I never used the copse tunnel. Too many animals had made it their home over the years and it stank to high heaven, plus I didn’t think it’d be too safe with animals burrowing back and forth through it. They didn’t seem to venture much beyond the copse though.
The exit I used was in the hotel gardens beneath a hollowed out slab where some old, weather-worn benches had been dumped. I spent ages clearing them away but it was worth it. Now I could come and go without even entering the hotel building. It was like another world down there. Dry and warm, with a mouldy-earthy smell it didn’t take me long to get used to. The tunnels were my favourite part of the Manor Hotel, because I instinctively knew that no one knew about them but me. They were all mine to discover and explore and make my own. You wouldn’t believe how good that made me feel.
I walked to the end of the fencing and carried on along the road. If I cut round by the copse, skirting the edge of it, I should be able to double back and make it round to the back of the hotel where the grounds were. Me and my mates had fixed the short wire fencing round the back so that we could get in and out without anyone realizing. All we had to do was push the wire mesh back into place when we’d finished.
Once my mate Dave was stupid enough to try and get through without pushing the mesh all the way up and the wire sliced through his leg like a sharp knife through a squishy tomato. You should’ve seen the blood pour. I tied my belt around his leg to try and stem the bleeding and then we had to practically carry him all the way back to the main road. Stopping at the first house we came to, we finally managed to call for an ambulance. They rushed him to hospital but fast. He needed twelve stitches and a blood transfusion. My mates weren’t too keen on the place after that. But something kept drawing me back. It was a great place that deserved a good owner. Someone who would take care of it as it should be taken care of.
But the tunnels were mine.
At least for a little while.
At least for tonight.
11. Andrew
‘Yeah, that’s right! The wrinklies are next door. Hang on a sec!’ Andrew flopped down on the bed, swinging his legs around so that he lay prone. He moved his mobile phone to his other ear, away from the wall, announcing, ‘In this dive, the walls are probably as thin as tissue paper.’
‘Your mum still flapping over you?’ asked Kieran at the other end of the phone.
‘What d’you think? Still, at least I’ve got my own room – not that it’s up to much.’
‘What’s the hotel like?’ asked Kieran.
‘Have a guess! If we weren’t leaving on Sunday, I’d be tearing my hair out. Goodness knows why Mum thought it would be such a great birthday treat for me. But guess what? There’s a girl here—’
‘That didn’t take you long!’ Kieran laughed.
‘You know me! Anyway, her name is Rainbow but she calls herself Raye.’
‘Rainbow? Love and peace, man!’ laughed Kieran. ‘So what’s she like?’
‘She’s OK, actually.’
‘Ooh!’
‘I mean, she’s a bit of a whippet but in a land of dogs, she’s the least canine . . .’ Andrew amended hastily.
‘A whippet?’
‘Yeah, you know – skinny. You could probably use her ribs as a toast rack. But she’ll do.’
‘High praise indeed!’
‘I’m not joking. From what I’ve seen so far, the girls down here should walk around with paper bags on their heads and do us all a favour . . .’
Kieran’s burst of laughter over the mobile phone could be heard from across the room. ‘So, are you going to make a move on her?’
‘Of course. I’ve got nothing else to do.’
‘I bet her parents watch her like a hawk.’
‘So? She fancies me something rotten so that’s half my work done for me already!’
‘I bet you don’t even get the chance to pucker up!’ Kieran scoffed.
‘Wanna bet?’
‘You’re on! I bet you don’t get to snog her before you leave on Sunday.’
‘Oh, please! Don’t insult me. Can’t you come up with something a bit more challenging than that?’ Andrew said disdainfully.
‘Talk is cheap.’
‘What kind of cheap are we talking about?’ Andrew challenged.
‘What did you have in mind?’ Kieran asked.
Andrew laughed before mentioning a sum of money.
‘The last of the big spenders!’ Kieran was not impressed.
‘That’s all any of the girls down here are worth,’ said Andrew.
‘Right then. You’re on! But you’ve got to provide proof that she kissed you.’
‘How do I do that?’
‘That’s your problem,’ said Kieran.
‘OK,’ Andrew replied. ‘I almost feel guilty about taking your money off you. Almost . . . but not quite! The girl’s practically eating out of my hand already. You should’ve seen the way she looked at me. She obviously has first-class taste and knows a good thing when she sees it!’
‘You don’t think much of yourself, do you?’ said Kieran.
‘If I don’t love myself, who else will!’
‘Hmm! So how d’you plan to do this?’
‘I’m going to find Rainbow and chat to her. Let her see my sensitive side.’ Andrew grinned.
‘Good luck, but don’t forget, it doesn’t count unless you can prove it.’
‘Don’t worry. I and my proof will be with you on Monday!’
Andrew hung up, throwing his phone down on the bed. Placing his hands behind his head, he smirked up at the ceiling. And in the corner of the room, unseen by Andrew, stood Liam, listening to every word.
12. Acquaintances
‘Miss Dawn, will you be leaving any time soon?’
‘Miss Eve, I might ask you the same question.’
The two elderly women sat regarding each other, smiles serene, eyes like diamonds, minds like steel traps. They were closer than sisters, but they weren’t friends. They called themselves ‘acquaintances’. To everyone else they were travelling companions and rarely apart. The two women were currently sharing adjacent rooms at the Phoenix Manor Hotel.
‘So who have you got your eye on now?’ asked Miss Eve.
Miss Dawn scrutinized Miss Eve before answering, ‘Mr Jackman – as if you didn’t know. I saw you talking to Nova earlier. What were you doing? Asking about me – or Mr Jackman?’
‘What makes you think you have anything to do with it?’ Miss Eve huffed. ‘The world doesn’t revolve around you, you know.’
Miss Dawn smiled serenely. Miss Eve glowered at her.
‘So you’re after Mr Jackman, eh?’ asked Miss Eve, trying to show that she wasn’t rankled. ‘Now, he’s definitely edible!’
‘Put him down! Besides, he’s mine!’
‘I do like to see a woman of your advanced years still living in hope,’ taunted Miss Eve.
‘Hope is my middle name,’ Miss Dawn said silkily. ‘You should know that by now.’
Miss Eve considered her companion. ‘So you reckon you’ll get him?’
‘I know I will.’ Miss Dawn’s smile had returned.
‘That’s what you said about the last three, and it didn’t happen, did it? I got them.’
‘It’ll be different this time. I can feel it in my vitals.’
‘That’s what you said the last three times.’
‘I have faith,’ said Miss Dawn.
‘Faith?’ scoffed Miss Eve.
‘Yes, faith.’
‘An extinct commodity.’
‘Dormant perhaps, not extinct.’
‘On the way out,’ argued Miss Eve.
‘Or on the way in. It all depends on your point of view.’
Miss Eve tried and failed to keep the irritation out of her voice. ‘Why d’you always have to argue?’
‘Why do you?’
‘You really are the most aggravating creature,’
‘I know!’ Miss Dawn’s serene smile broadened.
>
‘I could always move on, you know.’
‘Not without me you couldn’t,’ said Miss Dawn. ‘Where one of us goes, the other follows – remember?’
Miss Eve glared at her companion, then suddenly smiled. ‘I don’t know why I’m worried. Mr Jackman is going to disappoint you.’
‘Why?’
‘Why what?’
‘Why’re you so sure he will?’
‘You expect too much. You always do.’
‘He’ll do the right thing,’ said Miss Dawn. But was that the faintest trace of doubt in her voice?
‘Ah, but his idea of the “right thing” might not be the same as yours,’ Miss Eve said with glee.
‘We’ll see,’ said Miss Dawn. ‘We’ll see.’
13. Liam and Rainbow
‘Hello, Rainbow.’
Raye whirled round, ready to do battle with whoever it was using her full name. Only her words of rebuke withered and died on her lips. Omigod! Another gorgeous guy, with short black hair and the most beautiful brown eyes she’d ever seen. Attractive guys to the left. Handsome guys to the right. This was much more like it!
‘It’s Raye. I prefer Raye.’
‘Of course. I prefer Raye too. Rainbow is a bit “hippy chick”, isn’t it!’
‘Excuse me?’
‘Not that I don’t like Rainbow too. I do,’ the boy amended hastily. ‘It’s just . . . it’s just time for me to shut up now!’
‘Can I help you with something?’ Raye asked, her tone decidedly cool now.
‘You can help me take my foot out of my mouth!’
Raye smiled reluctantly. ‘So you’re a guest here? Did you arrive this morning?’
‘No. I’ve been here a while. I live . . . round here.’
‘Really? I haven’t seen you before,’ said Rainbow.
‘Nova has. I like to walk around the grounds. I love it up here. I hope that’s OK?’
Raye shrugged. ‘It’s fine with me. So how come you know my name?’
‘I made it my business to find out. I’m Liam.’
Raye held out her hand. ‘Hi, Liam.’
Liam put his hands behind his back. Raye’s hand dropped to her side. What was this guy’s problem?
‘I’m sorry. My hands are dirty,’ said Liam quickly, his hands now lightly clenched at his sides.
Raye glanced down. Hmm! His hands didn’t look particularly dirty to her. ‘Why did you make it your business to find out my name?’ she asked.
‘I just did. Look, there was something else I wanted to talk to you about.’
‘I’m list —’ Raye’s head snapped back with sudden shock. For the briefest of moments she could’ve sworn she could actually see through Liam. She shook her head and blinked heavily. The light in the reception hall was playing funny tricks with her eyes.
‘I don’t have much time,’ Liam said in an enigmatic rush. ‘Just watch out for Andrew, OK? He’s a liar.’
‘I beg your pardon?’
‘He wants to use you to win a stupid bet.’
‘How d’you know that?’
‘I just know, that’s all.’
Raye regarded Liam. ‘You’re just trying to stir things, aren’t you? What’s your game?’
‘I’m not the one playing games, Andrew is. Look, I have to go now,’ Liam said apologetically. ‘But I’m not lying.’
‘And I’m not listening. The nerve of some people!’ Raye turned and stormed off towards the dining room.
She turned to laser Liam with one last glare, but he’d vanished. Raye looked around, annoyed. He must’ve gone down the same rat hole he came out of. How come he knew Andrew? And why was he trying to make trouble between them? And if he lived round there, how come she’d never seen him before? Raye thought she’d thoroughly scouted out all the local talent – not that there was that much! So she would’ve definitely noticed someone like Liam.
Next time she saw him, he wouldn’t get off so lightly. She’d have a few choice words of her own to say and Liam wasn’t going anywhere until he’d heard every single one.
14. Nova
Nova sat on her favourite bench beneath a pergola at the far end of the hotel grounds. The pergola separated the bench from the direct gaze of the hotel and all around were the scents and sights of autumn – damask roses and late honeysuckle. Not that Nova was there to admire the flowers. Her head turned first one way, then the other, the expression on her face alert and watchful.
‘Liam? Are you here?’ Nova whispered. ‘I’m sorry – OK?’
Nothing. Nova had been right through the hotel, calling out to Liam and looking for him. She’d even tried the guest rooms – at least, the ones that weren’t locked or occupied. For all she knew, Liam could’ve been sitting right next to her at that moment. Nova reached out a tentative hand, only to drop it back down by her side. No, he wasn’t there. Even as he had faded out in her room, she could still sense him. She’d known the moment he was no longer present and that had been several seconds after his voice had faded. He wasn’t here. As far as Nova could tell, he wasn’t anywhere. Nova heard footsteps turning the corner, crunching on the gravel path. She sprang to her feet.
Liam . . .?
‘Oh, sorry. I didn’t know anyone was here.’ Mr Jackman was already turning round.
‘It’s OK,’ Nova said quickly. ‘I was just leaving.’
‘You don’t have to leave on my account.’
‘I’m not. I really was going. I just like to sit here sometimes. It’s peaceful.’
‘I like it here too.’ Mr Jackman nodded, looking around. ‘And you can smell the sea, even if you can’t see it from this spot!’
Nova was surprised at the sudden volunteering of information. She knew she should probably leave him to it, but for some reason her feet didn’t seem to want to move.
‘Don’t you think the sea smells like a promise?’ Mr Jackman mused. ‘A promise of all the things it knows and all the things it might reveal.’
Nova frowned at him. What on earth was he going on about? Did he get all poetic with everyone who stayed around long enough? Maybe that was why most of the guests gave him a wide berth. Except Miss Dawn, who had taken him under her wing.
In a flash it came back to her. Nova now remembered the rest of what Miss Dawn had said to her that morning. It had been about Mr Jackman. And was that what Miss Eve had been trying to get out of her when they went for their walk which was mercifully cut short? Nova wondered at the elderly women’s interest in Mr Jackman.
‘I love this place,’ said Mr Jackman on a sigh. ‘Always have.’
‘You’ve been here before?’ said Nova.
A trace of a smile flitted over Mr Jackman’s face. ‘A while ago.’
‘I can’t remember seeing you before.’ Not that Nova remembered every hotel guest who’d ever stayed at the hotel, but somehow she knew she would’ve remembered Mr Jackman.
‘It was some time ago . . . Are your family happy here? Your sister?’
‘Why d’you ask?’
‘Just something I heard her say a couple of days ago,’ said Mr Jackman. ‘It sounded as if she wasn’t too keen on the place.’
‘Don’t listen to Raye. She’s never happy unless she’s whingeing about something.’
‘Your mum and dad are OK here though, aren’t they?’
‘They are now. They weren’t at first – well, Mum wasn’t,’ Nova amended.
‘Why did your mum and dad move down here then?’ asked Mr Jackman.
‘The hotel was left to my mum by a great-aunt,’ Nova explained. ‘It was called the Manor Hotel then. Mum and Dad decided to put all their savings into doing it up and opening it as a hotel again.’
‘Yes, I remember the Manor Hotel,’ said Mr Jackman thoughtfully.
‘Is that when you stayed here last?’
‘No. I used to live round here,’ said Mr Jackman. ‘I much prefer its new name – Phoenix Manor Hotel.’
‘Mum and Dad decided to call it that.’
<
br /> ‘It suits the place. Your name is Nova, isn’t it?’
Nova nodded, surprised.
‘And your mum’s name is Karmah?’
‘That’s right. Dad wanted me and Raye to have names like Mum.’
‘And what did your mum think of that?’
Nova laughed. ‘Apparently they agreed that Mum should name any boys they had and Dad would name the girls. And a deal’s a deal.’
‘I see!’ Mr Jackman smiled.
Nova smiled back. ‘So where d’you live now?’
Mr Jackman turned to look at her. Really look at her.
‘That was nosy,’ Nova said quickly.
‘No, you’re all right . . . I have a flat in Manchester. I wouldn’t say I live there, though. I travel around too much.’
‘With your job?’
‘Something like that,’ said Mr Jackman. ‘I like to keep moving – even when I don’t have to.’
‘Why?’
‘I’m searching.’
‘For what?’
‘Someone.’
‘Who?’
Mr Jackman looked at Nova and grinned.
Nova’s face started to burn. ‘Sorry! That was nosy too.’
‘Yes, it was. But good for you!’
Nova studied Mr Jackman, not making any attempt to disguise what she was doing. Strange, but when he grinned, someone else’s face had flashed through her mind quicker than summer lightning. Nova tried to remember just who it was Mr Jackman reminded her of, but it was gone.
‘So who are you looking for?’ she repeated.
She waited for him to answer her last question – but he didn’t. As Nova watched his smile fade, she realized it was the first time she’d seen him smile since he’d arrived at the hotel. He didn’t look like a man who smiled easily.