Chapter 46

There was a small supermarket near the Travelodge where he could buy some

toiletries and basic underwear, and although he didn’t feel hungry now, he

could always order in some takeaway.

A stout

middle-aged woman stood up beside him as the bus braked to a halt at his stop.

To Patrick’s surprise, she patted him on the shoulder.

“Couldn’t help

hearing your call, love,” she said. “And the fact you got on at the stop by the

hospital. Hope your son’s well again soon.”

Patrick managed

a wry smile. He was touched that a stranger cared enough to reassure him.

But... son?

Great.

Could I feel

any older?DOUBLE SCOOP – 4

Patrick slept in

past ten o’clock. He bloody slept in! It must have been delayed shock of some

kind, because he hadn’t slept that long for ages, even though the mattress on

his hotel bed was much softer than he was used to. But it meant he had to

scramble to get washed and dressed in the new maroon polo shirt and jeans he’d