‘Oh, congratulations. Where?’
‘At Coast – the restaurant.’
‘I know it. It’s a lovely place.’
Lou brought two glasses of wine to the table and a carton of juice for Jack.
‘Well, congratulations,’ Orla said, lifting her glass to Lou. ‘And welcome to the neighbourhood.’
‘Thanks.’ They clinked glasses.
‘This is lovely,’ Orla said, looking around the room. ‘You’ve got settled in quickly.’
‘Well there’s still a lot to do, but we’re getting there.’
‘Is it just the two of you? I saw another woman the other day when you were moving in.’
‘That was my friend Karen. She was helping us with the move. It’s just me and Jack.’
‘Well, it’ll be nice to having someone living here again.’
‘So you’re a guard,’ Lou said. ‘That’s impressive.’
Orla smiled. ‘I don’t know about that. I like it, though.’
‘Well, we’ll feel a lot safer knowing you’re next door, won’t we, Jack?’
‘Yep.’ Jack nodded.
‘And I’m the school liaison officer too, so I’ll be making sure you keep your nose clean, young man,’ Orla said to Jack with a smile.
Jack turned to Lou with a puzzled expression. ‘She means she’ll make sure you don’t get up to any mischief,’ she said, bopping him on the nose.
‘Like what?’
Orla laughed. ‘If you don’t know, I’m not going to give you any ideas.’
‘Would I get arrested?’
‘I’m only joking,’ Orla said to him. ‘I’m sure you’re a model citizen. Do you always look both ways before you cross the road?’
‘Yep. I do, don’t I?’ He looked to Lou to corroborate his story.
‘He does. I can vouch for him on that.’
‘And what would you do if someone was being a bully at school?’
‘Um… tell the teacher!’
‘Good lad. I don’t think we’re going to have any trouble.’ She winked at him and Jack grinned.
‘And if someone tried to steal me, I’d scream “No!” and kick them and run away as fast as I can.’
‘Clever boy! You really know your stuff, don’t you?’
Jack nodded, beaming with pride.
‘We could use someone like you on the force.’
