Chapter 8

      Maddy breathed a sigh of relief to see her house still standing as Harry drove into Annadale Close. Fire couldn’t strike twice, could it? She went to her washing line and removed the clothes, all dry and fresh from the sunshine and the Cornish breeze. Harry had opened up his house, washed his hands, and then come over and helped.

      ‘Can I borrow your ironing board?’ Maddy asked as Harry took the basket of washing off her. This man was doing so much for her and he really didn’t need to. ‘I should have bought a new cover for mine. It probably stinks of smoke.’

      ‘Yes, of course. You can do my ironing while you’re there.’

      ‘I have enough of my own, thank you!’

      Harry chuckled, holding up his hands. ‘I’m joking.’

      She worried she was over imposing by staying at Harry’s. Maybe she could go back to her house soon. But the smell of the smoke … would she even be able to sleep? Maybe she should stay at Valerie’s.

      ‘Are you sure you don’t mind me staying with you? I could stay with a friend.’

      ‘Maddy, how many more times do I have to tell you, no I don’t mind.’

      ‘Even the cat?’

      ‘Well,’ Harry pulled a face, making Maddy laugh, ‘obviously, I’d have preferred it if you didn’t have a cat, but I can’t do a lot about it now.’

      They walked over to his house, Harry carrying the basket, like he’d carried her shopping. ‘Did you want to do some of your ironing while I cook us dinner?’ Harry set the basket down in his lounge.

      ‘Oh, good idea, I’ll pop across and get my iron.’