In no time, Malcolm returned with his two friends. Noah had met them on many occasions and they both hugged him tightly.
“Thank you for my football kit,” Bella said.
She must have liked it because she had the top on.
“You’re welcome, Bella,” he said. “Thank you for taking care of my brother.”
She giggled. “He looks after me.”
The three of them shared a large apartment in the court. There were plenty of facilities on site, yet the ethos focused on independent living. So much progress had been made in caring for those with Down’s syndrome. Spruce Court was one of the frontrunners. Noah should know, he’d visited each one in the fifty-mile radius. This had been his first choice. Once again, earning a decent salary and having a public image had opened doors for him.
“Will you come to watch our next game?” Malcolm asked.
They played in a league of ten residential communities. Malcolm lived for it. They’d won the title on more than one occasion. He liked to remind Noah that he had more league cups than him.
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
“We’re going to win again this year,” Jonny said.
Noah ruffled his hair. “I believe you. Hey, you three. I have some news.”
They all stopped and stared at him intently.
“I’ve bought some land,” Noah continued. “And I’m going to build a house on it.”
“You can build a house?” Bella asked.
“Not me personally. I’ll find people who know what to do. Then you can come and stay.”
Bella clapped her hands together. “Slumber party.”
“That’s right. Do you fancy it?”
Malcolm hugged him. “I’d love it.”
“I would too. Now let’s get this game going,” Noah said. “It’s too cold to be standing around.”
Jonny ran to his side. “Can I play with you?”
“Of course you can.”
He noticed Malcolm had gone very red.
“Okay, how about we swap every ten minutes?” Noah suggested. “It keeps it interesting.”
They all high-fived each other.
If his luck on the football field ran out, he might consider a career in international relations.
All his plans were coming together. Ever since he’d begun making money, Noah had had a plan for Malcolm. It had been a struggle, but he wouldn’t let his brother down.
Not for anything.
TWO
CARMINE
In Brockton, Carmine Amato was enjoying a much rowdier Christmas, crammed around the table with his family. The sheer amount of food in front of them could feed an army. A whole sea bass sat in the middle. Dishes of pasta, risotto and antipasti all vied for position around it.
