Chapter 19: Trouble Adjusting? - Klempner

Kirstie, in her ramshackle wedding dress, picks her way through to me, tugging at her skirts where they snag on a branch. "Larry, I wanted to say thank you for looking after Paulie like that. I don't know how I'd ever have faced his mother if..." She stalls. "You are okay? You weren't hurt?"

"I'm fine. Never better." Close up, I scan the rips in her trashed wedding gown. "I take it the dress took most of the damage?"

"Yes, who'd have thought of a boned corset for body armour?"

"Who indeed?" She's a little sallow, her face sheened. "I thought you were going up to James' and Michael's place with Ryan?"

"We are. We're just waiting for Richard. He's going to drive us, but he's making some phone calls first."

"You're really alright? You're not hurt?"

"No, not hurt, but..." She hugs herself. "... Um... I'm a bit shaky if I'm honest. I'm... er... I'm trying not to let Ryan see it. It upsets him."