Page 37 of Black and White, Twice the Might (Cadenbury Town #8)

“ I really am sorry,” Sly says, as we drive back to Cadenbury.

I lay my hand on his thigh. “I know, and I do understand why you didn’t tell me. I probably wouldn’t have said anything either unless they messaged something worth sharing.”

“It’s only recently that Father has emailed me, talking about their cause. The other messages were just cursing my name and the fact that I turned my back on the family. Just so you know, I have three brothers, my parents and a splattering of cousins.”

I give a small laugh. “In all our years together, that’s the first time you’ve told me that about your family.”

Sly sighs. “My family are psychos. You’ve heard about the Bannisters, which describes mine as well.

Before your dad went nuts, you said you had a good upbringing.

You went on picnics with your mum and sometimes with your dad, and did all the normal family things.

A family get-together in my house meant who could punch the hardest, or throw out the most hurtful spell they could find, and as long as it didn’t result in a death, no one cared.

I left as soon as I could and never looked back. ”

“I know things back when you were younger sucked,” I say.

Sly gives me a confused look. “How?”

“Sometimes you talk in your sleep. I picked up bits and pieces from that.”

“You never said anything.”

“I know. I didn’t want to bring it up in case I upset you.”

Sly laughs. “What are we like?”

“Loving partners who want to protect each other.”

“Sounds about right. I wonder what got destroyed.”

“Over three-quarters of what was left in that lockup. Thank goodness the lockup wasn’t destroyed.”

“Yeah, that was helpful. On the plus side, it’s less to unpack.”

I snort out a laugh. “That’s true. While you’re driving, I’ll do a food shop order. Hopefully, there will be a delivery spot for today.” I pull my phone out of my pocket.

“Have you memorised the address already?” he asks, surprised.

I snort. “No, but I still have all the details on my phone.”

“That’s why I love you.”

I laugh as I find the closest supermarket and set up an account. I log into the order system. “They still have delivery slots for today,” I announce. “They have one for four this afternoon. So, I’ve booked it. Now to order food.”

We chat about the foods we want and what the boys like, and order everything needed. So much food, but we need everything. We might need to shop for things we’ve forgotten, but we made a good start.

“Now I feel sorry for the poor delivery chap. I bet our order takes over his whole van,” I say.

“It probably will, but the boys can help us unpack everything when it’s delivered.”

We arrive at our cottage and park up in front of the garage. Looking at the van and cars, everyone arrived before we did.

We get out and start carrying our boxes inside.

The place is a hive of activity, with the last of the furniture being brought in.

I put my box in one of the reception rooms, along with all the others in there, and see that the bookcases are built and standing ready.

“Everything is built and ready to go,” Jude says from the doorway.

I turn to look at him. “That was fast. Thanks for doing the building.”

“It was fun. The boys were a big help. Nora not so much, but she looked after Connie. Xander is good with power tools. If it’s okay with you, I might take him to my workshop soon, and he can play with wood.”

“Thanks, Jude, he’ll love that.”

“Stop slacking, you two, there’s unpacking to be done,” Ernest says, walking into the room, Titus at his side.

“Hey, I’ve been working hard all morning,” Jude protests.

“Well, now, you can help us,” Ernest claps his hands. “Chop chop. Pick a box and have at it.”

I laugh and throw my magic out, and suddenly all the boxes are unpacked and our things are on shelves and dotted around the room. The boxes flattened and standing against a wall. “Sorted.”

The others laugh.

“That works,” Jude says.

“I’ve just unpacked the other reception room for you,” Titus tells us.

“This is awesome,” I hear Enoch shout.

I walk out of the first reception room and walk into the opposite one, laughing as I walk in. Everything is unpacked, but all the furniture and our other items are upside down on the ceiling.

“Well, this is an interesting set-up,” Adhan says, walking in.

“I thought it would be a little different,” Titus replies, grinning.

“Well, it’s certainly different,” Sly laughs, walking in.

I hear a click of fingers, and now everything is back on the floor, but it is all lying on its side.

“This is perfect if you want to take pictures,” Enoch says, walking around the room.

The next moment, everything moves and is now suspended hanging from the ceiling.

“Cool,” Xander says, walking in. “I wonder if we could actually sit on the chairs.” He walks to the closest one and, jumping up, he pulls himself into the chair, before turning around and sitting down. He grins. “We can.”

We burst out laughing, and with a wave of my hand, everything is now on the floor, just as it should be.

Xander fake scowls. “Party pooper.”

“Sorry, not sorry,” I reply, grinning at him.

“Hello to the house,” we hear Emily call out. “I’ve brought lunch.”