‘What are you doing up there, you cheeky boy?’ Turpin opened one eye. ‘Did he break in again?’ she asked.
‘It looks like he broke in the cat flap before so I shut it again but since then he’s been using it like a door knocker. I wondered what the heck the noise was at three this morning so I came down to investigate to find him sat outside banging his paw on it. I opened the door to have a few choice words with him and he shot inside.’
‘So, it worked.’
‘Precisely. I also discovered at five o’clock that it works in reverse. He was knocking to go out.’
Blythe spluttered a laugh. ‘He’s a smart boy.’
‘At least, on the plus side, I think it means he’s house-trained if he wants to be let out. That or he has some perverse authority complex where he likes controlling people.’
‘Could be a combination of the two,’ she said.
‘Anyway he’s won and now both the flaps are open.’ Sam looked resigned.
‘Thank you, that’s really kind. I was beginning to worry about him being out in all weathers. I’ve put his food down. Do you want me to put him in the utility?’
‘Nah, he looks settled. He knows where his food is. If you give me a minute we can walk to the school field together.’
‘Yeah. Okay.’
‘Great.’ Sam’s smile was infectious. He left the room and Blythe tried to reach up to stroke Turpin but he eyed her superciliously as he clearly knew he was just out of reach.
Sam returned, dressed in coat and scarf, and held up his keys. ‘Shall we get going?’
Blythe followed him out the front door, which felt slightly odd. She’d got used to using the back door. ‘How’s the finger?’ he asked, as they strolled along. Blythe lifted her middle finger. ‘I guess I asked for that.’
‘It’s fine. I put a new plaster on so I didn’t get any dirt in it. Thanks for all your help today and I don’t just mean with my finger. You worked hard on the bonfire.’
‘I enjoyed it. And I have to admit, people here are nice.’
‘Is this where I get to say I told you so?’
‘You only get to say that once, so you need to choose your timing carefully.’
‘Then I’ll wait.’
They walked up the hill together, perfectly in time with each other. ‘I’m quite looking forward to seeing the stack we built go up in the flames,’ he said. ‘I’ve never seen a bonfire quite that big before. And I can’t remember the last time I went to a firework display.’
‘When you were a kid probably.’
‘No, we didn’t do that sort of thing. I think it was when a group from work went to Battersea Park. That was a seriously impressive display.’
‘Ahh then, I might need to manage your expectations a little. Holly Cross fireworks are special in their own way.’
Sam looked like he was going to question her further but they’d reached the school gate where people were waiting to take their tickets. It was a good turn-out and the queue for the hot dogs was already snaking out of the hospitality tent. Sam joined the queue and Blythe went in search of Vicky.
She found her friend near the boundary they’d made to keep people a safe distance from the fireworks. Vicky was eating one jacket potato and had another one lined up. ‘You hungry or is that one for me?’ asked Blythe.
‘It’s Eden’s but she’s changed her mind so you’re welcome to have it.’
‘You’re okay. I’ve got my heart set on a hot dog.’
‘Is that the only thing you’ve got your heart set on?’ asked Vicky. Blythe was confused so Vicky elaborated. ‘I saw you arrive with Sam. You two look like you have a connection. You were literally hanging on his every word.’
Blythe squeaked out an embarrassed laugh. She didn’t like the thought that there was likely some truth in Vicky’s observations. ‘Nah, we were just chatting. I have to tilt my neck because he’s so tall. Bit annoying really.’
Vicky gave her a look. ‘All right. If you say so.’
