AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“They’re not all like that. And he’s only going to employ boys that are proving to be reliable. And on top of that, you will not have to pay them.”
He studied me closely. “That’s a bonus, I suppose.” He puffed on his cigarette pensively. “When do you need an answer?”
I shrugged. “Whenever you can. The house is being laid down as we speak. It should be habitable within two months.”
“Two months? But we have to be out of here in a month,” he said.
“I’ll cover your rent if need be. But first, I’ll see if we can delay the spa build so that you can stay here until the house is built. I think he’ll be amenable. That’s if your livestock can handle all the comings and goings.”
“Let me talk to the missus and get back to you,” he said.
“That would be good.”
He was about to walk away when he paused and turned. “Why?”
I frowned as he scrutinised me closely. “Because it’s the right thing to do. This area’s been farmed for hundreds of years. I want to ensure you keep farming. At least with organic certification, you will get good prices for your produce.”
He nodded slowly. “And what about all the others?”
“The others? Oh, you mean the resort?”
“Yep. Word has it that now that your good father has passed, they plan to send three farms packing.”
I nodded thoughtfully. “I’m not up to speed on that. I’m sorry. So much has happened lately.”
“Your father would be appalled. He was a good man.”
I swallowed back welling emotions, knowing how close my dad was with the farmers.
“Declan’s trying to talk our mother out of it.”
“Word has it he was knocked off.” He scratched his cheek.
I shook my head. I couldn’t do this now. “We’re looking into it. Anyway, Mr Newman…”
“John,” he said.
“John, it’s been good chatting. Let me know as soon as you can, and we’ll arrange everything for you.” I held out my hand, and he took it. “Good luck with your heifer.”
He nodded and lumbered off.
I headed back to Merivale, checking my phone for a response from Mirabel. Nothing.
Despite my motives related to wooing her back into my bed, another part of me wanted to help the Newmans. I got a kick from seeing how his eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope after I mentioned a new house and free rent for a year.
I met Declan in the yellow room. He listened with interest as I filled him in on my meeting with John Newman.
He gazed pensively into the oval gilded mirror above the mantelpiece, and I could see the gravity in his eyes. “I met with the detective today. They questioned Mother and Will.”
I headed over to the decanter of single malt. “I think I need a drink. You?”
He shook his head.
“And?” I settled into a green velvet armchair with my drink.
“You know about him being drugged.” He turned around to stare me grimly in the face. “They found Rohypnol in his bathroom cabinet.”
“Right?” My brows knitted. “Why would he have those? Or was it a plant?”
