Page 90 of Deadly Cry
‘But we will get through it, buddy. I promise. We have each other and that will never change. We’ll help each other, and we’ll talk and remember all the great things about our mum. She knew we’d be okay, mate,’ he said, reaching into his pocket for a tissue.
Jasper’s arm snaked around his back as he rested his wet cheek on Penn’s shoulder.
‘We’ll be okay, Ozzy, we’ll be okay.’
Seventy-Two
The coffee pot was on and Kim stood waiting for her team to arrive and start the day.
Bryant was first.
‘What the bloody hell are those?’ he asked, glancing at the edge of his desk.
‘They’re cookies,’ Kim said defensively. ‘I baked.’
‘Oh Jesus, I knew I should have kept my mouth shut,’ he said, removing his jacket and taking a closer look.
He picked one up and banged it against the plate.
‘You know when I played hockey we used to hit something…’
‘Bryant, if you’ve got nothing nice to say, I suggest you shut your damn mouth,’ she snapped as the rest of the team entered the office together.
Safety in numbers.
‘Oooh,’ Stacey said, appraising the plate. ‘Oh,’ she said once she got a better look.
‘Feel free to take one,’ Kim said.
‘I’m good, boss,’ Stacey said.
‘Just eaten, boss,’ Penn offered.
‘Not hungry,’ Alison said.
‘Well, I know that last one’s a lie, Alison,’ Kim said as they all eyed the plate with caution, as though it was about to attack.
‘We being punished again, boss?’ Stacey asked.
‘Oh come on, guys, you always like to start the day with—’
‘Penn, save us, for God’s sake,’ Stacey pleaded.
He reached into his man bag and produced a Tupperware box. Every pair of eyes landed on him expectantly.
‘Muffins,’ he said, opening the lid. The aroma filled the office immediately.
‘Jasper’s?’ Stacey asked.
Penn nodded with a smile. Stacey stared longingly at the box.
‘Well, I’ve got no chance of competing with Jasper, have I?’ Kim asked, folding her arms.
No answer.
‘Is no one gonna try the cookies I baked at one o’clock this morning?’
‘Go on, Alison, you’ll normally eat anything,’ Bryant said.
