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The internet had its usual effect of pulling her down a rabbit hole, and Kate jumped at the knock on the door, struggling to believe a whole hour had passed. She tucked her notes between the pages of a magazine and went to open the door.
“Hello!” she said, trying to hide her terror at the long thin cases slung over the men’s shoulders.
“Hi, good to meet you. You don’t mind us bringing the guns in do you? It’s not safe to leave them in the car.”
It’s not safe to leave them in here, thought Kate. “Not at all,” she lied. “Can I help you with your luggage?”
“Fancy the feel of a gun in your hands do you?” asked one of the men.
Kate blushed and let out a nervous giggle that sounded more like a squeal. “I meant any other luggage.”
“No, don’t worry we only have small backpacks.”
Kate showed the men into the living room. She wondered if they were brothers, both short, plump and balding. They grinned at her, and although her rational mind told her they were being friendly, she couldn’t get the wordcreepsout of her head.
“I’ll show you the kitchen first, it’s through here.”
Kate hated turning her back on the men. What if one of them pulled out a gun and she didn’t have time to make a run for it? “So are you… shooting somewhere locally?”
“Up on the moor.”
“Oh, right I see. And do you have any plans for tonight?”
“Not unless you’re having a party and we can come along?”
That was clearly a joke, they’re just joking, they’re just being friendly.“Unfortunately not. I’ve had a migraine brewing all day so will probably have an early night. There’s a pub just across the road, I’m sure they’ll have something going on if you’re looking for entertainment.”
“Nah, we’re all good. We’ve got to be up and out by five tomorrow morning so it will be an early night for us too.”
Kate didn’t know if that made things better or worse. At least if they went out she’d have a few hours to relax. “OK, well let’s head upstairs and I’ll show you to your rooms.” Kate led the men upstairs, wishing she’d worn a looser pair of trousers.
“This is brilliant, thanks,” said one of the men, propping his gun against the wall. “It’s really kind of you to take the booking. I know guns aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. We really appreciate it.”
“Ah, no problem at all,” said Kate.It is a problem, it is, it is, it is!“Well, I’ll leave you to settle in, I hope you have a good stay.”
“Thanks, we’ll try not to disturb you when we leave in the morning.”
“Thanks,” said Kate, forcing herself to leave the room slowly, rather than sprinting away.
*
Back in her bedroom, Kate turned the key in the lock, leaned against the door, and breathed a sigh of relief. Her heart hammered in her chest, but she could feel it slowing to just above normal. Thank goodness she’d prepared, she thought, glancing over everything she would need for the night. Beside her bed lay a box filled with snacks, a bottle of wine, and an empty ice cream tub. She knew she was being ridiculous, but planned on staying in her bedroom until morning when the guests had left. The empty tub had its own particular use.
Are you free to talk?Although calmer, Kate could do with a distraction and hoped Bob would provide it.
Sorry, can’t right now. I’ll try and call tomorrow x
He’d been such a good friend over Christmas, but other than the occasional text, hadn’t been in touch since Boxing Day.
OK, I’d like to try out my new waterproofs soon if you’re free for a walk sometime next week? x
Maybe, I’ll see.
He’ll see? Wasn’t he still on holiday for a few more days? Kate viewed him as a close friend, but perhaps she’d mis-read the signals. That was definitely one of her talents after all. Kate sighed and threw her phone down on the bed. Her watch told her it was six p.m. Jules Holland wouldn’t be on TV for hours yet. She wandered over to her bookshelf and thumbed through the spines. There were none she’d not already read. Kate picked up her phone and dialled Flo’s number.
“Hello?”
“Hi, who’s that?”
