Page 5

‘Oh, and Aiden, mind a bit of unsolicited advice?’

‘Sure.’

‘First looks can be unreliable. Things will often shift under the second glance – and with your mood. You might want to remember that.’

‘Not sure what that means, but OK.’

‘It means sometimes, with some things, what you see depends on how you look at them. And who you are when you look at them.’

‘That sounds complicated.’

‘Sometimes it can be. Other times, it’s the simplest thing in the world. Like locks or’ – her eyes glazed for a moment before she blinked and continued – ‘levers. Anyway, maybe think on it, and ride safe.’

‘I will. And Ophelia? Thank you.’

‘You’re welcome. Wait and see, this will be good for us both.’

Aiden was still grinning as he walked back to his bike. He stopped short at the sight of the grey cat from the shop lolling across his seat.

‘Hello, kitty. Did Ophelia say your name was Mist? I hope you’re friendly.’ He held his hand out to the cat, who sniffed it twice and sneezed. ‘And I hope you’ve been behaving, because I’m not going to be too happy if I find claw marks in my leather.’

The cat stared disdainfully at him then stood, stretching. It jumped down then turned back to sneer at Aiden. As if it didn’t have more important things to do than scratching up a bike saddle where someone’s backside sat! It trotted to the shop door, and disappeared through a catflap.

Aiden grinned to himself and unlocked the seat without thinking. It was only when he’d pulled out the tool roll ready to start with the repair that his thoughts caught up with his actions and he realised the lock hadn’t resisted at all. Odd. Must have been a bit of grit that worked loose. Or maybe the cat’s shifting weight had somehow jiggled the catch free.

He started stripping down the bike, then hesitated. The lock had worked perfectly… He turned it a couple more times to check. Still fine. After a few moments of thought he packed everything back up and pulled on his gloves and helmet. He’d just take it on a quick run… just to try it on a hunch.

He obviously didn’t expect it to work.

But it did.

He didn’t see Ophelia watching him from the shop window, petting the cat. ‘Nicely done.’

Thank you. I thought so. So the shop likes him?

‘Yup.’

Interesting.

‘Hmm. Agreed. Mist, I’m sorry about yelling at you earlier.’

And I’m sorry for bringing another brownie home. I know you dislike them.

‘I don’t not like them. They have their place. But they’re just so messy, and you’re not the one who has to spend hours cleaning up after them. They get everywhere.’

I know. I just find them so irresistible.

‘It’s fine. At least we got this one out before it got really upset. And vindictive.’ She petted the cat’s ears while staring out of the window. ‘What do you think about him?’

Definitely one of yours.

‘I thought so too.’

Do you think he’s the one the featherbrains have been twittering about?

‘Maybe. But don’t let Rayenne hear you calling her birds that.’ She turned away from the window, still holding the cat. ‘Do you think he knows?’

Doubtful.