Page 143 of Fighting Mr. Knight

Maybe it’s because she was burnt so badly by Max. Maybe it’s pictures of me with women.

Maybe it’s seven billion pounds.

I don’t know what it is yet, but I’ll find out.

As gently as I can, I lift her into my arms and carry her to the bedroom. She stirs slightly, nuzzling into my neck but her eyes don’t open.

When I deposit her on the bed, I go to the bathroom and take everything from under the sink.

I was telling the truth to Danny and Tristan. Give me Bonnie’s DIY projects any day over sitting in a members’ bar with tits on tap.

Her sink is fucked, completely clogged up with whatever bloody products women use. This flat needs so many repairs, it’s a joke. I want her living with me but if I ask her, I worry she’ll freak out.

I might as well check the kitchen sink while I’m at it.

I rip off my top, sweating with the heat of Bonnie’s tiny kitchen and start to move everything from under the sink. Who the hell keeps tampons under the sink?

A laundry soap box tips over onto the floor but thankfully it’s empty.

Except it’s not empty.

Buried at the bottom is something shiny in a cellophane bag. Something that looks like it shouldn’t live in a laundry box. It’s one of Bonnie’s necklaces.

I’m not surprised she keeps losing her reading glasses.

I inspect the bag in confusion.

What the hell?

It’s impossible.

The hairs on the back of my neck rise as I stare down at something I haven’t seen in ten years.

Why the hell does my girlfriend have my dead dad’s possessions under her sink?

34

Bonnie

Why do I have no shoes on? I can’t run twenty-six miles with no shoes. Everyone is looking at me like I’m a moron.

I’m coming up to the mileage sign. I’ve been at it for hours. I should be at the twenty-mile mark.

I can’t read it properly. Two miles? What the hell?

“Bonnie,” Jack calls from the sidelines, “you have no shoes on.”

I know that, Jack. I glare at him. Does he think I’m stupid?

I’m being shaken gently. Confused, I open my eyes and . . . it’s still dark.

Relief floods me. It’s just a dream.

All my dreams are unsettling these days.

I’m vaguely aware of a shadow hovering on the edge of the bed.

“Jack?” I bolt up.

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