He walked to the door and turned back slowly. ‘Look after her, won’t you? For all her newfound independence, she’ll be like a fish out of water on her own.’

Alan smiled gently. ‘Don’t worry, son, I’ll look after her, I promise you that much.’

The two men stared at one another for a few seconds.

‘I’m glad she’s got you, Mr Cox. Whatever happens, I know you’ll do your best for her.’

Then Mario was gone.

Alan sat back in his chair and sighed.

He wished he could look after her properly, every day, every night. But she was Georgio’s wife, and Georgio was his friend. Alan was getting sick and tired of telling himself that.

Throwing his cigar into the ashtray, he pulled himself from his seat. He had to get home and get packed.

He had under six hours before his flight.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Night was drawing in and Donna was busy watching the toddy tappers as the car sped into Hikkadoa. Raj, noticing her interest, slowed down and explained their role. He told her how the workers spent their days moving along ropes placed between one palm tree and the next, tapping the juice from the middle of the plants to make a brandy-type drink called Arrack. Donna smiled as the man warned her against drinking it, as it was very strong.

‘How far now to the hotel?’

Raj shrugged inside his off-white clothes. ‘I am not sure. This is Hikkadoa, now we have to find your destination.’

A woman walked past and he began talking to her in a fast heavy dialect. Donna saw the woman look at her and heard the incredulity in her reply. Then she walked off, pulling her sari around herself protectively.

The night was coming in fast and Donna felt a prickle of fear in this unknown place, with unknown people. The beautiful day was now turning into dark and threatening night. All the thrill of being there, seeing the sights and sounds, was overshadowed by fear of what she would find at the end of it all. In the bright daylight she had felt she could cope with anything. Now, in the deepening twilight, she was afraid, deeply afraid.

Taking a long breath, she lit another cigarette and smiled at Raj. ‘What did she say?’

He looked at her, perplexed. ‘Is Madam sure she wants the Bay View? Only there is very good hotels here that I could take you to.’

‘Really, I need to find the Bay View, and I need to find it soon.’

Raj didn’t move, just sat in his seat looking at her steadily.

‘And you are sure this is where your booking is for?’

Donna nodded again, harder this time.