Page 110 of Toy Boy

Without Megan…?

Without Megan…

Megan

As soon as I walk into the kitchen, the chatter stops, and Iona looks at me with an almost sheepish expression.

“Megan, we – we weren’t expecting to see you back today.”

“Why not?” I glance back outside, through the serving hatch, at the café floor, it’s quite busy for late afternoon. “And shouldn’t you be outside? I’ve seen four new customers come in since I got here, you’re keeping them waiting now.”

I probably shouldn’t have snapped at her like that, but I’m tired and frustrated and I’m probably lashing out at those who don’t deserve it. I’ll apologise when I get the chance.

“How’s Scott?” Hanna asks, a little warily, I’m guessing she doesn’t want her head bitten off either.

I look at her, lean back against the counter, and drag a hand through my hair. “When I left he was still sedated, I think they want to try and keep the swelling on his brain down.”

I don’t miss the look Graham and Hanna exchange, and I frown.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing’s going on.” It’s quite obvious from Hanna’s expression, and her tone of voice, that something is. But, right now, I’m not even sure that I care. “It’s just that…”

I arch an eyebrow. “Just, what?”

She throws Graham another look, but he just shrugs. And then she looks at me, and I widen my eyes, inviting her to elaborate.

“The thing is, Megan, some people are saying that it might not have been a total accident.”

Those eyes I’d widened before are narrowed slightly now. “What people?”

She shrugs, and quickly drops her gaze to the cheesecake she was in the middle of slicing. “Word’s kind of got out, about what happened with Xander’s mum. About why he came here, I mean, is it true?” Her eyes meet mine. “Did he come here to try and get back at Scott in some way?”

“It’s none of your business. It’s nobody’s business, and whoever’s spreading these rumours, they need to shut it down. Now. We’ve got one man in hospital and another who’s racked with guilt about something that was nothing more than an accident.”

She throws Graham another look, and I let out a heavy sigh. “What, Hanna?”

“You weren’t there, though. Were you? You didn’t see what happened. Some people who were across the street said Xander had his music turned up really loud, and that he seemed to be looking out of the car window, a lot, his eyes weren’t on the road…”

“Did any of those people give a statement to the police, saying that?”

“I don’t know…”

“Then maybe it’s best not to listen to rumours.”

She bites down on her lip and drops her head again. “I know, but Xander and Scott have history, don’t they? And people are…”

“Whoarethese “people”? Hmm? The police have examined the CCTV footage, they’ve taken witness statements, it’s over. They aren’t pressing any charges, they aren’t taking it any further, because there’s no reason to. And you shouldn’t listen to gossip, it’s dangerous.”

Hanna slowly looks back up at me, and then Graham, maybe she’s looking for some moral support but he’s taken himself out of this conversation now, he’s getting on with his work. Which is what we all should be doing.

“But…what if even a tiny part of it is true?”

I narrow my eyes even further. “You think Xander would deliberately hurt Scott?”

“I don’t know. I’m just hearing what people are saying…”

“Well, don’t. And I’m sure there are orders you could be putting together, rather than standing here talking ridiculous shit about something you know nothing about.”

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