Page 61 of Fe
“I’d not thought about that. Bit like playing a game but exercising at the same time. Can you use any of this stuff?”
“In moderation.”But not while I’m aching head to foot.
On the next floor there were two bedrooms with bathrooms.
“This one is mine,” Ripley said. “There are two more upstairs and a large storage space. You can have the room opposite mine or go up a level.”
“Opposite you is fine.”
“I’ll bring your things up. I’m going to make myself something to eat. Probably bruschetta if the bread’s not mouldy. Would you like some?”
“Maybe a little.”
“Come on then.”
They went back downstairs. Fen sat on one of the stools that lined the granite work top and watched Ripley.
“You have a beautiful home. Was it like this when you bought it?”
Ripley froze for a moment with his back towards him, his hand on the fridge.
What did I say?
“No, it wasn’t. Would you like a glass of wine?”
Not really, but maybe it would help him sleep.“If you’re having one. Thank you.”
Ripley poured out two glasses of red from an already open bottle.
“Do you have a cleaner?” Fen asked.
“Three hours once a fortnight. I don’t make much of a mess.”
“Do you dare?”
Ripley laughed. “Your place was neat and tidy.”
“And very small. No room to swing a cat.” He winced. “I know that’s referring to a cat o’ nine tails but I have to admit, when I say it or read it, I think of an animal being swung around in a room and it makes me cringe.”
Ripley cut a ciabatta loaf in half lengthways, then began to chop up tomatoes. “Doesn’t it make you shudder at the thought of a man being whipped?”
“Strangely enough not as much as the idea of a little cat being swung round by its tail.”
“I think there might be a lot less crime if the punishment was physical.”
“Whatever the crime you get your hand chopped off? For going through a red light, littering, peeing in public, flashing?”
“Would that be enough of a deterrent? Having a death penalty in many American states doesn’t stop people doing awful things.”
“That’s true. I don’t like the idea of capital punishment. Innocent people are sometimes found guilty.”
“That’s also true. And you’re not going to court.” Ripley turned on the grill.
“Will you defend me if I have to?”
“Yes.”
“It wouldn’t be a conflict of interest?”
