Page 21 of Your Carriage Awaits in Crumbleton
‘What’s that?’ said Michelle.
‘Your mum’s bike,’ said Danny, nodding to where it was still leaning against the low wall.
‘Ah, crumbs,’ said Michelle. ‘You’re right! I guess I’m going to have to ride home after all. I’ll just have to walk back sometime for the car.’
Michelle blew out a long, disappointed breath as she indicated and then swept into the forecourt. The engine purred as she drew to a halt and applied the handbrake. Not only was she going to have to say goodbye to Danny… but the car, too! Shereallydidn’t want to leave this baby behind.
‘Don’t be daft!’ chuckled Danny. ‘I usually drive past the town carpark several times a day. How about I bung the bike into the back of the truck when I go to the hospital later? I’ll leave it chained up in the racks there for you, and I’ll text you when it’s done.’
‘Really? You sure you don’t mind?’ said Michelle, turning to face him. ‘I mean, I’ve already caused you enough trouble.’
‘I don’t mind one bit,’ said Danny. ‘And anyway, life’s way more interesting with a little bit of trouble in it.’
His words—along with an accompanying wink—made Michelle’s toes curl in delight. Maybe it was a good thing she was going to have to say goodbye to Danny after all. If she spent much more time with the guy, she was going to jump on him! She needed to get back to her parents’ place and take a shower. Preferably a cold one!
‘Here,’ said Danny, pulling out his mobile, ‘let me grab your number.’
Michelle didn’t even notice the walk from the town carpark beyond the City Gates to her mum and dad’s cottage. Her head was full of Danny and the horrible news about his father’s illness. He’d clearly been doing his best to stay positive, but Michelle had been able to feel his worry lingering in the silence between his sentences.
Weirdly, the other thing busy plaguing her thoughts was that scruffy, disused showroom. She’d meant to ask Danny about it, but they’d been too busy chatting and it had slipped her mind. It had captivated her attention again just as she was turning the Buick around to leave… but by then it was too late to ask. Danny had already headed off to let Elvis out of the office for a run.
Now, as she wandered along the narrow, cobbled street that led around the base of Crumbleton’s hill, she couldn’t help but wonder if the building belonged to the Daltons or someone else.
The real question was… why did she even care?!
‘There you are!’
Michelle snapped out of her reverie to the ominous sight of both her parents hovering on the front doorstep of the cottage. They’d clearly been waiting for her to come home.
Great, now she’d get the third degree about where she’d left the bike!
A wave of claustrophobic frustration combined with genuine worry washed over her. Followed by guilt. Hadn’t she just seen how quickly things could change? She was lucky to have two loving parents right there in front of her.
Taking a deep breath and giving herself a good shake, Michelle plastered a smile onto her face. The minute she reached the cottage, she pulled her dad into a tight hug, only letting go so that she could do exactly the same to her mum.
‘What was that for?’ said her dad, looking both surprised and properly thrilled.
‘I just… wanted to say thanks for everything,’ said Michelle, her arms still tight around her mum. ‘And I’m sorry for being a brat earlier. You guys didn’t deserve that, I know you’re just worried and trying to help.’
They both nodded, and her mum patted her on the back. Michelle didn’t miss the glance that flew between them, though. Their smiles didn’t last long either—their faces settling back into nervous concern.
Huh. Something had definitely happened while she’d been out.
‘What is it?’ she said, frowning. ‘I know those looks… what’s happened? Is someone hurt? Or ill?’ Her thoughts flew to Keith Dalton, sitting in the local hospital.
‘Nothing like that, dear,’ said her mum, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze.
‘Did you have a nice ride?’ said her dad, in an obvious attempt to distract her. Obvious because it wasn’t instantlyfollowed up with a demand about what had happened to the bike.
‘Yeah,’ said Michelle vaguely. ‘It was great. Now tell me what’s up!’
‘Come inside first,’ said her mum, looking at her like she might do a runner.
‘Sure. Okay. I need a cuppa, anyway,’ said Michelle, frowning at her dad over her shoulder. He smiled at her, but there was something decidedly forced about his movements as he followed her inside and shut the door.
By the time her mum had finished fussing around, Michelle was thoroughly regretting her rash request for tea. Instead of a quick boil of the kettle splashed on a teabag, she’d gone through the whole rigmarole of finding the rarely-used teapot, digging out the fine china, and even setting biscuits out on a plate.
Michelle raised her eyebrows at her dad, silently begging him for an explanation. All she got wasthe look.Brian Singer was usually a very mild man, but everyone knew that when he gave youthe look,you behaved yourself and waited like a good girl.
