Page 68 of He's the One

“There is nothing stupid about this. But don’t come in to see my mum and don’t get stopped by the police on the way home.”

Theo laughed. “I’m in such a mess.”

“Want to have a paddle, get accidentally wet and then I can lend you some clothes.”

“That is such a good idea but it would involve walking on the sandandwalking into the sea.”

“Apart from the water being freezing is there another problem?”

“Yes, but I’ll tell you another day. Okay?”

“Okay.”

When Col pulled up in the car park the next morning, Theo was waiting for him, wearing his Asquith uniform. Col had wondered how Theo would behave, whether he’d be openly affectionate or not.Best to take his lead.Col didn’t want to be in a relationship with someone who wasn’t out, but wanting to be in a relationship with Theo currently beat that.

Theo brushed his hand over Col’s and smiled at him. “Don’t mess up this interview. Have you spent the night reading up about plants? Memorising Latin names? Checking out what’s poisonous? How to tell a spade from a shovel? Know the difference between four candles and fork handles?”

Col laughed. “Am I going to get tested?”

“Maybe. Come on.”

They walked back down the way Col had driven in.

“The scaffolding is being removed this afternoon,” Theo said.

“Then I’ll try and talk my way up onto the roof as soon as I can. And go into the portacabin.”

“Don’t get into trouble.”

“What can Nyman do? He’s already sacked me.”

“If you were caught, what would you say you were looking for?”

“I’d think of something.”

“Think of it now.”

“My gloves?”

“Might they have been in there?”

Col stopped walking. “Theo! Don’t worry. I can handle it.”

“Okay. James might want you to start straightaway.”

“Oh no, I can’t handle that.”

Theo shot him a look, then glared at Col’s smile.

“If I’m working this morning, I’ll go up to the roof in my lunch break.”

“What about if I went up too? If there’s something I need to see, get some evidence, it might be my only chance.”

“How are you with heights?”

“Pfft.”

“All right then.”

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