170
him like that. She loved his laugh, the mischievous glint in his
dark eyes. Some of his gaeity had gone. He was changing.
She put her head against his shoulder and he stroked her hair.
His sweater felt rough against her face.
"Being with you feels right, Sadie," he whispered.
"I think so too."
"You must go soon. Your bus is due."
She looked up at him. "When shall I see you? At Mr Blake’s?"
He hesitated for a moment. "All right," he said. "We'll be careful."
"Wednesday?"
"O.K. Off you goi"
He kissed her quickly then pushed her gently away. He stood in
the alley with his back to the wall. The rain had stopped but dark
clouds covered the sky keeping the night chill. He stood and thought
of Sadie until it was time to go to the bus station and catch the last
bus home.
"Now you'll not forget to p be in for the rent and the Insurance?"
said Mrs McCoy.
"Stop fussing, Ma. I've got it all wtitten down." Kevin waved
a sheet of paper. "Where to get the butter one pence cheaper, the
best day for t fish."
"And you can ask Brede about anything I've forgotten?."
"You can't have forgotten anything, surely to goodness!"
Mrs McCoy could never leave her family without checking each every
