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Je
Claire shook her head. ‘Don’t be silly. I just want you to hold off while I make sure we’re supporting you as best we can. Eventually the Raven will give a little more of himself, but for now, be careful. Don’t put yourself in a position where you’re vulnerable.’
Je
Chapter Fourteen
The news that her sister was visiting that evening sent Je
She had just enough time to shower and change before the doorbell rang. Anxious thoughts rebounded from one corner of her brain to the next as she searched the ceiling for invisible cobwebs. Amy would never call around like this, not unless she had a reason. It had always been up to Je
The doorbell rang again as an impatient finger leaned on the buzzer. Taking a deep, calming breath, Je
‘I’d better take these off before you have kittens,’ she said, easing her feet out of her flat Mary Jane shoes.
She wasn’t far wrong. Je
‘Wow,’ Amy said, ru
Je
Amy waved her offer away. ‘No thanks, I can’t stay long. I just wanted to pop in …’ Amy hesitated, swallowing hard. She stared at her stocking feet, unable to meet her sister’s eyes.
‘If you’ve come here to tell me something, it’s best you just get on with it.’ Je
Amy clasped her fingers tightly over her knee. ‘Straight to the point, as always, sis.’ She exhaled a short-lived laugh. I came because I didn’t want to tell you on the phone. But you’ve got to promise not to blow your top.’
Je
Amy’s lips turned downwards as she squirmed in her seat. It was the same pouty frown she wore as a child when she didn’t get her own way. ‘How do you do that?’
‘Do what?’ Je
‘Steal my thoughts. It’s the same with Josh. I only have to think something and he knows what it is.’
Je
‘Yes as it happens. He wants to see his grandchildren,’ she said, her voice carrying an air of defiance.
Je
Amy stood, pulling the thick strap of her handbag over her shoulder. ‘David said I didn’t have to justify my actions to you, and he was right.’
The comment inflamed Je
‘He’s not drinking any more. He’s changed.’
Je
Amy blew out an exaggerated sigh. ‘I can’t deprive the children of a grandfather. Aunt Laura thinks it’s a good idea.’
Je
Amy took a step forward, jabbing her finger in her sister’s direction. ‘It’s all right for you, with your exciting job and designer clothes. For some of us, family is all we have.’
Silence descended as Je
‘Oh, I get it. You’re speaking to dad to spite me, because you’re jealous of my lifestyle.’
‘Why would I be jealous of you?’ Amy retorted. ‘I mean, look around this place. It’s soulless. You don’t have one family photo on the walls. Where’s all the pictures Joshua drew you? Filed away in a cabinet under J?’
‘That’s not fair. Just because I don’t like clutter doesn’t mean I don’t treasure everything he’s given me. And speaking of Josh, don’t you think it’s time you put him first? Letting dad meet the kids is selfish and irresponsible.’ As soon as the words left her lips, Je