‘You’ll just have to come and see it for yourself,’ he said, and Dylan made that murmur of contentment James realised he’d been yearning for since leaving his partner’s side. ‘I’ve got to get going. I don’t know where I’ll stay, but I’ll see you by the end of tomorrow.’

‘Okay.’

‘Dylan... you’re my only achievement,’ he said. ‘I stuffed up my chance of going to a big school. Just scraped through my cadetship. I hate my job, and it turns out I’m not even a very good poofter.’

‘Me neither,’ Dylan said, and laughed. ‘I’m supposed to share you with anyone who wants you, and we’ve got to act like boys forever, even when we’re old. The very thought tires me to my core.’

In the silence, all their arguments dissipated.

‘Do you love me?’

‘I do.’

Reasons this trip home is unlike any trip home, ever:-

I finally know where home is.

Home is Dylan.

Twenty-Four 1985

TWENTY-FOUR
1985

Daniel was about to raise his voice and demand the concierge get his boss, but he didn’t want to lose it in front of Beck. ‘We don’t need a room,’ he said, and winked at his ex-wife. ‘We want to be put in touch with my nephew Anthony Brandt. He’s a guest at this hotel.’

‘Alright, Sir. I’ll be with you in a moment,’ the kid said, going to help someone at the other end of the long counter.

Daniel took a slow look around the foyer. A singer was performing in the restaurant. A few couples were eating. Others were dancing out by a pool. Fancy place.

Beck was scanning the figures in the lounges near the bar. Even though she’d tidied herself up a bit while he’d filled up the car, they probably both looked a little country bumpkin-ish, Daniel thought. He had yesterday’s clothes under his old black leather jacket, and Beck looked like she could do with a shower.

Just then, the woman being helped by the concierge said something loudly, and Daniel realised she was trying to get his attention.

‘It’s Leanne!’ he said, tapping Beck as Leanne came up to them.

‘Have you seen Jamie?’ Beck shouted.

A great relief seem to flood right through Leanne, as though their being here was the answer to some terrible question.

Leanne cleared her throat. ‘In the first-aid room. He’s a bit crook I’m afraid.’

She pointed across the expanse of carpet to a door subtly positioned between rows of indoor plants.

Beck raced across, hoisting her handbag over her shoulder.

‘We’re the family,’ Daniel said to the stunned concierge, and followed.