Page 51 (1/2)

Prologue

Leeds, West Yorkshire Twelve Months Ago

“All set?” he asked as he held her coat open

She nodded and slipped into the garment He put his hat on as they left the restaurant

Sarah had presented it to hi

“I still can’t believe you bought this What possessed you?” he asked

Sarah glanced up and adjusted it “It was you The minute I saw it I fell in love with it As I knew you would”

He laughed He had to adrey Australian leather hat resembled a Stetson with a narrower brim Two studded holes sat on either side of it, with a braid circling its base A six-pointed gold badge graced one side of the crown

Despite being early December, the weather was mild Gardener carried his topcoat over one ar a relaxing evening together before the onslaught of Christmas left them with little, if any, ti and giggling to each other At the intersection with Boar Lane, a large group of youths spilled out froe in search of one of the city’s htclubs

“What it is to be young,” commented Sarah

“We’re still young”

“I know, but we’re not going to a nightclub, are we?”

Her cohed

“What’s funny?” asked Sarah, chuckling herself

“We’re only young in mind, these days”

They both laughed again Gardener wrapped his ar her round He recited the lyrics to an obscure pop song, which would be the nearest they would coht

Sarah giggled “For God’s sake, put me down You’ll put your back out”

As soon as she’d spoken the words, Gardener took a step back, and cried out in pain He put her down, placing both hands on the base of his spine

“Stewart! Are you all right? I warned you”

As Sarah bent closer, he leaped upwards and grabbed her around the waist

He nuzzled his face into her neck and growled as he bit her He kissed her – a long, lingering kiss he wished would last forever The curves of Sarah’s body aroused hiers over her sth of their physical relationship They made love as often as when first married, twenty years previously

“I have another surprise for you e get home,” she said

“Have you now?”