She watched him go before stepping out of the shadows and into the yard. Reggie was stepping out of his shop just as she entered the yard, Barney pulling eagerly at his lead.
She glanced over her shoulder, checking Jack had gone, wondering if Reggie had seen him, when she noticed someone standing outside the art and craft shop.
Soaked. Shivering.
At first, she didn’t recognise him. He was facing away from the yard, looking up at her flat.
As she drew closer, Reggie did too.
They spoke at the same time. ‘Oliver? What are you doing here?’
He turned, his eyes going straight to Bridie. ‘Oh! I thought you were in. I waited and waited. I didn’t realise you were out.’
She realised then that she’d left a light on upstairs. He obviously hadn’t seen or heard her at the head of the lane talking in hushed voices with Jack. Fortunately, although the rain had subsided, strong winds were whipping up another storm, which meant he wouldn’t have heard them.
‘You’re soaked through,’ she said. ‘How long have you been out here?’
‘A while.’
‘You’re going to catch a chill. Reggie, can you bring Barney inside and put the kettle on?’
She unlocked the door and ushered them in. Oliver sneezed violently.
‘Come upstairs,’ Bridie said. ‘Change out of those wet clothes.’
‘But … what will I wear?’
‘I’ll find something.’
Upstairs, she rummaged in her wardrobe and pulled out an oversized tracksuit that had once belonged to Julian. She didn’t know why she’d kept it.
‘Here,’ she said, pressing it into Oliver’s shaking hands. ‘Change in the bathroom. I’ll put your wet clothes in the washing machine.’
‘You don’t have to—’
‘Oliver, just do it. Leave them in the bath when you’re changed and come downstairs. Reggie’s making a cup of coffee.’
She was about to shut the bathroom door. ‘What are you doing here, Oliver?’
‘I … I wanted to see you. I’m sorry I missed your text, you see, my—’ he sneezed again.
Bridie held up her hand. ‘Explain later. Just get out of those wet clothes, for goodness’ sake.’
Downstairs, Barney bounded over, ecstatic. Bridie laughed as he jumped up and licked her face.
‘All right, all right,’ she said, laughing. ‘Calm down.’
Reggie handed her a mug of coffee quietly. He was unusually subdued.
He handed her a mug. ‘I saw you with Jack Harrison. I heard that Jack is involved in the theatre. So, that’s why you haven’t asked for our help again. He’s taken over.’
Bridie didn’t know what to say.
‘It’s true, isn’t it?’
Bridie cast her eyes to the ceiling. She could hear the creak of the floorboards. Oliver was still changing.
Bridie frowned. ‘Did Hannah tell you?’ She had thought Hannah would keep it to herself.
