Page 25 of The Black Trilogy

“This is England—when does it ever?” Luke leaned back on the sofa and took a sip of coffee. “So, I’m curious. If you’re not on the run from the law, why did you choose to work here?”

I could hardly tell him the truth, could I? “I don’t know many people in England anymore, and this job gives me somewhere to live while I work out what to do next.”

“What about your parents? Couldn’t you stay with them?”

“I haven’t spoken to them since I emigrated. They weren’t keen on Jamie, and they didn’t agree with my decision to drop out of university.” I shrugged. “I guess I don’t want to hear ‘I told you so.’”

“They might have mellowed over the years.”

Maybe, if they actually existed. I didn’t want to discuss my fantasy life any longer. “So, what about your family? How come you ended up human while Tia’s a contender for brat of the year?”

Okay, so that was a little rude, but if he took offence, he could leave. At least then I wouldn’t have to deal with more questions.

“There’s not much left of my family. Just me, my mother, and Tia.”

“I’m sorry.” Both for his lack of family and because he was related to Tia.

“Don’t be. Our dad died over a decade ago. It’s common knowledge.”

Even so, he didn’t like talking about it. I could tell by the way his nails dug into the arm of the sofa.

“Still, that must have been hard.”

He gave a hollow laugh. “I survived. Now it’s Tia who’s the problem. I know she’s a brat, but I don’t know what to do about it. I spend most of my time at work, so I only see her once or twice a week, and she’s worse on every visit.”

“You don’t live with her, then?”

“I moved out when I hit eighteen. Tia lives with Mother on the other side of the village.”

“What does your mother say about her behaviour?”

“She doesn’t.” He shrugged. “Like mother, like daughter.”

Oh.

Luke put his cup down, and we sat in silence for a few seconds before he broke it. The silence, not the cup.

“So, what are your plans for the future? Are you going to stick around here?”

A good question, and one I wasn’t about to answer. I looked at my watch instead. “Sorry, I’ve got work to finish. You can stay here if you like.”

“Do you make a habit of letting virtual strangers hang out in your house?”

“Look around. Do you see anything worth stealing?”

My cash was hidden in a tampon box in the bathroom, and I couldn’t see him poking around in there. Beyond that, I didn’t care.

“I guess not. Thanks, it’s more comfortable than the feed room.”

But only marginally. He didn’t need to put that into words—I could tell by his grimace as he went into the kitchen to dispose of our cups.

“Just try not to let anyone see you leaving, or I’ll never hear the end of it,” I said.

“Gotcha.”

The barn had emptied out since Luke was nowhere to be seen. Jessica, Marianne, Portia, and Arabella were all riding. Portia’s other two horses were standing in their stables looking bored, and the rest were in the fields. I spent a peaceful hour cleaning saddles and bridles before clattering hooves signalled the return of the horses.

The instant she saw me, Portia flung Gameela’s reins in my direction. “Untack her, would you?”

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