Page 107 of Five for Silver

“I know, but that’s what’s being written,”he pointed at the TV, the superintendent and James were makingtheir exit pursued by shouts and camera flashes. “That’s whatthey’re saying on the news.”

“Well, they don’t know the truth, do they,and you’re not to take notice of anything written or spoken aboutyou.”

Chad widened his eyes. He saluted. “Yes,sir.”

“I’m serious, Chad. The press, the public,they’re toxic.”

“I know that firsthand, remember HollyStevenson and her smear campaign against me?”

Romeo made an unhappy noise, still gazingout the window. “That’s ongoing.”

“Huh?”

“She moved to America, has a blog, severalsocial media accounts.”

“This,” he gestured at the screen, “isn’tgoing to be pleasant, but I’ve had worse, and with you by myside…”

“In private,” Romeo didn’t mask hisbitterness well enough, “never in public.”

“That’s the way it has to be.”

Romeo continued to frown at the window.

“What’s wrong?” Chad asked, struggling tosit up.

“I don’t know,” Romeo’s brow folded. “Themagpies aren’t eating their seeds.”

Chad leaned up just enough to spy the fullbird feeders, rocking on their posts in the slight wind. He rolledhis eyes, slumping back into the sofa.

“Try a different seed mix.”

“I’ve been throwing them this one since Istarted feeding them.”

Chad nodded. “Exactly … maybe they’re boredof it.”

“Maybe,” Romeo said in a tone that suggestedhe didn’t agree.

“Why are you more bothered about the magpiesthen Vincent and his deathbed revelation?”

“Vincent not killing Harriet isn’t asurprise, but the magpies off their food…”

“I’m sure they’re fine.”

“And I am bothered about Vincent. Him …dying seems pretty unclimactic to me.” Romeo raised his eyebrow.“Are you sure he was dead?”

“He was definitely dead.”

Chad shuddered.

Romeo’s questioning eyebrow was joined byhis other one.

He stared at Chad, waiting.

“It’s nothing. Ally just made a commentabout how she wishes I could have that moment with you … thatclosure. I couldn’t imagine anything worse than you dead.”

“I can.”

“What?”

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