Page 42 of The House Swap

‘I didn’t sleep very well,’ she admitted.

‘That’s probably because you’re in a new place,’ Sue declared. Like Ian, she was on the wine. ‘It happens to everyone. The first few nights you hear every little noise.’

Poppy nodded. It had been her first night without Keira. Maybe the incidents that had spooked her really had been in her imagination.

She stayed for an hour; glad she had ventured out and grateful for the Pritchards’ hospitality. Yes, they could be a little bit much at times, but they seemed like kind and friendly people, and they meant well.

Before she left, Ian mentioned again that she should come over for dinner. He included Jem in the invite too, as if they were a couple.

Poppy had no idea how Jem would feel about that, but she agreed to have dinner with them on Sunday night, figuring it would get her out of the villa.

As she headed back towards Tom’s place, the sun was higher and the cool breeze had died now, making it feel warmer. From the road, everything looked peaceful. White walls, blue sky, still air, and the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore.

It soothed her soul, easing her worries and making her realise maybe she had overreacted yesterday. To everything. To Keira’s departure and also to what had happened during the night.

She walked up the incline towards the villa, pausing as she reached the gate.

It was open. The same as yesterday when she had returned to find Keira gone.

This was like déjà vu.

Except yesterday there was at least an explanation, as Keira must have forgotten to close it as she left in a hurry. Now Poppy hesitated before stepping inside.

She knew with certainty that she had closed it behind her this morning, remembering hearing the latch click in place. It unsettled her slightly.

There was no sign of anyone about, though, and the front door was still locked. She undid it, letting herself into the villa.

Inside, nothing appeared to be disturbed. Still, she locked the door as a precaution.

Although it was a nice afternoon, she stayed inside, making an effort to get back into her manuscript, checking her phone periodically to see if Tom had messaged.

She didn’t want to harass him, conscious that he was doing her a favour by going to see Keira.

Eventually, her phone vibrated on the table, Tom’s name appearing on her screen.

I’m about to head to Keira’s. I’ll let you know once I’m there.

Poppy’s throat tightened. Although Keira had read and hearted her last message, her behaviour was still odd. She was desperate to know her friend was okay.

Quickly, she replied.

Thank you.

She put her phone back down and released a deep breath, realising now just how badly she needed this. Someone actually taking action and checking in on Keira.

Unable to focus on work now that she knew Tom was on his way, she got up and wandered over to the patio doors, unlocking them and stepping outside, needing the fresh air.

The breeze had picked up again, combing through the olive trees and disturbing the surface of the water in the pool. In the distance, she could see the swell of the sea and hear the thrashing of the waves.

There was maybe another hour or two of daylight left before the sun would start to set, slowly lowering into the hazy seam where the Aegean Sea met the sky. It was something that she and Keira had enjoyed watching together each evening as they sat out on the terrace, a glass of wine in hand. The fierce daytime glare softening to amber, then catching a kaleidoscope of colours: coral, apricot, rose and lilac. The sky burning over the shimmering gold water, before darkening to violet and smoky blue as the sun dipped beyond the horizon.

Poppy had missed it yesterday as she worried about her friend but promised herself that she wouldn’t tonight.

On the table inside, her phone buzzed again.

Another message from Tom.

There’s no answer. I knocked twice.