STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER SEVEN

Diane was crunching toast and honey next morning and urging Robert to eat up before he went to Nev and Leaf's. It was holiday time again. She glanced at the clock. Still some time to spare before work.

There was a knock at the kitchen door and Robert went to answer, thinking it was probably Maya and Wes.

A big man stood there. A stranger. "Hello son," he said. "Mum home? Can I come in?" And he walked in. 

Diane was staring at him in horror, which angered him. He sought politeness.

"Sorry it's been so long, love. Not very good at keeping in touch. Any chance of a cuppa?"

Still lost for words, Diane waved over to the coffee pot. Walt was bigger, heavier and somehow rougher. It was hard to explain.

"I'm staying nearby", he explained. "Like I said, I'm sorry. Saved up some money for you and the boy like."

He poured himself a coffee, sat down and sipped it, appraising her. Obviously she looked older, but was still good-looking. Walt reached in his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash.

They both looked astonished, especially the boy. Robert, was it?

"Here," he said and peeled off a few notes, giving them to the wide-eyed youngster. "Maybe buy something for your bike or something."

The boy's face fell and he looked down. Great, thought Walt. An opening!

"Could afford to get you one on Saturday if your mum doesn't mind."

He glanced at her. She nodded, hesitating, unsure.

"Reckon I'll come back then, ok?" He left them with a smile, thinking it had gone really well. He was tired of living mostly alone. The last stint in the clink had rattled him.

Warm house, warm food, family. Just the ticket. Take it slow, he mused, but not too slow, allow no time for deep thought.