VOLKO

Chapter Twenty- Three

Dragging down the stairs the suitcase I'd barely touched since coming back from Italy was harder than expected. There were a few more bits in it that I'd gotten on my trip to Italy, like a few bottles of wine for the Cotton's. Apart from that everything else was the same.

I'd hoped to spot someone and ask for their help but the house was oddly empty. The five minute walk from my room to the main staircase would normally mean I'd pass at least three people along the way, not today.

When I reached the entrance I could see why. Builders carrying in all manner of objects from what looked like plasterboard to lamp shades. And in the mist of it all stood Robert, expertly observing everyone coming and going. Each person who entered had to face Robert's sweeping eyes for approval.

Only as the sound of my suitcase thumbed down the stairs did Robert look round. I was half expecting him to tell me off for being so loud, instead I was met with a dazzling smile. Someone's in a good mood, I thought.

"Let me take that." Robert offered, grabbing hold of the handle at the second to last step. It's the thought that counts, I reminded myself.

None of the family drama mattered at the moment, I was going home. That alone had kept me in high spirits all morning.

I thanked Robert, even though he'd barely done a lot, leaving on a good note was the main thing.

"It won't be the same without you around here. How long will you be gone for? Only a couple days surely?" Robert's eagerness to have me back was confusing and nice at the same time.

Could he have realized last night there was a chance I wouldn't be coming back? Or maybe he'd genuinely miss me. I like to think it was the latter, or both.

"I'll try not to leave it too long." I promised.

Robert nodded with agreement. "Make sure you don't. I've only just got you, I don't plan on parting from you again so easily." Had Robert been hit over the head? What was with the sudden confessions? It sounded like Robert didn't want me to go.

I hated admitting it but I liked it, it felt good to have a family member want you around. Okay so Robert had his downsides, was that what family was about? Loving someone even with their faults.

This was Robert trying, and I should be open, I told myself. Or else how will we build a relationship? People make mistakes and they learn, maybe Robert in his own way has learnt from the mistake with Dimitri. And with Dean looking out for me, I'd be okay.

"Conor, take this to the car." Robert shoved the case into an unexpecting Conor who was approaching.

"Of course Sir. Victoria has told me to inform you Mr Duskin is waiting for your return call." Conor said his stance was very military. Just looking at him made me feel on edge and uncomfortable, or could it have been the mention of Dimitri.

Sensing my distress, Robert was quick to put the conversation to an end.

"Right, I need to go, but be sure to message me when you get to the Cotton's okay?" Robert quickly pulled me in for an unanticipated awkward hug. His arms held me far tighter than I thought he was capable of.

As we parted his wrinkly hands held my face, as he examined me. I felt like he wanted to say more, then he kissed me on the forehead and left.

I watched him walk away with Conor still standing near the front door holding my bag. Stunned by what had just happened. Had I actually woken up?

Baffled, I made my way outside only to catch Dean's eye. He'd just come from the outside and looked back to his normal serious self. I made a bid to go past him, still embarrassed that he'd left me without a single word in Italy. When his hand stopped me.