‘Hello,’ he said and he leaned over her fence. ‘Would you like me to prune the top of this shrub for you?’ He didn’t like the thought of Mrs Bateson on the little ladder reaching across. She paused and smiled. ‘You’re a sweet boy but I’m still pretty good up a ladder. Maybe I should come over and prune your roses. They need a bit of TLC.’ Troy glanced behind him. ‘Hmm, how about I trade your pruning expertise for my lawn mowing?’ ‘I’d say you have yourself a deal there, young man.’ ‘Thanks, Mrs B. Just let me know when it needs doing again. Bye.’ He pushed off the fence and gave her a nod before heading towards his house. He didn’t mind this place that Jenny had organised for him to rent. It was an older-style home of plaster and tin with three small bedrooms. Actually, all the rooms were small – the kitchen, lounge and bathroom – but he didn’t need much. For him, it did nicely. Inside he put his phone and wallet down on the little round table in the kitchen.
