Chapter 17

Percy made a pained noise and he heard Adrian puff out a breath beside him.

“That’s bollocks, Les,” Adrian said. “Complete bollocks.” He went over to the settee and knelt on the floor beside him, taking his hand gently.

Percy stayed by the sink, arranging the tea things. He watched Adrian as he said, voice full of compassion, “It wasn’t your fault, lovely. It really wasn’t.”

Les made a stifled choking noise. “I was an idiot. I know you think so. Please don’t be kind.”

“It could have happened to anyone. It’s happened to a few blokes I know. A few of blokes youknow, too, I expect.”

Les turned his face away from them.

“Adrian’s right, Les,” Percy said. “It wasn’t your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Les choked again. “That’s not what the lily would say if I went to report it. Or the hospital.”

There was nothing to say to that.