Page 12 of All We Want for Christmas
Some of the tension eased from his body as she continued and he listened harder.
‘You just take care of Henry and yourself. We are absolutely fine.’
He walked into the sitting room, where Lara met him, shoulders slumped in relief. ‘That was Fiona. Apparently Henry hasn’t had a heart attack. It’s gallstones. Apparently the symptoms can be similar.’
Flynn winced. ‘I’m relieved it isn’t his heart, though one of my managers at my old job was taken ill with gallstones and they’re nasty. Poor old Henry. Is he staying in?’
‘Fiona thinks he’ll be kept for another couple of nights and then he’s got to take things very easy and watch his diet. He might need an operation at some point in the future, but she said she feels confident enough to pop home for a change of clothes and a rest later this morning.’
‘Well, I’m very glad to hear he’s out of danger and being treated,’ Flynn said.
Lara heaved a huge sigh, but her brief smile of relief melted away. ‘I called my restorer friend, Belle. She said she might be able to look at the chalice the day after tomorrow.’
‘That’s good.’
‘I’m lucky she said yes … I hate to do it, but it’s probably a good idea if she comes to get it while Fiona and Henry are away. She said she could come over from Hawes tomorrow to collect it.’ Lara swallowed. ‘This still feels so wrong.’
‘That’s understandable but I think it’s the right thing to do for everyone. Life doesn’t need to be any more complicated for anyone at the castle at the moment,’ Flynn said, hoping Lara wouldn’t think his approval was only becausehe also felt partly responsible for the breakage. ‘Like I said, I’m here to help in any way I can.’
‘Thanks.’ She seemed lost in thought for a moment before squaring her shoulders. ‘Right. We have a lot to do. I told Fiona I’d introduce you to the team. Shall we meet in the estate office in ten minutes?’
‘Absolutely,’ said Flynn. ‘I’m itching to get on with the job I came here to do.’
Flynn was grateful to Lara for introducing him to the staff he’d be working with. He could tell that they respected her. Her calm, quietly confident manner went some way to reassuring them that he might actually know what he was doing.
However, he still had a long way to go to win the trust of a team still shaken by the news of Gerald’s early retirement and now Henry’s illness. Gerald had obviously been well-liked – almost revered by Carlos – although his frequent absences in recent years had put pressure on the rest of the staff.
Flynn could tell they were wary of ‘the new boss’, with his funny accent and his direct style, and fully aware he had a hard act to follow.
After Lara had left, he spoke to them as a group, briefing them on what needed to be achieved. He also intended to speak to everyone individually over the course of the next day or two.
There were ten staff in total, covering all aspects of building services, including a painter and decorator, plumber,and two general handymen, all of them men older than Flynn, as well as two apprentices in plumbing and electrical work, both of whom were women.
Carlos was the most experienced, and had been acting as deputy to Gerald. A sharp-featured skinny guy around Flynn’s own age, he sprawled over an old armchair in the corner, one leg crossed over the other, scrolling through his phone. Flynn thought he was letting Flynn – and everybody – know that this was his domain and he didn’t like being usurped by some bloke with a country bumpkin accent.
‘So, I know how well thought of Gerald was and is. I’m sorry he’s had to leave but I’m ready to work with you and learn from you.’
Carlos snorted. ‘I doubt you’ll have anything to learn, boss.’ There was an unmistakeable emphasis on the ‘boss’.
‘Flynn will do,’ said Flynn coolly. ‘This isn’t CID.’
One of the apprentices, Holly, sniggered.
Carlos glared at her.
‘Anyone else have any questions?’ Flynn waited purely for effect, because he was damn sure no one would have any questions while Carlos was watching over everyone like a Rottweiler.
‘OK? Great to hear you all know everything, then. But if you do want to ask me anything, you can come to me anytime.’ He grinned. ‘Send me an anonymous text if you need to.’
The junior electrician smirked and Holly gave Carlos a death glare. There was no love lost there.
Carlos huffed and went back to his phone.
After the meeting, Flynn was left alone in the office, mulling over the scale of his task. He’d already realised Ravendale came with a unique set of challenges: as a Grade I-listed historic building, sourcing materials and planning any kind of work would take far longer and be more involved.
Gerald had planned to move the fire alarm control room from a damp former dungeon to a purpose-built building. There were other urgent jobs on the list too: the replacement of the antiquated lift used to convey supplies and equipment to the upper floors, for example. The fire safety system itself also needed an upgrade. All of those would have to wait until New Year.
His immediate concern was the Spectacular, which was due to start in less than a week.
