The Olive Branch by Jo Thomas

Author:Jo Thomas [Thomas, Jo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Headline
Published: 2015-03-25T18:30:00+00:00

I wake to the sound of horns honking and sheep baaing and my phone ringing from somewhere downstairs. My head is thick, like it’s been stuffed with cotton wool while I was napping. I grab the clock on the old wooden crate that serves as my bedside table, nearly knocking it over in the process. Bugger! I’ve overslept! Am I dreaming these noises? My head starts banging like there’s a skiffle band starting up in there. I screw up my eyes against the sunlight. There’s more baaing and honking. Don’t tell me Daphne’s escaped. The afternoon aperitif was lovely, but boy, I’m paying for it now. That limoncello was way stronger than it tasted. And I should know better at my age! I’m not a teenager knocking back alcopops.

I throw myself off the bed and out on to the landing, pulling open the window overlooking the front drive. I blink, rub my eyes and look again, wondering if it’s the limoncello giving me hallucinations. There are sheep all over my front drive, jumping and tumbling over the wall and running with a mixture of confusion and joy into the shade of the olive and almond trees.

Just inside the gates are two cars, surrounded by sheep. They’re honking, making the sheep run, but not enough to clear a pathway through. One is a small Fiat, the other a brand-new bright red Alfa Romeo.

Shit! The viewers! The driver of the Fiat gets out, scattering sheep with his door. He’s followed by the driver of the Alfa Romeo, who’s wearing large sunglasses and a blue and pink polo shirt with the collar turned up. He’s shouting at the Fiat driver, who is trying to placate him and holding his phone to his ear. I hear my phone ringing from downstairs again.

Shit! Double shit! I need to get down there and explain that this is just an accident. But how on earth will I do that? In between me and my prospective buyer is a sea of sheep. I’ll never be able to reach him. I try and shout and wave, but he’s too far away. Then I spot Marco. He’s standing by the crumbling wall holding a long thumbstick. Thank God! At least now we’re on speaking terms he can help. There’s no way I can sort this one on my own. I need him to herd the sheep away from the cars, and quick.

My heart’s racing. I can’t let this chance get away. I feel like my winning lottery ticket has blown out of my hand and is fluttering along the ground in front of me. I need to chase it and jump on it. Whatever it takes. Even asking Marco Bellanuovo for help. I may be stubborn, but I’m not stupid. A little voice in my head begs to differ, sounding remarkably like Ed’s.

‘Marco!’ I shout and wave. ‘Aiutatemi! Help me!’ I wave again, but he doesn’t seem to notice or hear me. ‘The sheep!’

The agent turns and looks up at

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