Page 63 of Her Last Walk Home

‘Can I do anything to help?’

‘Not being a bollox about my kids moving out would help.’

‘I’m sorry. Okay? I’ve apologised and I won’t mention it again.’

‘Thanks, but in a way you’re right. The thing is, I can’t abandon them.’

‘No harm in wanting something for yourself from time to time.’

‘Sergio and Grace are your only family. You would never desert them if someone asked you to, would you?’

He inhaled deeply before he replied. ‘I didn’t ask you to desert anyone, Lottie. I feel it might be impossible to find a place suitable for our blended family. That’s all I meant.’

She was grateful for his contrition. ‘We could renovate Farranstown House. I can ask Leo for a loan. Or a contribution, seeing as the bastard still legally owns the place.’

‘I think you’d be mad to put money into that house without having full ownership. Why don’t you take a trip over to New York and talk to him? Iron it out, once and for all.’

‘Have you forgotten we have two major investigations on at the moment?’

He laughed. ‘I didn’t mean you should hop on the next flight. It’s something to think about.’

‘Okay.’

‘Don’t think about it tonight. Get some sleep.’

‘I will. Thanks for the chat.’ She sipped her now cold tea before adding, ‘Oh, I meant to ask, how is Grace getting on with Sergio?’

Boyd gave a wry laugh. ‘I think Sergio is growing weary of her constant orders and cleaning. But I treasure the time they spend together. He needs a mother figure.’

‘And you think your sister can provide that?’

‘Good God, no. I meant you. He needs you in his life. I do too.’

‘I get all that. Honestly, Mark, I do.’

‘Did I tell you Grace is getting married?’

‘No! I’m so happy for her. When?’

‘In the summer. Knowing Grace, she’ll have it organised to a T. Now you get to sleep.’

‘Thanks again.’

‘Love you, Lottie Parker.’

At one time she’d found it so difficult to utter those words in reply, but she’d got over herself, because she knew in her heart that she did love him. Most of the time.

‘Love you too.’

She hung up, put her mug in the sink and switched off the light. As she made her way up the stairs, she hoped Chloe was safe at work and Katie was safe wherever she was, whoever she was with. They’re adults, she thought, but at the same time theywould always be her little children. And for some reason, a worm of fear was squirming in her chest as she undressed and got into bed. She twisted and turned, but she could not sleep.

47

Katie wasn’t sure Jackson was who he claimed to be. Then she thought that he hadn’t really claimed to be anything in particular. He’d fudged about, saying he was in the entertainment industry. She wasn’t letting it go.

She raised her wine glass to her lips without drinking. Rasco’s restaurant was now empty except for themselves and the manager, who was throwing tired looks their way.

‘Entertainment?’ She raised an eyebrow. ‘That’s such a wide spectrum. Are you an actor, film-maker, photographer to the stars, or what?’

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