Page 59 of Fe
Ripley managed a smile. “Want me to get you some more?”
“No thanks. I’ve lost my appetite.”
“You didn’t answer your phone.”
“I had it on silent. I listened to your message, thank you, and then one from the police telling me to go and see them tomorrow.”
“Christ! I won’t let my mother pursue this.”
“Even if you manage that, I’ll still have no job. I’m not devastated to have lost it, but I am upset about how I lost it.”
“You could lodge a claim for unfair dismissal, I could—”
“No. I wouldn’t want to go back there now.”
Ripley took hold of his hand. “I will fix this. I’m a barrister. I can get you off.”
Fen snorted.
“What—? Oh.” Ripley huffed.
“Multiple times?”
“For those who don’t learn the lesson the first time.”
Fen managed an actual laugh.
“I know I said you could think about what I proposed and tell me on Friday, and that is still the case, but I want you to come home with me now. I want you out of this flat. You’re not safe here. Those were two of the men who assaulted us before. I can call Harry and we can go to my place. We can get all your stuff later or we can take it with us as long as it’s not furniture. I have three bedrooms not being used. You can stay with me until you sort things out. I’m not trying to push you into anything. I want to help, give you some space and time to get your head straight. You can still tell me your decision on Friday and I won’t show you the door if the answer is no.”
Fen was shocked by Ripley’s generosity and kindness. It made him feel differently about the six month offer. Something had made Ripley wary of commitment and maybe Fen could…
He wanted to smack himself. If he accepted the proposal, he shouldn’t go into it thinking there was a happy ever after within reach.
“I didn’t think you’d still want me after the business with the ring. If I say yes, you might think I’m desperate because I’ve lost my job and with it a place to live.”
“Take the week I offered to make up your mind. I know you didn’t steal that ring. I don’t care where they found it, you didn’t take it.”
“You hardly know me.”
“I know you well enough to be sure you’re not a thief. You could have kept quiet about the medal and you didn’t. You wouldn’t even take more than you’d paid for the auction lot. Not many people would have given me change for the hundred and refuse more. You’re honest, Fen. I trust you. I’m a good judge of character.”
You’re breaking my heart already.
“I’m still giving you until Friday. Have a taste of life with me. See if you can cope with my terrible habits. But give your notice on this place and move out. If you want to rent somewhere else, that’s fine, but take a moment to breathe.” Ripley squeezed Fen’s fingers. “Will you come home with me? Tonight?”
Fen nodded.
“Right decision.” Ripley spoke into his phone. “Harry. Can you do me a favour? … Peckham, where you picked me up the other night… Great. Thanks.” He looked at Fen. “Forty-five minutes. Do you want to pack your stuff?”
It should have felt too fast, but it didn’t. Fen didn’t feel safe here anymore. If it didn’t work out with Ripley, he could always go and stay with his mum and Alistair.
“Okay.”
Fen had a case on the top of his wardrobe and when he went to lift it down, Ripley caught hold of the handle and did it for him.
“I can pack your clothes. Do you want to pile up anything else that’s yours?”
The flat was rented fully furnished, but Fen had bought a few extra things. He took off his coat and worked through the cupboards, putting everything he wanted into bags. It didn’t take long because he didn’t have much.
