‘You’ve got to be kidding?What about me?Don’t you want to spend some quality time together?’
Leo frowned.‘Quality time?How is that different from any other time?’
‘Don’t act more stupid than you can help, do you want us to be together or not?’
‘Oh.Sophie, let’s just have dinner, I’ll go and see the rest of them later, OK?’
* * *
Leo looked down at the beautifully embroidered tablecloth and raffia mats that Harry had unearthed from one of the dresser drawers.The remains of the meal had been cleared away but Leo could tell that his dad had really made an effort tonight.The fat, herby sausages had been done to a crisp, according to Nina, and fluffy, buttery potato had been the stuff of dreams.
Now Alex, Harry, Josh and Nina were back round the table, each lost in their own thoughts.Leo sat down next to his dad.Sophie would just have to wait.After a while, Harry cleared his throat.He tapped his fork against his empty wine glass.
‘Right, gang, we need to make a few plans.As you know, we were originally only here for the weekend to help Leo to get organised.There’s work to be done back at the business, and way too much of it for us to stay down here any longer, even if we all want to be here with you lot.’
‘Oh, Harry, you’re not going home yet, are you?’said Nina, wide-eyed.
‘That’s just what I’m saying.What with the events of today and the delays in the renovation, we’re behind with the jobs here good and proper, and I’m not sure how our Leo’s going to manage if he wants to stick to his original time plan for opening in less than six weeks.’
‘Less than six weeks?We’ll never do it!’Nina looked even more horrified now.
‘I completely agree with you, pet,’ answered Harry.He looked around the table, and the others gazed back, wondering where this was going.‘So that’s why I’m not coming home with you tomorrow after all.I’m staying here to lend a hand until Leo’s back on track.’
There was a pause as everyone digested this unexpected news.Alex was the first to respond.‘Right, well, I can see your point, Dad, but have you forgotten the three big orders we took on last week?Me and Den will work as hard as we can, that goes without saying, but we’ll need some extra help to get them finished for the deadline.And that means qualified, skilled help, not just a filler-in from the job centre.’
Harry smiled.‘True, that’s why I’ve decided to give you someone to help you who won’t let you down, and who has all the skills you need, in spades.’The brothers looked at each other, mystified.Their father continued, ‘The bloke I’ve got in mind can’t be with you 100 per cent of the time as he’s got a few other pressing commitments, but he’ll give you as many hours as he can, and judging by the neat job he’s done on that van out there, he won’t let any of us down.’
A slow flush spread over Josh’s face as he stared incredulously at Harry.
‘Dad, do you mean it?Honest?’
‘Yes, lad, I mean it.You’re a bit hot-headed, but you’re learning fast, and this last mistake’s shown you the value of taking your time and checking the details.You’ll do.’
Josh blinked, and rubbed a hand over his eyes, while his two brothers got up and slapped him on the back, grinning at his obvious pleasure.A loud bang on the door interrupted the cosy glow, and Leo stood up slowly, wondering who on earth would call on them at this late hour.
‘I’ll go, mate,’ said Alex.He left the room, and Leo sank back into his chair, listening to the low murmur of voices downstairs.After a few minutes Alex returned, followed by the large, rather grim figure of Edward Crabtree.Leo noticed Nina give an involuntary shiver.There was definitely something unsettling about Edward, with his brooding dark brown eyes and air of gloom.
‘Edward Crabtree to see us, everyone,’ said Alex, sounding like a butler announcing a party guest.He glanced up at Edward admiringly as he spoke, and Leo smiled involuntarily.There weren’t many people tall enough to tower over the Lamb men.Edward cleared his throat.
‘I won’t keep you from your dinner, I just wanted to say I’m sorry to hear about young George, and to ask you to pass on my regards to his mother when you see her.’
There was a stunned silence.Leo was the first to recover his voice.Maybe he’d misjudged Edward?‘That’s very generous of you, man,’ he said.‘The boy’s improving a bit now, but I reckon it’s going to be a long haul, and Jess’ll need all the friends she can get while he’s on the mend.’
‘Of course she will, and that was why I wanted to talk to you.I wondered if… I meanwewondered if maybe she’d like her old job back?She’s going to need a secure place to work if she’s got a sick child to care for.’
So that was it.Leo squared his shoulders and moved into the centre of the room so that he could look Edward in the eye.‘Oh, I don’t think that’s going to be necessary, mate.Jess is going to be working for me from now on.When the café gets going, she’ll be here full time.I should thank you really, I suppose, for training her up for me.’
Edward drew himself up to his full height and barked out, ‘Ridiculous!Why would anyone want to work in a dump like this?’He waved a derisory arm around the shabby room.No one had bothered to switch on the cosy lighting tonight, and Leo had to admit everywhere did look somewhat battered.Edward continued, ‘Jess needs a good, steady job, in a business with prospects.You’ve got no chance of making a success of your mad idea.This town doesn’t need another café, and you’ll be closed by Christmas.’
‘Is that a threat, Mr Crabtree, because I’ve got witnesses to hear it, if so?’As the volume of Edward’s voice rose, Leo concentrated on making his own softer.
Alex stepped forward.‘Now, Leo, calm down.Edward isn’t making threats, are you?’
Edward flushed.A muscle twitched in his cheek.‘A threat?If that’s how you want to take it, then maybe it is.Healthy food is what people need, not mountains of chocolate, and sugary plastic crap.You’ll soon see I’m right.’
‘So, people shouldn’t be given a choice?Is that what you’re saying?’said Leo, ignoring Alex’s head shaking and taking a step forward.He could feel his fists bunching themselves, ready to punch that smug face.Why was Alex looking so thunderous?Edward moved forward to meet him so that they were almost touching.
‘Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying, you jumped-up northern git.Most people are too stupid to choose good, wholesome food for themselves.They need guidance.’
