Page 32 of Oar Than Friends

The train slowed, and we pulled into the next stop. Imogen wiped her hand over the condensation on the window to see where we were, then turned back to me. ‘Okay Asters, let’s get brainstorming.’

I groaned, my head falling back on the seat rest. I didn’t have the cells to come up with a winning cadaver name, I needed coffee before that happened.

‘Asters?’

I opened one eye, the one nearest to Norris so I had to make minimal effort to turn, ‘My name’s Kate Astley. It got shortened to Asters at some point over the past week.’

‘Asters here was just named cox for Blondie on Saturday.’

He grinned wide. ‘No way! Congratulations.’

I straightened back up again, with both eyes open. ‘Thanks. It’s only for one race though.’

He laughed, and for a second I wondered what on earth he saw in Mary Heston. He seemed to have a permanent smile, whereas she looked like she was forever trying to plot your slow death.

‘Have faith, Godwin wouldn’t try you if he didn’t believe you could do it. He’s tough. But we have a strong team coming together, it’s going to be a good year.’

‘Yeah, we have a title to keep hold of.’ Tubbs opened one eye.

‘When are you getting the oars back?’

‘When A.O.-C. is least expecting it, but it’ll be soon.’ He barked out a laugh and tapped the side of his nose. From the way he grinned at Norris and Fletcher it was clear they’d already decided exactly when, where and how they were going to do it.

‘Are you planning on taking the crown too?’ asked Hannah.

‘Of course! We have the double to win; it hasn’t been done in a good few years, but I have a feeling this will be the year.’ He rubbed his hands together in the manner befitting an evil mastermind. ‘And next time they attempt to get the oars back again, we’ll be ready.’

‘I thought we’d be ready this time, especially with my chain bolting them in place,’ grumbled Tubbs who’d closed his eyes again. ‘They broke Rule Five.’

‘Rule Five?’ I asked.

‘Yes, mascot must be removed without damage to property. The heist has a set of rules which we’ve all agreed to abide by. Have you heard about them?’

I frowned slightly as a memory shot to the front of my brain. I’d seen that written in the boathouse. ‘Are they hanging on the wall at Goldie?’

Norris nodded, ‘Yes, and they’re strict. Though to be fair, the chain we wrapped around the oars shouldn’t have technically been there, so we overlooked the fact they cut through it. And really, it was amateur of us to assume it would stop them. It wouldn’t have stopped us.’

‘So when are you going to get them back?’

‘That’s top secret, I’m afraid. But very soon. Need to make up for the race last weekend.’

‘I’m sorry you lost. We were watching on Saturday, cheering you on.’ Hannah pulled nervously on the hood of her coat, as though she was speaking out of turn. ‘They looked very strong. Not sure anyone would have beaten them.’

‘Yeah, three lengths is a lot,’ I agreed.

Norris nodded. ‘I agree it was unfortunate. But I’ve been thinking about it, and it might have lulled them into a false sense of security that they’re stronger than us this year.’

Imogen shrugged, ‘I dunno, I saw A.O.-C. after they’d won and he didn’t look happy about it. He stormed right past me. Didn’t even look tired.’

‘Yeah, he’s going through a tough time right now,’ replied Norris, but I’d already jerked around to Imogen, sitting so straight up it was like a metal rod had been pushed down my spine.

‘When was that?’

‘What?’

‘When Oz … I mean … when A.O.-C. stormed past you? We were together the whole time. I never saw him.’

‘Um …’ her brows dropped, ‘you’d gone to get some beers, I think.’

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