Page 89

The words hang in the air between us. How long have I waited to hear him say that? To acknowledge that maybe, just maybe, not everything was my fault? And yet now he’s finally turning the lens on himself, I can’t help but stick up for him.

“At least you stayed.”

“Aye, but I owed you more than just that. I think the worst thing your mother did was make me believe you were the problematic one, when that wasn’t the case. I should have seen that so much sooner.”

I swallow hard, unprepared for the emotions his words trigger.

“I . . . wish I’d done a lot of things differently,” he continues. “Even just these last few weeks . . . you’ve been through hell, Robbie, and you shouldn’t have had to go through it alone. I should have had your back.”

“You didn’t want to interfere with the police investigation. I get it.”

He grimaces. “Maybe. But I’m sorry for leaving you to shoulder everything on your own.”

I think of Cat’s relentless optimism and that cork board covered in notes and string. “To be fair, I wasn’t entirely on my own.”

“Aye. Catriona McIntyre, eh? She’s quite something. A good catch, I reckon.” Da’s lips twitch. “Considering you and Ally never got along, it’s funny you’re with his wee sister now.”

“Aye, life sure takes some unexpected turns.”

“That it does.” Da stands and I follow suit. He extends his hand across the desk. “I’m proud of you, son. For standing your ground when everything was against you, and for forging your own path.”

I take his hand, and he covers mine with his other one—a clumsy, awkward gesture that somehow means even more than his words.

Something shifts between us. It’s not forgiveness, exactly—there’s too much history for that—but it’s a start. A foundation we can build on.

My throat tightens. “Thanks, Da.”

* * *

Johnny and Cat are waiting outside the office, and the moment I step through the door, Johnny launches himself at me—again—for another hug.

“You’re free!” His voice is muffled against my shoulder. “I knew you’d clear your name. I just knew it.”

I pat his back. “Aye, well, it was mostly Cat’s doing.”

Cat grins, and as soon as Johnny releases me, she steps in for her own hug. “Team effort,” she corrects.

“So?” Johnny says. “What did Da want to talk to you about? Did he offer you your job back?”

“He did. But I turned him down.”

Johnny’s face falls. “But I thought . . . I mean, I was looking forward to working with you again.”

“Relax, Johnny. I’ll see you all the time outside of work. I just want to try this self-employed thing. See where it takes me.”

“Oh.” He considers this. “Actually, that makes sense. I can see you enjoying being your own boss. And based on what Cat’s told me about the work you’ve done on her flat, you’ll have no trouble finding clients.”

“Exactly,” Cat agrees. “Robbie’s got real talent. He’s going to do great.”

Johnny nods then nudges me with his elbow. “Never thought I’d see the day, but you seem to be smitten, Robbie.”

I roll my eyes but don’t deny it. What would be the point? It’s written all over my face whenever I look at Cat.

“Thanks so much again, Cat,” Johnny says. “For keeping him company, as well as for clearing his name.”

He gives her a quick squeeze—lots of hugging going on today—then turns to me. “Actually, Robbie, while I’ve got you, there’s something I’ve been wanting to run by you. See, I’ve had some plans for a wee while now, but I put them on hold because I couldn’t even think about them while there was a risk of you going to prison. But now . . .”

He leans in so close I can feel his breath on my ear and mutters something quietly.