“Yeah, he was still in surgery when I left.”
“I’ll wait up for him,” Ezzy said. “Hey, Clairmont, any chance of having some sandwiches or something for when Emory gets home?”
“I’ll have Laura make him something and leave it in the fridge. Now Mr Buchann, have you eaten?
Joe’s stomach chose that moment to rumble. Joe’s hand flew to his stomach. “Sorry, I’ve not eaten since lunchtime, and please call me Joe.”
“I’ll bring you something to eat,” Clairmont said.
“I’m fine with having some of these snacks, but thanks for the offer.”
“Give in now, Joe, Clairmont always gets his way,” Berni told him.
“It’s true, he does,” Fran agreed.
“Then thanks, but only if it’s no trouble.”
“I’ll be back in a little while,” the butler said, turning and leaving the room.
“Did you contact the hospital, Dad?” Robbie asked.
“I did. A coach of football supporters crashed after one of the tyres blew,” he replied. “Thankfully, they didn’t need any of this equipment.”
“There were a lot of broken bones, lacerations, and a few issues only surgery could fix,” Fran added, tiredly.
“Fran, sit down,” Jacob said softly to him.
Fran nodded and moved to the chair he sat in before. He automatically held his hand out to take Jacob’s. He realised what he had done when Jacob took it and gently squeezed his fingers.
“You should go to bed and rest,” Jacob whispered.
“I’ll go later. I’m too tired to move now,” Fran replied.
Joe looked from Jacob to Fran and back again, smiling. “You’ve found another mate?”
“I did,” Jacob replied without the slightest hesitation. “Finn found a new mate as well in Robbie.”
Joe gave Finn a shy smile. “Congratulations.”
“Wait,” Ezzy said suddenly. “Are you one of the people who gave Finn a hard time?”
“No,” Finn said before Joe could. “Joe never did anything to me, except ignore me.”
“Sorry,” Joe said, looking him in the eye.
“It’s all good and everything turned out for the best. Well, not Jacob getting hurt, but everything else anyway.”
“Joe, does Cresswell know you’ve left the pack?” Berni asked suddenly.
“I emailed him and told him I was leaving and why. He wished me well.”
Berni nodded.
Just then Aubrey and Christine walked into the room.
“Jacob Bishop, Joe Buchann, this is my wife Aubrey, and you might already know Christine,” Berni introduced.
“I’m so sorry I’ve not met you until now, Jacob. I’ve been rushed off my feet. Hello, Joe, welcome to our home.”
