As far as the Muggle world - and more importantly the football world - was concerned, Darby Rheese, wide mid-fielder for Arsenal, had been in a severe car accident and had been recovering at an undisclosed location in London. The most difficult aspect of the whole story was that Darby, with the assistance of a Healer, had had to come up with a vague enough story of what happened that it was believable and yet easy enough for him to recall the basic facts.
He hated the lying part.
It was worse, most of all, to lie to Jeremy about the whole incident; at least his mate had been far too busy packing and practicing with the band to give it much of a thought. Three days ago Jeremy had left; today Darby was meeting with a fifth interested party to rent the now free room in his flat.
He had, of course, attempted to get Athena to take back her previous no, but eve as he'd begun the attempt, he'd halted it for fear that she'd give in simply out of pity. That would be worse than fighting with her, he was sure.
Movement was still a bit slow for him when the knock sounded on the door and he called out to let the person know he was on his way. Moments later he was tugging open the door to find himself looking at a female; he was a bit confused as he'd spoken with a male on the phone. He was sure of it.
"Can I help you?"




