The Devil's Breath (52 page)

Cela was in the classroom. She was writing on the blackboard, big round characters, a teacher’s script. Hearing the door open, she glanced round.

McVeigh stood by the door. He was bathed in sweat. He grinned. ‘Hi,’ he said.

Cela looked at him for a moment, her hand still on the blackboard. Then she turned round and stepped towards him, picking her way between the desks. She had chalk on her hands. She rubbed them on her shorts, then reached up and touched McVeigh’s face. ‘You,’ she said, smiling.

McVeigh nodded, putting his arms around her, holding her. Outside, he could hear Billy calling for the ball.

‘Me,’ he agreed.