From the front seat one of Malky’s heavies got out just to make sure he got the message. Kevin let Shug go, and in an instant he shot off running. Nobody made a move for him. They only wanted Kevin.

With no choice, Kevin got in and sat across from Malky.

Malky smiled and said, “Let’s go for a little ride.”

* * *

Mack and Flora were sitting on the love seat in Flora’s kitchen. The TV was still on the music channel, and they were having a cup of tea while they studied Flora’s iPad.

Mack was enjoying being this close to Flora and being a support to her. They’d searched two or three therapists’ websites already—a couple Flora had seen before, and a few Mack remembered Isla had been to and hated.

Mack scrolled up the new page they’d clicked through to. “This looks good so far—Glasgow Mental Health Team.”

“Hmm,” was all Flora said.

Mack went to another page on that site and saw something helpful. “Look—they’re recommended by Stonewall, and they sponsor Glasgow Pride. They must be good.” Mack smiled.

“Yes, they do look good.”

“Should we keep looking at other places and make a note of their number?”

Flora first rubbed her temples with her hands, then placed her hands over her ears. “I can’t do it.”

Mack remembered Flora had done this the first time they met. It must happen when she became overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. She dropped the iPad to the side and turned to face Flora on the couch. “Hey, hey, it’s okay. We’re just looking. There’s no pressure to pick somewhere tonight.” She could see the tears rolling down Flora’s face. She pulled Flora into her arms. “It’s okay. I’m here.”

Flora dropped her hands from her ears. “I can’t do it, Mack.”

“You can’t talk to someone? I told you that I’d make the call for you.”

“I know, but it’s the whole thing—going myself, traveling there, talking, and…it’s all too confusing and too much.”

Mack thought for a second. “Okay, what if I took you? You wouldn’t have to worry about getting there, and I’ll wait outside for you.”

Flora’s emotions calmed and she wiped away her tears. “But you can’t leave the barber’s on a weekday. I know Sandra’s sister would cover for me in the shop. She helps at Easter and Christmas sometimes. But you have appointments.”

“Let me worry about that,” Mack said, her mind already whirling on what she could do.

“No, I can’t expect you to turn your day upside down just because I’m frightened to go myself. Anyway, it’s not just that. I’ll be a nervous wreck, waiting on the appointment day to come around. It’ll be too much.”