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Which he still hadn’t managed to do.

Now it was Tuesday and he’d been sitting in his car outside the chemists until he felt ready to go inside. He’d never needed to pluck up the nerve to have a conversation with a woman before. But Alison was not like the women he usually talked to. Not that he’d talked to her much. He barely knew anything about her apart from her being a pharmacist, having Bruno the boxer, watching Grey’s Anatomy and playing Tomb Raider. And that she liked bubble baths.

In fact, Rocco felt nervous at the thought of speaking to her again. Another first. He knew he could put on the full charm offensive, the way he usually did, but he got the feeling Alison would see through any superficial chat and frivolous one-liners instantly, and wouldn’t be impressed. And for some reason, Rocco cared what Alison thought of him.

Truth was, she also scared him a little.

Rocco finally ventured into the chemists.

An older man in a white coat looked up with a pleasant smile as Rocco walked up to the counter.

‘Hello.’

‘Hi, I’m looking for Alison.’

‘She’s not in today.’

Rocco was stumped. He’d had a rough idea of how the conversation would go with Alison. They’d talk about Bruno, Christmas, the upcoming Canine Cupids party and then Rocco would produce the bubble bath in a slightly abashed manner and apologise again for the misunderstanding over the attempted dognap. They’d laugh. Share a little look and then he’d go, leaving Alison with a thoroughly good opinion of him.

In none of his imagined scenarios had he thought he’d be looking like a startled rabbit in front of a portly man in his mid-fifties.

‘Is she in tomorrow?’

‘Nope. Can I help you?’

‘She’s not unwell is she? Has she gone away?’

The man now looked at Rocco suspiciously. ‘I don’t think I should be discussing her plans with anyone else.’

‘Okay.’ Rocco made to leave, then hesitated, turning back to the man who was now frowning. ‘One thing though, do you know if Alison is going to a party on Thursday? Maybe she mentioned it?’

The man slowly shook his head, his eyes drifting down to the gift bag containing the bubble bath.

‘Can I say who’s been asking for her?’

‘Er, no, it’s okay. Thanks.’ Rocco turned swiftly, keen to exit, but the hem of his wool coat flicked against a display of corn plasters and foot creams, knocking half the shelf to the floor. He bent and picked everything up, all the while feeling the disapproving gaze on him.

Rocco went back to his car and got in, resting the bubble bath on the passenger seat. Now he had to wait, and hope Alison was going to Frankie’s party on Thursday. He certainly planned on being there, no matter what.

CHAPTER 32

FRANKIE

Frankie dropped off Toffee on Wednesday evening. Pulling into the Costellos’ driveway, Frankie saw Cole’s van was missing. When Frankie switched off the engine, she was plummeted into darkness. Being so close to the winter solstice, the sun had long since sunk beneath the horizon and there was no light on in the front of the cottage.

Frankie let Toffee out of the van and the little dog immediately ran around the back. Following, Frankie wondered, did the absence of Cole’s van mean he and Si had gone home?

This question was answered a moment later. Walking around the back of the house, Frankie gave a little yelp of surprise when she practically tripped over Si, who was leaning against the wall, smoking a cigarette.

‘Hi. Sorry, Frankie, I didn’t mean to give you a fright,’ the bassist said as he bent down to pat Toffee who was jumping up and down beside him for attention.

‘I didn’t think anyone was home.’

‘Cole’s gone to get some supplies for dinner, and that.’

‘Right, I’ll leave you with Toffee then.’ Frankie held out Toffee’s lead for Si, but he didn’t take it.

‘Why don’t you come in, see Jay.’