Page 56 of Fireworks at Pennycress Inn
Heading back into the office, Polly was careful to keep her eyes on the floor as she shut the door. The last thing they needed was for them to think the meeting room had been searched and then Rolo to have sneaked in as she walked out. She glanced around the office. Both Vicki and Art were still searching, one either side as they made their way methodically down the room. ‘I’ll go and help Zac out in the foyer.’
‘Thanks,’ Vicki called as she scrambled across the floor, running her hand beneath the photocopier.
Making her way into the foyer, Polly closed the office door quietly behind her and watched as Zac looked beneath the benches on either side of the large foyer. ‘Any luck?’
‘Not a sign.’ Shaking his head, Zac stood up and walked towards the glass doors leading outside.
‘Do you think he may have got out into the reserve?’ Polly joined him, watching as rain lashed against the window. If Rolo had ventured outside for the first time today, he’d have been petrified at the vastness and at the weather too. He’d had an easy life growing up with Vicki caring for him and he wasn’t anywhere near being ready to be released.
‘I hope not.’ Zac shook his head. Then a screech from Vicki filled the room. ‘Let’s hope that means she’s found him.’
Polly nodded as they both made their way back to the office, Zac holding the door open for her. ‘Thanks. Have you found him, Vicki?’
‘Yes, he’s here. Art found him nibbling at the bag of sugar on the work surface.’ Grinning, Vicki held the small rat aloft before tucking him in her sleeve. ‘I’m going to have to make him an enclosure here from now on. I don’t think I can cope with this stress every day.’
‘That’s a good idea. I’m sure we can find something to use. In fact, I’m sure I saw an old fish tank in the classroom when we were shown around?’ Zac glanced towards the door.
‘Ah yes! That would be perfect! Thank you. I’ll go and grab that.’ Vicki began walking towards the door.
‘I’ll help.’ After letting the bag of sugar drop into the bin, Art joined her.
‘Oh actually. Could one of you look after him for me? It’s probably not a great idea taking him into the classroom after the stunt he’s just pulled.’ Vicki grimaced as she turned back towards Polly and Zac.
‘I’ll take him.’ Holding his hands out, Zac waited until Rolo had scurried out from Vicki’s sleeve and into Zac’s cupped hands before he gently closed them.
‘Thank you, Zac. You’re a star.’ Vicki jogged across to where Art was standing in the open doorway. ‘We’ll be quick, I promise.’
Sitting back down, Polly watched as Zac took his seat again and held open the sleeve of his sweatshirt for Rolo, who immediately ran up and curled up in the crook of his arm. ‘Aw, he likes you. He feels safe.’
‘You think? Or maybe he’s just tired after all the excitement and chaos.’ Zac grinned.
‘No, he definitely likes you. He wouldn’t have gone straight to sleep if he didn’t feel comfortable.’ Polly leaned across and touched Zac on the arm. The last few days had been perfect, a mixture of working at the reserve, going out for dinner and generally spending as much time together as they could. They were definitely making up for lost time.
‘You look deep in thought.’ Zac smiled as he settled back against his chair, careful not to bend his arm or disturb Rolo.
‘I’m just thinking about how everything’s turned out. When I saw you here on our first day, I’ve got to admit I didn’t relish the thought of working with you…’
‘Charming!’
‘No, you know what I mean. Things were… odd between us.’ Polly glanced out of the large window in front of them as Harold strode through the rain with his hood down, as though he hadn’t even noticed how bad the weather was today. ‘You know, since the kiss. And I just never thought we’d be in this position.’
‘You mean in a relationship?’ He looked across at her, his lips twitching into a smile.
‘Yes, exactly.’ She nodded.
‘I did. Or, what I mean is, I hoped we would be some day.’ Zac stroked Rolo through the fabric of his sweatshirt as the little animal squirmed in his sleep. ‘I hoped we’d be able to get to the point we’re at today, although I wasn’t sure how, seeing as I’d gone about this whole job thing the wrong way and the fact I’d kept you at arm’s length because I just couldn’t see what else to do.’
‘I know.’ Polly leaned back in her chair and picked up her cold coffee from earlier, taking a sip. ‘If Nicola hadn’t basically strong-armed you into giving me a lift back to Featherford, do you think things would be like they are now?’
Zac shook his head. ‘Honestly? I’m not sure I’d have let you in, told you what was going on in my life.’
Polly smiled. ‘In that case, and I never thought I’d ever say this, but I’m glad my flat got broken into and you came round to check on me.’
‘Me too. Although I think something a little less extreme than a home break-in would have done the trick. I’d have probably caved and admitted my feelings on the car journey back, anyway.’
‘Oh, I assumed you wouldn’t have given me a lift back.’
‘Of course I would have. Well, I’d have offered anyway, whether you’d have accepted or not is another matter, I’m guessing?’
