Josephine Cox 3-Book Collection 1: Midnight, Blood Brothers, Songbird. Josephine Cox

Unfortunately, her little ploy didn’t work, because it wasn’t long before the conversation shifted to Jack.

      ‘So what’s been happening between you two?’ Brian asked as he put his empty glass on the table. ‘If you don’t mind me asking.’

      ‘Well, I do mind.’

      ‘Oh, well, please yourself.’ Brian knew she would have to talk about it at some point. She would seek his sympathy, and she would want him to side with her. That was Molly’s way.

      For a moment the mood was quiet, but then Mal chirped up, ‘When we’ve finished our meal, why don’t we take home a bottle of plonk, and finish the evening in the privacy of your front room?’ His question was directed at Molly.

      ‘What, so the pair of you can pry into my affairs?’ She took a long swig of her shandy. Then another, and afterwards she sat back in her chair. ‘I might tell you – but only when I’m good and ready.’

      After two more shandies, she suddenly burst out crying. ‘He won’t listen to me. He’s got these ideas in his head and he just won’t listen!’

      Realising she had drunk too much, Brian knew it was time to leave. ‘Come on, Sis.’ Sliding an arm under hers, he gently raised her out of the chair. ‘Time to go.’

      Molly didn’t argue. She was tired and emotionally drained.

      Back at the house, Molly fell asleep in the chair, while the two men took another look at the plans for the barn.

      Later, she woke to find that the day was beginning to fade and the night was already creeping across the skies. ‘Why didn’t you wake me?’ She was none too pleased.

      She considered calling her parents to see if Jack had tried to contact her there, but she wisely dismissed that idea.

      ‘I thought it best to let you sleep it off.’ Brian apologised, ‘Me and Mal got lost in the smaller details.’ He gestured to where the plan was laid out on the table.

      Irritated, Molly made for the kitchen. ‘I don’t suppose Jack phoned while I was asleep?’

      Brian didn’t even look up. ‘Nope.’

      ‘Hmm!’ She didn’t know whether to be upset or relieved. ‘Do you two want tea, or coffee?’ She poked her head round the door.

      Studying the merits of a tricky decision, both men declined the offer. ‘Give it ten minutes and I might just take you up on it.’

      ‘Please yourselves!’ After preparing herself a chocolate drink, Molly took it outside to the garden, where she sat on the swing-seat and lost herself in misery.

      Brian soon appeared. ‘I’m done in,’ he said. ‘I’m off to my bed.’ Thinking it might be best to leave her to her thoughts, he kissed her good night, and strode off towards the house.

      A few minutes later Mal emerged, carrying a mug of coffee. ‘OK if I sit down beside you?’ he asked nervously, recalling her mood earlier.

      Molly shrugged her shoulders. ‘If you want.’

      He sat beside her, gently sending the swing into an easy motion. For a time, they both sat there, with Molly deep in thought, hardly aware of Mal sitting beside her.

      Mal, on the other hand, was very much aware of her closeness. But he kept his silence, and swung very gently back and forth, comfortable with himself. After a while they made their way indoors.

      Mal seated himself at the kitchen table and was the first to speak. ‘What’s wrong, Molly?’ he asked tenderly. When she made no reply, he went on, ‘You can talk to me. I’m not a telltale. I won’t repeat anything you say. You know that, don’t you?’

      ‘I suppose.’ Her voice was dreary as she checked her mobile phone for messages. Nothing!

      He gave a nervous little chuckle. ‘I’m not really the idiot I seem to be at times. It’s just that, well, sometimes when I’m caught up in certain situations – like when you’re around – it’s easier to play the fool than to let people know what I’m really feeling.’ He dared to let his guard done. ‘You know how I feel about you, don’t you, Molly?’

      She turned to look at him. ‘I’m sorry, Mal, but what we had is long over. You have to accept that.’

      There was a short, difficult silence, before Mal asked, ‘Do you really not have any feelings at all for me? Not even the tiniest little drop?’ He made a pinch with his fingers.

      ‘No. I’ve already told you. You and me, we’ve been over a long time now.’

      ‘For you, maybe. Not for me.’ God! Why did he say that?

      Molly inched away. ‘Stop it! Please, Mal.’

      ‘I will . . . if you give me an answer.’

      ‘What kind of answer?’

      ‘Why are you here?’ he asked outright.

      ‘Not for you, that’s for sure. Sorry, Mal, but it’s Jack I love.’

      ‘Is it over – with you and him?’

      ‘No.’ In fact, she wasn’t sure. She wanted to go back and make it up with him, but her pride was getting in the way. It would mean giving in to him, even when he had no respect for her opinions. What basis was that for a long-term relationship?

      Jack was wrong. If he did what he said and left his life here, he would be leaving her too, but that didn’t seem to matter to him! She still loved him, but what should she do? She didn’t want to lose him.

      Suddenly she was crying. Softly at first, and then uncontrollably.

      ‘Ssh, Molly, please don’t cry.’ Mal’s tender voice soothed her. ‘Whatever it is that’s upset you, I’m sure it can be put right. There’s always a way.’

      ‘Not this time.’ Deep down, she knew that.

      It hurt Mal to see her like this. Sliding his arm about her shoulders, he drew her close, surprised and delighted when she didn’t pull away but relaxed into him. ‘Jack doesn’t want me any more,’ she whispered brokenly. ‘I don’t know what to do.’

      Putting his own feelings aside, Mal reassured her, ‘I’m sure he does want you.’ His lips caressed her hair. ‘He’d be crazy not to.’

      It took a moment before Molly answered thoughtfully, ‘He’s changed.’

      ‘In what way?’

      ‘I don’t know him any more,’ she sobbed. ‘I don’t even know if we’ve really broken up. I don’t know what he’s thinking any more. We had a big argument and I walked out on him.’

      ‘Oh, I see.’ Mal was lost. He couldn’t believe he was actually holding her in his arms. He wanted to kiss her. To tell her how much he needed her. How desperately he wanted to take care of her.

      Suddenly Molly rounded on him. ‘No, Mal! You don’t see! You don’t know anything about it. How can you?’

      Mal took a deep breath, ‘You’re right. I’m sorry.’ He’d forgotten how quickly her mood could turn.

      Slightly repentant, Molly explained about how she and Jack had rowed because he was planning to move away. They’d offered him a manager’s post at the company’s new showrooms in Lytham St Anne’s, and because it was near where he grew up, Jack wanted to go there. He decided it all, without even discussing it with me. I thought we were partners.’

      ‘But, it’s not so bad, is it – getting promoted and sent to pastures new?’ Mal pointed out. ‘Some people would find that exciting. Or don’t you want to go with him – is that it?’

      ‘Maybe I do, maybe I don’t, but it’s not that simple.’ She found it comforting, talking to Mal. He didn’t answer back, and he didn’t put her down. He listened, and right now, that was all she