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Chapter Seven

‘What on earth are you doing?’

Rick had just raced past the office door for the umpteenth time, whooping as he ran through the courtyard, his arms outstretched and Mallow balanced on a perch.

‘Well, um . . .’ He blushed as he stood in the doorway, dishevelled and puffing, cradling Mallow against his chest on a thick, short perch. She’d come in with him every day for the last two weeks, and had made good progress with not screaming every time he left her sight. It had been a rough few days at first though, with panicked cockatoo screams echoing around Bill’s, as he’d taught her again and again — for longer and longer periods — that she could trust him to come back if he left her.

‘Oh come on, I’m itching to know.’

‘I saw a video online. It was another rescue centre, one in Indonesia or somewhere like that, and they had these flying squirrel things they were rescuing. And it was really cute. Even though some of them couldn’t fly anymore, because they were injured or too old or whatever, the volunteers would pick them up and sort of let them pretend “fly” around the centre . . .’

‘And you thought you’d try it with Mallow.’ Angela covered her mouth with her hand.

‘You probably think it’s stupid. It probably is stupid . . .’

‘I think it might be one of the sweetest things I’ve heard in a while,’ she told him honestly. ‘Do you think she likes it?’

A huge grin swept across his face. ‘At first I don’t think she could figure out what I was doing, but now I think she likes it. She’s usually pretty good at letting me know when she’s not happy about something. And when I offer her the flying perch, she jumps up pretty quick.’

‘Well, if her ladyship has had enough of her “flying lessons”, there’s something I’d like to show you. Pull up a chair?’

‘Sure.’ He did as asked.

‘So — and no judgement please, as I know it’s terrible — but this is Bill’s website. I had a go at updating it while I was laid up, but I think I’ve made it worse. Half the images seem to have moved.’

‘I have to admit, I struggled to find it when I looked.’ Rick leaned forward. ‘And when I did find it, I did find it a little . . . messy.’

Angela looked at him, then laughed. ‘Saying the site is a bit “messy” is like saying Madam Mallow here can be a “little” noisy! I know it’s bad, but I was hoping you could help? You seem to be pretty good with this type of stuff.’

‘Well, I can’t promise anything, but I’m happy to take a look.’ He scooched closer and settled Mallow onto his shoulder, looking like the strangest pirate Angela had ever seen. She couldn’t help but smile as he leaned over and reached for the mouse.

It took a few hours, numerous rounds of tea and the best part of a packet of ginger nuts — which Mallow happily begged a few bites of — but eventually Rick pushed the keyboard away and pulled out his phone. ‘Angela? Do you have time to have a look at this?’

‘Definitely.’ She took his phone and flipped through the screens, feeling more and more impressed with each one. ‘This is brilliant, Rick.’

‘Really?’

‘Yeah, you’ve made it look so much more professional. I’m amazed you did it all so quickly.’

He shrugged easily. ‘Most of the content was there, though I did add a few things I’ve created while I’ve been here.’

‘I can see that.’ Angela tapped on another video. ‘This really is very good, Rick.’

‘You really think it’s OK?’ Angela was surprised to see that Rick seemed genuinely uncertain.

‘Yes, I really do. Thank you.’ She grinned as a thought occurred. ‘In fact, I think it’s so good that we deserve to celebrate.’

‘Let me guess, you want me to put the kettle on and find some more biscuits.’

‘You could.’ Angela grinned, realising how easily they’d fallen into step with each other. ‘Or you could come to the pub with me tonight.’

‘You want me to come to a pub with you.’

‘Yeah.’ Angela nodded. ‘It’s quiz night. It’s good fun, and the Brockle’s Retreat put on a great spread as part of the cost of entry — which is only a tenner. And there’s prizes for the winning team. It’s a good laugh.’

‘Right, you mean with a group of people?’

‘Yeah, of course.’