It was surprising how quickly things went back to normal following the party.

Once Jack was back in Devon it was like he didn't exist. Hyacinth went back to her regular routine ringing once a week to enquire about Daisy's (and begrudgingly Onslow's) health.

Violet rang her now and again for various bits of advice and there was only Rose who saw her occasionally when Hyacinth wanted to impress Emmet with her singing.

Violet, Daisy and Rose had all tired ringing their brother a few times but he didn't answer. They just assumed he was busy with the grain business and went about their day. The only person who thought it odd was Emmet.

...

That particular Thursday afternoon was cold, very wet and there was a fresh breeze about. Because of this and the fact there were no particularly big races on, only a few of Rose's regular customers were in the bookies gambling.

The few that did all looked when an unfamiliar figure came through the door. Seeing who the man was, Rose squealed with delight and ran from round the counter and embraced him.

"Well really Rose! If you were going to play away I thought you would be more clever than bring him to work." Her young colleague said.

"Carl, this is my brother Jack."

"Oh that old chestnut. You'll have to do better than that Rose."

"No really, I'm her brother." Stammered Jack.

"Pleased to meet you. I'm sure." Carl said before taking a customers betting slip and processing it.

Rose went back round the other side of the counter before asking her half-brother what he was doing at the betting establishment.

"Well I'm in town for work so I thought I would pop by and see my little sisters."

Rose smiled. With him not answering the three sisters calls, they all thought he wasn't interested in them anymore.

"Well that's lovely we've all been trying to call you. Well all of us except our Hyacinth. Our Violet's over at the caff today they've got a function tonight. Our Daisy will be there too over at the bookshop. But if you hang on Onslow's usually in by the next hour." Explained Rose.

Jack went on to explain how he'd hardly been at home with Juliet his wife being in hospital and he had been travelling for work.

The fair haired man decided to wait for Onslow and place a few bets in the meantime. He told Rose he hadn't really frequented a bookmakers much. Rose didn't really take what he had to say in. She was just happy he had come to visit.

Carl, Rose's assistant manager on the other hand, didn't really believe Jack. The way he was so eager to win. The way he reacted when he lost, getting frustrated tearing up his ticket and trying a new bet straightaway. It smacked of someone who had a gambling problem. Something that usually didn't bypass the professional Rose.

True to Rose's word, half an hour later Onslow shuffled in. Even in the cold and rain he still only wore a grubby vest and faded, worn jeans.

" 'Ey up Jack lad. I didn't think we'd be seeing you again. What brings you 'ere? And don't say the horses."

Onslow didn't really listen to Jack as he was too busy studying the race meetings and the odds, displayed on the wall.

"See, that's how you gamble." Carl whispered to his blonde boss.

Rose hit his arm playfully and whispered for Carl to leave Jack alone.

Jack's approach hadn't escaped Onslow's attention. When the large man went to collect his modest winnings from his sister-in-law, he couldn't help mention it to her.

" 'You sure he's not gambled before our Rose? He looks to me like someone who's desperately trying to claw back everything he's ever lost."

Rose pursed her lips together and rolled her eyes as she saw Jack frantically searching the board for outsiders.

"Well he says not. But I see your point. Maybe you could take him to the pub or get him to go and see our Daisy and our Violet at t'caff. He does look like he needs a break."

Begrudgingly, Onslow dropped Jack off at the café and he then headed to the pub. He was starting to see a different side to Jack. More desperate than the successful businessman he had previously painted himself to be.