Clover hesitated. ‘I can’t go up there . . . right now.’ She needed more time, just to settle herself down. Her emotions were flying around like rockets, exploding unexpectedly and making her jump. ‘I . . . I need to get dressed,’ she procrastinated, looking down at herself. She was, thankfully, still in her swimwear.

‘Just put this on.’ Matty picked up a slouchy jumper and wrestled it onto her.

‘But—’ Clover tried to think of more reasons why they should delay.

‘Come on.’ Johnny led the way, but Matty grabbed her by the arm, stopping her.

Clover looked back.

‘Was it amazing though?’ Matty whispered.

Her mouth dropped open. ‘. . . What kind of question is that?’

‘What kind of answer is that?’ Matty shot back, an eyebrow arched. They both knew it hadn’t been a denial.

Clover shot up the stairs as Johnny reached the top step.

‘Hi Carlotta,’ he said with forceful friendliness, striding into the living room. Clover had never seen him so assertive before.

‘Ah you are back, good. The fire is all ready for you. Would you like some tea and cake?’

‘God, yes! Matty and I are just in from a monster filming session in the park.’ Johnny openly scanned the space to see who was around. No one. ‘. . . And Clover’s done thirty laps in the pool so she’s famished,’ he murmured.

Clover gave a small smile as Carlotta glanced at her, seeing her strangely dressed, bare-legged and barefoot in just an oversized jumper.

‘Of course. I shall let Fin know.’

‘Thanks.’

Carlotta turned to leave.

‘Carlotta, where are the others? Are they in the games room?’ Johnny asked, jerking a thumb towards the far door.

‘. . . No. They left an hour ago.’ Carlotta looked confused. ‘I assumed you knew.’

‘Sorry?’ Johnny shot Clover a panicked look. ‘Left for where?’

The housekeeper shrugged. ‘Why, Saas-Fee, of course. They’ve gone to Switzerland.’

Chapter Fifteen

‘Now this is more like it!’ Johnny said as they stepped down from the bus and looked around them. The streets were teeming with activity, snowboarders and skiers walking past in heavy boots and carrying kit. Everywhere was pillowy and white. The town sat another thousand metres higher up than Zell and snow-laden balconies and roofs were plumped up like cushions. Rows of wide-hipped chalets rippled down to a gorge and fast-flowing aquamarine river. Pretty lights crisscrossed the streets, a giant Christmas tree twinkled and shimmied in the full brightness of the day.

‘I think Santa’s come to town,’ Matty said as a couple of guys walked past in oversized elf onesies. One of them winked at her. ‘I’m beginning to feel pretty Christmassy. Aren’t you?’

Clover stared ahead, seeing nothing.

‘Earth to Clover.’

A hand was waved in front of her face, fingers clicking. ‘. . . Huh?’

Matty looked over at Johnny with a tut.