Page 89 of Thrill

“The artwork of the movies,” she said. “I love this book.”

“Signed by Frodo, Bilbo and Pippin.”

“Really?”

“I’ve got a signed Gandalf doll in my room.”

Amanda got to her feet. “Can I see?”

Unlike two professionals rapidly approaching forty, they headed off to Eddie’s bedroom like eight-year-olds.

“Keep the door open, you kids,” Tyler shouted.

Eddie gave him the finger behind his back.

“I think I’ve found him the perfect wife,” Tyler said. “Shame he needs a husband.”

He turned to Danny. His heart sank when he saw the scowl on his face. It was an expression he never wanted to see.

“We should probably have a chat in private,” Danny said.

Without waiting for a reply, he got up and stalked out of the room. Tyler followed him. Scott was coming down the hallway.

“What’s going on? He looked ready for blood,” Scott said.

“Just my big mouth.”

Scott handed Tyler a bottle of prosecco. “For luck.”

“Thanks.”

Tyler went into his room. Danny sat on the bed with his head in his hands.

“Danny. I’m sorry. My mouth ran away with me. This is a bit extreme, isn’t it?”

He remained still. Tyler put the bottle down on the new chest of drawers and went to him. He crouched at his legs and gently moved his hands away.

To his horror, Danny was crying.

“Fuck, Dan. What is it?”

“I’m not taking Bruce’s offer. Who else have you told?”

“Only Eddie and Scott, but they’re sworn to secrecy,” Tyler said.

Danny shook his head. “Fucking hell, Tyler.”

“I’m sorry. I’m excited for you. Why aren’t you taking it? Did the bank say no? You’ve got a great deposit.”

“The bank said they’d speak to me.”

What the fuck is the issue then?

“Isn’t that a good thing?”

“It’s not happening.”

“Why?”