LITMIR.BIZ

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scared as hell that it wouldn’t and even more scared of being cast aside by the people you love because of it. I had trouble getting that through to you. Fell in love with you even more because of it though. And then there’s this you who’s a whole lot like the old you—before the shooting—only softer somehow, and more assured. I could get used to this you too.’

      ‘But which me do you love?’

      ‘All of them.’

      Good answer. ‘So, assuming the doctor gives me the okay, where to next on the honeymoon trip?’

      ‘Bodrum.’

      ‘So you do know what Jericho3 is?’

      ‘No,’ he muttered. ‘But I aim to.’

      * * *

      Lena got the all-clear to travel from the doctor and permission to back off on the medications. The doctor made a more thorough examination of the bruises on her hip this time around and made her show him what leg movement she had and asked her whether the pain there was any worse than before.

      ‘No,’ she assured him. ‘That’s about as good as it gets.’

      The doctor nodded. ‘You’re on pain medication?’

      ‘And anti-inflammatories. The leg has improved a lot. It’s been nineteen months. I’m off the painkillers for the most part. I’ll take them occasionally and the anti-inflammatories too if I have a big day of movement coming up.’

      ‘I didn’t know you were off the painkillers,’ said Trig.

      ‘Not completely. But on a good day I can get by without. Doctor, what about the sex with my husband? Am I cleared to do that? Because we’re on our honeymoon.’

      ‘Ah.’ The doctor slid Trig a sideways glance. ‘Again, if you’re sensible and don’t indulge in anything too rigorous you should be fine.’

      Lena beamed. Trig frowned.

      For a man on his honeymoon he didn’t look altogether pleased about the lifting of the no-sex ban.

      ‘You want us on the next flight home, don’t you?’ Lena accused as they left the doctor’s rooms.

      ‘The thought had crossed my mind.’

      ‘Why?’

      ‘Because your memory’s still impaired.’

      ‘It’s not that impaired.’

      ‘That’s one opinion.’

      ‘Aren’t we meant to be meeting up with Jared while we’re here? When’s that scheduled for?’

      ‘It’s not. I haven’t heard from him.’ Trig nodded towards a dark grey saloon that was fast approaching. ‘There’s our driver.’ The vehicle slid to a halt and Trig opened the rear door for her. Traffic backed up behind the vehicle but both Trig and the driver seemed unconcerned. ‘I’m tossing up whether we should go to Bodrum or not,’ Trig said as they got under way.

      ‘Bodrum is indeed a most pleasant holiday destination,’ offered the taxi driver. The driver’s name was Yasar. Yasar was a cheerful man with many relatives.

      ‘I promise to rest,’ Lena said. Hopefully this would reassure him.

      ‘And do exactly what I say,’ Trig said.

      ‘Was that in our marriage vows? I don’t think it was.’

      Trig sighed. ‘You could at least pretend obedience. How else am I going to pretend that taking you to Bodrum is even a halfway good idea? Because it’s not. It’s the worst idea I’ve ever had, with the exception of one or two others.’

      ‘What were the others?’

      ‘Imbecilic.’

      Lena grinned at him. ‘I’d like to go to Bodrum. It sounds relaxing. I’ll stay out of your way if there’s work there for you that you want to chase up. I’m okay with you multitasking. We could fly there this afternoon after we shop.’

      ‘Shop for what?’

      ‘Clothes.’ Lena leaned forward towards the driver. ‘Yasar, are there any big department stores nearby?’

      ‘Indeed, there are,’ Yasar offered in a voice filled with deep despair. ‘Although why anyone would want to shop there, when for marginally more effort I can take you to any number of specialty stores that also offer discretionary discounting—’

      ‘Not today, Yasar,’ Trig cut in firmly. ‘Just find us a department store.’

      Ten minutes later, Yasar slowed the car to a halt in front of a huge department store.

      ‘How long are we going to be?’ Trig asked her.

      ‘Half an hour.’

      ‘Half an hour,’ said Yasar, looking to Trig. ‘I shall be back in this very spot at exactly ten fifty. Shall I be bearing kebabs and cold beverages for you and your lady wife?’

      ‘Yes,’ said Trig. ‘Yasar, what are you like at booking flights?’

      ‘I have a gift for it,’ said Yasar. ‘I also have a cousin who is a travel agent.’

      ‘See if your cousin can book us on a flight to Bodrum later this afternoon.’

      Yasar nodded sagely.

      ‘Handy guy,’ she murmured as Yasar drove away.

      ‘He’s a fixer.’

      They entered the store and headed past the perfume counters and towards the escalators, where a giant sign told them what items would be on what floor. ‘I propose we divide and conquer,’ she told him briskly. ‘Second floor for you.’

      ‘Second floor is women’s evening wear.’

      ‘Exactly. I need a dress to go dancing in. Don’t bring too much sexy back and I don’t do baby pink or ruffles.’

      ‘But you could.’

      ‘Yes, and you could do purple spandex but I don’t buy it for you.’

      ‘Good point. Where are you going while I’m on level two?’

      ‘Level four.’ She smiled angelically. ‘Lingerie and nightwear.’

      * * *

      Trig peeled off onto the second floor of the department store with fear in his heart and lust in his soul. When Lena wanted something she had a frightening habit of getting it. Lena was buying lingerie and he’d been sent off to buy her a dress. If Trig wasn’t mistaken, she was gearing up for the full wedding night experience.

      With him.

      A shop assistant hovered; one with Bambi eyes and more curves than a roller coaster. She looked him up and down, her eyes approving until she saw the wedding ring on his finger and then they turned assessing. ‘May I assist you?’ she said.

      ‘I need a gown for my wife. She wants to go dancing.’

      Twenty-five minutes later, he and Lena met at the entrance doors to the store. Yasar and his taxi stood waiting, two take-away coffee cups in hand. Lena had a wide and wicked smile on her face and carried three shopping bags.

      Trig had one bag and a headache.

      * * *

      ‘Yasar, did you know that this is our honeymoon?’ said Lena when she got back into the taxi and accepted the hot tea and kebab that the driver handed her.

      ‘But, no.’

      ‘Yes, and I don’t know anything about Bodrum but I do know that I want to stay somewhere magical and luxurious tonight. Somewhere with billowing gauze curtains and velvet pillows. A truly grand establishment where bite-sized delicacies are delivered to the room on a silver platter. It could even be a bridal suite in a fancy hotel.’

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