Page 31 of Paper Roses

He grimaces. “The house has fallen into disrepair. It was being used as a squat by a group of people for a few years. They were only moved out a few weeks ago.”

There’s a stunned silence that I break by turning to Artie. “Did you know that?”

He shakes his head, looking stunned. “No. I haven’t been near the house for years. It hurt too much,” he whispers, and I squeeze his hand.

The solicitor hums. “I regret to say that the damage is extensive, Arthur.”

“It’s fine,” Artie says, swallowing hard. “I just want what’s mine.”

Mr Davies coughs. “Yes. Well, now we’re coming to the rather strange condition that your stepmother put on you inheriting the house.”

“What’s that?” Artie asks, his eyes widening. He’s a terrible actor, and I bite my lip to hold in a smile.

“There’s no easy way to put this. Mrs Campbell has stipulated that you must be married to inherit the property.”

“Quellehorror,” Daisy says rather loudly.

The old man looks at Artie, his affection is clear. “Arthur, I would highly recommend that you seek counsel over this clause. I can say no more than that, but it is my strongest recommendation.”

“No need,” Artie says serenely.

Mr Davies looks flabbergasted. “I beg your pardon?”

“We’ll go along with my stepmother’s clause. I wouldn’t dream of going against her last will and testament when she spent so many years and effort getting her own way in everything else.”

This time, I don’t conceal my laugh.

The cleaner gives a disgusted sniff, but the solicitor looks troubled. “Are you sure, my boy?”

Artie nods. “Quite sure.” He takes my hand and the solicitor’s eyes sharpen. “Mr Davies, this is my husband, Jed.”

“Really?” The old man gives a wide smile as Artie nods. “Well, my boy, that is fantastic news. Let me shake your hand.” Artie stands up and the two men exchange handshakes. I stand up and take the hand the solicitor offers me. “You have a very nice young man, Jed. May I call you Jed?”

“You may, and I know. He’s wonderful.”

The answer sounds honest, because it is. Artie is the best man I know.

The solicitor is all smiles now. “Well, that’sexcellentnews. So, you should have no worry in complying with the rest of Mrs Campbell’s request, then.”

I go still, and Artie immediately looks wary. “The rest? Haven’t we already heard it all?”

The solicitor waves a hand. “Oh no. That was only part of the clause, Arthur. Mrs Campbell stipulated that you not only haveto be married but also that you are to live in the house as a married couple for six months.”

The words drop into the room like a bomb. My heart thunders, and Artie gasps.

Daisy puts a hand to her mouth. “I must have missed that part,” she mutters. “Shit,” she says in a louder voice.

“I couldn’t have put it better myself.” I slump in my chair.What the fuck have we done?

five

. . .

Two Days Later

artie

I unlock the front door with the key Mr Davies gave me, but when I push on it, nothing happens. I grunt and then push again. Some peeling paint comes free and falls. I shove a bit harder. “Bloody hell.”

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