Chapter 17

What a day – the worst Peder could remember. He’d achieved none of the things he’d intended to get done. Work was fine about him taking time off, so that was cool. But all the rest . . .

Fuck.

His son was coughing so violently Peder thought he was in danger of bringing up his lungs. He couldn’t go on like this; someone else would have to take over.

‘You can go to Grandma’s tomorrow,’ he said, stroking the boy’s back.

‘Are you going to work?’

‘Yes – lots to do.’

Grandma had done more than her fair share of childminding lately. Lots to do. It sounded so hollow, so pathetic, but it was for the boy’s own good. One day when he was older he’d understand why Peder had to put in such long hours, but that could wait.

Peder’s mobile rang.

‘Are you okay watching TV for a few minutes while I take this?’

His son nodded.

‘Drink plenty of water. Any problem, I’m in the bedroom.’

The sound of coughing followed him as he walked away.

‘Peder.’

‘Shalom – it’s Ed.’

Peder sat down on the bed, as taut as a bowstring. Another call from a former boss. He still had a good relationship with the Solomon Community – very good, in fact. However, that didn’t stop him feeling stressed whenever they contacted him.

What do you want?

‘Can you talk?’ Ed said.

‘My son’s off sick, but yes.’

‘Is that him I can hear in the background? Poor kid – sounds bad.’

‘Yes, it’s not easy.’

The clock ticked, the seconds passed.

Get on with it, for fuck’s sake.

‘I’m calling about The Sanctuary.’

Peder became very still.

‘Oh?’

‘You recommended the current leaseholder. It’s gone very well, he’s always paid on time and we’ve had no complaints. However, he’s now decided to give notice; apparently he won’t need the house from the middle of September onwards.’

Peder got to his feet.

‘What?’

‘Yes, we were surprised too. Anyway, obviously we need to start thinking of someone new. Could you give it some thought, let me know if you come up with anyone?’

Peder was so tense that the veins in his neck were standing out.

‘Absolutely.’

A new tenant for The Sanctuary. The house that God had not only forgotten, but deliberately turned his back on.

‘By the way, have you any idea what he’s been up to out there?’ he asked, making a huge effort to keep his tone casual.

‘We’ve made three discreet visits – without going inside, of course. We haven’t noticed any deviation from our agreement. A family is living there, just as he said. Two children and their parents.’

Peder swallowed hard.

‘Great. It’s good to be able to help people in need.’