After several unbearable seconds, Hannah risked a look at Noah. She wished she hadn’t. She couldn’t deal with that level of intensity.

‘There’s lots to be grateful for, then,’ he said, his voice slightly rough. ‘Cheers.’ He held up his mug and, relieved, Hannah clinked hers gently against it. Audrey joined in with her wine glass, and the dog looked up from his cosy position between Hannah and Noah on the bench.

With the tension broken, Hannah settled back, getting comfortable. The storm, in all its terrible glory, had given her the chance to have one perfect night before she went home. She would drink up the ghosts and the atmosphere and being with Noah, and then she would feel less sad about leaving. In fact, she told herself, she would be fine about it. Just this one night, and then she’d get Cornwall and Noah out of her system and look forward to going home for Christmas.

Chapter Two

With the soft lighting and the storm raging outside, the three of them sitting round the table with their faces half in shadow, it could have been a scene from an Agatha Christie novel. They had their faithful canine companion, the bar was well stocked, and the plush furnishings added to the cocoon-like effect.

Daniel hovered on the threshold between the snug and reception, his phone pressed to his ear and a hand on his head. Hannah wondered whether the weather was already causing him problems. She held up the remaining mug, offering it to him, but he shook his head and gestured at her, as if to say, ‘You have it.’ Hannah nodded and turned her attention back to the table.

‘So it’s going to plan, then?’ Noah was asking Audrey. He had his hands clasped round his mug, and Hannah noticed that his fingers were long, his nails short and neat – smart, like the rest of him.

‘Things are looking promising,’ Audrey said. ‘From my research so far and the accounts I’ve been able to glean from the staff here.’

‘Daniel let you speak to Chloe?’ Hannah asked.

‘And Kevin. And they’re not the only ones who have heard the footsteps, or experienced other, possibly paranormal events in the hotel. Daniel has been very accommodating, though I know he’s not entirely comfortable with the idea of Crystal Waters being the focus of this sort of activity.’ She pushed her blue-framed glasses up her nose. ‘Of course I won’t be able to verify any of this until I run a proper investigation, with the right equipment.’

‘Do you have the equipment with you?’ Noah asked. The dog was now sprawled across his lap, its back paws digging into Hannah’s thighs.

‘Richard said to always have the basics with you, so I make sure I do.’ There was something about her smile that made Hannah feel sad.

‘Who’s Richard?’ she asked gently.