That night, when everyone was asleep, the sound of the storm buffeting their dreams, the wind began to push harder and harder. It was like it was possessed with some purpose, as though it wanted to see the hotel tumble into the sea.

It couldn’t manage that. But every single occupant of the building was awoken by an almighty crack, a ripping that sounded like the sky itself tearing open.

The huge eucalyptus tree at the east side of the house, which was probably rotting in its core for years, had fallen over. It injured no one, but fell directly onto the side entrance, completely destroying the cloakroom.

Chapter 37

The next morning, which was fair and calm, the family surveyed the damage.

‘It’s completely ruined,’ said Ned. ‘That was a huge tree. We’re just lucky it fell there, instead of on top of the main building. It could have killed someone.’

The heady smell of damp eucalyptus filled the air. ‘Well, if we hold onto the hotel,’ Penny pointed out, looking at Elle, ‘there’s your chance to renovate the entrance.’

Colin was nodding. ‘I must say, unfortunate as it is, this just might increase your chances of being able to do just that. Hold onto the hotel I mean.’

Elle said nothing, just stared wide-eyed at the damage. Would there be any end to their troubles?

At 2 p.m. that afternoon, they heard the sound of cars approaching up the drive. They had all been waiting for it. Elle, Penny, Ned and Colin filed out to meet Paddy Corbett, the estate agent and the buyers. Who were accompanied by none other than Doug Grant.

What on earth was he doing here? Elle wondered. Unless . . . unless she realised, blood rushing to her brain, that Doug bloody Grant was an ‘investor’ in the new development himself!

‘As you can see,’ Ned pointed out to the estate agent, ‘we had a bit of damage from that storm last night. It was lucky, but we were all unharmed.’

Paddy nodded and clasped his hands together. He seemed a bit vacant, possibly a bit nervous. Did he know that the community were against this sale? And perhaps worried about his own reputation amongst the townspeople? Either way, he needed to show the buyers around.

While they surveyed the property, Elle waited behind with Doug Grant.

‘It’s a pity you missed the party on Saturday; we raised a substantial amount of money,’ she told him.

‘Ah yes, I heard about that.’

‘It’s enough to pay off some of the existing debt and help make some basic renovations.’ Although not any more, she thought, staring balefully at the fallen tree. ‘Which makes us a much more stable candidate for additional finance.’

‘Does it?’ Doug replied airily. ‘Seems that would be my decision to make, Ms Harte.’