Page 60 of An Unholy Affair
She shuddered. ‘I haven’t researched that, but I’m sure it’s possible. Humans can do terrible things, and pigs are very strong.’ Opening the fridge, she pulled out a pack of bacon. ‘Plus, they’d be incredibly good at eating the evidence.’
He gazed at what she was holding with a hopeful expression.
‘Are you good at eating evidence, Jack?’
‘Hmm?’
‘Well, there’s been a report that contraband charcuterie has been spotted in the rectory, and the food police are on their way. Want to help me destroy any evidence?’
His face lit up. ‘It would be my pleasure.’
She reached for her cast iron pan, but he got there before her and held it in the air.
‘On one condition,’ he said.
She rolled her eyes. ‘You make the sarnies?’
He grinned. ‘You’re getting this whole “condition” thing very well.’
She smiled, then glanced around the kitchen for a job to do.
‘You could catch up on your messages?’ he suggested. ‘Or look through the photos I brought if you’re really desperate.’
‘Good idea.’ She sat at the table with the box and lifted the lid, pleased to be making herself useful.
As Eveline looked through the photos, she listened to the sounds of sizzling bacon, the kettle coming to the boil, the birds chattering away outside, and Jack as he moved around the kitchen. She was struck by how at ease she felt, how utterly content she was in the moment. Glancing up, she caught his eye. They smiled in synchronicity.
Her gaze flicked to his mouth, and suddenly the look in his eyes wasn’t so placid. He turned back to the Aga as heat rushed through her.
‘So, how do you know about pigs eating humans?’ he asked.
Well, that’s one way to break the mood. She fanned her flushed cheeks. ‘There are documented cases of farmers suffering heart attacks whilst in the pen and then being eaten.’
‘Wow.’ He cut slices of Libby’s sourdough bread, then buttered it. ‘I’ve been thinking.’
‘Yes?’
‘Mum doesn’t want to have anything to do with Dad’s funeral, and neither do I. Emily lives up north and needs to rest as she’s about to pop. So… I’ve had an idea.’
She gasped. ‘Jack! No!’
He finished the sandwiches and put them on the table. ‘Ah, come on now. It makes perfect sense. It’s the circle of life. Milk, no sugar, right?’
‘What?’
He went to the fridge. ‘In your tea?’
‘Er, yes. Thank you.’
‘So, how about it? In Tibet, they have sky burials where vultures eat corpses. I propose we give Dad to Pinky and Perky. Same same, but different.’
‘Jack!’
He placed her mug of tea down and grinned. ‘You’re no fun.’
She shook her head, the corners of her mouth twitching. ‘And you’re a rascal.’
He wiggled his eyebrows. ‘That I am.’
