Page 99 of Taking the Heat

Miles: It must be comforting to you, Jen, knowing he is serving life in an Italian prison. They are not known for their hospitality, I believe.

Jen: I believe in justice. His current fate was well earned.

Miles: Still hung up on your accidental bungy jump?

Jen: That, and his attempt to rape and murder my friend.

Miles: Yes … well… anyway, how are things in Zimbabwe?

Jen: They are wonderful. Aren’t they, Henry?

Henry: Yes, rather. At the risk of sounding too excitable, it’s been like a glorious dream, working alongside this gorgeous woman. Our documentary series,Royal African Safari, has helped raise funds beyond our wildest dreams and was just signed for a second season. Next week, we open our sixth orphanage, and third clinic, plus we’ll be travelling to NYC to raise awareness for increased African adoptions.

Miles: So, you’ve both been working hard?

Henry: Yes, in between copious amounts of sex. My wife has a rather voracious appetite, you know. (Kisses Jen)

Jen: You knew what you were getting into, husband!

Miles: The English media just about had a meltdown when you two announced your nuptials. The pictures of the two of you on the African savannah with the sun setting were just stunning. Was it just you and the lions, or did anyone else join you on the big day?

Jen: Our families were there, and we have their blessing.

Henry: Yes, my parents were relieved I’m not gay, but they genuinely love Jen too. How could you not? (More kissing)

Jen: We also snuck a few close friends over to join us as well.

Miles: Anyone I know?

Jen: Clara and Toshi, and Megs, Callum and Nik.

Henry: We had a few wedding crashers, a couple of rowdy Aussies …

Chris: Watch it, mate! You were drunker than me that night!

Tara: Actually, you were both hammered. I found you together, cuddling a plastic giraffe at 2am in the hotel lobby.

Henry: I’ll have you know, that giraffe was a scintillating conversationalist.

(Much laughter from the friends)

Miles: So, is it safe to say, there’s a bro-mance brewing here?

Chris: Bro-mance? I dunno, but I’d be happy to call this guy my brother.

Henry: Same to you, sir. (They hug)

Miles: It’s nice to see you both getting along, especially after the rocky start on the show.

Chris: Water under the bridge, mate. This is one royal who actually acts like a gentleman. He even kept his word to Tara and her sister.

Miles: Yes, I heard you’ve been investing in Australian real estate.

Henry: Well, not me, exactly, but the other charity I funded with my winnings,Wheely Good, has been very busy sourcing housing for young paraplegics all around Australia. Ella was the first recipient of a wheelchair-friendly home. We were right there, helping her move in a few months ago, and now we’ve assisted over a hundred other young people do the same.

Miles: How very noble! Tara, is your sister happy?

Tara: Ella loves her new place. She’s exactly halfway between our parents’ new house and me, and she’s found more confidence since moving out of the rehab centre. I never thought I’d say this again, but she’s happy. Especially when we told her she’s going to be a bridesmaid.

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