‘I honestly don’t know what to say, except it’s not your fault. These kind of people are professionals. I bet when he saw you on the TV organising an event for the world-famous Dolores Henderson, he got greedy, thinking there was another con opportunity. But you already saw him for what he is.’

‘Thank God, they’ve arrested him.’

‘They’ll soon find out his real identity and at least you’ll have some closure. It doesn’t help losing your money, though.’

‘But I have my life.’

‘That’s it, focus on the positives.’

‘I came to Heartcross for a fresh start and it’s all gone wrong again.’ Ella let out a sigh.

‘You aren’t thinking of leaving, are you? Because if you are, you really do have brain damage!’ teased Roman, giving her a warm smile. ‘And look how far you have come in the past few weeks. Every event manager in Scotland would have wanted your gig, and it’s going to be one of the glitziest nights in showbusiness.’

‘No pressure!’

‘And apart from that, I don’t want you to leave. I’ve kind of got used to having you around. If you leave you will be missed.’

‘But you will have a quieter life.’ Ella tilted her head to one side and gave him a lopsided smile.

‘Maybe I don’t want a quieter life.’ Roman didn’t take his eyes off her for a second. ‘Last night, when I saw the boat was leaving, I can’t even describe the feeling in the pit of my stomach. I felt physically sick. All I kept thinking was, if anyone hurt you, I wouldn’t be responsible for my actions.’ Roman paused and took a deep breath. ‘I want you in my life, Ella Johnson, and I know we’ve both been through the mill, but I’m hoping we can look after each other.’

Ella narrowed her eyes and smiled. ‘Are you asking me out on a date, Roman Docherty?’

‘I am indeed.’

Ella looked him right in the eye. ‘Only on one condition.’

‘Anything.’

‘We don’t go on a boat.’

Roman laughed. ‘Deal.’

Hearing a knock on the door, they both looked up to see two of the police officers from last night standing in front of them. ‘Can we come in?’

Ella nodded; she was hoping they’d discovered the real identity of Alex James and they were going to lock him up and throw away the key.

‘How are you feeling?’ Sergeant Moss asked.

Ella swallowed back a wave of sadness that threatened to wash over her. When she spoke her voice slightly wobbled. ‘I don’t know why, but when people ask me how I am, I feel like bursting into tears.’

‘It’ll be the shock,’ replied Sergeant Moss.