‘She was stranded and, like I’ve said, look at the weather. What was I supposed to do, Cam? Leave her on the street? How unkind would that be of me?’ Molly raised her voice. ‘That poor girl is sixteen years old and has nowhere else to go. If she stayed out there tonight, she could die. Do you want that on your conscience?’
Her own outburst took Molly by surprise. She was confused. Why couldn’t Cam see her point? His kindness was a quality she adored. Why wasn’t he seeing the bigger picture? ‘The season of goodwill is looking bleak if you can’t even offer a bed for the night.’
‘Molly, you really are missing the point.’ Cam’s voice was firm. ‘This girl is a stranger. We do not know her background or where she has come from. For all we know she could have gone out of her way to befriend you so that she can rob us blind in the middle of the night.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ huffed Molly.
‘Dear Mr Police Officer, yes, we’ve been robbed, no one has broken in but my partner invited a random stranger into the house, let her have a bath, fed her, gave her a bed for the night and when we woke up—’
‘Stop being facetious. What do you suggest I do? The shelter was full, the doors were closed.’ Molly threw her arms into the air. ‘Why are you being like this?’
Cam knew he was keeping the real reason from Molly. All he wanted was his own family close, in their own home. He knew he was being selfish but that’s exactly what he had to be to get through the next week. ‘My phone has already gone missing, and there are other shelters.’
‘Yes, but they are miles away and how is she meant to get there? There are no buses or trains due to the weather. So, what would you do next?’ Molly threw the question at him.
‘Ring Sam, ask her for advice, because I bet she would not suggest bringing her home. Did you ring Sam?’
Molly felt like she was under a sudden spotlight but there was something about Bree that made Molly want to help her. Staring at Cam, she could see he was waiting for an answer. Deep down she knew he was right; Sam would never suggest bringing someone back to the house, especially after the conversation they’d had earlier about Sam’s own experiences. But she wasn’t going to admit that to Cam.
‘Do you really want me to throw her out on the street? Is that what you’re saying?’
‘You should not have brought her back here in the first place. I want you to ring Sam and ask for advice.’
‘Do you not think Sam has enough on her plate? The shelter is full and one night of helping out someone in need is not going to hurt.’
Their eyes were locked when suddenly they both realised Bree was once again standing in the doorway, this time with her empty mug.
The silence hung in the air.
Molly was feeling mortified, knowing this wasn’t a pleasant conversation for Bree to be privy to.
‘I can go. I don’t want to cause any trouble.’ Bree’s voice faltered as she looked towards the window. Outside, the temperature had dropped considerably and Molly knew it must be close to minus five out there. Bree might be more streetwise than other girls her age but she was still a young girl standing there looking scared, vulnerable and in need of kindness, not to mention a good meal. ‘If I could just have my clothes back.’
Molly and Cam looked towards the washing machine. The drum was spinning round.
‘You are not going anywhere. I’m just about to dish up the stew. Have a seat.’ Molly gestured towards the table.
Bree hesitated and looked at Cam. She didn’t move.
Cam looked at Molly. Her eyes were pleading and he knew he could never actually send a young girl out into the freezing cold night.
‘Enjoy the stew, it’s pretty good,’ he said, giving Molly a look that meant this conversation wasn’t over, before he left the room.
Hurriedly, Molly pulled out a chair before Cam changed his mind. ‘Take a seat.’
‘Thank you,’ replied Bree. Still a little hesitant and with one eye on the door, she sat down.
Molly took the hot beef stew out of the slow cooker and placed it on the table. Bree didn’t say a word. Molly felt the awkward tension in the room and didn’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable. ‘Don’t worry about Cam. He’s just not one for surprises. He’s a planner and when something happens out of the ordinary… I probably should have run it past him first.’
Bree nodded, picked up a knife and fork, and began to devour the food in front of her. ‘This is good. The beef is so tender. It melts in your mouth.’
Molly watched as Bree hurried every mouthful. Molly had barely touched hers when she realised that Bree had nearly finished. As Bree scooped up the last mouthful she caught Molly’s eye. ‘Sorry,’ she said sheepishly as she placed down her knife and fork. ‘I eat fast. Probably a survival technique.’
‘There’s some more in the pot, if you fancy it?’
Bree glanced over to the slow cooker. ‘If that’s okay? Yes, please.’
Molly was impressed by Bree’s manners. They were impeccable; she always said please and thank you.
