Oliver appeared from the cellar carrying a crate of bottles. His eyes went straight to Nile, and he grinned. ‘Oi, lover boy. Less of that, and more pint pulling, please.’
Leanne’s cheeks turned crimson.
Marcus chuckled and lifted a hand, bidding farewell. ‘Good night, all. See you soon.’
He left The Cheese Wedge and Pickles and headed for the seafront, to the harbour wall, the place that had unofficially become a meeting place for Rowan and him.
Rowan raised a hand when he saw him approaching. He smiled and mirrored the wave. Marcus felt as though he had his very own base drummer doing a solo in his chest as he walked towards Rowan and Atlas.
Rowan was dressed in dark jeans and a linen shirt, unbuttoned at the top. Marcus’s breath caught in his throat when he saw a smattering of dark chest hair peeking out. He had to tear his eyes away, and looked down at Atlas. To his amazement, Atlas’s attention was for once, directed right at him, and his body, although still in his usual erect stance, seemed a little more relaxed.
‘Hello, handsome.’
‘Hello.’
Marcus’s brow shot up with his smile. ‘I meant Atlas.’
‘I know.’
The corners of Rowan’s mouth were betraying the usual guarded and stoic mask he wore, and Marcus couldn’t help but laugh softly.
‘Is Atlas ready for his desensitisation tour?’
‘I’m not sure about that, but his owner is certainly intrigued.’
‘Me too,’ agreed Marcus, ‘It starts in ten minutes.’ He gestured with his hand. ‘This way. Veronica said she’s starting it in Keeper’s Lane, outside The Lantern.’
‘The Lantern? Is that another pub I’ve missed?’
Marcus shook his head. ‘I’m not sure. It’s been empty since I moved here Although, what the history of the building is, I couldn’t say. Maybe it was once a pub.’
They walked comfortably side by side, Atlas nestled in between them, the distant squawks of the gulls making Atlas’s ears twitch.
‘How are you getting on with your decorating?’
‘Erm, I’m afraid it’s come to a standstill again. I did get the loose paint scraped off the front door, one of the windows and gate though, but sanding will have to wait until tomorrow now. Then the undercoat and top coat will be finished after the competition.’
‘I’d offer to help, but the contract I’m here for has notched up a gear.’
‘Oh yes, I remember you telling me about it.’ Marcus thought it was the perfect opportunity to find out more about Rowan’s circumstances. ‘And when the contract finishes, do you plan on staying in the bay?’
Rowan was quiet for a while, and Marcus willed him to speak so he could breathe again.
‘I have a house south of here. I’m only renting in the bay whilst I fulfil the contract duties.’
‘So you don’t plan on sticking around?’ Marcus willed his voice to filter out all emotion.
‘I-I like it here... And it’s actually doing Atlas the world of good, but...’
‘But?’
Veronica’s shrill voice cut in. ‘Are you my last two booked for the ghost tour, Marcus?’
Marcus wrenched his head away from Rowan’s profile, forcing a smile. ‘Yes. I booked it this morning online under Mitchell.’
Veronica clapped her hands together excitedly. ‘Wonderful.’ She gestured for Marcus and Rowan to join the dozen or so other people gathered in a huddle. ‘Okay, everyone. Torches arepermitted whilst we walk in between destinations, but once we are at each point of the tour, can you please turn them off.’
Rowan turned his head and looked at Marcus as he pulled out a small torch from his pocket and turned it on, a dry expression on his features.
