Rentboy

nodded and smiled apologetically as they hastened from the chapel. Having
    no desire to speak to them, Fox sighed with relief. Tara looked up at him.
    “Thank God that lot have gone. I’ve got nothing to say to them. Where were they when we
    needed them?”
    Fox took his mum’s elbow to help her up. She looked really tired, and he knew that it was hard
    for her to stay sober this long.
    The army officers walked up the aisle toward them. From their insignia Fox knew them to be a
    colonel and a lieutenant. They both shook hands with Tara, offering quiet words of condolence. The
    look they gave Fox was so blatant they might just as well have said, What the hell are you wearing
    at your father’s funeral? The red tartan kilt and white button-down shirt were probably not the best
    choice, and neither were the black Gravel boots with six silver buckles on each. Heavy eye makeup
    was the clincher. His father would have hated it, and that was the point.
    “You must be Afton. He always called you Fox,” the colonel said.
    “Yes, Colonel.” Fox shook hands with them both. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant.”
    “You recognize army rank?” the colonel said appreciatively. “Most civilians haven’t a clue.”
    “I grew up on army bases, and when other kids were doing their times tables, sir was drilling me
    on army insignia and the Royal Clothing Warrant. I suppose he thought it would make me want to join
    the army, but it just made me interested in art and fashion.”
    “Did you always call him sir?” the lieutenant asked.
    “Yes. He insisted on it.”
    The colonel smiled as if it was adorable to make your kids call you sir. “It’s only natural he
    hoped you would join the army. Your father was a fine soldier, as was his father and grandfather
    before him. He was brave and fearless. Damn shame that, surviving combat only to die accidentally
    with his own gun.”
    Fox looked back and forth between the two men. Even had they been in civvies, he would have
    known they were army officers by their bearing and their snotty expressions. “I know. He loved his
    guns. He was always cleaning them.”
    “Captain Baillie talked about another son. Isn’t he here?” the colonel asked. “It would be nice if
    one of you continued the family tradition.”
    The twins were standing with Godfrey, who chatted to them as if they understood every word.
    “Yeah, he’s here. Alder!” Fox waved him over. The boy came forward, holding Arden’s hand. When
    they came down to breakfast that morning, they were dressed in identical plain white T-shirts and
    hip-hugging denim miniskirts with white trainers. Fox didn’t see much point in telling his brother that
    trousers would be better on this occasion. “Alder is on the left, and this is his twin sister, Arden.
    They’ve got learning disabilities. Neither of them are army material.”
    The men stared at the twins, then back at Fox, obviously embarrassed by Captain Baillie’s
    strange children.
    “We are very sorry about the loss of your father.” They walked quickly away.
    “Fox?” He looked at Godfrey, who stood beside him. “Did you do it?” he asked very quietly. “I
    can take your confession and offer absolution.”
    “Thanks, God. And thanks for agreeing to come here and do the service. I know it’s not your
    usual gig.”
    Godfrey placed a hand on Fox’s shoulder and squeezed. “It was my pleasure. I’ve done services
    outside my parish before. Do you need to talk to me?”
    “I plan to count you among my best friends and have you over for vegan food as soon as I’ve got
    my act together, but I didn’t do it. I swear, I didn’t do it.”
    “I’m glad to hear it.” Godfrey smiled warmly. “And look who’s here.”
    At the back of the small chapel, leaning heavily on metal crutches, was Eddie. Fox felt a sudden
    lurch in the pit of his stomach, but this time it was excitement, not panic.
    Beside Eddie, his parents stood ready to support him should he fall. Bruises still wreathed his
    cheekbones. They had faded to yellow and gray, and the swelling was largely gone. “Mum, Godfrey,
    come and meet Eddie.”
    The twins walked in front of them, and when they reached Eddie, they patted his chest by way of
    hello.
    “Hello, twins,” he said with such gentle affection that Fox wanted to grab him and hold him
    forever.
    Fox introduced his mum to the Athertons and everyone to Eddie.
    “Fox, I’m so sorry about your father,” Eddie said. The