He chewed back his grin as he gestured at the noticeboard. ‘Know this place, sir?’
‘Name’s Jed Moore, and yes. The centre has a few ex-military as members. One lad lost his limbs when he was a soldier, and there’s another over there who swears the place helped cure his PTSD. They have therapists and social workers that work closely with the centre, you see. So join in. Could help if you’re lost on Civvy Street.’
Will laughed. ‘Do I look lost?’
Jed shook the kettle his way. ‘Everyone who steps foot in here looks lost.’
‘I was just looking for some local work. Perhaps some property to buy as well.’
‘Sticking around then?’
‘My grandmother lives here, so I want to be close by.’
Jed nodded, placing some chocolate biscuits on the light-wood table. ‘Heard about Babs. Shame when the mind goes.’ He motioned towards the window. ‘As long as I can remember my love for the sea, I’ll be okay.’
Will followed his eyeline. ‘Were you in the navy?’
‘Nope. Fisherman, me. And speaking of jobs, I don’t need any more help, but I might know of some other fishermen that do. You want me to ask around for you?’
Will shook his head. ‘Thanks, but no. I’ve given up my sea legs.’
Slate-blue eyes sparkled his way. ‘No such thing, son.’
‘Perhaps I’ll still have the odd paddle.’
‘You can come sea swimming with me anytime you like. I often go out with Matt. He’s my granddaughter’s partner. Firstguest this here Hub saw, you know. We fixed him up good and proper. Your turn, I guess.’
Will had to laugh. He thought he was popping inside to check out the noticeboard, but he’d been offered choccy bickies, swimming mates, and the offer to perhaps become a fisherman. ‘I’m sure there are more in need than me. I’m just looking to settle in around here.’
‘I’m sure there are, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be helped as well. You’re Babs’s grandson. You’re one of us, and by the end of the week, you’ll be Port Berry through and through. Come on, sit. I’m making tea.’
Will did as he was asked, glancing around at the framed affirmations on the walls. ‘So what is this place exactly?’
Jed turned. ‘A few of us along here got together and opened it up to help folk. Saw a couple of homeless people one day down by the harbour, and it got us thinking. We’re a food bank now as well.’ He nodded at the back room. ‘Not a lot of space here, but we deliver some food parcels as well as hand them out here. We’ve helped people get jobs, therapy, haircuts, all sorts.’
‘Sounds like a lot of teamwork.’
Jed beamed, showing his pride. ‘We’re a close-knit community here.’
Will smiled. That’s how he felt about the navy. A hot brew was passed his way, so he happily dunked a biscuit, seeing how they were right in front of him. He still hadn’t had lunch yet, but figured one choccy bickie wouldn’t quash his appetite.
Jed sat opposite. ‘Hmm, so, what kind of job can we get for you? Have you done much since jumping ship?’
Laughing through his biscuit, Will nodded. ‘I just did a year as a rescue worker in Wales.’
‘Firefighter?’
‘Snowdonia.’
Jed nodded. ‘Interesting. Not much call for that sort of thing around here. Although, the Sunshine Centre have rock climbing as an activity. You could help out with that.’
‘Yeah, I’m going to pop over there at some point.’
‘You eaten in the café along here yet? Harbour Light Café. Bit of a landmark around these parts. Always good for lunch and breakfast.’
‘You should be a salesman.’
Jed grinned as he raked one hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. ‘Lived here all my life. I know all the best places.’
