He was motley when she found him, wing broken, heart held together with string. She placed him, her hands soft and kind, in a basket lined with old towels; she bought his trust with food and song.

Now he preens himself and chuckles, another pilfered banknote delivered to her dresser.

Peter lives in Brisbane, Australia. His first book was an exploration of hell in Western culture; naturally, his second book was a romantic thriller. Follow him at @petedunnwords.