Chapter 59

To Patrick’s

amazement, Bryan snorted. “Good God, I think you need some of Phiz’s advice on

positive thinking, too. Some of the equipment is salvageable, Patrick. And

there’ll be insurance money. Then we just need to replace the fittings from

where the kitchen door blew out into the restaurant and counter area.”

Just. But Bryan was probably

right: he needed to be more optimistic, like Lee. Somehow he couldn’t bring

himself out of his gloom.

From across the

road, Mr Amstel pottered over with two of his younger children, all of them

gingerly carrying trays full of mis-matched mugs of steaming tea. The other

guys rushed to help, grabbing a drink each, laughing and thanking Mr A, teasing

the kids and blowing the steam out on their breath in the cool morning air.

Curtis came

over to Patrick, brushing dirt and dust off his hands. “Most of the chairs and

tables are broken. The shelves are smashed to bits, melted ice cream has got