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“Hm, you were rather forward.”

Morgan laughed loudly. “Uh huh, and in Winchester you hesitated because you didn’t think I knew what I wanted.”

“I wouldn’t quite put it like that.” Alex giggled. “I just…didn’t want to take advantage.”

“It’s a good job I rectified that issue then, isn’t it?” Morgan smirked, stealing the last bite.

Chapter Sixty-One

Canterbury

Francine was grinning as she scanned the media and socials she followed on Alex’s behalf. “Tide is turning,” she said gleefully, reaching for a coffee cup without looking.

“What do you mean?” Morgan asked.

Placing the tablet onto the table, Francine swigged her coffee, wincing when she realised it was cold. Then she shrugged and drank it anyway.

“The conversations happening online are now much less shocked at the fact Sasha would push someone into a pool, and more about how terrible it is that she was being pursued by lunatic intent on hurting her. There is now an outrage swing in our favour.”

“That’s good. People are starting to see Laurel for who she is. I knew it wouldn’t be long before someone told the truth about her.”

Alex sat quietly, half smiling at Morgan, while Francine picked up her tablet again.

“Quite,” Francine said. “I mean, it’s not like some well-meaning person wouldn’t put a few well-meaning messages on a few boards and spread a little positivity.”

“Ah, well, in that case, the well-meaning person should probably get a great big thank you.” Morgan smiled at Alex.

Alex sat forward and poured more tea. “Yes, thank you.”

“Just doing my job,” Francine said without looking up.

“Well, you are appreciated, even if I don’t say it often enough.”

Francine glanced up at Alex. “I just wish it were enough to bring Goran back to the table. Still nothing from him. I’ve reached out but…”

Sipping her tea, Alex relaxed back into the seat. “I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time. Whatever happens, I’m on the right path.”

“Speaking of which.” Morgan grinned. “You promised to spend an hour with me in town.”

“I did. Add official tour guide to my repertoire, will you, Fran?”

“Just make sure you’re back by three at the latest. Just because you can’t talk about the gangster life choices, don’t mean you get out of local press junket.”

“I’ll have her returned as planned,” Morgan said, grabbing her jacket from the back of the couch.

Arm in arm, Morgan and Alex strolled the historic roads that interweaved the town centre, passing under overhanging timber buildings, and dodging tourists. It had started to rain, as the weather was almost obliged to do in autumn, no matter which part of the UK you were in.

People dashed into shops and cafés and pubs, and they followed, pushing open the door to the first shop they came to.When they stepped inside and shut the door behind them, they found they were the only people in the store. A scent of incense hit first, something musky and dense that sat heavily in the air.

Rows of wooden shelving filled the space with everything from books on the occult, black magic, and witchcraft. There were beautifully designed boxes of angel cards and tarot cards.

“This is interesting,” Alex said, nudging Morgan when she spotted what looked like a voodoo doll. “Maybe I should get one and use it on Laurel.”

“Don’t tempt me,” Morgan whispered. “Hey, look at these.” She picked up a pair of candles shaped like a skull.

“There’s a message for you.” A voice out of nowhere spooked them both and they jumped, twisting around at the same time. A woman stood in the doorway behind a counter. She looked ordinary and not at all like one might assume given the type of shop it was if one was to think of things stereotypically. Smiling, she beckoned them over. “You’ve struggled with something recently. Something that is now lifting.” She spoke to Alex before turning her head slowly to look at Morgan. “And you are about to make a decision that will change your life forever.”

“That sounds interesting.” Morgan smiled politely.