Kate, I was worried. Are you OK?
Jon? Her heart leaped as she sat down, shivering. God, I wish you were here.
I thought so. Something is wrong isnt it? I could hear it in your voice yesterday.
She could have bitten out her tongue. Why had she said it? It was over between them. Anyway, what was the use of worrying him when he was so far away? Nothing is wrong, she said hastily. I just meant youd like it here. The big skies, the sea, the silence. They would appeal to you.
Perhaps Ill come and see you when I get back. There was an echo on the line this time a pause between each sentence; it made them both sound awkward and they didnt talk for long. After she put the phone down she sat looking at it thoughtfully for several seconds. If it was all over between them, why did he keep ringing?
At a quarter to eight she switched off her computer and the desk lamp and standing up, she stretched. As she worked she had been conscious of the wind rising outside the cottage. It rattled the windows and from time to time she heard the spatter of rain against the glass.
Carefully she built up the fire and shut the doors as tightly as she could, closing the dampers right down so the stove would be snug and still alight when she came home later, then reluctantly she began to pull on her jacket and boots. With one glance behind her into the living room where she had left the single lamp on the side table burning to welcome her home, she stepped out into the night and pulling the front door shut behind her, she turned the key in the lock. For the last hour, she realised, she had been hoping that the phone would ring and Roger would suggest he came to fetch her. It would only take him ten minutes in the Land Rover. She sighed. Clutching her torch firmly she switched it on and directed the beam up the muddy track into the trees.
It took her half an hour to walk the half mile through the wood. The track was muddy and slippery and the wind had scattered the springy resinous branches of the pine trees on the ground, making the path treacherous in the unsteady torchlight. Several times she stopped and glanced around, shining the torch into the trees. The narrow beam showed only wet, black trunks, deep shadows and a tangle of matted undergrowth.
Diana opened the door with an exclamation of surprise. Kate, my dear, you havent walked! Greg said he was going over to pick you up half an hour ago.
Greg, she thought. I might have guessed. She smiled, realising suddenly that her face was so cold it was hard to make her muscles work. I wish Id known, I would have waited for him, she said. She followed Diana inside, shed her wet outer garments and found herself ushered towards the dreamed of inglenook. Within minutes she had been settled into the warmest corner of the sofa with a whisky in her hand and a cat on her knee.
The room smelled gloriously of burning apple logs, and cooking; she sniffed in anticipation; garlic, oregano, tomatoes something Italian then. Lying back with her head against the cushions she smiled at Roger who had seated himself opposite her. This is heaven. Its not worth cooking for myself. Ive been living on baked beans and tinned soup for the last few days.
So, how is your book going? Roger smiled. At the Aga Diana had lifted the lid off a pan and was stirring gently.
Kate took a sip of her whisky, feeling the warmth flowing through her veins. Quite well. From the work point of view coming here was a good move. Its given me the time to concentrate.
Not much else to do over there, eh? Roger smiled. He cocked an eye at the door as it opened and Greg appeared. I thought you were supposed to be fetching our guest, he said sharply.
Greg grimaced. Im sorry. I didnt realise the time. I was on my way out now to get you.
Kate eyed him cryptically. She did not believe it. He had meant to leave it so late that she had to walk. She said nothing, however. She did not want to spoil the mood of the evening. Dont worry, she said easily. No harm done. I enjoyed the walk.
Well, you can be sure he will drive you back after supper, Roger put in quietly, and hearing the note of steel in his voice Kate realised that Gregs father was as aware as she was that his omission was deliberate. She relaxed back in the cushions further with a sigh of pleasure, her hand gently stroking Serendipity Smith into a state of ecstasy, surprised to acknowledge how relieved she felt that she would not have to face the cold wet trees alone again that night.
It was when Alison and Patrick appeared that Greg, who had been morosely drinking beer in the corner chair, looked up. Did you remember to bring the dagger you found in Alisons dig? he asked. Though his voice was quiet there was a hostile edge to it that Kate picked up immediately.
She frowned. I did indeed. Carefully, so as not to disturb the cat she leaned down to the soft leather shoulder bag which lay at her feet and rummaged inside it. The iron dagger was wrapped in a piece of newspaper. Lifting it out she held it up to Alison. I found it lying on the sand, she said. I only moved it because the tide was coming in. It would have been lost.
For a moment Alison hesitated. She took the newspaper packet with obvious reluctance. Thanks. She put it down without opening it. I had put it in my haversack. It must have fallen out.
Kate raised an eyebrow. Arent you going to look at it?
Later.
Whats wrong, Allie? Lost interest already? Gregs challenge brought a flush of angry pink to Alisons face.
Of course not.
You werent there today.
I was. The retort was flashed at him furiously. That just shows all you know. She saw me. Didnt you?
I did, Kate acknowledged.
So, what do you think of Allies dig? Roger interposed quietly, long used to stepping into the quarrels of his children.
Remarkable. Kate sat forward. I hope Alison is going to get some experts up here soon. The tide is taking away the sand very fast. If shes not careful the whole thing will have disappeared before its properly recorded.
Did you remember to photograph it? Alisons question stemmed not so much from interest, Kate sensed, as the desire to catch her out. It was with some satisfaction that she nodded. She reached again into her bag and produced the roll of film.
Im afraid the light wasnt as good as Id hoped. It may not have come out, but its better than nothing.
Im afraid the light wasnt as good as Id hoped. It may not have come out, but its better than nothing.
Alison took the film and threw it down on the table near her. Thanks, she said again.
It was very good of you to take them for her, Roger put in. He had been watching his daughter with a frown. Alison, have you told anyone yet about your finds? Kate is right. Someone expert on these matters needs to come and see it soon.
Shell do it when shes ready, Diana put in from the kitchen. Dont pester the child. Give her a chance to write up her project on her own first, if thats what she wants.
Kate turned in her seat, resting her arm along the back of the sofa so she could see Diana who was grating parmesan at the kitchen table. It really is getting quite urgent, she said almost apologetically. A few more high tides and the tumulus will have gone.
So thats what it is. A tumulus, Greg put in. It seems to me we have our own expert here on the premises.
Im not an expert, Kate turned back, conscious that the cat on her knee was becoming increasingly irritated by her apparent inability to sit still. Far from it. But I do think it could be important.
MARCUS!
The voice seemed to echo round the room.
Digging its claws into her knee the cat leaped off her lap and streaked out of sight up the stairs.
The others looked at it in astonishment.
Sorry. I hope he didnt scratch you, Roger said with a puzzled smile. I cant think why he did that. He seemed to like you.
Its probably the smell of mums cooking, Patrick put in his first comment of the evening.
Had none of them heard it then, apart from the cat? The pain of the voice which seemed to ring round the room had rung so loudly in her ears. The anguish. The fear.
Completely disorientated, Kate realised that Greg was watching her closely. Perhaps you dont really like cats, he put in softly. They often go and sit on people who dont like them out of sheer perversity.
Of course I like them, she snapped. Her hands were clenched tightly around her empty glass. Noticing, Roger levered himself to his feet. Here, let me get you another one, Kate. Forget the moggy. Hes a damn nuisance. His voice was soothing. So, tell me, how do you like Redall Cottage?
Did you see the ghost again last night?
Gregs question floated into the conversation before she had time to answer Rogers.
What ghost? Diana asked. Theres no ghost there, Kate. Take no notice of my son. Hes trying to wind you up.
Would I? Greg smiled. Of course theres a ghost there. Kate and I were discussing the unpleasant atmosphere at the cottage when I was up there last night. Werent we? And she told me shed seen it. He appealed to her to substantiate his claim. We both believe it has something to do with that grave on the beach.
Alison had gone white. Shut up Greg.
Her brother looked at her. As their eyes met, he raised an eyebrow very slightly. Guiltily Alison looked away. He had explained it all to her an hour ago, when she had challenged him on the subject, how he was going to drive Lady Muck out of the cottage; how she was already nervous of being on her own out there; how it would take only one or two small things noises perhaps, or strange happenings in the cottage to send her screaming into the night. But he hadnt mentioned the grave.
Kate was watching Greg closely. He was a handsome man, with, at first glance anyway, an honest face and guileless eyes. She had noticed how he could hold her gaze with his own, steadily, the humour and challenge trembling just behind the mask. But it was a mask. He was playing with her.
If it is a ghost it is a nice one. She smiled at him. And it wore a beautiful scent.
Alison bit her lip. Stop joking about it. Its silly. Her voice had risen in something like panic. Whens supper going to be ready? Im starving.
From the far end of the room where she was laying the kitchen table Diana looked up and smiled. She had been listening to the exchange and had half guessed what Greg was up to. Its ready now. Come and finish this for me, Allie. Then we can eat. Greg, come and pour the wine. And Roger and Patrick, sit where you are till I call you. I know you both. The moment you think Im about to announce the meal you will disappear on some urgent errand and I shant see you for hours. She turned to drain the pasta.