Page 14 of Boomerville at Ballymegille

Bracing his shoulders, Bill marched past and, as he reached the foot of the stairs, he smiled. That’s better, he told himself, be more assertive! Pleased that he’d answered Hattie back, Bill knew that he would go to the Shaman’s class, his courage wasn’t strong enough to get out of it, but at least he’d made a start.

He went up to his room to retrieve a jacket; it might be cool in the tepee and he’d take a scarf too. With a sigh, Bill began to prepare for the day ahead.

* * *

Jo wasdeep in thought as she hurried into reception and accidently collided with Hattie, who was manoeuvring her body through the doorway to the kitchen.

‘Watch out,’ Hattie said, balancing a loaded tray on her hip. ‘These eggs are poached not scrambled.’

Bunty looked hopeful as a silver dome slid off a plate to reveal two perfectly cooked eggs and slices of thinly buttered toast. She wagged her tail and pawed at Hattie’s feet.

‘You can get lost,’ Hattie said and pushed the cover back into place.

‘Room service?’ Jo asked.

‘Aye, I’ll be back in a bit.’

Hattie wriggled through reception and disappeared down the hall.

Jo pulled out a chair and sat at the desk, then flicked the computer to life to check through the bookings and diary for the coming weeks. To her delight, the hotel was full and Hattie would be busy.

The kitchen door opened again and she turned to see Alf step into the room.

‘Mornin’,’ he said. ‘Is Hattie around?’

His boots were muddy and Jo grimaced as she watched clumps of caked earth fall on the carpet. Bunty, who’d settled by Jo’s feet, sniffed with interest.

‘She’s upstairs but will be back in moment; can I help?’

‘Er, no, I’ll pop back in a bit.’ Alf looked uncomfortable and clutched his quilted jacket.

But a movement in the fabric had caught Jo’s eye. Alf had something in his pocket and it seemed to be wriggling about. Fearful that a ferret was about to be rehomed at Boomerville, Jo pushed her chair back.

‘What have you got there?’ she asked and pointed at the bouncing bump. Bunty leapt up and began to whine.

‘Nowt,’ Alf said. ‘Nothing for you to worry about; it was Hattie I wanted to see.’

‘Did I hear my name?’ Hattie appeared but stopped in her tracks when she saw Alf. ‘Bugger,’ she mumbled under her breath as Bunty circled excitedly.

Alf looked uncomfortable. A dark wet stain was seeping through the lining on his jacket and a faint woof could be heard.

‘That wouldn’t be a puppy pissing in your pocket by any chance?’ Hattie said in exasperation.

Alf’s timing couldn’t be worse. If only he’d turned up a bit later when Jo had left for Ireland. Hattie would have put the puppy in Bunty’s box and left the two to bond, with Jo none the wiser.

‘A puppy?’ Jo asked. Her face was incredulous as she looked from one to the other.

‘It’s a long story,’ Hattie said.

‘I’m all ears.’ Jo folded her arms.

‘The tenants who trashed my house left a puppy in the shed. We thought it was dead but there was a glimmer of life and we took it to the vet.’ Hattie glared. ‘Alf has taken it on himself to collect and deliver the puppy earlier than I expected.’

Hattie and Jo stared as Alf dug into his pocket and retrieved a small furry bundle.

‘What is it?’ Jo asked.

‘Some sort of terrier,’ Alf said as he held the dog out, his huge hands a warm platform for the quivering animal. ‘A grizzle and tan.’