Eric sensed she was ill at ease and instantly responded. ‘I’m glad you like it. Right, I must go. I’ve some stuff to do, so make yourself at home. There’s food in the fridge and stacks of coffee and brandy, so just help yourself. Through there’ – he pointed to a side door – ‘is an en suite shower room, but if you prefer a bath, it’s just across the landing.’

She smiled out of relief. ‘Thank you so much, Eric. I really appreciate your kindness.’

‘No worries, love. There you are.’ He put a small bunch of keys on the bed. ‘You can come and go as you please. Treat this as your own home.’

He gave her another beaming smile and left. Zara waited until she heard the front door close before she relaxed her shoulders. She didn’t really have much of a choice as to where she should stay, so this had to do for the moment. The idea of a long soak in the bath was appealing; the mere thought of specks of Jackie’s blood left on any strands of her hair repulsed her. She made her way across the bright and well-lit landing and went into the bathroom. Again, she admired the décor and the size of it. She grinned when she spotted all the men’s products and counted at least six bottles of Joop! aftershave. He always smelled sweet. Yet so did Mike.

She thought her life was getting crazier by the minute.

Chapter Eleven

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Davey Lanigan received the news that Ricky was in hospital and discovered from Zara that she was now staying at Eric’s until she knew either way if she was to be arrested for slashing Mike’s wife’s face. He wondered if Zara was actually the brutally jealous type; nevertheless, she was still the woman in charge of half of his business, and he would have to show her respect.

They arranged to meet at Antonio’s before the opening. Zara arrived ahead of time and let herself in. It was a strange feeling because she’d only ever been there when the restaurant was either closing for the night or just opening up to prepare for their customers. She’d never gone alone and so this time it seemed eerie. There was no gentle humming of fridges or any other white noise. She could hear a pin drop. The décor had been updated since she’d last seen it. Antonio had ensured the place was kept up to a high standard. It seemed an excellent way to keep any nosey busybodies from suspecting anything other than a good pasta dish being served.

She looked at the small bar area and on the far wall she saw photos of Antonio and his sons, the youngest just a toddler. Antonio appeared to have aged well, judging by the pictures.