Crusher (28 page)

“I asked you to leave me alone,” I said.

“You’re welcome,” she said.

“We’re not getting back together,” I said.

“I know that,” she said. We stood there a minute.

“Have you had any breakfast?” she said.

“Give me a second,” I said. I hated people dumping stuff in the river, but right at that moment it felt kind of traditional. I took each urn in turn and hurled it out into the deepest water I could reach.

“All done,” I said to Zoe. “Let’s go.”

My heartfelt thanks to my agent Val Hoskins
for her infinite patience and faith;

To my sons, brothers, sisters and friends for indulging
my endless grumbles about the screenwriting trade;

To my parents for showing me how to work hard,
love and be happy;

And above all to my beloved wife Erika for her
boundless love, loyalty, humour,
encouragement and inspiration.