Page 85 of A Raven Repents

“I’m afraid they are.”

“I’m sorry for it.” He shook his head with a sigh. “I see you brought your beautiful wife with you again.”

She pressed herself against his side. “He’s not allowed to indulge in your delicious food without me anymore.”

Pride filled Arthur’s smile. “I’m glad you enjoyed it, Mrs. Henderson.”

“No Johnny today?” Giles asked.

Arthur leaned out the window and looked up the alley. “He’s around somewhere.”

“Make it three orders, then. In fact, make it four. I’ve got company with me this time.” He nodded toward the end of the alley where Brennan stood.

“Mr. Henderson!” The boy ran from the far end of the alley, as if the promise of food had summoned him. Giles pointed a finger at Brennan to tell him to stay put. He’d think the boy was a threat. Johnny skidded to a halt in front of Giles, and when he looked up, he stumbled back a step. “What happened to your eye?”

“Johnny!” Arthur chastised. “Where are your manners?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be impertinent. I was just surprised, that’s all.”

“It’s alright. I got hurt.”

He gave a quiet nod. “I won’t pester you tonight.”

“Just because I have a patch on my eye, doesn’t mean my shoes don’t need a shine.”

His smile crept back, and with a nod, he dropped his box into place. Giles rested his foot on top and the boy got to work.

“You’re a good lad, Johnny.” He handed the boy double what he usually paid, and his eyes grew wide.

“Thank you, sir.”

“There will be some food for you in a few minutes, so don’t go too far.”

“Thank you, sir,” Johnny said again.

He needed to figure out a way to help the boy’s family. A few shillings, and a meal here and there, wasn’t enough. Giles certainly had the means to do more. And he would. But that was not a problem for tonight. Tonight, Christina was the only thing that mattered.

Arthur handed the food out the window, and Giles gave one to Johnny. Christina held out her hand. “I’ll take one to Brennan."

She ran ahead, and by the looks of it, gave him some stern words before handing it over. Giles chuckled. Hopefully she was warning him to keep his distance, as well.

Shortly after they left the alley, fish and chips in hand, she broke off a piece of hers and held it to his lips. He snarled and pretended to bite her. She squealed, but then laughter followed.

“Beast,” she said, swatting his chest playfully.

He opened his mouth, but she hesitated to feed him.

“I’ll be nice. I promise.”

“You’d better be, or I’ll just eat it myself.”

He felt like a baby bird, standing there with his mouth agape. But it was worth it when her fingers finally touched his lips. He broke off a piece and fed it to her, in turn. Watching her lips around his fingers made him desperate to kiss her.

“The park is right over there.”

They settled onto a bench to enjoy their food.

“Thank you for this,” she said, holding up her paper cone. “It might be my favorite thing now.”