‘What?’ I spluttered.
‘Why do you have a problem with me helping you?’
Good question. How long had he got? ‘Because I want to do it myself! I don’t want to owe anybody anything, any more. I can manage on my own, and would like a chance to prove it. It’s weird, someone I don’t know giving me bedding. Some would think it’s extremely creepy. Fixing things without asking or even telling me! Sneaking into my house when I’m out. That’s not just creepy, it’s trespassing. How are you even getting in? Howoftenare you sneaking in? Are you rummaging through my stuff? Looking for valuables to steal in the Hoard? You clearly don’t like me. It’s weird.I don’t buy that Mystery Man stuff one bit. If I need help, I’ll take it from someone honest, open and respectful of my privacy, and me. Thanks very much. But no, thanks!’
I spun on my heel and stalked away. Mack didn’t follow me,which of course I was pleased about! But the next day, cycling back from the Common, icy puddles crunching beneath the tyres, morning coffee and banana in my basket, I found him leaning against the wall by my back door, all wrapped up in a thick jacket and beanie hat.
I watched him suspiciously. ‘Hi.’
‘Hi.’ He pushed himself away from the wall. ‘I thought you might like some cake with your coffee.’
I adjusted my glasses, trying to figure out his angle.
‘I can promise you it isn’t poisoned. I tested it last night, with no repercussions.’
‘Did you think it might be?’
His beard twitched. ‘I considered the possibility.’
My stomach, unable to face another mega-cob, rumbled loudly at the thought of that cake. I coughed, in a belated attempt to mask the sound.
‘Come on. It isn’t accepting charity, since you made the cake.’
I remembered the thick layer of creamy fudge icing, the smell of melted chocolate chunks, choco-balls nestling in between the chocolate fingers. ‘Okay. Thanks.’
He sat down at the picnic bench a couple of minutes later, with two slices of cake and a coffee for himself.
He also had a key, which after a while he took out of his pocket and pushed across the table. ‘I should have returned this earlier. But I didn’t think you’d be staying.’
‘A spare key?’
He nodded. ‘The guy I bought the house from used to keep an eye on Mrs Meadows. After she died, he kept hold of it in case he needed to access the other side. It seemed sensible for me to do the same.’
‘Okay.’
‘And, for the record, if I was going to steal anything, I’d have done it long before you arrived.’
‘Okay.’ I nodded.
‘And the mattress and bedding were from my spare room. If I’d offered them, you’d have said no. I couldn’t sleep properly, knowing you were on the other side of the wall in a bath.’
‘Okay.’ Mack was on a roll. There was no way I was interrupting the flow.
‘I didn’t think of it as being creepy. I guess because, well,Iknow I’m not a creep. Although—’ he cleared his throat, and looked away ‘—I have got used to my own company. Probably lost some social skills. So, I apologise for creeping you out.’
‘How long have you lived here?’
He took a swig from the flask. ‘Four years, near enough.’
‘How do you get out anywhere? I haven’t seen a car, or a bike.’
He shrugged. ‘I walk. Run. Get the bus.’
‘When?’ I casually dabbed at the remaining cake crumbs.
The portcullis to Castle Mack slammed shut again. ‘I’ve got to get back to work.’ He gathered up the things on the table, but I grabbed the key as he made to move away, holding it out.
‘Keep the key.’
