‘I don’t think it was that,’ Evan said kindly. ‘But she knew you didn’t trust yourself, and until you start to do that, you’re still vulnerable. Plus, she had another reason for putting Stella in charge of the finances for this place. Don’t you get it? She knew Stella would take it badly – losing Watersmeet. She was afraid the two of you would fall out for good, so she made damn sure that you’dhaveto stay in contact, whether you liked it or not.’
‘Wily old bird, wasn’t she?’ Mac said, a wry smile playing on his lips.
‘Canny,’ Evan agreed fondly. He glanced around the kitchen. ‘What about this place? The house, I mean. Anything need doing to it?’
‘Well, I need a new bed, that’s for sure,’ Mac said with feeling. ‘The bed in my old room must be the same one I used to sleep in when I was a kid, and to be honest, I don’t fancy sleeping on Mum’s old bed, even though it’s fairly new. I thought I’d turn her room into a guest room just in case…’
His voice trailed off as he realised he didn’t want to jinx things by putting into words the hope that, one day, his children would come to stay at Watersmeet. ‘Anyway,’ he finished, ‘a new bed. I’ve been granted permission to buy one. Aren’t I the lucky one?’
‘I know your monthly allowance is probably enough to cover food and bills, but have you had any thoughts on what you’re going to do with yourself now you’ve moved back here? Any job in mind?’
Mac shook his head. ‘Like I said, I take one day at a time.’
Evan nodded. ‘Well, I’m sure something will come to you in the end. You’re still young enough to find your place in the world.’
‘I’m sixty-two!’
‘Exactly! Only sixty-two! I’m seventy, in case you’re interested. Should have retired years ago but bugger that for a game of soldiers. I’m far too young and dynamic.’ He drained his mug and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. ‘I enjoyed that. You make a right good cuppa. Nearly as good as your mother’s.
‘Now look, if you need anything – anything at all – you only have to ask. Here’s my card, right? Even if you just want to call and ask for advice over the phone about the animals. But also if you ever want to talk about… Well, anything. You know. You mustn’t be alone, Mac. Someone in your position – you need people to talk to. If you need a listening ear, I’m here. You understand?’
Mac smiled, seeing the genuine kindness and concern in the vet’s eyes. ‘Thank you. I’ll remember that.’
‘See that you do.’
Evan got to his feet and patted Mac on the shoulder. ‘I can see myself out, no need to show me to the door. Just remember, I’m here, however lonely you might feel right now. I thought the world of your mother, and she thought the world of you, so that makes us pals in my eyes. I know you won’t let her down.’
Mac couldn’t reply, his throat was so tight with emotion. Evan nodded and smiled then picked up his bag and headed for the door.
‘I’ll send the bill to Stella,’ he called over his shoulder. ‘I’m sure she’ll be delighted that the ponies are in the very best of health. We both know she’d hate for anything to happen to these precious animals.’
12
Alison scooped up a spoonful of chicken fried rice and curry sauce, her eyes fixed on the television screen and an old episode ofMiss Marple. She knew the plot off by heart, but it didn’t detract from her enjoyment. She loved detective programmes – as long as they weren’t too graphic or scary. She hated anything with too much tension. It was probably why she watched so many repeats of old series. That way she knew what to expect and there were no nasty surprises.
The Chinese takeaway had been a last-minute idea. A fond farewell to eating fast food. She’d rung the surgery that morning from work and had it confirmed that she was just within the diabetic range. It was time to do something about it. She had three months to turn things around, so what better way to mark the occasion than with her favourite Chinese dish?
‘Tomorrow,’ she murmured, as she wistfully eyed the vegetable spring rolls on her plate, ‘it will be salad and vegetables and lean protein.’ She couldn’t say she was looking forward to it, but she was too scared not to give it a try. She wasn’t going to roll over and accept that she was now a type 2 diabetic. No way. Not if she had a chance to do something about it.
The doorbell rang and Alison frowned. Rosie? But it was gone six o’clock and dark outside. Rosie didn’t like driving in the dark, especially not on the lonely, winding roads between Hull and Kelsea Sands. Maybe it was someone wanting a donation or asking her to sign up for some raffle or other, or switch broadband providers or electricity companies. There’d been a lot of that just lately. Most of her neighbours had put signs in their windows, telling cold callers not to bother.
She put her plate on the coffee table and headed into the hallway, hoping whoever it was wouldn’t keep her standing at the door too long, because there was nothing worse than cold chicken fried rice.
Making sure the chain was on the latch, she cautiously opened the front door, then heaved a sigh of relief and pulled back the chain, standing aside to let her son-in-law in.
‘Joel! I wasn’t expecting you.’ She frowned, suddenly worried. ‘Everything’s okay, isn’t it?’
‘Apart from me and Jenna being well and truly dropped in it as far as childcare goes, you mean? Perfect.’
He sounded bitter and his eyes flashed with annoyance. Alison’s worry evaporated, replaced with irritation.
‘Has Jenna sent you?’ she asked as she closed the door to keep out the cold January air.
‘No. She doesn’t know I’m here. She told me to leave it, and that I should stay away from you.’
I’ll bet she did. Terrified I tell him what caused me to withdraw my labour, no doubt.
‘Maybe,’ she said, ‘you should have listened to her.’
