Marcus could feel Rowan watching him intently. Right now he felt like a thesaurus, and Rowan was trying to read everything he said inside-out, backwards and forwards. He’d never been one to analyse whatever came into his head before he said it, but everything about Rowan was controlled.
‘Hmm, true, but they are not as unpredictable as humans. Even after the best possible training, mistakes can be made.’
Marcus was unsure whether Rowan was referring to animals or humans now. Was he trying to open up about himself or Atlas?
‘I hope this confidence walk through the bay helps bond us. I can see Atlas’s claws have worn away slightly by walking on the pavement, but they definitely need a trim still.’
Rowan followed Marcus’s eyes. ‘I know. It’s frustrating. He always used to let me cut them no problem until...’ Rowan stopped, his head lifting abruptly as he looked into the distance.
Marcus was certain he saw his bottom lip tremor slightly. He was certain it was a reaction to a memory, but he didn’t want to pry. Maybe Rowan would open up if he divulged some of his own past.
It was time to begin the walk. ‘Okay, let’s start by walking past the shops. I can tell you everything I know about the owners, then although boring foryou, Atlas will get used to my voice.’
A corner of Rowan’s mouth hitched, and Marcus felt it was a small win, as though he’d peeled away a layer.
They’d met at their usual spot, just metres from where Ben set up his fish cart, but he was long gone. Ben never worked much past midday.
Marcus pointed over to the lifeboat hut. ‘You met Jack and Ned at the pub meeting. Ned is a retired lifeboat rescuer. He does a lot for the community now, and recently got engaged to Morgan.’
‘Morgan?’
‘Yes, she’s Pippa and Nile’s aunt, and sister-in-law to Brett, Pippa and Nile’s father. Brett is a widower. I never got to meet his wife, she passed away a few years ago. They owned and run The Cheese Wedge and Pickles for years, as well as the hotel next to it. But now, Oliver and Pippa own it.’
Rowan nodded. ‘Keeping the business in the family... That’s nice for a tight-knit community like this.’
A wide smile spread across Marcus’s face. He was pleased Rowan saw how close people who lived in the bay were. ‘Yes, yes it is.’
‘Jack is the head crew member and still very much in service.’
Was it Marcus’s imagination, or had Rowan stiffened when he’d said service?
They continued past the harbour, past The Cheese Wedge and Pickles. Laughter and clinking glasses could be heard through the open windows. Today the pub was open all day. Something that smelled very similar to beef ale hot pot wafted through the window too, and Marcus’s stomach reacted to it loudly.
He chuckled, slightly embarrassed.
‘Don’t tell me you’ve not eaten again.’
Rowan’s concern was heartfelt, and Marcus was taken aback. ‘Actually, I haven’t stopped eating today. I made sure I took plenty of food to work with me. But that smell would make any full-bellied man want more.’
Rowan actually huffed a small laugh. Marcus felt like doing cartwheels. ‘That’s a recommendation I’ll have to check out at some point.’
Marcus grinned. ‘You should. Declan is the chef. He’s actually the one who cooks the breakfasts in Tammy’s Tearoom as well. You might have seen them together, they are actually an item. And while we are on the subject of them, a side note; Ben is Tammy’s great uncle and Ned is Declan’s long-lost father.’ Rowan’s brow lifted. ‘But that’s a story for another time.’
Marcus looked down at Atlas. His ears were pricked up high, his head twitching from side to side taking in everything as they walked.
‘So much depth and connection.’ Rowan’s comment was quiet. Marcus thought it not so much a statement, but more of an observation.
The grocery store is under refurbishment at the moment, as the post office is being moved inside. There’s going to have new owners and a new name... The Bay Post and Parcel, I think it's going to be called, according to the oracle...’
‘Mrs Calloway,’ they both chorused simultaneously.
Marcus laughed freely. Rowan managed a small smile.
Marcus’s heart was booming in celebration at yet another small victory. If only he could make progress with Atlas today as well.
Mrs Flownder was picking up vases of flowers from outside the florist shop as they passed, ready to take them in for closing time. She stopped what she was doing to wave. ‘Good evening, Marcus. How did Georgina like the bouquet?’
‘Evening, Mrs Flownder. She loved it. Thank you.’
