Harry looked abashed. ‘Sorry. It was a bit spur of the moment because Clancy was going to London and we could get a free lift.’

Jordy was ready with a sharp question. ‘And you and that Rory just happened to have packed backpacks with you? What have you been up to?’

‘Doing some thinking.’ Harry shoved his backpack off his shoulder and let it thud onto the tiled hall floor. ‘Doing some sightseeing. Having a bit of fun.’ He folded his arms as if putting up a barrier.

‘Hello, Aaron. Shall we sit down and have a cuppa?’ suggested Anabelle, sending Jordy an apprehensive look.

Jordy, ignoring her, turned to Aaron, eyebrows raised in surprise. ‘What are you doing here? You haven’t been to London with him, have you?’

Aaron had prepared an answer as he’d walked to Trader’s Place and used it to introduce something non-contentious to the conversation. ‘I was waiting to talk to Clancy when Harry arrived so I walked along with him. Mum wants to know if you’ll help at Aunt Norma’s birthday barbecue in August. And yes, I’d love a cuppa, Anabelle, please.’

Remaining planted in front of the kitchen door as if stating that anybody who wanted a cuppa would have to go through him, Jordy waved Aaron’s words away. ‘That’s bloody weeks off!’ He returned his attention to his son. ‘Don’t you get ideas about loafing around in London with that Rory. You’re going to university at the end of September.’

‘Yep.’ Triumph filtered into Harry’s voice. ‘Don’t sweat, Dad. There’s nothing to stress you about me going to London for a few days. It’s you who keeps telling me there’s a lot of the world outside Nelson’s Bar. Clancy got us a spare room at her ex’s place—’

‘Why the hell should she involve herself?’ Jordy grumbled. Then his red face creased slowly into a broad grin as what he’d just heard dawned on him. ‘Good news that you’re settled about uni, son. You’re a clever lad and could have the world at your feet in a few years. Let’s hear no more nonsense about going off somewhere with that Rory. Nice enough, he is, but bloody sawdust for brains.’

Harry’s face had been relaxing into a smile too but at this he snatched up his backpack and sidled past Anabelle. ‘He’s dyslexic, not stupid.’

Two strides and he’d reached the foot of the stairs. In seconds he’d gone, leaving only an echo of thumping footsteps and an atmosphere behind him.

Anabelle’s face sagged into lines of distress as she turned to her husband. ‘Why’d you have to say that?’

Jordy snapped, ‘Shut up, Belly. Do something useful and get Aaron the coffee you offered him.’

Aaron hastily interposed. ‘Actually, I’ll get one at home. I need a bite to eat before the Parish Meeting anyway.’ Aaron gave Anabelle a hug and kissed her cheek, said bye to Jordy and made his escape, relieved his input hadn’t really been needed.

It was only when he was halfway up the garden path that he realised there was someone a step behind him. He turned to see Jordy following. ‘What’s up?’ Aaron asked, waiting for him to catch up.