“We watched a show calledSlow Horseson TV. Well, River watched half before he fell asleep. We’re going to watch one of his films tomorrow.”
“Ah. Good luck with that.”
“Has he been resistant?”
“Yep. You could try Star Wars if he says no to his. Or one of the spin-offs on the Disney channel.”
“Right.”
“So how do you think he is?”
“He had a good day today, but I know that doesn’t mean he’ll have a good one tomorrow.” Newt was thinking about the bad days that had led to this point.
“Is there anything you need?”
“If I find something fun to do, where he’s not going to be recognised, will you pay for that?”
“Sure. If you need that contingency topped up, just tell me. But don’t do anything that risks his recovery.”
“I won’t.”
“Any post?”
“I forgot to check. I’ll look tomorrow.”
“Now you’ve had chance to get to know him, do you like him, Newt?”
“More than I thought I would after what you said.”
“Try not to like him too much. When he pisses you off—which he will—it’ll be a harder fall.”
“We’re not going to fall out. I like the pool too much.”
Max chuckled. “I’ve been in touch with Dila. She’s planning to come and see River in the near future.”
“Can I let her in without calling you?”
“Yes. But don’t tell River she’s coming in case she fails to show. Things can change so quickly.”
“Right.”
“Night.”
“Goodnight.”
Newt tried to swallow the lump in his throat. He heard the warning in what Max had said.Try not to like him too much.Then the mention of Dila, which had brought him back toreality with a bump. River was straight. There was no point mooning after him. All Newt was doing was his job.
The following morning, the physio arrived exactly on time. Newt pressed the button to open the gate. Newt had taken an instant dislike to Jorge when he’d first met him. He was a big guy with really wide shoulders, a small waist and very white teeth. Apart from the teeth, he looked like the men Newt had gone out of his way to avoid in prison, the ones who were just waiting for an excuse to make trouble.
He opened the door and the guy gave him a dazzling smile that Newt didn’t trust. “Morning, Newt.”
“Morning. River’s just finishing his breakfast.”
River had come down late, not in a good mood, and had taken one bite out of a slice of toast before shoving the plate away. His response to anything Newt had asked wasfuck off.Newt assumed he’d had a bad night. Then thought again. Maybe it had something to do with Jorge. He could tell River didn’t like him.
“Is it all right if I sit in on the session? I thought on the days you’re not due to come, I could help him with his exercises.”
Jorge huffed. “If you think you can.”
