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compassionate of people.”
    She glanced up at him. “I’m not interesting.”
    “I disagree. Put it this way, I’ve had the best time today. It’s been years since I laughed like that.”
    “Same.”
    “Come on in,” he said when she flicked the last of the cigarette into the garden. “I bought us some sandwiches, and treated you to a cream cake.”
    He heard her stomach growl and they both laughed.
    Inside, he handed her a ham salad roll and filled the kettle.
    “Look what else I got.” He picked up a bag from the floor and pulled out several plates and bowls, two cups and a handful of cutlery. “I got them from the charity shop—they’ll be okay with a good wash.”
    She smiled and nodded as she took a huge bite of the sandwich.
    “Tea okay? I got some milk and sugar.”
    She nodded, her cheeks resembling a hamster’s.
    When he sat down beside her a few minutes later, she’d devoured every crumb.
    “Go and get the cakes. They’re in a bag on the side. You take your pick which one you want—I don’t mind either.”
    She didn’t need telling twice. Choosing the jam and cream filled donut, she returned to the same spot on the floor.
    “So, have you had a chance to think about what you want to do?”
    She nodded, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “I like the idea of what you said last night. To get a job and eventually a place of my own would be cool.”
    “And in the meantime? Is there anybody who could take you in?”
    “Can’t I stay with you? I’d help you do this place up. I’m a good worker.”
    “I know you are, but it’s out of the question I’m afraid.”
    The hooded eyes suddenly returned. “I thought you wanted to help me. But no, you’re just like all the rest.” She threw the half-eaten donut, cream side down, onto the floorboards and got to her feet.
    “Susie, wait. It’s not that simple.” He followed her back outside where she pulled out another dog-eared rollup from her pocket and proceeded to light it.
    She leaned against the side fence and looked away.
    He felt awful for upsetting her. He’d been gaining her trust, but now they were back to the hostilities of last night. “I do want to help you, Susie. It’s just that... well, it’s complicated.”
    “Where have I heard that before?”
    “I don’t know, but it’s true. I do intend to help you, though. Depending on how well you manage with the swearing, we could do with a hand at my office. The pay won’t be great, and it’ll be a bit of everything, from answering the phone to making tea, but it’ll be alright to start off with.”
    She squealed and launched herself at him, kissing him full on the lips.
    Although surprised by her actions, he didn’t pull away at first. It had been such a long time since someone had kissed him like that, and he could still taste the donut, tainted by the disgusting smell of tobacco. However, he was ashamed to say, he actually enjoyed it. He soon came to his senses and, holding her by the upper arms, he gently pushed her away and cleared his throat.
    “Okay, now I’m not promising anything at this stage. Don’t forget, you’re still on trial.”
    She almost sprinted inside. “What shall I do next, boss?”

Chapter 6
    “I still can’t get hold of him. His phone is going straight to voicemail,” James said, ending the call on his mobile for what appeared to be the fiftieth time since yesterday afternoon.
    “Maybe the cottage is out of range?” I volunteered, and turned back to feeding Grace her breakfast.
    “Can’t be. I’ve spoken to him lots of times when he’s been there. He said he was wallpapering when he got the call from the prison.”
    I shrugged. “I don’t know then.”
    “We could run over there when I get back from work?”
    “It’s up to you.”
    “Okay, well I won’t be late home. I’m hoping Lee’s still got the agency taking his appointments. I don’t want to end up being an unpaid secretary all day.”
    “An agency working for