Chapter 13

Matt nodded. “It’ll be all right, mate.

Colin wasn’t so sure.

* * * *

Matt went back into the living room and saw Martin slumped in one corner of the settee. Sitting next to him, Matt came to a decision. He hoped Colin would forgive him if it all went wrong, but he had to try; he knew both men were hurting.

“Martin, if you don’t think I’m being a sticky beak, can I ask you something?”

“Err, yeah.” Martin sat up.

“Do you love Colin?”

Martin was obviously taken aback by the question. “Yes, of course I do.”

“You know you’re hurting him. Although he puts on a tough, ‘nothing affects me’ type of image, inside he’s a really caring bloke.”

“I know. I’ve lived with him for five years.” Martin was getting worked up.

“So why are you so distant to him?”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Martin said peevishly.

“I think you need to. Not just for Colin’s sake, but for yours, too.”

“What’s it got to do with you?”