"Course I would," Terry said, managing a smile. It was what they did for each other. "You understand more than most." He hugged Stephen again, holding on longer this time
He shuddered when Stephen mentioned Dennis, and frowned. "It could have been him," he said slowly. "For whatever reason, nothing to do with Ernie or my involvement in the Upper Slaughter attack. He could have done it just to mess with my head." It was exactly the sort of sick trick Dennis would pull.
"But even if it was, or wasn't, we need to check the warding." He knew he was repeating himself, but it was keeping him under control. "I'll just go change. I'll be down shortly."
He ran upstairs, and made quick work of changing into something more suitable for wards checking. He made sure Ernie was still sleeping comfortably, and knew it was far too early for even Ben to be awake. He rushed back downstairs and grinned grimly at Stephen. "Shall we?"