Page 64 of Forgive Not Forget

Her words sat with her for a moment, weighing heavy in her gut.

The past was controlling her, and she was allowing it. Did she need to take her own advice and hold Helena and the baby at a distance?

“Nothing will bring your dad back, but right now your mum needs you. So does your little sister. You all need each other. You’re going to be the man Abigail looks up to, and so you need to be the best version of yourself. What would your dad make of all this business?”

A smile crept across Tom’s lips. “He’d give me a right ticking off. I wouldn’t have pocket money for, like, ever.”

“Exactly. I know you’re angry, and maybe doing this in some way helps you channel that anger, but there are other ways that don’t hurt anyone.”

Tom creased his forehead at the comment. “Who has this hurt?”

“Myself, Anna, the staff. We work tirelessly to look after the abbey, and to see it damaged is heartbreaking for all of us.”

“I’m really sorry.”

Katherine placed a hand on his back. “I know.”

She rummaged in the first aid kit for a large enough plaster to cover the cut. “It’s also a waste of police time.”

His eyebrows jumped at that. “You called the police?”

“Yes, of course we did. What you did was a serious criminal offence.”

Tom looked down and poked at his cut.

“I’m guessing you are responsible for the metal detecting as well?”

“I didn’t find anything. I promise,” he replied, fidgeting on the stool.

“I believe you.” Katherine placed the plaster on his hand.

“Dad used to take me metal detecting. I found our old detector in the shed when I found the paint. Will you tell the police it was me? I promise I won’t do it again.”

“I’ll see what I can do. But you need to start being the man your dad would be proud of.”

“Is my mum going to die too?”

“Of course not, the operation wasn’t for anything life-threatening, and it went well. She’ll need a bit of time to recover, and then she’ll be all better. She’s going to need your help, though.”

Tom nodded. “Will you have to tell her about what I did?”

“I’ll leave Anna to decide that. Come on. Let’s get you home, she’ll be worried sick. Leave your bike here for the moment. Come and fetch it when you’re better.”

They walked in silence down the poorly illuminated high street. Katherine was distracted by the thought of seeing Anna after twenty-four hours without her. Tom scuffed at the pavement with his shoes, hands stuffed into his pockets.

“So, what do you like other than riding your bike?” Katherine asked, finally breaking the silence.

“I like cooking. I used to bake with Mum when I was younger, but then Abi came along and she stopped. You’re a great cook,” he said. “That shepherd’s pie was really nice.”

“Thank you. I can teach you if you like. Then you can cook for your mum and Abi.”

“Really? I’d like that,” Tom replied, just as his foot caught something on the path. He picked it up.

Katherine could just make out the spray can.

They walked the remainder of the way in silence.

Tom stopped at the cottage door and patted his trousers. “I haven’t got my key.”