Page 16 of A Very Happy Easter

“Of course.”

After I hung up, Heath started the car engine as I tried to deal with the niggling feeling of guilt that snuck up on me.

“The subterfuge makes me uncomfortable,” I said.

“Eyes on the prize. Jazzi’s going to sleep safely tonight, and that’s all that matters. There was barely any subterfuge involved—someone else already called the police.”

“Because I screamed.”

“You’re right—next time a mugger shows up, just whisper very quietly. Where did you get the pepper spray?”

From my brother, but I wasn’t going to drop him in it. “The internet.”

“Be careful with that—sometimes you end up with a dud.”

“I sprayed a tiny bit to check, and it’s definitely the real deal.”

My eyes hadn’t stopped watering for hours, and I’d kept coughing and sneezing well after that. No pain, no gain, right?

“Damn, Edie.”

The drive from Berkshire to Kensington went quickly as I turned things over in my mind. Yes, Heath was right. Jazzi’s well-being was the most important thing, and if we had to get a little sneaky, so what? Her husband didn’t play by the rules. Why should we?

As the gates rolled back to reveal my home, Heath gave a low whistle. “That’s some place you have.”

“I’m very lucky to live here; I realise that. Uh, do you want to come in? For coffee? And I do mean just coffee; that’s not a euphemism for something else.”

Heath laughed. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m okay. Got used to going without sleep in my previous job.”

“Then I guess this is goodnight.”

“I’ll wait until you’re inside before I leave. Goodnight, Edie.”

So, it turned out there were at least two good men left in the world—my brother and Heath Carlisle.

Five

Heath

You don’t think sending me a year’s worth of coffee was overkill?

Ah, so he’d received my little thank-you. A gift card for Krave Coffee, a chain that had started off with one branch not too far from my home and expanded all over London. I used to buy my morning latte from Kris or Dave on the way to school.

Me

No? I really appreciate you helping last night.

Heath

How’s Jazzi?

Me

She’s in the shelter now. I’m going to visit her after lunch. How’s the roommate?

Heath

Non-existent. He messaged five minutes before he was due to show to say he’d changed his mind and could he have his deposit back.

---