“Yes, similar. What do you think? It shouldn’t cost much, should it?”
“I don’t know. I think it’s still going to cost around ten grand to set you up. We’re short of readies, love, you know that.”
His gaze dropped to his wine glass that he was twisting in place. “Umm…there’s a solution to that.”
Katy inhaled and prepared herself to be shocked all over again. “Go on. What do you mean?”
Avoiding eye contact, he said, “I could ask my parents for the money.”
Katy dropped her knife and fork on her plate and pushed it away. “But we promised we would never go cap in hand to them after the way they treated you.”
“I know we did, but I can’t think of another option, can you?”
“You haven’t given me enough time to consider anything. Let’s sit on this for a few days. Mull the idea over and make a list of pros and cons. If we can’t find a solution, then you’ll have my blessing to ask your folks. Do you think they would stump up the cash? Bearing in mind we’ve yet to tell them about the wedding. We’re expecting them to kick off big time about that.”
“Yeah, maybe that part slipped my mind. Okay, let’s ignore that particular conundrum for a moment. Do you think the actual concept is a good one?”
“In theory, yes. If your parents don’t volunteer the funds, how likely is it that a bank will lend you money?”
AJ sighed and twisted his mouth. “I never thought of that. Maybe I should delay it a few months then, is that what you’re saying?”
“No, not at all. Just don’t jump in feet first. Cover all the bases, and we’ll go from there. If you go to the bank, they’ll expect you to have some form of business plan to present to them. Have you worked that out yet?”
“No, nothing so far. Maybe we can sit down when you have a spare moment, and you’re not too tired, and create one?”
“Of course. Want to tackle it this evening?”
“No way, you’re dead on your feet. It can wait a few days. I’ll draft a couple of ideas tomorrow during the little one’s nap.”
“Good. You’re determined enough to make anything work, AJ. I’m so impressed you are trying to make our lives better.”
“Thanks, it’s nice to hear. Now, have you finished?”
“I have, it was delicious. Not sure I could manage a cupcake, though. Maybe I’ll pass on pudding tonight.”
“Are you sure? Georgie made a special one, just for you.”
“Maybe I should eat it when she’s present in that case.”
He cleared the table and filled the dishwasher while Katy topped up their glasses with the remainder of the bottle. He appeared beside her with a plate holding a huge cupcake with ‘Best Mummy’ written in blue icing on the top.
“Oh my, how precious is that? Was it your idea?”
“Nope, she wanted to do something special to show how much she loves you.”
“Oh shit, don’t start me off. You’re doing a remarkable job with her.”
AJ shook his head. “Correction, we are. It’s a partnership, one that I envisage going from strength to strength in the future.”
“I’m lucky to have you. Let’s discuss your business ideas this evening, I’ll be fine, I promise. The sooner we get the ideas fixed in place the sooner you can get the ball rolling. I’m so proud of you.”
They shared a kiss which backed up her sentiment.
“Ditto. Go through to the lounge. I’ll grab some paper and pens from Georgina’s stash.”
The following morning on the drive into work, Katy’s head was churning with AJ’s plans. Initially, she’d had her doubts if a children’s entertainment business could work, but the more she thought about it, the more she realised what a fantastic venture it could be for AJ. The only downside would be the costs involved in setting up such a business. If he made the right contacts from the outset, it really needn’t cost him much. She prayed AJ had enough restraint not to ask his parents for the money, although she would completely understand him going down that avenue if all the options he tried weren’t fruitful.
She was distracted, still wrapped up in her thoughts, when she parked the car outside the station.
“Oh, hi, Charlie. How are you?”
“I was beginning to wonder if I’d done something wrong.”
Katy frowned. “Sorry, is that supposed to mean something?”
“You drove past me, staring right at me. I waved, and you ignored me.”
“You did? Bugger, sorry. Honestly, I didn’t even see you.”
“Is something wrong? Is Georgina okay?”
Katy waved the suggestion away and pushed through the main entrance. “No, nothing like that. I’ll tell you about it later, if we get the chance. It’s nothing to worry about.”
“Okay, it’s up to you. A problem shared and all that…”
“I know. It’s not a problem as such.” She turned and smiled at the desk sergeant. “Morning, Mick, anything we should be made aware of at this hour of the morning?”
“Morning, ma’am. I don’t know how to tell you this…”
A sense of foreboding descended. “Shit! Why don’t I like the sound of that?”
He shrugged. “Sorry. Around five minutes ago, I received a call to say a gentleman had been killed outside his home in Tooting.”
“Okay, is there more to the story than that? I’m guessing there is.”
“Yep. He was about to get in his Ferrari when four men pounced, beat the crap out of him and drove off.”
“With his Ferrari, I take it,” Katy replied, her stomach clenching and tying itself into knots.
“Correct. I was about to ring you but figured you’d walk through the door within minutes, so I left it.”
“Have you got the address for us?”
He held out a sheet of paper. Charlie took it as she was closest to the reception desk.
“Do me a favour, Mick, let the rest of my team know about this and ask them to do the necessary, ie, put a trace on the vehicle and source any likely
