Page 68 of Hold On

“Sorry Herb found the coin and not you.”

“I’d have only minded if it was finders keepers. By the way, did you notice anything odd about Victor?”

“Two arms, two legs and a head. Clearly foreign though the accent was odd. I thought Spanish but maybe not. Why?”

“I caught him staring at you a couple of times.”

Ren’s heart jumped. “Jealous?”

“No, because you never really looked at him.”

Actually, Ren had.

“Did I look at you?” Had Dominic noticed?

“Once or twice.”

“Was I slobbering?”

“It was disgusting.”

Ren chuckled, but now he was thinking about Victor. Friend or foe? And his foe or Dominic’s?

Chapter Ten

When Ren pulled up outside the Thomases’ house, Dominic’s heart started to race. His disappointment over not being wanted at the dig by Ren’s brother was now overwhelmed by concern over the conversation he was soon going to be having. Ren switched off the bike and removed his helmet. Dominic took off his, unzipped his jacket, then dragged his fingers through his hair.

“Are you okay?” Ren asked.

Dominic nodded.

“How long before you want me back?”

“A couple of minutes?”

Ren winced. “Should I wait?”

“I don’t think it’s going to take me long to say sorry but—”

“Dominic!”

He turned at the sound of his name being called. Merlene was standing at the door. She wasn’t smiling, yet Col told him she smiled all the time.

“Do you both want to come in?” she asked.

Dominic glanced at Ren who shrugged. “Up to you.”

“Yes, then.” Dominic surprised himself by wanting Ren with him.

They followed her into the house and up the stairs. Dominic had forgotten Col had told him their house was upside down to make the most of the sea views. Her husband stood up when they entered the living room.

“You must be Ren.” Livingston held out his hand to Ren first, then Dominic. “Col told us that you’d probably give Dominic a lift and that you know everything.”

Dominic wondered how much Col had said.

“Pleased to meet you,” Ren said.

“You must have a drink and piece of cake.” Merlene moved towards the kitchen.

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