match, and it would tie things up neatly.”
“And let’s be honest, my aim in life is to tie things up neatly for you all.” Her throat felt tight.
“And there she is, the sarcastic redhead we all love,” Bailey said.
It felt good to hear those words; it meant she could be that person again, even if for now she was acting.
“You’re probably right,” Pip mused. “Fin has way too much emotional baggage to make a stable partner.”
“He’s a good guy,” Maggs said. “But not my good guy. And we all have hang-ups, Pip. Some just have a few more than others.”
“True that.” Pip got to her feet. “And now we need to leave you to sleep. But we’ll be back, because you need help getting your Christmas tree up, plus we have two years to catch up on.”
Pip hugged her hard, Bailey hugged her gently, and then they were gone.
Maggs showered, then fell into bed. Lying there, she thought about the pills she’d left behind in London. Cold turkey, she’d told herself. No more meds. Her mind whirled with thoughts, and she wished she’d not been so rash now.
It would take her time to be the person she was… well almost was. She’d never be completely whole again. That day six months ago had changed her beyond recognition. It had given her a fear she’d not even known it was possible to experience.
Chapter Five
Fin wandered down the main street of Ryker Falls. It was cold, the air puffing from his mouth as he breathed. He’d spent the last two days searching more of the mountains, and still no sign of the femur’s owner.
They’d had a dump of snow, and Bas from the garage, who also ran the secondhand store, had been through town clearing the roads with his plow. Christmas music belted out of the stores, and he guessed soon he’d need to look at buying some gifts. He always spent Christmas with the Trainer family and their extras. He’d never made the trip to spend it with his.
“I’ll drop those muffins by later, Fin. It’s a new recipe I think you’ll like.”
“Hey, thanks, Pearl. That has my mouth watering, I’m not going to lie. You want me to drop by and fix that guttering?” he called to the elderly woman who was striding by him in black ski pants that swished as she walked. On top she wore a thick pink sweater, and her headband matched.
“I’d be grateful. I’ll make you a chicken pie; you just let me know when you’re coming!” She lifted a hand in a wave and continued striding down the street as if it wasn’t peppered with snow and ice.
“The seniors in this town,” he muttered. They put the younger generation to shame with their energy.
“Morning, Fin!”
Turning, he saw Mr. Goldhirsh and his wife, Joe’s aunt Jess. Where Mr. Goldhirsh was thin, she was a sturdier build. Long gray hair was braided, and a hat pulled low to her eyebrows. She was one of his favorite people.
When he’d arrived, she’d welcomed him, let him move into her house, and simply accepted Fin into her family. Three Trainer nephews, her own daughter, Pip, and him. Those had been some of the best days of his life.
He’d learned to laugh there. Love and laugh, he amended.
“Morning, Goldhirshes. What are you doing out here in these temperatures?”
Aunt Jess moved in and hugged him, as she always did, even if she’d seen him an hour ago. He inhaled her scent. Home cooking and love.
“We’re hardy stock, boy. This is bracing for the likes of us,” Mr. Goldhirsh said. For once he was in trousers, a thick jacket, and woolen hat rather than sports clothes.
“How’s the injury?”
“Coming along, and the cycling helps.”
“Not sure how it could. All that flying about in freezing conditions minutes away from mortal injury,” Fin teased him.
“No stamina, you young people. It’s the thrill, Fin. Makes a man feel alive. That and the love of a good woman.” He leaned down and kissed Aunt Jess. She swatted at his chest, but her cheeks were pink.
More people loved up. It was enough to put a man off his breakfast.
“You sleeping okay, Fin?” Aunt Jess asked him.
“I am.”
“The femur business had to be nasty on you.”
“It was only a bone, Aunt Jess, I didn’t find a body.” Yet, he thought. “So I’m all good, but thanks for asking.”
“We’re heading to Phil’s for coffee and a cinnamon and hazelnut donut. Coming?” Aunt Jess asked him.
“I’m just going to the bank.