“Yep. But for fuck’s sake, save it under a different name than mine.”
“I’m not stupid.”
He grinned. It was a charming grin, boyish and cute. “I know you’re not. See you later. Til will be fucking amazed. This will make her year.”
Rayah was waiting impatientlyat a table in the café when Abby eventually arrived there.
“I’d have picked you up, you know.” She gestured to the crutches. ‘Or you could’ve driven. Alex has an automatic. You wouldn’t have needed to use that leg.”
Abby sat down and stretched her leg. Rayah was right; she’d have no problem driving the automatic. That was one way to get to see Tilly.
“What’s happened?” Rayah sat back and stared hard.
Abby sometimes forgot that Rayah had the intuition of a witch. Nothing got past her, and being step-mum to three children – one who was a walking encyclopaedia of naughtiness – had only refined those skills.
“Nothing.” It was a stupid answer.
Cara, the café owner who was about the same age as Abby can over with her tablet. “What can I get you?”
“A decaffeinated tea, a big slice of red velvet cake and a truth potion for my friend here.” Rayah’s smile was full of enough sugar to make even Sadie Grace feel sick.
“I’ll have a coffee, thank you.”
“No cake to go with the truth potion Rayah’s clearly planning on spiking you with?”
“I’ll pass. Rayah can drink the truth potion herself.”
They waited for Cara to walk away.
“Tell me what’s happened? Did you discover that Alex has a small dick? I always knew he had some sort of problem.”
“Your cousin does not have a small dick. In fact, if you like, I can give you a detailed description of how he used it this morning.”
“Pass. And that’s not what’s got you looking like you’ve just witnessed a birth, a murder and a marriage all at the same time. Tell me. Else I’ll phone Alex and get him to come down here right now.”
“He’s at work.”
“Doesn’t matter. I’ll just tell him you’re crying and he’ll be here like a shot.” Rayah folder her arms.
“You can’t say anything.” Abby couldn’t believe she was about to tell Rayah.
“I’m good with secrets.”
“You better be.” She needed to share it, needed to tell someone before she headed out to see Tilly.
“My sister’s alive.”
Half an hourlater - during which Abby had never known Rayah be so quiet – and the tale was divulged.
“You’re planning on driving over there this afternoon?”
Abby nodded, taking a final mouthful of the cake that she’d finally given in to when her appetite had returned.
“But your ankle…”
“Like you said. Alex has an automatic. I’m insured to drive it.”
“You can’t go on your own. What if this is a trap? What if it’s a load of bullshit and they’re just trying to get you away on your own?” Rayah’s whisper was turning stage-like and getting a little loud.
