smallhobbit | Sunday (The Rescue

The final part, follows on from Night Time

At half past nine on the Sunday morning Sam and Cal knocked at the Hunt’s front door. The Missus let them in.

“Would you like a cup of coffee before you set off?” she asked.

“Yes, please,” replied Sam. “This is ...”

“You’ll be coming to dinner with us next Sunday, won’t you?” Mrs Hunt interrupted. “Would your friend like to come with you?”

Sam looked across at Gene and felt himself starting to blush. Gene shrugged his shoulders. Fortunately there was a crash from the kitchen.

“Cecil, put the kettle on and then sit down before you break something,” Gene called out. “He’s like a bloody kid going on a trip to the seaside. He was up at half past six this morning.”

“Stop complaining. It’s nice to see someone so happy,” his wife retorted. “That’s settled then. We’ll see you both at twelve o’clock next Sunday.”

Whilst they were drinking their coffee Gene drew a map so they could find their way to Brian’s restaurant. As they got up to leave the Missus gave them a basket.

“Since it’s such a nice day I thought you might like a picnic on the way. There should be plenty to eat for the three of you. And I’ve put a large thermos of coffee in there. You can bring it back next Sunday; just make sure you rinse it out beforehand.”

Suddenly Cecil seemed reluctant to leave. Mrs Hunt went over and put her arms around him. “You’ll have a great time,” she said. “And you’ve got my phone number if there are any problems.” Shyly Cecil gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Once in the car Sam switched the radio on and he and Cecil began singing along with it. Cal looked across at Sam and smiled. He thought it was a long time since he’d been this happy. He’d been in relationships before, attracted by his partner’s strength of character and maybe flattered by them wanting to be with him. But inevitably their ambition had moved them on and Cal had been unable to move with them. He’d come north, hoping to rekindle a relationship and although he had desperately wanted to succeed it had soon become apparent that his former lover no longer felt as he did.

Sam was different. Oh yes, Sam was strong; Cal wasn’t fooled by his recent behaviour into thinking him a weak character. In fact Sam didn’t express his feelings easily which meant that when he did Cal knew he could be trusted. Having someone who he could truly trust was a new experience for Cal.

“We should find somewhere to stop so we can eat our picnic,” Sam interrupted his train of thought.

They parked up and Cal unpacked the food whilst Sam poured the coffee. Sam and Cal enjoyed sitting together in the sunshine whilst Cecil ate most of the picnic. As they packed up Cal told Cecil that his sausage rolls had been very good and the lad blushed with pride.

Drawing close to York Cecil grew silent. When they reached the restaurant he seemed reluctant to even get out of the car. A door by the side of the restaurant was opened and the man in the doorway welcomed them in. From inside a female voice called out “Come into the kitchen. I’ve just made a pot of tea.”

Sam led the way in and they all sat round the kitchen table. Brian’s wife offered them some sponge cake which Sam and Cal declined saying they’d just had lunch. Cecil meanwhile accepted a large slice. Sam and Cal exchanged glances; the lad’s nervousness obviously hadn’t affected his appetite. Having drunk their tea Sam said that they should be getting on their way. Cal gave Cecil a hug. Sam started to hold out his hand but then changed his mind and gave him a hug too.

As they departed Brian’s wife said “Don’t worry about this young man. We’ll take good care of him.”

And driving away they watched as Cecil waved happily to them.

On the journey back Sam said, “There’s no hurry for us to get back is there?”

“Not that I’m aware of. Why?”

“I’ve just remembered there’s a blanket in the boot.”

“Why, Inspector Tyler, whatever can you be thinking of?”

“Just one more thing that you won’t be able to print in your newspaper, Mr McAffrey.”

Sunday (The Rescue - part 12)