Turns out Mr Yomoda knows about anxiety and has been actually quite helpful. He taught me an ancient Japanese relaxation technique where each finger represents a different emotion or feeling: anxiety, fear, anger, sadness and self-esteem. There’s the strong possibility that it was ancient Japanese hokum but so far I’ve started each day calmer, so maybe it does work – who knows?
Hope to speak to you very soon. Call me!
Love
C
x
Chapter Twenty-Four
‘I don’t need babysitting,’ said Regan, opening Penny’s front door to Charlie on Saturday morning. She was feeling sorry for herself and didn’t want someone with far worse problems trying to jolly her out of it. Kevin was dead and she was grieving.
He held up his hands in surrender. ‘I wouldn’t dare. I was after cadging a lift to Mantra.’
She huffed out a breath. ‘I don’t think I’ll bother.’
‘Oh, come on. For me?’ he said brightly, coming inside and closing the door.
‘You’ve walked almost as far to get here as it is from yours to the centre,’ Regan pointed out.
‘Oh, yeah. So I have. Silly me.’
She rolled her eyes at him. ‘Do you fancy a coffee? Penny’s at work.’ Regan had worked the last four days but Saturday was her day off.
‘Sure.’ He followed her to the kitchen.
‘Have you heard anything from the police?’ They had been in to provide detailed statements but Regan had got the distinct impression that finding out who had killed Kevin was not their top priority. It had only warranted a tiny article in the local paper, too, whereasRegan had been expecting a full-page request for information.
‘No. They’ve not been in touch. But I guess it’s early days,’ he said.
‘Do you think they’re treating it as less important because he was homeless?’ Regan held his gaze.
‘No, they’re not allowed to do that. But without a family banging on their door demanding answers …’
‘Mmm, I think you’re right.’ She offered him a choice of mug. ‘Hufflepuff or Slytherin?’
‘Hufflepuff,’ he said, looking affronted.
‘I was just checking.’ They could not be more compatible if they tried.
‘So how have you been doing. You okay?’ he asked, his eyes searching her face for clues.
‘I’m okay. Just sad.’ She was sad about losing Kevin and she was sad at the prospect of going through it all again when she lost Charlie. She tried to shrug it off.
‘Cuddle?’ he asked, with outstretched arms. She nodded. ‘No funny business,’ he added with a cheeky smile, and pulled her into a hug. She was happy and sad at the same time. The warmth of his body against hers and the light scent of him was enticing – she could have stayed there all day. It was safe; like coming home. She reluctantly pulled herself away. They exchanged knowing looks before she turned away and concentrated on making the drinks. They leaned against the cupboards, unconsciously mirroring each other, desperately trying not to make eye contact, while the kettle made a noise like a steam train coming through the tiny kitchen. The electricity between them was palpable. It was a relief to be able to finish making the coffees.
She handed him a mug. ‘Thanks. And don’t worry. I’m sure the police will do their best,’ said Charlie.
‘I think only having Kevin’s first name is causing problems in identifying him. It’s not a lot to go on.’
‘Yeah. I got that feeling too. It sounded like there wouldn’t be a funeral until they’d tried to trace his family. If he has any.’
‘He did once mention something about his folks,’ said Regan, leading Charlie through to the living room, ‘but who knows if they’re still alive. I’m guessing Kevin was in his fifties or sixties.’
They sat and sipped their drinks in silence for a bit. ‘I’m glad you’re staying with Penny now,’ said Charlie, leaning back into the sofa.
Regan shook her head. ‘I’m going back to the studio this afternoon. Penny has been great, but I don’t want to overstay my welcome.’
