Page 92 of The Day After Christmas
‘What can I say, I’m a great specimen of manhood?’
Felicity laughed and punched him lightly on the arm. ‘All right, calm down, John McClane.’
‘Open it, open it, open it,’ said James, gesturing to the envelope.
‘Patience.’
But her hands were shaking. She didn’t even know why. The day had been a resounding success, but a thousand pounds on the door wasn’t going to get them very far and even the contents of this envelope were unlikely to make that much of a difference. So why on earth did she feel so excited? Perhaps it was hysterics? Maybe she just needed a glass of wine. Perhaps it was her blood sugar. She did feel a bit light-headed, now that she thought about it.
‘Get on with it,’ said James, laughing.
‘All right, all right, I’m doing it,’ she said, giggling, and ripping the top open.
Nothing in the world could have prepared her for what was inside.
CHAPTER 45
‘What is this?’ said Felicity, for the millionth time, turning to James and then staring back down at the slightly crumpled piece of paper in her hand.
For on top of the pile of cash was a note. Not a note, as such; a photocopy. A photocopy of a title deed. But not for the Animal Saviours centre. Oh no. It was the title deed for a certain Donkey Haven animal centre. On Guernsey. Formerly owned by one Ms Valerie Evans.
‘Has my father gone stark raving mad?’ said Felicity, when she’d asked the universe what it was several hundred more times. ‘Was he always mad and I’m only just finding out?’
‘I think he might be,’ said James, as Felicity handed him the piece of paper.
‘He’s bought Jessica the donkey?’
‘I’m not sure that’s quite what this…’
‘Or, Jessica’s house at least? He’s bought it outright and he doesn’t even know if Andrea will move away from here. Or does he? Is he thinking she’ll move over there? Is he planning to go with her? Is he leaving me again? When I’ve only just found him? What is going on?’
James stood up. ‘I’ve not got the foggiest clue, I’m afraid. But I know how to find out.’
‘What’s that?’
‘Let’s go ask him.’
‘Now? It’s late, they might be… ew…’ Felicity’s voice tailed off.
‘Ew is right but also, they might just be sitting watching Saturday night TV like a normal couple. Not everyone is as sex mad as you, Felicity Brooks.’
‘Ha. You wish,’ she replied, pulling on her shoes.
‘Bet they’re intoGladiators. All that Lycra.’
‘Not everyone is as mad about Lycra as you, James Cowley.’
‘Touché.’
‘Let’s go.’
So they went. And despite their earlier discussion it was with some trepidation that Felicity rang the doorbell of Andrea’s modest little cottage just outside town. Immediately a cacophony of sound erupted.
‘That’ll be the dogs.’
‘Oh, thanks, yes, without that explanation I’d have been wondering all evening.’
‘Shut it.’
