CHAPTER FIVE

      ALTHOUGH SEEING SIMON had come through the surgery successfully was always a relief, his aftercare never got any easier. Each stage of the treatment was often punctuated with a decline in his behaviour once they left the hospital grounds. From the moment he opened his eyes it was as if they’d taken two steps backwards instead of forward.

      She’d stroked his hair, told him what a brave boy he was, promised him treats—all without the normal enthusiastic response of a child his age in return. Of course, they’d see the psychologists, who would do their best to get him to open up and help him work through the trauma, but the onus was still on her to get him past this. With a degree in child psychology herself, she really thought she’d make more progress with him. At least get him to look at her. She’d aced her written exams but the practical was killing her. Most kids would only be too glad to get out of here and go home—she knew she would be—but no amount of coaxing could get him to even acknowledge her.

      When Matt strolled into the room and instantly commanded his attention she had to move away from any items which could suddenly become airborne. Although, after their dinner chat, she was able to watch their interaction through new eyes.

      He’d had more experience in parenthood than her, his ease very apparent as he engaged Simon in his magic know-how. Perhaps that’s what made the difference. He was comfortable around children, whereas she’d had virtually no experience other than once being a child herself. Even then, she hadn’t socialised a great deal. Her mother had worked hard to keep a roof over their heads and often that meant missing out on playdates and birthday parties to help her at her cleaning jobs.

      It could be that Simon’s unease was in direct correlation to hers and he was picking up on the what-the-hell-am-I-doing? vibes. In which case his lack of confidence in her was understandable. Unfortunately, the fostering classes she’d attended hadn’t fully equipped her to do the job. Unlike star pupil Matt, who was deep in conversation sitting on the end of Simon’s bed.

      ‘What’s with all of the whispering going on over there?’ She dared break up the cosy scene in an attempt to wedge herself in the middle of it.

      There was more whispering, followed by a childish giggle. A sound she thought she’d never hear coming from Simon and one which threatened to start her blubbing again. She was tempted to throw a blanket over Matt’s head and snatch him home with her to keep Simon entertained.

      ‘Can’t tell you. It’s a secret.’ Simon giggled again, his eyes bright in the midst of the dressings covering his face.

      ‘Magician’s code, I’m afraid. We can’t divulge our secrets to civilians outside our secret circle.’ Matt tapped the side of his nose and Simon slapped his hand over his mouth, clearly enjoying the game.

      Quinn didn’t care as long as he was talking again and having fun.

      ‘Hmm. As long as we’re not suddenly overrun with rabbits pulled out of hats, then I’ll just have to put up with it. Tell me, what do you have to do to be part of this prestigious group anyway?’ She perched on the bed beside Matt, getting a boost from sitting so close to him as much as from the easy-going atmosphere which had been lacking between her and Simon.

      ‘We’re a pretty new club so we’ll have to look into the rules and regulations. What do you say, Simon? What would it cost Quinn to join?’ Matt’s teasing was light relief now her green-eyed, monstrous alter ego had left the building. This wasn’t about one-upmanship; he was gaining Simon’s confidence and trust and gradually easing her in with him.

      ‘Chocolate ice cream!’ he shouted without hesitation.

      ‘We can do that.’ She was partial to it herself and something they could easily pick up on the way home. A small price to pay for a quiet night.

      ‘That should cover her joining fee…anything else?’ Matt wasn’t going to let her off so easily.

      ‘Umm…’ Simon took his time, milking her sympathy for all it was worth with Matt’s encouragement.

      He eventually came back with ‘The zoo!’ knowing he had her over a barrel.

      There was no way she could say no when they were making solid progress. Not that she was against the idea; it simply hadn’t crossed her mind that he would want to go.

      ‘Nice one.’ Matt high-fived his mini-conspirator and Quinn got the impression she’d walked straight into a trap.

      ‘A day at the zoo? I’ve never been myself, but if that’s the price I have to pay to join your club I’m in.’ It was worth it. He hadn’t expressed a desire to leave the house since the fire, unwilling to leave the shadows and venture out into the public domain, so this was a major breakthrough.

      It could also turn out to be an unmitigated disaster, depending on how he interacted with other visitors. He’d already endured much staring and pointing from the general public who didn’t understand how lucky he was just to survive the injuries, but it was a risk worth taking. If things went well it could bring them closer as well as give him a confidence boost.

      ‘You’ve never been to the zoo?’ Matt was still staring at her over that particular revelation.

      ‘We never got around to it. Mum was always working weekends and holidays to pay the bills and I tagged along with her.’ It wasn’t anyone’s fault; spending time together had simply been more important than expensive days out.

      ‘You don’t know what you’re missing. Lions, penguins, gorillas…they’re all amazing up close.’

      She couldn’t tell who was more excited, both big kids bouncing at the idea. Although she was loath to admit it, there was a fizz in her veins about sharing the experience with Simon for the first time too. As if somehow she could recapture her childhood and help