AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Holly had experienced an exciting feeling since the morning, but she knew it was nothing to do with Ethan. ‘I’ve got something to tell you about Mitch.’
‘Now there’s a man I like to think about.’
‘He’s not married.’
Holly heard Jaz laugh down the phone. ‘I told you that. I’ve no idea why you thought he was.’
‘It’s quite sad though.’
Jaz stopped laughing. ‘She’s not dead, is she?’
‘Yes, he’s a widower.’
‘Sorry for laughing. I didn’t realise.’
Ethan walked over smiling and passed Holly a sparkling mineral water.
‘I have to go now, sweet.’
‘Call me later,’ Jaz said.
‘Definitely.’ Holly made a kiss sound down the phone placing her mobile on the table. It rang again. ‘I’m so sorry about this.’ Holly looked down at the mobile, flashing,unknown number. ‘I’ll have to take it, in case it’s the insurance.’ She answered the call. ‘Hello?’
‘Is that Holly Loveland?’
‘Yes.’
‘Erin Bartlett here. I’m the police officer you met at the fire? I’ve been passed a report about possible arson.’
Holly rubbed her forehead.
‘What’s up?’ Ethan whispered.
‘Police,’ she mouthed back.
‘Where are you at the moment?’ Erin asked.
I don’t want to tell her I’m in the pub,Holly thought.She already thinks I’m a lush. ‘I’m in Wells, picking up supplies.’
A guy on the next table shouted at the barman. ‘Mate – I’ll have a pint of Speckled.’
‘Right.’ Erin sounded curt. ‘Can I arrange to come out and see you later? I need details of any accelerants on the property and a list of everyone present that day.’
‘I’ve already explained to my broker. I had many accelerants on site. I’m an artist. Paints. Cleaning spirit. I’m sure nothing untoward happened. As I said, the electrics have been on the blink.’
‘I have to follow correct procedures. Where are you staying? Are you available at four?’
Holly arranged to meet Erin at the caravan. She switched her phone to silent and placed it on the table and let out a sigh as she rested her head in her hands.
‘Hey, what’s up?’ Ethan moved a hand across and touched her arm.
‘Everyone’s making a fuss about accelerants and the police are coming to the caravan at four.’ Holly took a gulp of mineral water, the bubbles made her nose sting. ‘So we won’t be able to go over my plans today.’ She shook her head. ‘It’s not arson. It’s ridiculous. You and I both know – artists have chemicals. The lights have been blowing for a couple of weeks, I’ve told them – it was the electrics.’
‘Are the police accusing you?’
‘No, not at all. But it’s bad enough losing all my stuff, without this.’
‘Who’s your broker?’
