“The features editor was suddenly taken ill. We had a whole section planned for next month’s edition on Augusta and the whales. I got told to get on the plane. I’ve managed to get the crew to stop over here for a night, instead of Perth. So…” She spun around and flung out an arm. “I want to see more than a car park. Show me this wonderful Margaret River you rave about.”

Euan’s thoughts raced. Where would she stay, what would they eat, how could he make the most of the time? “I want you all to myself.” He certainly didn’t want to spoil the day by introducing her to his grumpy son but he’d have to take her home eventually.

“You’ve got me.” She smiled and nodded over his shoulder. “I like your car.”

He turned to look at the gleaming LandCruiser with the Levallier Dell name adorning its side. “It’s new…”

“Come on, then.” She pulled at his arm. “Take me on tour.”

“Alright, but we’ll save Levallier Dell till the end.”

“Saving the best till last.” Dianna linked her arm through his.

“Mais certainement, mademoiselle.” And he kissed her again.

Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

Keely followed the path from the front of the studio down along the edge of the river. The day was sunny and warm and the well-worn track led her to a small wooden landing jutting precariously from the bank. Up higher was an old seat in the shade of some large trees and beyond that an old stone shed. Opposite her, on the other bank, the trees and shrubs crowded down to the water but on this side the vegetation was cleared a little, to allow access to the crude jetty below.

She had decided on a walk before she went up to the house, delaying the reality of seeing Flynn and Kat together. She hesitated again. The seat looked very tempting; a place to sit and enjoy the solitude for a while.

She turned at a sound behind her to see Flynn heading down the path. She started towards him.

“Stop where you are.” His words were urgent and his voice low. He held both hands up, palms out.

She was surprised by his gruff manner and took a half step more before a movement on the ground a few metres in front of her made her freeze. A large snake was edging its way across the path away from the river.

“Just stay there,” Flynn murmured. “He’ll go on his way.”

Keely watched with morbid fascination as the snake meandered slowly back towards the bush. It was in no hurry and seemed oblivious to their presence. Its head searched the ground in all directions and its body rippled over the bumps and leaf litter until it blended with the dappled colours of the bush beyond the track, where finally, to her amazement, it disappeared altogether.