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Rowan gave a deep bow. ‘My pleasure entirely, dear lady.’ His gaze drifted from her to Calvin. ‘Your arrival has certainly shaken things up. I predict fun times ahead.’ He threw back his head and laughed. ‘How thrilling.’
Not quite the word she’d use. ‘Disturbing’ would be a better description.
Kate scurried inside – her face still hot and her heart racing – hoping she wasn’t about to have another meltdown… and wondering what exactly had happened that night in Screaming Woods. Was she really a magnet for all things spectral?
She bloody-well hoped not.
That was the last thing she needed.
Chapter Eight
Thursday, 2ndDecember
Thursday nights used to be mates’ nights. Fridays and Saturdays were off limits, as he usually had a match the next day and was under strict instructions to eat well, abstain from partying and be in bed at a reasonable hour. He valued his career too much to bend the rules, so he’d obediently stuck to the schedule, much to Ainsley’s frustration; she’d enjoyed nothing more than a night clubbing in Leeds at the weekend. But Thursday nights were reserved for his mates, having a curry or going to a bar. He liked a beer as much as the next guy.
Since moving to Pluckley, his Thursday nights were like every other night, spent in the company of disillusioned staff and eccentric octogenarians. How his life had changed.
‘Here he is,’ Esme announced, as he entered the lounge. ‘Did you have any luck?’
‘All done,’ he said, handing her the glasses, which she immediately placed on the side table, not wanting to be seen wearing them unless she absolutely had to.
‘You’re an angel,’ she said, patting his hand. Granny Esme was looking very stylish, in a black velvet jacket over a long grey dress – her dark red lipstick the only splash of colour to her sophisticated outfit.
‘They should be okay now. A screw had come loose.’
‘Story of my life,’ Rowan said, sipping his brandy. ‘I’ve had a screw loose since the day my mother dropped me on my head.’
‘Well, that explains a lot,’ Geraldine said, making the rest of them laugh.
Rowan stroked his wine-coloured cravat. ‘It’s made me who I am, darling. Unique.’
‘That’s one word for it.’ Geraldine leant down and stroked Suki, who was curled up asleep on the rug by her feet. ‘“Bonkers” would be another.’
‘And here I was, thinking you enjoyed myubiquitousoutlook on life.’ Rowan waved his hand, almost knocking over a candle that was balanced on the coffee table.
Esme frowned. ‘Is that the right word?’
Calvin had no idea. Judging by the looks on everyone else’s faces, they didn’t either.
He had to admit they looked a cosy group: sitting around the lounge, filling the worn leather sofas, and looking content as they sipped their drinks and enjoyed the open fire.
Lucky Larry was playing the grand piano – something he did every evening after dinner, providing a mellow backdrop to their gathering and showcasing his talent as a former blues musician. Perhaps this was what his granny had been missing back in Leeds. Like-minded people who had reached their twilight years, but who still had an appetite for good wine and good company, and weren’t above getting up to no good. He could imagine them causing havoc in their younger days, breaking rules and spicing up any gathering.
He realised they were all looking at him. ‘What have I done?’
‘It’s what you haven’t done,’ Geraldine said, hauling herself up from the sofa.
‘Did I miss something on the list?’ He’d been working flat out all day, trying to make himself useful and placate the staff. He had run errands, which included taking Larry to his audiology appointment… something he would’ve done anyway, even without Hanna’s threat to quit. While he wasn’t entirely convinced she’d actually leave, he didn’t want to put that theory to the test. They couldn’t survive without Hanna, whichwas probably the reason why she’d upped the ante by making threats. Do something, or she was off.
She was right, though: things weren’t good, which was why he was busting a gut, trying to fit in as many chores as possible. Chores he’d never done before, like cleaning dentures, ironing bedsheets, bagging up clinical waste and learning how to use a hoist.
‘What do you need, Geraldine? Only, I’m heading off to the station to collect Kate’s cousin. I can deal with it if it’s a quick one.’
‘It is,’ she said, sliding her arm around his waist. ‘One dance will do me wonders. Play us something smoochy, Larry.’
Calvin looked down in horror, as Geraldine rested her head on his chest and began swaying. Both arms were around him, preventing an escape. ‘I’m not the best person to dance with,’ he said, as he was dragged into a slow shuffle.
‘Nonsense,’ Esme said, smiling. ‘You were on the dance floor all night at your sister’s wedding.’
