It wasn’t just his secret, though. It could end Tom’s career, even send him to prison. And Philippa Stanley, who knew exactly what Tom had done, could suffer a similar fate. Worse still, it could result in an evil bastard, who was currently rotting in jail, getting the revenge he so badly sought.

CHAPTER 12

12

I only have a couple of days left on the boat, but my cabin no longer feels like a place of escape, and when I’m in there I can’t think straight. I am always conscious of my laptop. I feel as if it’s watching me, daring me to open it. I have to get away to somewhere I can’t see it.

On the top level of the boat is a rarely used sun deck. It’s too hot to lie out for long, but one of the loungers is shaded from the burning rays by the roof of the adjoining open-air bar, so I sink down onto the comfortable mattress. The bar area is bordered by a half-height wall with an intricately designed wooden screen above it. No one will know I’m here.

I close my eyes and try to drive all worries and concerns from my mind, and it is a while before I realise there are people sitting on the other side of the divider from me. There is a bit of shuffling, as if someone is trying to get comfortable, and then I hear a couple of tiny sniffs and a strangled sob.

Just as I contemplate moving away from such a private moment I hear a deep, gravelly voice. ‘For God’s sake, Thea. People will see.’

I have never heard Garrick speak harshly to Thea before, and now I feel as if I can’t show myself. I’m sure she would be embarrassed, so I lie perfectly still. What on earth can be wrong? I hear Thea blow her nose, and for once Garrick is the one to order the drinks.

‘A sweet sherry and a large brandy, please,’ he says.

I imagine him glaring at Thea as the waiter retreats, ashamed of her display of emotion.

‘I’m sorry,’ Thea says quietly and clears her throat. There’s a minute or so of silence, and when her voice comes again, it shakes with suppressed tears. ‘I know I’m making you uncomfortable. I miss her. That’s all.’

Garrick grunts but doesn’t respond for a few moments. ‘I know you do,’ he says finally, his voice less abrupt. ‘We both do, but I don’t want that Donna woman rushing over to ask what’s the matter. She keeps glancing across, and I don’t like people knowing our business. I didn’t mean to be sharp.’

Thea’s voice is little more than a whisper. ‘Could we have done things differently, do you think?’

I hear a sigh, and I’m sure it’s Garrick.