Mack had an idea. “Listen, once we’ve had our little walk with Dex, why don’t we go into the club for a drink instead of sitting in the square? It’ll only be some staff on, not big numbers. We can get a table and chat.”

“I don’t know.” Flora sounded worried.

“I’ll be there every step of the way, and if you’re uncomfortable, then we’ll leave straight away. I promise.”

Flora looked at her nervously. “Um…what about Dex?”

“It’s his second home. The staff love to give him treats, and he runs around the dance floor.”

“Okay, then.”

“Fantastic.” Mack was excited to show her a bit of her world.

They walked around the square and headed back towards their street. As Mack passed the bus stop, something caught her eye, but when she turned back, no one looked out of place. She brushed it off and put her attention back to Flora.

“It’s one of the nicest streets in Glasgow, I always think,” Flora said.

“It is—that’s why the Sharkeys bought property here.”

Flora looked up at her. “Oh, your family owns it? I thought maybe the club, pub, and your shop were leased.”

Mack shook her head. “We own every building on this street except one surprising shop.”

She grinned when the penny dropped in Flora’s mind. “My shop?”

“Aye, I asked Nikki about it. She said your granda didnae want to sell, and since it was my granny’s favourite sweet shop, we backed off.”

“That sounds like my grandad. He was so proud of his shop.”

Mack stopped and took Flora’s hand. “The next time you feel nervous or anxious, in the shop or walking to and from work, look around and think, I’m protected by the Sharkeys. If you’re ever worried or need me, and I’m not at the shop or something, you can run across to the club or to the pub, and the security staff will help you. Okay?”

Flora gulped. “But they don’t know me.”

“They will once I introduce you. Let’s go inside.”

Flora stopped at the door of the club. “I—I’m not good at meeting people. I never know what to say.”

Sometimes the easy way she and Flora talked made Mack forget the social anxiety she had. As the thought passed through her mind, it gave Mack an ache in her heart. Flora trusted her, was at ease with her, and that was such a huge thing.

“There’s not that many staff in at this time, and you have me.” Mack took Flora’s hand. “If you don’t know what to say, then I’ll be your voice.”

Flora looked down at their clasped hands and rubbed her thumb over the back of Mack’s hand.