Darcy parked the motorcar next to the others in front of a vast garage. As I climbed out I was greeted by the most heavenly smell—the herby scents of vegetation mingled with the sweeter perfumes of a thousand rosebushes and tinged with the fresh salty breeze from the ocean, which lay far below us, sparkling in sunshine. This really was a fantasy paradise. And to add to the illusion I spotted something moving among the trees in the parkland, and for a second I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. No deer or cows but striped animals. They really were zebras. I blinked and stared again. And could that actually be a giraffe among those oak trees? Then I remembered that the wild animals had been mentioned in our conversations on the ship. I hadn’t taken them seriously then.

“Oh my God. It’s a bloody zoo,” my mother exclaimed as she exited from the motor. “You don’t think there are any lions, do you? I’m not leaving the house.”

“I shouldn’t be at all surprised,” Darcy said. “He probably feeds them with guests who have outstayed their welcome.”

Cy Goldman was standing on the steps waiting to greet us. “Welcome to my humble abode,” he said in his big voice. “I hope you enjoy your stay here. Feel free to use any of the facilities—swimming pool, gymnasium, riding stables—all at your disposal. And now I’d like you to come and get your keys. My guests never stay in the main house. Too much closeness for me. That’s why I had the guest cottages built on the grounds. So let’s see. Claire honey, you don’t mind sharing a cottage with your daughter, do you? I’ve put you in Honeysuckle Hall—my English-style cottage—so that you feel at home.” He held out a key to her. “And you young guys—Juan, Darcy, Ronnie and you—what’s your name.” He pointed at Algie, making it quite clear that he hadn’t expected Algie to come along. “There’s plenty of room for you all in the Hacienda. That’s the low Spanish-style building just behind the main house. Ronnie will show you the way.” He held out a key to Ronnie.

“Craig, I wouldn’t insult you by putting you with lesser mortals, so you get one of the poolside suites. Stella, it might be wiser if you took the other, seeing that Mrs. Goldman will be arriving soon.”

“I don’t see why I shouldn’t have my usual room in the house, Cy,” she said, staring at him defiantly. “I come here more often than she does and all my things are there. Don’t worry, I won’t try to climb into bed with you, I promise.”

Cy shrugged. “Suit yourself, but she’s not going to like it.”