‘My name is Jarvis. Jarvis Burton. I’ve come to get you out of here, but we need to hurry. I’ve dealt with the two arseholes who were guarding you, but I know for a fact that they have friends. When the two in the kitchen don’t report in, more will arrive – and soon. And, Libby, that piece of wood and my good looks won’t hold them at bay for very long.’

‘You’ve only told us your name. We still don’t know who you are,’ Troy said.

‘Libby, I work for your dad and I’m here to rescue you,’ said the man, straightening up with a grin. ‘I suggest we get the hell out of here first and you can both thank me later. Let’s go.’

‘No,’ said Troy. ‘Not until you prove you’re not another arsehole using us to get rich quick. I’ve had it with being passed around like an unwanted Crossmas present.’

Jarvis shook his head. He turned in the kitchen doorway to stand sideways on. ‘Check the kitchen for yourselves if you don’t believe me.’

‘I’ll check,’ said Troy. ‘Libby, brain him if he tries anything.’

‘You got it,’ I said. I checked my stance and distance so Jarvis couldn’t unexpectedly grab my improvised weapon from my hands.

‘Jarvis, could you go stand further into the kitchen away from us?’ asked Troy.

Muttering an obscenity-ridden rant about unappreciative, spoilt teenagers, Jarvis did as Troy asked.

Troy limped forward, never taking his eyes off the man across the room. I was only a step behind, just in case Jarvis thought he’d try something. Troy got to the kitchen doorway and looked around, then froze. He held out his arm to stop me from taking a look for myself.

‘Happy now?’ asked Jarvis.

‘What is it?’ I tried to move round Troy’s arm, but he wouldn’t let me.

‘Libby, no.’

‘But I want to see,’ I protested, attempting to push past him.

Troy turned to me and said quietly, ‘It’s two bodies, Libby. Haven’t you seen enough death?’

I froze. So Jarvis really had got rid of two of the men holding us hostage. Troy was right. I’d seen enough death to last me five lifetimes. We stepped back.

‘Now that’s sorted, can we please get the hell out of here before we end up on the kitchen floor beside them?’ said Jarvis. ‘I used the gun belonging to one of them against them both and it’s now out of bullets. If their friends arrive, my winning smile isn’t going to make us suddenly bulletproof.’

I shuddered. Jarvis pushed past us to lead the way, but we were only halfway along the hall when a key sounded in the front-door lock.

We had company.

forty-six. Sephy