Chapter 23

“That’s right.” And probably not going back for a long time. Maybe not ever unless he’d be satisfied with a desk job.

Fran glanced around again, then looked at Riley, purring loudly as Dez stroked him. “You’ve definitely made a hit with Riley. He’s friendly anyway. All the cats are, of course. But I’ve never seen him quite that much at home. Do you like cats?”

“Yeah. They don’t make a fuss.” When Fran peered into his cup of tea, Dez felt bad. “Thanks, though. For the cake. It was a nice gesture and I’m sorry I wasn’t very gracious about it. I’m just not comfortable with that whole ‘hero’ thing. I’m not a hero.”

“That’s not what the newspapers say.”

“I’m sure a clever lad like you knows that the best use for most of the newspapers is lining a litter tray.”

“Well, that’s true. But if it makes you uncomfortable, I promise I won’t use the ‘H word’ again.”

Dez smiled and raised his cup in a salute. “Appreciated.”