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Chapter 11
Holly stared at Tom as he stood on her land. She put her hand to her mouth, her heart thudding at speed. The man accompanying Tom carried a clipboard.What is he playing at?She thought as she took deep breaths. Standing up, she smoothed her hair back.Stay calm, be the better person,she told herself.
She remembered what her Mum used to say when she had been bullied in primary school.Hold your head up high, love. Don’t let them know you’re scared.
Feeling a surge of strength, she moved towards the door. ‘This is my land, my family’s land,’ she said to herself.
Holly stomped around the periphery of the caravan towards the two men. Tom turned as she neared him. His eyes widened and he ran a hand through his hair.
‘I’ve caught him off guard. Good,’ she mumbled.
‘I didn’t realise you were here,’ he said as she reached him.
‘Of course, I’m here. Where did you think I’d be? I live here.’
Tom pointed to the caravan. ‘In that?’
‘Yes, in that. Now cut the small talk. What’s going on?’ Holly heard her voice becoming louder, her hands were clenched in fists at her side.
Tom put his hands up. ‘Let’s stay civilised here.’
‘If this isn’t a good time.’ The man in the suit pressed his clipboard close to his chest.
Holly looked him up and down. He had a tight, snappy blue suit, a crisp white shirt, a cerise tie and highly polished shoes with a beard so neat, it looked sprayed on. ‘And you are?’
The man stuck out his hand. ‘Jack from Bliss and Dunt.’
She had heard the name of the estate agency before; they were based in Wells. Holly left his hand hanging. ‘I think there’s been a misunderstanding, Jack.’ She placed her hands on her hips. ‘This property is not for sale and I’m the sole proprietor so if you would care to leave, as swiftly as possible, that would be perfect.’
Holly’s teeth clenched together as she told herself to breathe.She attempted a smile but from the reaction shown on the estate agent’s face, she guessed she was just baring her teeth. Jack mumbled something to Tom, then hurried down the path.
Tom raked his hand through his hair. ‘Well done. Why are you stopping things from progressing? It’s mad. We both need to get on with our lives.’
‘What are you on about? I’m not selling. I’m rebuilding.’
‘It’ll cost a frigging fortune. The insurance won’t cover it and the cottage’ll never be the same.’ He pointed to the remains of her family home. ‘Will it?’
Holly followed Tom’s gaze over to the wreckage. Every day she avoided looking at the cottage. But gazing at it now, the stark black pile jumped out at her. A tear stung her eye. ‘You’ve no idea what I’ve planned for the rebuild.’
Tom laughed. ‘Of course I have. You’ve been banging on about that gallery idea since we got married. It isn’t viable. You can’t afford to run a not-for-profit.’
Holly felt her body tremble in a deep, all-consuming rumble. Leaning forward, she moved her arms to push Tom away. He stepped to one side. Not wanting to hold on to him to steady herself, she fell in what felt like slow motion until the crisp dried mud stung the palms of her hands as her body slammed to the ground.
Momentarily stunned, she lay blinking. Tom’s arm came into her vision. She slapped his hand away, scrambling to her knees.
Tom spoke in a patronising voice. ‘I know it’s hard. And I’ve let you down. You’re bound to be upset. But I never thought you’d resort to violence.’
Holly rose to her feet. Her knees were sore and her hands were grazed and covered in dirt. ‘Get off my property and keep away from me.’ She pushed her hair out of her face smearing dusty mud onto her cheeks.
‘I’m going to have to report this. You need to learn how to have a sensible discussion as we will have to agree a settlement.’
‘You only ever took from me, Tom. You’re getting nothing.’
He stepped backwards. ‘We’ll talk later.’
Holly moved towards him. ‘No. I’m done with you. If you want to speak to me about repayment of the money I loaned you, then fine, I’ll talk. Other than that? Leave and don't ever come back.’
Tom walked away. ‘You’ve given me no choice.’
