Page 39 of Out of the Shadows
DANIEL
My insides shrivel when Cosmo sniggers at my ill-chosen words but I’d be lying to myself if I don’t admit to the sudden lurch in the pit of my stomach, and the nervy prickle that travels down my backbone.
He does exactly as I ask of him, as his arms circle around my chest and his legs wrap hard around my waist. Supporting his legs in the crook of my arms, I hoist him into the right position so his weight’s even against my back. He’s warm and solid, pressed hard against me, and he rests his chin on my shoulder.
I don’t believe I’ve ever been so aware of another’s proximity. His breath is warm and damp as it wafts against my cheek, and his scent is impossible to not breathe in. The fading aroma of a lemony cologne mixes with the earthy scent of the woodland that clings to him, and the underlying sharp tang of sweat. I should wrinkle my nose and try not to breathe in deep, but I can’t resist drenching myself in the heady aroma that fires up and awakens every nerve, and more, in my body….
Oh, fucking hell…
I have to concentrate, I have to give every shred of attention to getting us out of the woods.
Neither of us says a word. The only sound other than our breaths is my footfall through the leaf carpeted ground. My long ago training has taken over, yet the more I try to not think about Cosmo plastered hot and hard against my back, the more I do.
“I still say you should have gone back and got the outdoor centre people to come out with a stretcher, because I know I’m no lightweight.”
Cosmo’s words waft warm over my skin, and I jump.
“I told you, this is the quickest and easiest way. And you’re not that heavy.”
“Not so sure of that, but I’ll take the compliment. Will I have marks deducted for twisting my ankle? Will I be bumped up the watchlist because of my undignified run in with Lamb Chop? Because after all, blasting paintballs and herding sheep is a really good indicator of work performance and potential in the specialist financial sector.”
“It was an accident and it could’ve happened to anybody, so no, you won’t be bumped up the watchlist. And you did well with Lamb Chop.”
In the darkness, Cosmo chuckles and I find myself smiling.
There isn’t a watch list, or not as such. I was pissed off with him and wanted to say something to shock him and shake him up.
The truth is, Cosmo’s one of our brightest stars. He’s smart and innovative and he still has the spark and cockiness he had as a twenty-two-year-old. It’s a blessing and a curse, it will either send him soaring high, or will make him crash and burn. Again. He just needs to be managed more closely. He needs to be mentored. Yes, I think I could mentor him very well…
Oh, God.
“You’ve done well today.” And it’s true. I want to give praise where it’s due, but in all honesty I need to fill in the silence. “On both counts. It took a bit of time, but you got there in the end.”
“Do I detect the whiff of faint praise? I was hoping for something a little more fulsome. I am, after all, the vanquisher of Lamb Chop.”
He sounds a little gruff and indignant, but I know he’s pleased, and I smile into the darkness.
The woods end suddenly, and we’re back at the pull-in where the two little minibuses dropped us off. Neither are waiting for us.
“They’ve left us? The bastards.”
I don’t blame Cosmo’s wail of indignation.
“We’re on the road, and that’s something at least. An hour at most, I reckon, and we’ll be back.”
“You’re going to go for the jugular with them, aren’t you?”You did it once, and you can do it again…It’s the subtext to his words, and I don’t blame him, but the answer’s yes. Somebody has screwed up big time, but if Cosmo’s learned anything in five years, then so have I.
“I’ll make sure the situation is appropriately addressed.”No, I won’t be publicly bawling anybody out…
Now we’re clear of the woods the bright moon helps to light the way. We both lapse into silence for much of the way, both of us keen only to get back. At last, as we round a bend in the road, the lights from the outdoor centre are a beacon.
“We’re almost there. Do you want to try and walk the rest of the way? You know, make an entrance with your dignity intact?”
“A busted ankle trumps dignity any time. But I think I need hitching up because I’m sliding down your back.”
I hoist him up, readjusting him as though he’s a rucksack.
“That’s better. Thank you.” He grips harder with his thighs.
