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“You’re back, I hear,” he said.
“Sure am.”
“The security firm didn’t happen?”
Exhaling a breath, I hated this conversation. “I had to sell up after a big debt fell over me. Back to square one.”
His blue eyes filled with sympathy. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“You better get back to him.” His student was about to pick up some hefty weights. “You don’t want him getting a hernia.”
He patted me on the shoulder and returned to his older client.
Declan walked in and, seeing me, his face lit up. That’s why I loved being there, because like the lads, I also felt part of a family. Angus, the last remaining member of my biological family, was only ever after money.
My mother, bless her soul, would have done anything for us. She loved and cared for us even when burdened by chronic pain, showering us with affection. Maybe if she hadn’t passed away when Angus was young, he might not have turned bad. Something I reminded myself of when faced with my brother’s fall from grace.
“Let’s go for a walk, hey?” Declan opened the door, and we stepped out onto the grounds. “I trust you settled in well?”
I nodded. “Thanks for the work. I missed this place.”
Declan held my stare. I think he got that my life hadn’t been a bed of roses back in the city. Not that he judged me. He understood the bad hand I’d been dealt. He was the only person who knew about Angus skipping bail, and how my heart snapped in two for failing to protect my brother from himself.
“Perhaps we can find time to do some fishing.” He tossed a twig.
“I would love nothing more.” I chuckled.
For some, it was Ibiza or a sun-drenched beach holiday, whereas for me, it was fishing. I’d only fished once with my father. I was fourteen at the time, and he hired a boat. We paddled up the Thames, tossed a line in, and spent the afternoon drifting along. It was the only positive experience we’d ever shared, and after he left, three days later, I returned to the hard streets before joining the army.
Wearing a blue Ralph Lauren polo, designer jeans, and smelling of fancy cologne, Declan didn’t exactly look like someone who fished. But then, this was the same man who’d worn combat gear and risked his life around a crazed bomber threatening to blow up a classroom of children.
While serving in the SAS, he’d lived rough, like all of us, and as an equal, Declan never complained when confronted by the uglier side of humanity.
“Reboot has changed. We’re only taking ten boys at a time for a three-month stint.”
“How’s it been going?” Leaves crunched under my feet as we traipsed through the forest—a favourite relaxing walking spot for me and another reminder of how much I loved being there.
“Great. They seem to enjoy growing things. There’ve been a couple of troublemakers, as there always are.” He sniffed. “But overall, I’m pleased.”
“And you’ve become an organic farmer, I hear.”
“Yep. I love it. Me and the boys have set up a weekend farmers’ market, which has become so popular profits are covering their wages.”
“Why only ten boys?”
“That’s all the space we have after expanding the gym, which has become a hub of activity. You should see it in the evenings.”
“I bet. It’s a great space. Drake keeps growing.”
Declan smiled. “He’s practically running the gym. Do you think you could do some personal training for a generous fee? We’ve got so many on the waiting list. Mainly women.” He raised an eyebrow, and I chuckled.
“That sounds like fun. Why not? I’m just happy to be back. How’s the wife and baby?”
“My beautiful wife and Julian are great, thanks.”
“How old’s he now? I’ve lost track. Was the christening only six months ago?”
“He’s now one.” Declan wore a tight smile. “Sounds like you’ve been through a bit.”
