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‘That’s the one!’ Rocco said, triumphantly. ‘You harangued Dad for the rest of the weekend, asking why he couldn’t make as much money as his friend. I’m pretty certain he did entertainment law.’ He got out his phone. ‘I’m calling Dad.’

Rocco put the call on speaker when Fraser picked up.

‘Hiya! Remember your uni friend, the one that went into entertainment law?’

‘Harris.’

‘Harris!’ Rocco punched the air. ‘Is he still doing that kind of law, and are you still in touch?’

‘Yeah, we still keep in touch. And despite threatening early retirement, he’s not actually serious about it.’

‘Do you think he’d be able to help Jay and the rest of Drive With Care? They need representation.’

‘Em…’ Rocco heard his dad’s hesitation. ‘Sorry, I’m a bit confused. You want to help Jay Costello?’

‘I do. Very much so. We all do.’

Frankie and Valentina chimed in with affirmatives.

‘Well, yeah, that’s great. Sure. I’ll give Harris a call now. Has something happened? Are you two friends again?’

‘Not yet, but I think I’m having a bit of a Dickensian Christmas, Dad.’

‘Eh? You know your mum and Frankie do the literary references, son. I’ll get right on that and phone you when I hear anything.’

‘Better still. Can I give you Jay’s number? It’s probably best if you or Harris phone him direct.’ Rocco feared Jay would refuse help if he thought Rocco was behind it.

Frankie slid her phone over to Rocco with a contact number. Rocco read it out to their dad.

‘Right, I’ll do that. I’ll let you know how I get on.’

‘Thanks, Dad.’ Rocco hung up.

‘Why the sudden change of heart?’ Valentina asked.

‘Put it down to being the season of goodwill to all men. Frankie…?’ He turned to his little sister, ready to confess all, but she was standing up.

‘Right, I’m off. I’ve got a ton of stuff I need to do. I’m going to organise another couple of things for the Canine Cupids Christmas Club.’

And a moment later, she and the dogs were gone.

Rocco still had a week until Jay’s deadline ran out. He knew he’d tell her everything; he’d come this far, he wasn’t about to give up now.

He started clearing away the breakfast dishes when Valentina rubbed her chest with her fist, wincing slightly.

‘You okay?’

‘Terrible heartburn.’

‘I’ll grab that bottle for⁠—’

‘It’s gone. I finished it.’

‘Are you sure? It was almost full yesterday morning. Let me check the cupboard.’

‘No. I need a new one. I get through so much due to having such awful heartburn.’ She winced again. ‘Would you mind getting me some more? You’ll need to go to the chemists as they stock the only one that helps.’

CHAPTER 42