“It’s just a quick visit, Jay. I wanted to show my friend Flora around. She owns the sweet shop opposite.”

“Sweet Surprise?” Jay said enthusiastically. “My wife Annie loves that shop. Nice to meet you, Flora.”

Jay held out her hand to Flora. Mack felt Flora move closer so she was hip to hip with her, and it reminded Mack of when Isla did similar.

Flora took Jay’s hand and in a soft voice said, “Nice to meet you, Jay.”

“I can tell you that Sweet Surprise, along with the florist at the end of the street, has saved me a lot, after an argument with the missus.”

Flora smiled but Mack could tell, by the way she was stroking Dexter, that she was struggling to answer, so Mack stepped in.

“Your profits are safe then, Flo, because the amount of times this one is in the doghouse with Annie is…a lot.”

Jay laughed. “Aye, that’s true. Do you want a couple of drinks?”

Mack looked at Flora. “What do you think? We’ve time for one and a chat?”

“Okay,” Flora managed to say while Dex covered her cheek in kisses. He must have felt her tension.

“Why don’t you go and take Dexter to one of those booths over there, and I’ll get the drinks. What would you like?”

“A ginger beer and lime, please.”

That just added to Flora’s sweetness. Ginger beer evoked images of upper-class children in the countryside, depicted in those private school sleuthing books Mack had avoided like the plague when she was young.

“I’ll just be a minute, okay?”

Flora nodded and walked away with Dexter towards the booths.

“Nice woman,” Jay said. “Quiet, though. It wasn’t me, was it? I know I can look a bit intimidating but—”

“No, no. Not you, Jay. Flora is really quiet. She has anxiety issues, and I’m trying to be a good friend to her.”

“Good, what can I get you?”

“Just a Coke, thanks.”

Jay turned to the barmaid and asked for the drinks order. While they waited, Mack said, “Jay, if you’re ever out and about, can you keep an eye on Flora’s shop? She doesn’t have anyone else in the world, and I’ve told her she has the protection of the Sharkeys now.”

“Absolutely, and if she ever needs any help, just tell her to come here. I’ll sort it if you aren’t about.”

“Cheers, mate.”

Mack was slowly but surely ringing a network of safety around Flora and hoping that she would feel the care and safety she so desperately needed.

* * *

Flora sat in the booth while Mack brought the drinks. Even though the club wasn’t open, and it was far from the full clubbing experience, this was exciting and new.

She had noticed Jay had a shark tooth tattooed on her forearm. She must be a very trusted employee of the family.