Page 52 of The Mad Marchams

“Argh!” Colin sat bolt upright. “You’re bloody freezing!”

“Sorry!” Mabel grabbed his hand. “Something screamed!”

He peered down at her and then reached out to click on the bedside lamp. “Come here.”

She immediately plastered herself to his side, wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her face in the crook of his neck. He smelled like warm bed and earl grey tea which was enormously comforting. He stroked her hair, and she wanted to purr.

Another scream penetrated the thick darkness and she stiffened.

“That’s the noise that scared you?” Colin asked.

She eased back a fraction to look at him. “Why aren’t you calling the cops?”

“No need.”

“Why not?”

There was a hint of amusement in his voice that made her want to scowl, but she was too warm and comfortable to move out of the shelter of his arms.

“Because despite what your imagination is telling you, it isn’t human.”

Mabel sniffed and rubbed her cheek against his chest. “It sure sounds like a female in distress.”

“It’s a female fox. They make that racket when they’re mating or if they’re warning something to get away from their cubs.”

Mabel considered that. “Oh.” Colin continued to hold her and she slowly relaxed. “Now I feel stupid.”

He kissed the top of her head. “No reason to feel like that. I nearly wet myself when I first heard a coyote pack screaming in California.”

“They are quite loud,” Mabel agreed.

“Loud? It sounded like a full-on massacre.” He drew her back against the pillows, his arm still around her shoulders. “What time is it?”

“Three-ish?” Mabel glanced over at her phone which had miraculously not hit the ground when she’d taken her flying leap onto the bed. “Do you want me to check?”

“Not if it means you have to move,” his voice slowed, and he yawned. “Are you okay to go back to sleep now?”

“Yes. Sorry I woke you up.”

“Not a problem. I’m always available for my favorite damsel in distress.”

Mabel thought about arguing with his description, but she was too tired, and too comfortable to do anything more than follow his advice, close her eyes, and go straight to sleep.

The next morning, they both slept in and met at the kitchen table after she’d taken her usual walk around the park while Colin monopolized the bathroom. He looked quite splendid with his damp ruffled hair and usual T-shirt and jeans as he took his seat opposite her.

“What are the plans for today?” he asked while stealing a piece of her toast.

“We’re supposed to be meeting with Freddy to discuss renovating the old stables. That idea of converting part of them into a café and seating area for the public when you open up more of the house.”

“Like they did at Bumpy’s place?” Colin nodded. “My father wants to speak to me this morning, so I’d better do that first.”

He reached for more of her toast, and she growled at him. He hastily withdrew his hand and went to make his own.

“I meant to ask you why you were up in the early hours this morning?”

“I was on a call with my California team.” Mabel slathered her rescued piece of toast with butter and honey.

“Did it go okay?”