Nin hovered around him. Every time she tried to touch his arm or speak to him, he snarled at her. ‘I can’t cook,’ she wailed. ‘I’ve got to look after Jonas.’ ‘Strikes me ’e don’ want lookin’ after,’ said Skerridge mildly. ‘I’d wotchit if I was yew. Looks like ’e might bite.’ Nin whirled on him. ‘Shut up!’ she yelled. ‘Just you shut up!’ Her face felt hot and angry and stiff with tears. ‘No need t’ yell at a pore ole bogeyman like that.’ Nin turned her back and gazed after Jonas. Skerridge scratched his nose. ‘’Ow about I keep an eye on ’im, while ya get on wiv the stew? They’re skinned an’ gutted so no nasty work t’ do,’ he went on, waving the rabbits temptingly in her direction. Part of Nin wanted to go on trying to get through to Jonas, part of her knew it was no good and another part was hurting so much she just wanted to leave it behind for a while. ‘I s’pose something to eat might help him?’ ‘Bound to.’ ‘I’ll need water,’ said Nin reluctantly.
