Page 71 of Short Stack 3

“You are the gift that keeps ongiving,” I say fervently, hearing his laughter echo around the dusty village hall.

Rafferty and Stan

Something Borrowed

A Mystery Tour

A short story that was written for my newsletter subscribers to celebrate the release ofSomething Borrowed. It’s set after the events of that book.

Rafferty

I tuck my top hat under my arm and stroll out of the hotel. The afternoon sun is warm on my head, and I tilt my face up to it, enjoying the sight breeze after being cooped up all day at a wedding.

“Oi.”

Blinking, I lower my head and look around for the source of the call. “Hey,” I say as I see Leo. He’s leaning against the wall of the hotel, holding an envelope. “What are you doing here? Did you have a client today?”

He rolls his eyes. “Say it a bit louder for the couple behind us who now think I’m a high-class hooker.”

I look at his tight jeans and navy T-shirt. “Not exactly high—” He raises one eyebrow, and I hasten to add, “Morethan high-class. Is there something above that, because you’re definitely it?”

“Twat,” he says in an affectionate tone. He straightens up. “I have something for you.”

“Is it the recipe for the goulash you made last week, because I only said I wanted it for Stan’s benefit. I have zero intention of ever trying to make that dish.”

“That bodes well for Stan’s continued survival.”

He hands me the envelope, and after a bit of juggling, I pass him my top hat.

“What is it?” I ask.

“Why don’t you open it and see?”

“The last envelope I took from a man was a couple of years ago, and it was David. Do you remember that?”

He grimaces. “The envelope of toe clippings. Who can forget that?”

I shudder at the memory. “He said he wanted me to have his essence.”

“I would have thought that sperm would have been a better choice.”

“How fortunate that you were off on a cruise picking up bankers and not here to advise my lovelorn swain.”

“Swain? Have you and Stan been at the period dramas again?”

“You know he loves them, and I just exist to make that man happy.”

“Well, as far as I know, this isn’t toenail clippings. To be handing you something like that, I would have to be one of your men, and I can honestly say, Raff, that I’d rather eat my intestines with a teaspoon.”

I snort and nudge him. “I know that tone of voice. It covers up extreme affection.”

“It’s buried very deep.” He taps the envelope. “Open it, then. I do have a life to get back to.”

I direct a curious glance at him but tear open the envelope and slide out a sheet of thick paper. “What’s this?” I ask, and then my fingers run over the surface, and I blink. “Braille.” I look up at Leo. “Have you got me mixed up with Stan?”

“I’m fairly sure he’s the hot, funny one of your partnership.”

“I know you’re joking about that because I’m pretty sure that’s actually me.”

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