He spun around. “Have you got an idea?” There was that spark back in his eyes and, once again, Keely had to look away.

“Maybe. I need a while to think it through.”

“Take all day.” Flynn grabbed her hands. “Keely, I’d be forever in your debt if you came up with a good idea.”

She pulled from his grip as the familiar warmth spread over her cheeks and down her neck. “I’m not making any promises. Anyway, you might not like what I come up with.”

He picked up his beanie and smiled. “I’ll be back about lunchtime.” He pushed the sliding door open, then turned back. “Thanks, Keely.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” she said as he closed the door. Well, Keely Mitchell. What have you got yourself in for now? Keely shook herself. It was as if her mother was right there. She must remember to ring her later, before the police got called out again, although, with the task in front of her, perhaps she did need to be carted away. Not by the police but by those who cared for the mentally unstable.

She sat down and picked up the wine bottles, one at a time. They each had the distinctive green label with Levallier Dell emblazoned in gold and black lettering. She read the description of the different types of wine and sat back.

On the far wall was a huge bookcase and during her stay she’d spent some time looking at the titles there. Among them were quite a few books on winemaking and tasting and an assortment of magazines. She smiled. It might be cold and wet outside but no longer did she have the niggling pain where her appendix wound was healing; it had been replaced by a general tingle of anticipation.

* * *

“Thanks, Anna.” Kat accepted the take-away coffee.

“What are you up to today?” Anna walked around the counter and followed her to the door.

“I was being a tourist, but it’s not much fun on your own in this weather.” They both looked out at the grey day. The rain had gone but the wind still flapped the umbrellas in Anna’s front yard.

“Where’s Flynn? He should be showing you the sights.”

“I guess he’s working. I haven’t seen him for a few days.”

“He’s been running the place alone while Euan’s been away. He should take a break.”

Kat nodded. She liked Flynn. He was an easy companion, no strings, and at least he understood her dilemma. She wouldn’t pressure him to go with her on her exploration mission. Anyway, it had probably been better she went alone. No one knew who she was, so they treated her like any other tourist, which suited her purpose.