Page 12 of Ajax

Ivy mumbles the address.

“That’s on my way home anyway. How about I get Digby to meet us at the pub carpark tomorrow morning, and I’ll pick you up? He can take a look, and then we’ll know what you’ll be dealing with next week.”

She nods. “I’d appreciate that.”

“And give me your schedule. I’ll pick you up and drop you off while you’ve got no car.”

Her eyes widen. “I can’t ask you to do that.”

“I’m not about to let you walk in the dark. Unless you have someone else who can do it for you?”

Visibly deflating, she pulls back into the car seat and shakes her head. “It’s just me, Dad, and my brother at home. They won’t … they leave everything up to me. I doubt they’d do anything to help me.”

My jaw tics. “Then I’ll take care of it. I’ll be here for you.”

She sniffs, and I breathe a little easier having said my piece. While her family sounds useless, she didn’t mention a boyfriend or a partner.

Maybe this could be the start of something.

SIX

IVY

I sighas I put away the last of the breakfast dishes before grabbing my handbag.

“Where are you going?” Dad asks. “Your shift at the pub isn’t until later. This kitchen’s a mess.”

I look around. Nothing’s out of place—all the plates and cutlery have been cleared away. I have no idea what he’s talking about.

The floor could probably do with a mop, but that can wait until later.

“I’ve got to go. Ajax is taking me to my car and then helping me get it fixed.”

Dad stares at me. “What’s wrong with your car?”

“I don’t know. It wouldn’t start after work, so Ajax dropped me off and then offered to help today. So I’m going to get going.”

“Ajax from the farm?”

“Yes. He was at the pub last night and helped me out when I was by myself.”

His jaw tics. “You need to stay away from him, Ivy. They’re a bit weird on that farm. That’s where that woman was stabbed.”

I hold up my hands. “They’re good people, Dad. I’ve met them a million times at work. They were trying to protect that actress.”

“But—”

“I’ve got to run.” I grab my bag and head out the door.

Dad follows. “Get back in here young lady and clean up this kitchen!” he bellows.

My cheeks burn with embarrassment. Ajax is parked near the house, and my father is so loud there’s no way he hasn’t heard it.

He frowns as I duck into the passenger side of the truck. “You okay? What’s going on with your dad?”

“I’m so sorry you had to hear that,” I whisper.

“Does he always speak to you like that?”

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