Page 18 of Endgame

‘Caleb!’ An older-looking Alfie runs into my arms as the front door to Tim’s home opens.

‘Big man,’ I respond, matching his enthusiasm, then I catch him, lift him, toss him up and dangle him upside down. I walk from the front door into the living room gripping his feet securely.

‘He’s missed you, and so have we,’ Em says affectionately as she approaches with her arms open wide. I let Alfie down gently and hug her back.

‘I’ve missed him too. Thank you for keeping an eye on the place, Em.’

‘Good to see you back in one piece, mate.’ Tim pats my back. ‘Jack’s on his way. Seb! Leo!’

Tim’s two older sons appear after a thunderous descent from upstairs.

‘Welcome back, Caleb,’ Seb says quickly, followed by Leo’s ‘Good to see you back.’

‘Great to see you, boys.’

They both stand there looking impatient.

‘Fine, go back to whatever computer game you were playing. Take Alfie with you,’ Tim instructs.

‘Tim!’ Em protests, just as the doorbell goes.

‘What? Alfie could learn a thing or two. They’re minting it on YouTube. Far be it from me to stop them,’ he says as he gets up to answer it.

Em tuts at her husband as he leaves. When we’re alone, she asks me quietly, ‘How are you?’

‘I’m okay. I told her everything and she lost her shit. We’re not together any more but trying to work it out.’ I’ll leave the details until we have more time.

Em looks suspicious. ‘You told hereverything?’

‘Well—’

‘As I live and breathe. If it isn’t hashtag-bad-boy-Black.’ Jack appears before Tim, already taking the piss. I groan as Tim and Em burst out laughing. I can’t help joining in.

‘I’m hot, broody and dangerous – girls better watch out,’ Jack continues in a terrible Liverpudlian accent, pulling me into a rough hug.

‘I’m half naked and so sweaty, I’ve been working out,’ Em joins in from behind me in a smarmy nasal voice.

‘Et tu, Em?’ I give her a dirty look.

‘Mate, your Instagram is a bit much.’ Tim laughs.

‘Bloody hell, I hate you lot. Is there going to be food at some point? I’m bloody starving.’

‘Come on then,’ Em says. We follow her to the dining table in the kitchen and take a seat. ‘Boys! Dinner!’ she calls. Seb, Leo and Alfie appear noisily, grab plates, load them up with food and disappear back up the stairs. I wait until the coast is clear.

‘Where’s Lou?’ I ask Jack.

‘We’re taking a breather.’

‘Yes!’ I rejoice, pulling my balled-up fist to my chest. ‘How likely is it that this breather will be permanent?’

‘We’re still trying to save it. Don’t be a dick, mate. You’ve only been back five seconds.’ Jack is clearly struggling, so I leave it – but only because I don’t see any fresh bruises.

‘Fair enough. I suppose she’s keeping London’s international heiress community safe for now. We can thank her for that.’ I back off.

‘Not quite as safe as the global “anything female that moves” community. Ariella deserves a humanitarian award for that one.’ Tim and Jack laugh. Em gives me a private sympathetic look, but it’s not needed. The mere mention of her name makes me happy. When Em encourages us to tuck in, we do just that. It feels good to be back with Jack, Em and Tim – my chosen family. I’ve missed them so much.

FIVE

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