Chapter 5: Chapter 5

“Ryan’s met some boy,” Nan says.

“Oh! Skinny lad, needs a haircut?” Milly asks, and when Ryan nods, she tuts. “He’s a strange one. He lives next door—can’t remember his name for the life of me. Alistair? Tsh, no, not quite—ah, never mind. I had a lovely long chat with his father when they moved in. Such a nice man! Never see much of the boy, though. John—that’s his father—John says he’s a bit quiet.”

Nan pulls a face, and Ryan snickers. She probably can’t imagine a boy Ryan’s age being quiet. Okay, so Ryan isn’t exactly raising hell, but he’s not quiet either. He’s just easily entertained. And Ryan’s cousin Mark is a complete headbanger.