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“Didn’t you see her at church this lass of ice-cold Coke in front of him

“I don’t go to church”

Dougal nodded as though that made perfect sense “Of course, you’re a heathen”

Josh spluttered out a ht up Catholic I just don’t do church”

Dougal leaned across the bar “So you’re one of those agnostic people, then?” He scratched his beard “I’ht be the first”

Josh resisted the urge to thump his forehead on the bar Apart fronostic when he got home, he really didn’t want to talk about church “Have you seen Caroline or not?”

Dougal looked around toThe action al leaned towards him and lowered his voice “You’ve only just o to pick up her order If you hurry you can catch her at Patrick’s house”

Josh stilled Order? Patrick? “Caroline is with a guy?”

Dougal nodded “Every Sunday afternoon, regular as clockwork But keep it to yourself; she doesn’t want anyone to know”

Josh felt the muscle at the corner of his jaw tick She accepted his proposal when she had a standing date with sorowl out of his voice “How do I find this Patrick?”

Dougal considered hi to hiave the directions he needed, and Josh shot out of the pub Forgetting all about paying thethe food he’d ordered

Ten al’s directions had led straight to Shady Pines nursing home Someone with a sense of humour had named the place, because it was nowhere near shade or pines The building looked a lot like the community centre, the sarey walls And the same complete lack of character

The woal called She’s in rooreen corridor

Josh followed her direction, passing several open doors along the way Fa the people in hospital beds There was laughter and light But it didn’t make up for the stink of hospital disinfectant and the underlying aroma of urine The door to room five was open too, and Josh heard Caroline before he saw her She sounded indignant

“You did this on purpose, Patrick Harris”