ” Harry sighed, but followed me toward the kitchen. Just then, Sam walked over, looking awkward. “So, what subjects are you doing these days?
Is it eight GCSEs you do? ” “I’m doing twelve. ” “Twelve? Oh, that’s insane.
I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have used that word. ” “I wouldn’t worry about it. ” Sam said, but his voice was tight.
“Yeah. Uh, it just feels a bit quick, doesn’t it? ” I said, trying to find the words. “Well, me and Idris are not just a fling, Nick.
We’re serious. ” “You might feel that way, but does he? ” Sam’s eyes met mine. “Uh, yes.
Look, Sam knows that Idris exists. If we dragged it out, it might just make it more difficult for him. He needs stability, not whatever this is. ” “Uh, me and Idris are stable.
I wouldn’t put Sam in harm’s way. ” “This is the same. ” Sam repeated, his voice quiet. “Oh.
Enjoyed that episode? ” “Why not step onto the set yourself? Book now at ITV soap tours. com.
” A voiceover cut in, jarring. I blinked, the world snapping back into focus. I was still standing in the pub, the phone in my hand, the evening stretching out in front of me.
