Page 40 of Out of the Shadows
I nod, but don’t say anything.
“Do you think I’ll be allowed a couple of beers tonight? Just for medicinal purposes, you understand? Or will you be reporting me to Linda for substance misuse and a place on the company funded twelve step program?”
“I think ice, a bandage and some anti-inflammatories will be the best medicine for your life changing injury. And as for addiction issues, under the corporate well-being policy you can be referred—”
“Okay, okay, ice and painkillers it is, then. But I don’t have a problem. Honestly.”
There’s an edge of worry in his voice, which I don’t expect to hear. He’s young, that’s all, and he chose the wrong time to get drunk.
“I normally only drink at the weekend, Friday and Saturday, not on a school night. I’m sorry. It was stupid and immature, and it won’t happen again. I deserved to be given a warning, or maybe even sacked. Thank you, for not doing it.”
There’s no hint of brazenness. There’s nothing defensive, no held back aggression, just an apology that’s all the stronger for being simple and straightforward. The darkness, the circumstances, it’s stripped it all bare.
“It’s forgotten.”
I feel him nod. “Thank you.”
We’re silent as we make the final few yards.
“Last chance. Do you want to hop down? I can help you in.”
“No. I’m enjoying the ride.”
His legs around me clamp tighter as his low laughter shimmers through me. There’s no way I can even begin to answer as, carrying his weight, I walk out of the darkness and into the light.
* * *
“… there were bears. Big, furry bears, and they weren’t too friendly. But despite my broken and mangled ankle, I was able to leap into action and save us both from certain death. If it wasn’t for my honed to a razor karate skills, and my quick thinking, there’d be a search party out for us now. And do you know what they’d find? Nothing more than a heap of bloodied, half-chewed bones. Isn’t that right, Kyle?”
All eyes turn to Kyle. He doesn’t say anything, just stares at Cosmo with a nervous, twitchy smile. The guy studiously avoids catching my eye; I’m not surprised after the bollocking I gave him and Saffron, out of sight and earshot of everybody.
From what I could make out from their stumbling apology, neither Kyle nor Saffron had checked each other’s minibus to ensure everybody was back. Each had assumed anybody not in with them was with the other, and both had driven off without conducting a head count. It was an appalling and dangerous oversight and their jobs are on the line. Or they should be. I’m not going to report them to their employer, even though it’s what they deserve. They’re young, just starting out, mistakes are inevitable…
I glance over at Cosmo. He’s finished his story about saving us both from marauding bears — no feral sheep or bastard badgers in this version of events — and he’s lounging back in a chair, his bandaged ankle propped up on a pile of cushions. Just as I knew, hisbroken and mangledankle has turned out to be a bad sprain. We’ve finished dinner, and the mood in the common room is relaxed, everybody glad to have survived a day of tussling sheep and getting a drenching with paint.
“I think we all deserve a drink. I’m surprised there isn’t an on-site bar,” Fiona says.
“I’m sorry, but it’s against centre policy—”
“So’s leaving guests behind to make their own way back,” Cosmo drawls, arching a brow at Kyle before his gaze slides over at me, a smile hovering on his lips. I think I must smile back because his broadens, just for a moment, before he returns his attention to the hapless centre employee.
“I’m happy to drive anybody to The Sheep Shearer’s Arms. And wait to take you back. All of you,” Kyle adds.
“That’s very generous of you.” Cosmo leans back into his seat, his gaze locked on Kyle.
The offer’s met with murmurs of appreciation from most of the group. It’s a tempting proposition and the thought of a good whiskey is a welcome one.
“I’m game,” Fiona chimes in. “Cosmo? Can you force your poor injured body to hobble to the minibus?”
Propped up on his cushions, Cosmo looks like a princeling holding court.
Cosmo nods, and a smile pulls at the corners of his lips and his green eyes flicker over to mine. “But I’ll need somebody big and butch and strong to help with getting to the minibus.”
“I can do that, no problem at all.” Kyle almost jumps to attention.
“No.” I must say it with more force than I mean to, because Kyle drops back down into his seat. He looks scared enough to pass out. “You and Saffron bring the minibuses around. I can sort out the hero. But thank you for offering.”
Kyle gives me a grateful smile before he rushes from the common room.
