His Baby Boy novel · Chapter 4 of 24
Chapter 4: The Soft Ones
Malcolm stepped sideways, and Perrin was suddenly behind a wall of gray wool.
"Desmond," Malcolm said again. "It's ten at night."
"You used to answer my calls at ten at night."
"I used to answer a lot of things."
Desmond Kerr smiled at Perrin around Malcolm's shoulder.
He had a soft jaw and gentle eyes.
"I'm sorry, young man. I'm Malcolm's uncle. Half-uncle, if we're being fussy about it. I thought I'd see the café my nephew has been so generous to."
"We're closed," Perrin said.
"Of course you are." Desmond tipped his head. "Tomorrow, then. I'll have a tea."
He walked away up the hill with his hands folded behind his back.
Perrin rubbed the back of his neck.
"He's nice," he said weakly.
"He's not," Malcolm said. "He's patient. It's worse."
Desmond came in at noon the next day and ordered a pot of Earl Grey.
He sat at the corner table, in Malcolm's chair, and Perrin served him with a smile he could feel cracking.
"You're very good at this," Desmond said. "Do you do it for the people, or for the tips?"
"Both," Perrin said.
"Honest. I like honest." Desmond stirred his tea. "My nephew is the most generous man I know. He collects, you see. Strays. Soft things that need minding."
Perrin set down the sugar bowl carefully.
"He was like that with Dexter," Desmond said. "He was never quite the same after."
The name meant nothing to Perrin.
"I don't know who that is," he said.
"No," Desmond said, kindly. "I don't suppose he'd tell you."
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