365 Days of Writing, 2026 – 199/200

Days 199 and 200 – Writing Exercise

…

Trouble rarely knocks on the front door and announces itself. It always comes disguised as something else.

I learned this first-hand early one morning when my older brother, Joey, knocked on the front door at 2:30 am, something he had never done before, and when I opened the door, he fell down and said four words: “it wasn’t my fault,” then bled to death on the doorstep before I could get an ambulance.

What wasn’t his fault?

That I learned about ten minutes after I called emergency services. A police car and a black sedan arrived out the front of our house.

I’d seen enough police TV shows to realise the black car was most likely the FBI, and my brother had been into some serious crime.

Or my father had finally stepped over that invisible line, but what did that have to do with Joey?

In Joey’s case, he had always maintained no one was getting hurt; it was just the redistribution of wealth. He was dumb enough to believe what he was told.

I thought it was too good to be true.

After calling 000, I went next door to Dr Rogers’ house and pounded on the door. He was used to people in our neighbourhood doing that because he took only a minute to answer.

Now it would be to tend a dead brother lying lifeless half in and out of the doorway. And that I was home alone.

We could hear the sirens on the cold night air. All he said was, “Where is he?”

It was not the first time I had to call on him for my brother.

“I think he’s dead.”

He reached back to get his bag, and we walked quickly to our. He shook his head when he saw the body and that it was not moving.

The harsh orange coloured light from the overhead porch light cast an ethereal glow over what could be described as a macabre scene out of a horror movie.

He checked the usual places for a pulse and then saw the bullet wounds in his back. “He’s lucky he made it to here. You didn’t hear any gunshots”?

It sounded matter-of-fact, but I knew it was hurting him. He had delivered all of us children and had watched us grow up.

“I only heard the pounding in the door.”

The doctor stood and looked at the decking around the body, and then followed a trail of blood coming from the street. I followed the doc.

He stopped by the pole that had a street light barely illuminating the ground below. Pooled blood. Someone had brought him home and helped him to the door.

Then left him to die. Someone who Joey had called a friend, who he believed had his back.

The doc muttered to himself. We could see the police car coming towards us, siren blaring and lights flashing. We made it back to the porch just as the cars screeched to a halt.

Two officers and two men in suits.

Another police car arrived; officers jumped out and began securing the scene, pushing the growing group of onlookers back.

People had started to wake up and either come out the front and stand on their verandas or peer through the front windows.

For some it was an event to watch, others the culmination of a series of violent events that had taken over their street, and sadly our house was the epicentre.

This was not going to help me.

Not any more. My parents had resisted the courts dragging me off to child welfare after Joey’s last arrest, saying my house was not a suitable environment because of my brother’s criminal activities, and the fact my father wasn’t quite operating a legitimate business.

My mother was at her wits’ end, having finally issued an ultimatum to her husband and her two eldest sons. My sister, Anna, had been sent to her grandmother’s two states away.

Perhaps I might share the same fate.

There was only one certainty in all of this: the fact that my mother was not a criminal, and to keep her reputation, if not her sanity, she would have to leave. She had threatened it, and I knew it would happen.

If she was here now, she would have broken down and cried.

The second police car had the sergeant who had last visited, and had reluctantly left me in situ based on now broken promises.

There was not going to be negotiations this time.

I think that Sergeant Donovan was glad to see that the doc was with me. He wasn’t going to ask a question he knew I would have to lie about.

He knew my mother was at the hospital, on night shift because it paid more and kept us afloat. My father gave money when she nagged enough, but it was never enough, and if it wasn’t for her mother, we would not be living in the house.

We lived rent- and utility bills free. We had to find the rest.

Alex, my other brother, was out; where I didn’t know and didn’t ask. He was slowly worming his way into Joey’s organisation, against all advice. For all I knew, he could be lying dead in a back alley somewhere.

I had no inclination to join, or associate with them, as much as they tried intimidation. The leader was a boy not much older than Joey’s, tougher, meaner and street-savvy. But, after all said and done, just a boy, out of his depth.

The Sergeant knew who he was and with this development, hell was about to rain down on him and his neighbourhood gang cohorts.

The two FBI guys had stood back until her arrived. He looked at the body, then the doctor who shook his head, then looked at me.

“What happened?”

I looked at the body, which was once my brother. It was the precise moment tears came as the full weight of what happened hit me.

“He’s dead.”

An ambulance, lights flashing but no siren, arrived, and the paramedics came, walking quickly.

“Who’s inside?”

I think he knew. “Just me. Mom’s at work, and Alex is- I don’t know where.”

He shook his head, refraining from saying what he thought. Instead, “Have you told your mother?”

That’s when I realised I hadn’t, too wrapped up in the horror of it all.

Perhaps the Sarge realised that it was all too much for me because he put a hand on my shoulder and said, “None of this is your fault. If you have your mother’s phone number, I’ll call her.”

I went inside and got the cell phone she had left for emergencies. I guess this qualified. It was the only number available. I gave it to him.

The paramedics were checking Joey and talking to the doc. There was nothing they could do for him. One of the two remained with the body; the doc was taken aside for an interview. The other paramedics took me to the ambulance and checked.

I watched the sergeant animatedly talking to my mother, though I suspect he would not be making any headway. Being told your eldest son had been found shot dead and lying on your doorstep would have a profound effect on you.

A new truck had arrived with crime scene investigators who were getting dressed and propping before examining the crime scene, even if the crime had been perpetrated elsewhere.

…

An hour had passed, the doc had gone home, the paramedics had gone, and the coroner had replaced them. Forensics had collected everything they considered relevant, and then the body was removed, and would be taken to the morgue for a post-mortem, and my mother would have to go there and verify it was her son.

That was going to be brutal, but at least he didn’t die in front of her. That image was going to live with me for a long time.

The sergeant had come over after the call to my mother saying she would be coming home as soon as she could.

I had no phone number for my father, and had found it easier to deal with his absence from our house by pretending he didn’t exist

Alex still hadn’t come home, but if I knew him, seeing all the flashing lights and police, he would be, more likely than not, in hiding somewhere near.

The Sergeant had held off questioning me until my mother arrived. In the meantime, Mrs Quick, who lived on the other side, had come over and identified herself as a family friend and stayed with me.

When we were alone, she asked, “What happened?”

“Joey is dead.”

She knew someone had died on the doorstep, but she didn’t know it was Joey. She was visibly shocked and took a moment before asking the next question. “How did he die?”

“The police say from multiple gunshot wounds. I could see he had been shot in the back.”

“Was he dead when you found him?”

“No. Doc thinks he was helped to the front door, they left, and he knocked on the door. I opened it, and he collapsed, and died a few seconds later.”

“Did he say who killed him?”

I thought about it, but no one other than the police needed to know what he said, not that it was much and certainly not the name of his killer.

My best guess was that he and his fellow criminals were caught in the act of robbing someone or some place and the owner or night-watchman shot at them.

Eight times was a little excessive, and once might indicate there was a group to shoot at. Eight bullets meant he was alone or there were two of them. Alex…

My mother arrived in a police car. She was in tears, and came over straight to Mrs Quick and me.

There was wariness because Mrs Quick, though kind-hearted and helpful, could be a little judgemental. My mother thanked her, then hugged me.

The sergeant gave her some time, then came over. The two men in suits were not FBI but Detectives, one of whom came with him.

It was question time, and I would have to think about the answers I gave them. My father always said never to offer information, and to answer the questions with short, truthful answers, or as close to the truth as possible.

This was simply because he said liars needed to have good memories, and the police were prone to asking the same question seven different ways. I figured he may have been referring to his own experience with police interrogations.

The detective covered the usual ground, but added more. “How did your brother get to the door?”

“The doctor had worked out they arrived by car, he was helped to the door, and whoever helped him left.”

“Any idea who these others were?”

I got a very strange look from my mother. Perhaps she knew something I didn’t.

“No. I was inside, upstairs and was alerted by someone knocking on the door. My room is at the back of the house, not the front, so I didn’t see who dropped him off.”

“Who was he out with tonight?”

“Couldn’t tell you. He was not in the habit of telling me anything, perhaps to stop me from getting involved. I know my brother ran with one of the local gangs. He told me which one, but I didn’t listen because I preferred not to know. They actively try to recruit me, but I wasn’t interested. I know Alex was interested and went off with them more than once. And no, I don’t know where he is.”

It was clear then to them I was not going to be of much use, except from the time of the door knock till he dropped dead. I didn’t tell them what he said.

I think the detectives knew who my brother was, what he had been doing and who he ran with before they came. Neither seemed either surprised or moved that he was dead. One said, ‘I’m sorry for your loss ‘, but I don’t think he meant it.

They switched to my mother, and she seemed to know who he was involved with, and hoped they caught up with them.

Another hour after that, the Sargent left. Nothing more could be done until the morning. He had asked if we could stay somewhere else, but that was impossible at four or five in the morning.

So was sleep, though both of us tried.

Alex, however, was still missing.

…

I never got that night out of my head for a long, long time. I think in the end I finished up hating Joey for ruining everything.

Alex didn’t come home that night.

A week later, the Sergeant came back and filled us in on what had happened.

The next morning there was a police report of a robbery at a 24-hour mini mart not far from our place. There were three masked robbers: a man and two boys. The man had a gun, so it became armed robbery.

The mini mart owner had been robbed before, and after the last time got himself a gun. He put a sign in the front windows that said robbers would be shot.

Shoot them he did. He killed the man, in the process getting shot himself. The two kids with the man turned and ran at the first shot. The mini mart owner continued shooting indiscriminately at the two fleeing.

He thought he hit them but wasn’t sure. By that time he was losing blood and called emergency services. He just managed to see them jump in a vehicle and drive off. No idea what sort of car, but it was driven by someone other than the two.

That was the extent of his statement. Nothing was stolen.

Another report was of a car speeding and crashing into another car parked on the street not far from the minimart. One passenger got out and ran. The car kept going, presumably to drop Joey off.

It was seen leaving our house, and twenty minutes later was cleaned up by a garbage truck when the driver ran a red light.

The passenger who ran got three blocks away before he collapsed, and after discovery the next morning, seeming asleep on a stoop, was discovered to be dead. One of the stray bullets hit him in the leg, and he bled to death.

It was Alex.

The man was one of the gang leaders, and the two who died in the getaway car were kids younger than Alex.

It was a tragedy.

I didn’t know how to process that information, so I just put it out of my mind until the funerals. My mother and I went to her mother’s place, and we stayed there until the police finished with it.

We didn’t go back. Grandma sold it, and we lived with her. My mother tried to get on with her life, but after the funeral of her two sons she seemed to lose interest in everything.

To see half your family wiped out by senseless violent gad to leave a very large scar. The lesson I learned from it: keep on the straight and narrow.

Or do what we did. Sell up and go and live on the other side of the country where no one knew who we were.

…

Top 5 sights on the road less travelled – Skopje

5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to Do in Skopje: Discover the Hidden Soul of North Macedonia

When you think of Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital, you might picture the iconic Stone Bridge, the towering statue of Alexander the Great, or the eclectic mix of neoclassical and Ottoman architecture. But beyond the postcard-perfect landmarks lies a lesser-known side of Skopje—quiet alleyways, artistic havens, and authentic local experiences that most tourists miss. If you’re craving something deeper than the typical itinerary, lace up your walking shoes and step off the beaten path. Here are five unique and local-favourite things to do in Skopje that will give you a genuine taste of the city’s soul.

1. Roam the Artist’s Quarter in Čair’s Hidden Courtyards

Tucked away in the bustling Čair neighbourhood—a mosaic of cultures and communities—you’ll find Skopje’s underground art scene thriving in unexpected places. Move past the main streets and into the quiet, ivy-covered courtyards where local artists convert old Ottoman-era houses into studios, galleries, and impromptu exhibition spaces.

Visit during the Čair Fest (if your trip aligns in summer) or simply wander during daylight hours. Knock gently—many artists welcome curious visitors with a warm Zdravo and a cup of Turkish coffee. These intimate encounters offer a refreshing contrast to commercial galleries and reveal the creative heartbeat of the city.

Pro Tip: Bring cash—many artworks are for sale at surprisingly reasonable prices.

2. Hike to Kale Fortress at Sunrise (and Skip the Crowds)

While the medieval Kale Fortress is a popular attraction, most tourists visit midday when the heat and crowds peak. Instead, set your alarm and hike up from the Old Bazaar at sunrise. The path is steep but short, and as you climb through dew-kissed cobblestones, you’ll likely have the ancient ramparts all to yourself.

Watching the city slowly awaken from this vantage point—mist rising off the Vardar River, minarets silhouetted against a peach-colored sky—is pure magic. Plus, you’ll spot resident cats napping in sunlit nooks and hear only birdsong and the occasional call to prayer.

Bonus: Bring a thermos of strong Macedonian coffee and enjoy a quiet moment in history.

3. Discover the Forgotten Macedonian Railway Museum

Tucked behind the main train station and often overlooked, this modest museum is a goldmine for history buffs and train enthusiasts. Inside a converted 1920s depot, vintage locomotives, archival photographs, and meticulously restored railcars tell the story of Balkan railway development.

Curator Ljubčo, a retired engineer with decades of experience, often volunteers his time—and his stories. He’ll regale you with tales of cross-border journeys during Yugoslavia, smuggled contraband, and the secret role trains played during political upheavals.

Why it’s special: It’s personal, unpolished, and deeply nostalgic—no admission fee, just gratitude.

4. Sip Mint Tea in a Hidden Hammam Garden

Tucked behind a plain doorway near the Old Bazaar, Čarši Hamam—once a bustling Ottoman bath—now hosts a tranquil tea garden few know about. While the structure remains unrestored, locals and expats have claimed the inner courtyard as a peaceful retreat.

Pull up a wooden stool, order a glass of warm mint tea or rakija infused with quince, and listen to live acoustic music on weekend evenings. The crumbling tile walls, dappled sunlight, and scent of rosewater create an atmosphere that feels centuries old and refreshingly current.

Insider detail: The entrance is easy to miss—look for a faded green archway between two spice stalls.

5. Take a Ferry to the “Island” (Gazi Baba’s Secret Retreat)

Just a short bus ride from the city centre, the Vardar River widens into a calm stretch dotted with a little-known artificial island known locally as “Ostrvo” (The Island). Locals flock here on weekends to escape the urban buzz, lounging on grassy banks, grilling pljeskavica, or swimming cautiously in calmer eddies.

For a unique experience, hop on a hand-rowed wooden ferry operated by a retired fisherman named Tome. For just 50 denars (less than $1), he’ll ferry you across, offering a quick history lesson en route. Once there, enjoy fresh kiselo mleko (yogurt drink) from a pop-up stand and watch local fishermen mend their nets.

Best time to go: Late afternoon on a weekday—fewer people, golden light, unforgettable views.

Final Thoughts: Skopje Rewritten

Scopje is often misunderstood—a city caught between epochs, aesthetics, and identities. But for those willing to wander beyond the curated city centre, it reveals itself in murmurs: a poet reading in a courtyard, a whiff of rose oil from an open window, the rhythmic clang of a blacksmith’s hammer.

These five experiences aren’t just “things to do”—they’re invitations to connect. To slow down. To listen. To become part of Skopje’s quiet, unfolding story.

So next time you’re in town, skip the statue selfies (at least for a morning) and let the city surprise you. The road less travelled in Skopje isn’t just scenic—it’s soul-stirring.

Have you discovered your own hidden gem in Skopje? Share your offbeat adventures in the comments below!

In a word: Spark

So, as far as I’m concerned the word ‘spark’ is something that is created by a fire, and can create havoc.

But…

Another meaning is that a ‘spark’ is created by a ‘spark plug’ in order to force the pistons of an engine to drive the crankshaft

This leads to…

There is no spark in this relationship, so perhaps it’s going nowhere. No, we’re not looking for a fiery spark, but a small amount of very intense feeling

Spark?

I was watching God Friended Me last night, and I’m sure, like many others, we were waiting to see that spark that would change their relationship from the friend zone to something else.

And…

I think it was there. Of course, we’ll have to wait till next week to find out.

As for the word spark, well, there are several different meanings, one of which I am familiar with when I was young.

Being called a ‘bright spark’

Depending on who used that remark, it could either mean you were clever or you were a smart ass, which I suspect was the reference to me.

Then, moving on

Saying something inflammatory ‘sparked’ the crowd into action. A single remark can be equated to a literal ‘spark’ that can ignite a reaction.

A lynching perhaps?

And what about, once upon a time, a ship’s radio officer, he was called ‘sparks’ or ‘sparkie’, also a name that sometimes refers to an electrician.

I can see plenty of uses for this word in a story.

“The Devil You Don’t”, she was the girl you would not take home to your mother!

Now only $0.99 at https://amzn.to/2Xyh1ow

…

John Pennington’s life is in the doldrums. Looking for new opportunities and prevaricating about getting married, the only joy on the horizon was an upcoming visit to his grandmother in Sorrento, Italy.

Suddenly, he is left at the check-in counter with a message on his phone telling him the marriage is off, and the relationship is over.

If only he hadn’t promised a friend he would do a favour for him in Rome.

At the first stop, Geneva, he has a chance encounter with Zoe, an intriguing woman who captures his imagination from the moment she boards the Savoire, and his life ventures into uncharted territory in more ways than one.

That ‘favour’ for his friend suddenly becomes a life-changing event, and when Zoe, the woman who he knows is too good to be true, reappears, danger and death follow.

Shot at, lied to, seduced, and drawn into a world where nothing is what it seems, John is dragged into an adrenaline-charged undertaking, where he may have been wiser to stay with the ‘devil you know’ rather than opt for the ‘devil you don’t’.

Top 5 sights on the road less travelled – Tallinn

Beyond the Old Town: 5 Road-Less-Travelled Things to Do in Tallinn

When most travellers think of Tallinn, the image that springs to mind is of cobbled streets, medieval towers, and the fairytale charm of its UNESCO-listed Old Town. It’s no wonder—Tallinn’s historic heart is enchanting, and rightly so. But venture just beyond the postcard-perfect walls, and you’ll discover a quieter, more authentic side of Estonia’s capital—one brimming with creativity, nature, and local spirit.

If you’ve already admired the view from Toompea Hill and sipped craft beer in Town Hall Square, it’s time to stray from the beaten path. Here are five unique and lesser-known experiences that reveal the soul of Tallinn beyond the tourist trail.

1. Explore the Abandoned Military Bunkers of Nahkakivi Nature Park

Tucked away in a pine forest just 30 minutes east of the city lies Nahkakivi Nature Park, a serene yet haunting reminder of Estonia’s Soviet past. Scattered throughout the woods are dozens of abandoned military bunkers—concrete relics hidden beneath moss and ferns, remnants of Cold War paranoia.

Hiking through this tranquil forest, you’ll stumble upon camouflaged tunnels, rusting artillery platforms, and watchtowers half-swallowed by nature. It’s an eerie, atmospheric exploration that doubles as a thought-provoking history lesson. Locals come here for peace, photography, and even forest yoga—making it a perfect escape for introspective travellers.

Pro Tip: Visit in autumn when golden leaves contrast with grey concrete, or summer for lush greenery. Bring a flashlight and a sense of adventure.

2. Sip Local Brews at a Pirate-Themed Microbrewery in Kopli

Tucked into Tallinn’s industrial Kopli district—once home to a bustling shipyard—Piraat Brewery offers a quirky, offbeat experience. More than just a pub, Piraat is a cultural institution with a pirate crew (yes, they dress the part), live folk music, and beers brewed using ancient Estonian recipes.

You won’t find many tourists here—just locals laughing over tankards of smoky koduõlu (home-brew) and hearty black bread soup. The taproom feels like stepping into a cozy nautical legend, complete with anchors, maps, and a fireplace surrounded by wooden barrels.

Try This: The flagship “Piraat” ale, dark and malty, or their seasonal herbal brews infused with juniper and wild berries.

3. Wander Through the Hidden Courtyards of Kalamaja

While most visitors flock to the pastel houses of Kalamaja for photos, few venture into its network of hidden courtyards. These intimate inner spaces, tucked behind unassuming doors, are pockets of bohemian soul—filled with street art, cat cafes, independent galleries, and tiny designer boutiques.

Kalamaja, a former working-class district, has transformed into a creative enclave. Spend an hour wandering alleys like Lühike jalg and Kopli, where vintage stores, ceramic workshops, and open studios reveal the city’s artistic pulse. Don’t miss the “Suur Rämba” house—a colourful, graffiti-covered community art project.

Local Insight: Time your visit with the Kalamaja Days festival (June) when courtyards fling open their doors for guided tours and live music.

4. Take a Ferry to Aegna Island for a Wild Nature Escape

Just an hour by public ferry from the city centre lies Aegna Island—a wild, forested escape with no cars, no hotels, and no crowds. Once a Soviet military zone, Aegna is now a protected nature reserve with hiking trails winding through pine forests, WWII ruins, and overgrown observation towers.

Birdwatchers, hikers, and solitude seekers flock here for the silence and the surreal feeling of undiscovered wilderness minutes from the capital. Bring a picnic, spot deer or rare woodpeckers, and climb the island’s highest point for panoramic views of the Gulf of Finland.

How to Go: Catch the seasonal ferry from Sitsi Harbour (spring to autumn), or rent a kayak from the mainland.

5. Uncover Street Art & Urban Gentrification in Balti Jaam Market District

Forget sterile shopping malls—Tallinn’s most vibrant shopping and dining scene unfolds at Balti Jaam Market. Located in a converted 19th-century train warehouse near the city’s central train station, this former grey-market hub has blossomed into a hipster haven.

Inside, you’ll find vintage clothing stalls, farm-to-table food trucks, local design pop-ups, and cozy cafés serving Baltic rye sourdough and third-wave coffee. Graffiti covers the outer walls, and the atmosphere hums with youthful energy.

But the real secret? The surrounding streets—Lühike, Väike, and Soo—are lined with street art murals, tucked-away galleries, and micro-theatres. It’s a neighbourhood reborn, where grassroots creativity thrives just beyond the tourist radar.

Must-Do: Grab a kohuke (Estonian curd snack) from a vendor and explore the back alleys—every corner holds a surprise.

Final Thoughts: Rediscover Tallinn Off the Map

Tallinn’s charm isn’t confined to its medieval ramparts. By stepping into forgotten forests, abandoned fortresses, and neighbourhood courtyards, you experience the city as locals do—dynamic, layered, and quietly poetic.

So next time you’re wandering the Old Town, remember: adventure waits just around the corner. Whether you’re chasing Soviet ghosts in the woods or sipping pirate ale under candlelight, the road less travelled in Tallinn always leads somewhere unforgettable.

Pack your curiosity—and maybe a flashlight. The real Tallinn is waiting.

Another excerpt from “Strangers We’ve Become” – A sequel to ‘What Sets Us Apart’

…

It was the first time in almost a week that I made the short walk to the cafe alone. It was early, and the chill of the morning was still in the air. In summer, it was the best time of the day. When Susan came with me, it was usually much later, when the day was much warmer and less tolerable.

On the morning of the third day of her visit, Susan said she was missing the hustle and bustle of London, and by the end of the fourth she said, in not so many words, she was over being away from ‘civilisation’. This was a side of her I had not seen before, and it surprised me.

She hadn’t complained, but it was making her irritable. The Susan that morning was vastly different to the Susan on the first day. So much, I thought, for her wanting to ‘reconnect’, the word she had used as the reason for coming to Greve unannounced.

It was also the first morning I had time to reflect on her visit and what my feelings were towards her. It was the reason I’d come to Greve: to soak up the peace and quiet and think about what I was going to do with the rest of my life.

I sat in my usual corner. Maria, one of two waitresses, came out, stopped, and there was no mistaking the relief in her manner. There was an air of tension between Susan and Maria I didn’t understand, and it seemed to emanate from Susan rather than the other way around. I could understand her attitude if it was towards Alisha, but not Maria. All she did was serve coffee and cake.

When Maria recovered from the momentary surprise, she said, smiling, “You are by yourself?” She gave a quick glance in the direction of my villa, just to be sure.

“I am this morning. I’m afraid the heat, for one who is not used to it, can be quite debilitating. I’m also afraid it has had a bad effect on her manners, for which I apologise. I cannot explain why she has been so rude to you.”

“You do not have to apologise for her, David, but it is of no consequence to me. I have had a lot worse. I think she is simply jealous.”

It had crossed my mind, but there was no reason for her to be. “Why?”

“She is a woman, I am a woman, she thinks because you and I are friends, there is something between us.”

It made sense, even if it was not true. “Perhaps if I explained…”

Maria shook her head. “If there is a hole in the boat, you should not keep bailing but try to plug the hole. My grandfather had many expressions, David. If I may give you one piece of advice, as much as it is none of my business, you need to make your feelings known, and if they are not as they once were, and I think they are not, you need to tell her. Before she goes home.”

Interesting advice. Not only a purveyor of excellent coffee, but Maria was also a psychiatrist who had astutely worked out my dilemma. What was that expression, ‘not just a pretty face’?

“Is she leaving soon?” I asked, thinking Maria knew more about Susan’s movements than I did.

“You would disappoint me if you had not suspected as much. Susan was having coffee and talking to someone in her office on a cell phone. It was an intense conversation. I should not eavesdrop, but she said being here was like being stuck in hell. It is a pity she does not share your love for our little piece of paradise, is it not?”

“It is indeed. And you’re right. She said she didn’t have a phone, but I know she has one. She just doesn’t value the idea of getting away from the office. Perhaps her role doesn’t afford her that luxury.”

And perhaps Alisha was right about Maria, that I should be more careful. She had liked Maria the moment she saw her. We had sat at this very table, the first day I arrived. I would have travelled alone, but Prendergast, my old boss, liked to know where ex-employees of the Department were, and what they were doing.

She sighed. “I am glad I am just a waitress. Your usual coffee and cake?”

“Yes, please.”

Several months had passed since we had rescued Susan from her despotic father; she had recovered faster than we had thought, and settled into her role as the new Lady Featherington, though she preferred not to use that title, but go by the name of Lady Susan Cheney.

I didn’t get to be a Lord, or have any title, not that I was expecting one. What I had expected was that Susan, once she found her footing as head of what seemed to be a commercial empire, would not have time for details like husbands, particularly when our agreement made before the wedding gave either of us the right to end it.

There was a moment when I visited her recovering in the hospital, where I was going to give her the out, but I didn’t, and she had not invoked it. We were still married, just not living together.

This visit was one where she wanted to ‘reconnect’ as she called it, and invite me to come home with her. She saw no reason why we could not resume our relationship, conveniently forgetting she indirectly had me arrested for her murder, charges both her mother and Lucy vigorously pursued, and had the clone not returned to save me, I might still be in jail.

It was not something I would forgive or forget any time soon.

There were other reasons why I was reluctant to stay with her, like forgetting small details, an irregularity in her character I found odd. She looked the same, she sounded the same, she basically acted the same, but my mind was telling me something was not right. It was not the Susan I first met, even allowing for the ordeal she had been subjected to.

But, despite those misgivings, there was no question in my mind that I still loved her, and her clandestine arrival had brought back all those feelings. But as the days passed, I began to get the impression my feelings were one-sided and she was just going through the motions.

Which brought me to the last argument, earlier, where I said if I went with her, it would be business meetings, social obligations, and quite simply her ‘celebrity’ status that would keep us apart. I reminded her that I had said from the outset I didn’t like the idea of being in the spotlight, and when I reiterated it, she simply brushed it off as just part of the job, adding rather strangely that I always looked good in a suit. The flippancy of that comment was the last straw, and I left before I said something I would regret.

I knew I was not a priority. Maybe somewhere inside me, I had wanted to be a priority, and I was disappointed when I was not.

And finally, there was Alisha. Susan, at the height of the argument, had intimated she believed I had an affair with her, but that elephant was always in the room whenever Alisha was around. It was no surprise when I learned Susan had asked Prendergast to reassign her to other duties.

At least I knew what my feelings for Alisha were, and there were times when I had to remember she was persona non grata. Perhaps that was why Susan had her banished, but, again, a small detail; jealousy was not one of Susan’s traits when I first knew her.

Perhaps it was time to set Susan free.

When I swung around to look in the direction of the lane where my villa was, I saw Susan. She was formally dressed, not in her ‘tourist’ clothes, which she had bought from one of the local clothing stores. We had fun that day, shopping for clothes, a chore I’d always hated. It had been followed by a leisurely lunch, lots of wine and soul searching.

It was the reason why I sat in this corner; old habits die hard. I could see trouble coming from all directions, not that Susan was trouble or at least I hoped not, but it allowed me the time to watch her walking towards the cafe in what appeared to be short, angry steps; perhaps the culmination of the heat wave and our last argument.

She glared at me as she sat, dropping her bag beside her on the ground, where I could see the cell phone sitting on top. She followed my glance down, and then she looked unrepentant back at me.

Maria came back at the exact moment she was going to speak. I noticed Maria hesitate for a second when she saw Susan, then put her smile in place to deliver my coffee.

Neither spoke nor looked at each other. I said, “Susan will have what I’m having, thanks.”

Maria nodded and left.

“Now,” I said, leaning back in my seat, “I’m sure there’s a perfectly good explanation as to why you didn’t tell me about the phone, but that first time you disappeared, I’d guessed you needed to keep in touch with your business interests. I thought it somewhat unwisethat you should come out when the board of one of your companies was trying to remove you, because of what was it, an unexplained absence? All you had to do was tell me there were problems and you needed to remain at home to resolve them.”

My comment elicited a sideways look, with a touch of surprise.

“It was unfortunate timing on their behalf, and I didn’t want you to think everything else was more important than us. There were issues before I came, and I thought the people at home would be able to manage without me for at least a week, but I was wrong.”

“Why come at all. A phone call would have sufficed.”

“I had to see you, talk to you. At least we have had a chance to do that. I’m sorry about yesterday. I once told you I would not become my mother, but I’m afraid I sounded just like her. I misjudged just how much this role would affect me, and truly, I’m sorry.”

An apology was the last thing I expected.

“You have a lot of work to do catching up after being away, and of course, in replacing your mother and gaining the requisite respect as the new Lady Featherington. I think it would be for the best if I were not another distraction. We have plenty of time to reacquaint ourselves when you get past all these teething issues.”

“You’re not coming with me?” She sounded disappointed.

“I think it would be for the best if I didn’t.”

“Why?”

“It should come as no surprise to you that I’ve been keeping an eye on your progress. You are so much better doing your job without me. I told your mother once that when the time came I would not like the responsibilities of being your husband. Now that I have seen what it could possibly entail, I like it even less. You might also want to reconsider our arrangement, after all, we only had a marriage of convenience, and now that those obligations have been fulfilled, we both have the option of terminating it. I won’t make things difficult for you if that’s what you want.”

It was yet another anomaly, I thought; she should look distressed, and I would raise the matter of that arrangement. Perhaps she had forgotten the finer points. I, on the other hand, had always known we would not last forever. The perplexed expression, to me, was a sign she might have forgotten.

Then, her expression changed. “Is that what you want?”

“I wasn’t madly in love with you when we made that arrangement, so it was easy to agree to your terms, but inexplicably, since then, my feelings for you changed, and I would be sad if we parted ways. But the truth is, I can’t see how this is going to work.”

“In saying that, do you think I don’t care for you?”

That was exactly what I was thinking, but I wasn’t going to voice that opinion out loud. “You spent a lot of time finding new ways to make my life miserable, Susan. You and that wretched friend of yours, Lucy. While your attitude improved after we were married, that was because you were going to use me when you went to see your father, and then almost let me go to prison for your murder.”

“I had nothing to do with that, other than to leave, and I didn’t agree with Lucy that you should be made responsible for my disappearance. I cannot be held responsible for the actions of my mother. She hated you; Lucy didn’t understand you, and Millie told me I was stupid for not loving you in return, and she was right. Why do you think I gave you such a hard time? You made it impossible not to fall in love with you, and it nearly changed my mind about everything I’d been planning so meticulously. But perhaps there was a more subliminal reason why I did because after I left, I wanted to believe, if anything went wrong, you would come and find me.”

“How could you possibly know that I’d even consider doing something like that, given what you knew about me?”

“Prendergast made a passing comment when my mother asked him about you; he told us you were very good at finding people and even better at fixing problems.”

“And yet here we are, one argument away from ending it.”

I could see Maria hovering, waiting for the right moment to deliver her coffee, then go back and find Gianna, the café owner, instead. Gianna was more abrupt and, for that reason, was rarely seen serving the customers. Today, she was particularly cantankerous, banging the cake dish on the table and frowning at Susan before returning to her kitchen. Gianna didn’t like Susan either.

Behind me, I heard a car stop, and when she looked up, I knew it was for her. She had arrived with nothing, and she was leaving with nothing.

She stood. “Last chance.”

“Forever?”

She hesitated and then shook away the look of annoyance on her face. “Of course not. I wanted you to come back with me so we could continue working on our relationship. I agree there are problems, but it’s nothing we can’t resolve if we try.”

I had been trying. “It’s too soon for both of us, Susan. I need to be able to trust you, and given the circumstances, and all that water under the bridge, I’m not sure if I can yet.”

She frowned at me. “As you wish.” She took an envelope out of her bag and put it on the table. “When you are ready, it’s an open ticket home. Please make it sooner rather than later. Despite what you think of me, I have missed you, and I have no intention of ending it between us.”

That said, she glared at me for a minute, shook her head, then walked to the car. I watched her get in and the car drive slowly away.

No kiss, no touch, no looking back.

…