Tim laughed. “No, lad, that’s already done. I’ve got some nets, nice easy job of going around fishing out all the leaves, twigs, petals, and whatever debris has been swept into the ponds. How about it?”
Scott smiled. “It sounds good.”
Tim beamed, then gestured for Scott to follow him.
Scott spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around at a casual pace, scooping leaves out of the ponds. Tim came to check on him, pointing out his favourite koi carp, which looked more like a shark. He had a deep scar running down one side of his body and was missing part of his tail fin.
“The park he was at wanted to get rid of him,” Tim explained. “Claimed he was scaring the children.”
“Does Thomas spend all his time adopting animals?”
Tim shrugged. “The deer herd were due to be culled. Fred the Fox only has three legs, and have you seen Susan the Swan?” He shook his head. “Poor girl is missing part of her beak.”
“Ouch.”
“Don’t worry, Thomas sorted her out with a prosthetic one. She’s nesting somewhere with her mate, but be careful walking around the wildlife pond.” Tim pointed into the distance. “It’s about half a mile in that direction. Susan and her mate won’tgive you any warning; they’ll just burst out of the bushes and go for you. Ever heard the rumour about swans being able to break your arms?”
“No, I can’t say I have.”
“Well, they can. I’m walking proof of it.” Tim smacked his right arm. “Broke it in five places.”
“You…fell over?”
Tim slowly shook his head. “No. It was all beak and wing action. I’d rather face a momma bear than a pissed-off swan.” He gripped Scott’s shoulder. “Repeat after me. Always pick the bear.”
“Always…pick the bear.”
“Good lad,” Tim said, letting go.
Scott looked back at the mansion. “Do you see much of Thomas?”
Tim shook his head. “He stays inside mostly. It’s a shame; he used to spend hours in the gardens before he went to prison, but he’ll message to say I’ve done a good job.”
“How does he know if he doesn’t come outside?”
“Cameras,” Tim replied, pointing a few out. “But we’re hoping with you here, he’ll come out of his shell…or his nest.” He frowned. “That’s what snakes live in, right?”
“I think with me here, I’ll have the opposite effect, and he’ll stayinhis nest.” Scott sighed, then recoiled. “And what do you mean,we’re hoping? Who’s we?”
“The staff. We’ve got a separate group chat. Me, Janice – she’s the cleaner, you’ve not met her yet – and Carly and Jay, the chefs. Carly seemed keen on you, says you might be the one to help Thomas, says you’re handsome.” Tim studied Scott for a long moment, then nodded. “When I squint, I can see it.”
“Thanks.” Scott snorted.
“Thomas got back from prison, and apart from the auction that we all kind of bullied him into having so he’d socialise like he used to, he’s spent most of his time inside on his own.”
“I’m not going to be much help in getting him out of the house.”
“I saw you drive off together yesterday.” Tim smiled. “That’s the first time he’s left the grounds since coming home from Brixton.”
“But did you see us come back? How furious he looked.” Scott slumped. “He’s been avoiding me ever since.”
“He can be stubborn.” Tim shook his head.
“How long have you known him?”
Tim blew out a long breath. “Must be about ten years now.”
“Ten years?” Scott counted backwards. “You knew Thomas when he was twenty-one?”
