Chapter 7A week later and Ryland was now in residence above the shop along the hallway from Henry, and he’d fitted out the attic to be a mix of bed and sitting room for Ballard. To his surprise, Ballard had initially been reluctant to move, offering reasons to remain in their own digs, but now he seemed more settled.
Ryland became lost in his thoughts as he strode back to the apothecary. His last patient was housebound, too infirm to leave her bed to collect her script. He would normally have sent Ballard, but hoped that the walk would clear his own head. He still believed his father responsible for the attack on the shop. But thankfully, Henry seemed none the worse for his ordeal.
“Well, well, look who it is.” A coarse voice broke into Ryland’s reverie, and he cursed himself soundly for
