‘That’s right!’ Gordon cheered. ‘You are looking at the man responsible for acquisitions.’
He was dressed in a suit. Gordon. In a suit! He reminded Quinn of one of those people who went onThe Apprentice, with their shiny shoes and their pinstripe trousers.
‘Well, I’m happy for you.’
‘Thanks. Missus is chuffed,’ Gordon said, ‘but she’s not the only one.’
‘What do you mean?’
Another car came down the street, this time putting the Chrysler to shame. Gordon whistled as the black Bentley parked next to his car, the window rolled down, The Spice Girls playing from the speakers.
‘Girl power,’ Noah said as he cut the engine. ‘What’s going on here, then?’
‘Just in time, just in time,’ Gordon smiled, tearing his eyes away from the Bentley. ‘You are now looking at the owner of Kings & Queens.’
Quinn was drowning. He couldn’t seem to breathe as he looked from Gordon to the shop, and back again.
Walloped with the betrayal baton again.
‘You bought this place?’
‘Our firm did, yeah,’ Gordon said. ‘First thing I did when I got the job, you see. Paid way over the asking price, but the boss doesn’t need to know that.’
Ivy managed a small laugh, but she stifled it.
Quinn felt at a loss for words. He thought he would have been able to trust Gordon.
He had been wrong.
His eyes met Noah’s, falling into the green oasis, and he saw his own sadness reflected back at him.
Gordon took out the keys in all its familiar glory.
‘Got these today,’ Gordon said. Then he did something that made Ivy gasp. ‘I think it belongs to you.’
Gordon held the keys out, with its chipped paint work and its familiar bow. Quinn looked at Gordon, feeling nothing, still in that cold pool that numbed all his senses. He reached out a hand that trembled, felt the rough and cold key under his fingertips, and then felt everything all at once.
It was like the key was a thorn. It brought tears to his eyes as he touched it, but he hung on to it, never wanting to let it go.
‘I don’t understand.’ Quinn said.
‘Quinn, when I saw the job opening at the property company, I saw an opportunity. They were looking for someone that could help them invest and develop property. I told them about this place, told them the story, and they agreed to help me save it. So, I bought it.’
He was about to say more, but he couldn’t. Quinn threw his arms around him and hugged him tight, the closest they’d ever been. He smelled different from Noah. More tobacco than earthy, and he was stiff, because he hadn’t been expecting this physical contact, but it didn’t matter to Quinn.
He let Gordon go, seeing him breathe a sigh of relief that whatever had happened was over.
‘You are the best person in the entire world,’ Quinn said. ‘I never thought I’d say it, Gordon, but I am so glad you’re in my life.’
‘Mate, I know how much this place means to you.’ Gordon tapped the wooden window panes. ‘She’s a beauty and only you can look after her. I’ll keep the rent as low as possible, and you’ll never have to worry about being evicted again. My missus would have my nuts for garters.’
‘Thank you so much, Gordon. Words will never express how I’m feeling right now.’
‘Welcome back, mate.’
ChapterForty-Six
Four Months Later
