Page 71 of Secret Paths

“And I would like to keep it that way.”

Hunter gives me a brief look. “Then I will keep my mouth shut.”

“That may be a first.”

“Enjoy the historic moment.”

I almost smile.

The wind moves across the quarry, cool enough to make me wish I had worn a better coat. Bernard lifts his head, sniffs the air, then immediately decides the weather is not worth his attention.

Hunter gives the lead a small tug. “Come on, you elderly biohazard. Society awaits.”

Bernard remains exactly where he is.

Mrs Higgins waves from the path. “Has he been good?”

Hunter looks down at Bernard, then at me. “Memorable.”

Mrs Higgins beams. “He does make an impression.”

“That he does.”

We start walking again, down through the trees towards the village. Hunter does not ask who she is. He does not tease. He only lets the silence sit between us until, annoyingly, I want him to say something.

Near the final stile, he does.

“Whoever she is,” he says, “she seems good for you.”

I snort. “You have almost no evidence.”

“I have enough.”

“You have a missed flirtation count and a dog with digestive issues.”

“And you sitting still for more than five minutes without performing for anyone.”

That shuts me up.

Hunter climbs over the stile first.

I am still deciding whether to argue when my phone buzzes in my pocket.

Mandy

Does your dick have time to come over later, or is it busy being useful elsewhere?

I stop walking.

Only for a second.

Unfortunately, Hunter has known me since we were little. A second is plenty.

He turns back. “Good news?”

“No.”

“Your face disagrees.”