Page 83 of Cosy & Chill
Mr Tienfield, on whom Roisin’s story had had more of an effect than her departure, topped up their wine glasses. “I’ve neverquitebelieved in fairy stories, you know?”
“Neither did we,” Finn said. “Not until we rented this place.”
“Quite, quite. Tell me what plans you have for this hoard of coins you’ve found.”
“We didn’t find it, Roisin did,” Leo reminded. “We don’t own the building either. Doesn’t that mean the hoard belongs to you or the trust?”
“Along with all the resulting paperwork.” Mr Tienfield’s eyes twinkled. “Can I rely on you to photograph all the evidence and keep the coins safe while I inform the authorities?”
Leo and Finn shared a look. Roisin had rearranged Leo’s workroom to make it look as if they’d found the hoard while restoring the fireplace. “We’ve photographed it to death,” Finn admitted. “We won’t touch the room and keep the coins until someone comes for them.”
“Thank you.” He rose from the table and his wife followed suit. “I can see that the two of you can barely stay awake, so we’ll leave you. It was a most illuminating evening. I can’t thank you enough for inviting us.”
“Are you sure?” Leo wondered. “We didn’t find it at all easy to…”
“Accept that magic is real?”
“Magic. Fairy stories. Non-humans.” Finn yawned. “It wasn’t easy to accept at all.”
“Ah well, you’re young,” Mrs Tienfield said. “When you reach our advanced age…”
Leo almost blew a raspberry at her, and their laughter masked the sadness for a little while.
“Do you think we finally get a chance to finish our conversation?” Leo asked when they had the house to themselves once more. “Though I have to say, it feels weird knowing that Roisin won’t be barging in or screeching at inappropriate moments.”
Finn trudged up the stairs, shoulders drooping. “Do we need to talk more? I was never mad, and I don’t want you uncomfortable. I love you, and I want you to know that I have your back.”
Leo caught up with him on the landing and wrapped him in a hug that threatened ribs. “Just as I have yours,” he promised, and sealed it with a kiss.
