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A month later and in a lot of ways it was as if Rocky and Mal’s excursion to New York hadn’t happened. Rocky and Mal still went to work five days a week. Rocky still dozed in his office when it was time to complete reports that Mal did for him. At night they often stopped in for a drink at Cam’s before heading home.

But it was the differences that gave their lives a special zing. Mrs. Hooper did indeed have a house for them. A small but tidy three bedroom cottage with two bathrooms that was ten minutes ride from Ra’s house and ten minutes ride to town the other way – in other words, perfect for them.

Mal had questioned the need for the extra bedroom. “I’m not sure we need three bedrooms, Mrs. Hooper. Are you sure? We only need one for us and one for guests.”

“We’ll see,” Mrs. Hooper said in that knowing way of hers as she handed over a bag full of her ready-cooked meals. “I know what you newly mated fellas are like. You need to fuel all that extra activity you’ll be getting up to.”

Considering Rocky had already grabbed the keys and was in the living room claiming, “We can put the television on this wall here,” and Mal’s cheeks were flaming at Mrs. Hooper’s remarks, he said a hurried, “Thank you so much,” and went to find somewhere to store the meals.

On Sundays it was becoming a tradition to go over to Ra’s house. Friends called in from all around town, children ran around playing, there was always a plate of Brutus’s chicken wings to enjoy, and rather than feel lonely, Mal appreciated the peace and quiet of their own space when they would stumble their way home.

“I ate too much,” Rocky would complain every time. “Why didn’t you stop me.”

And every Sunday Mal would just shake his head and go and run them a bath – another thing he and Rocky enjoyed doing together.

There was still a little worry niggling in the back of Mal’s head, but he needed some time alone to work it out. Thursday morning, about a month after they arrived back in Arrowtown, Liam came into the office, looking smart in his uniform but with a worried expression. Glancing up from his papers, Mal said, “What’s wrong?”

“It’s probably nothing,” Liam said with a shrug. “Barney, over at the library, said he thinks there are some non-paras camping out on the back of his place, and asked if someone would go and see what they were doing there. Should I head out there?”

“Probably would be a good idea, but hang on a minute.” Mal glanced back at Rocky’s office door which was only open a slither. “Rocky,” he yelled. “Wake your ass up and come out here. You and Liam have got a job to do.”

“He didn’t need to come with me,” Liam said in a hushed voice as they both heard Rocky grumbling. “I could handle it myself.”

“I know.” Mal nodded. “But Rocky hasn’t done a lick of work in the last two hours. I had a call for him about thirty minutes ago, and he told me to take a message. So he can go out with you…”

“What’s the problem? Where am I going?” Rocky came out, tucking his shirt into his pants. “What?” he said when Liam laughed. “I was busy with reports.”

“Fibs stink the same as lies,” Mal said with a smile. “Go with Liam and check out some people camping at the back of Barney’s place. They might not realize they’re on shifter ground…and be nice,” he added. “Some call outs are just misunderstandings. Remember that.”

“I’ll keep him in line for you Mal,” Liam said with a wink. “Come on, boss. I suppose you want me to drive?”

“Ha. Just for that I’ll drive,” Rocky said. “And if your hair’s not standing out from your head when we get back, I’m losing my touch.”

“Rocky,” Mal warned. “It’s the middle of the day and you’re simply doing a check on campers. Don’t go driving through town as if something’s on fire.”

“Mates can steal all your fun,” Rocky said with a sigh, indicating for Liam to follow him. “Do your mates do that? I mean, you’ve got two of them so is it double the fun or double the warnings about being on my best behavior?” Rocky blew a kiss at Mal as they left.

Mal looked around, he was alone. There was no one in the cells, and Joe had the day off. But Mal knew he’d probably be at the Doc’s house. Diverting the office phone to his personal cell phone number, he put a “back in five minutes” sign on the door and hurried down the street to Doc’s office.