The manager gazed at it for a moment before looking at Molly with a grim expression and a firm set to her mouth. ‘This has been declined too, I’m afraid.’

Molly laughed in disbelief, the sound fading quickly as the implication hit her. There was a 10K credit limit on both. ‘Will you try five?’ she asked, keeping her voice steady but unable to meet the manager’s eye.

A few minutes later, with both cards being declined yet again, she put them away and clasped her hands in her lap. ‘I know how bad this must look, but I promise I will get this sorted.’

Harriet’s eyes were sympathetic, but her lips were firm. ‘As I’ve said, we try our best to avoid involving the police, Mrs Chatwell, but as I’m sure you can understand, no hotel can afford to absorb such losses. I do appreciate your predicament, however, and your efforts to settle this. I am willing to give you until midday tomorrow to find the funds. After that, I will have no option, but to bring in the police.’

30

Feeling like her world was collapsing around her, Molly managed to say, ‘I appreciate that, Ms Summers.’ Dizziness swept over her, pinpricks of darkness blurring her vision. ‘I think I’m going to faint,’ she muttered, and proved herself right by keeling over onto the floor.

She wasn’t out long, coming to with the horrified manager kneeling beside her and gently tapping her cheek. ‘So sorry,’ Molly whispered, struggling to sit up. She was helped into the chair and handed a glass of water which she sipped gratefully.

‘You’ve had a terrible shock,’ Harriet said, sitting back into her chair. ‘Is there anyone I can ring for you?’

Molly managed to drag up a smile. ‘I think the fewer people who know about this the better, don’t you?’

‘It will certainly make it easier to get your lives back on track,’ Harriet agreed. She opened her drawer and took out a leaflet. ‘This might be something worth looking into too.’

Molly took it. Gamblers Anonymous. It was time to acknowledge the truth. She folded it, put it into her bag. ‘Thank you. Now, I’d better go.’

‘You sure you’ll be okay?’

Molly stood and straightened her shoulders. ‘I’ll have to be,’ she said, then trying to look efficient, added, ‘There were belongings I had to collect.’

The manager shook her head and stood. ‘No, that was a ruse to get you to come in; we find it’s safer than trying to deal with this kind of thing over the phone.’

‘Just as well, as it turned out,’ Molly said, relieved not to have to carry anything. ‘Before midday tomorrow, I’ll have it sorted. Thank you, you’ve been very kind.’ With a grateful smile, she turned and left the office.