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A wriggle of discomfort made its way through Suzie’s chest as she tried to decide how much she should reveal. She decided to go with the bare minimum.
‘Of course, we could be completely wrong, which is why we wanted to have a chat with him before we said anything to anyone.’
Heidi’s eyes narrowed as the cogs in her brain started to tick over and she began to put two and two together.
‘If you’re going to Perissa that means…’ Her eyes widened. ‘Oh my God! You think it was Nathan? No way! It can’t be him! He’s a mixologist, not a stupid prankster. You’re wrong, there’s no way he would have done something like that, he just wouldn’t.’
‘That’s why we didn’t want to say anything until we’ve had chance to speak to him,’ said Christos.
‘But what makes you think it’s him?’
Suzie reached into her pocket and took out the bracelet Miranda had given her.
‘What is it?’ asked Katerina, taking the silver chain from Suzie and inspecting it closely.
‘It’s a bracelet; but more importantly, it belongs to Nathan.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes, I’m sure. I’ve seen him wearing it.’
‘But that doesn’t mean he was responsible for—’
‘Sorry, Heidi,’ said Miranda, unhooking her hand from Giorgos’ and going to stand next to her. ‘I found it on the floor of the bookshop’s bathroom the morning after our book club, just before I discovered the writing on the mirror.’
Heidi gasped, but she rallied immediately.
‘In that case, there’s absolutely no way you’re leaving here without me. I’m coming to Perissa with you. I want to hear first-hand what he’s got to say for himself! I actually thought we might have… Never mind. I’ll figure out what I’m going to say to him on the way over there.’
‘I’m coming too,’ said Katerina.
‘I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ll all fit on Christos’ scooter,’ said Suzie, resigned to the fact that it was going to be more of an expedition than a quiet drink in a hotel bar where they could weave a few questions into their conversation with the bartender over a couple of his signature cocktails. She was relieved that she’d decided not to reveal that they thought Nathan was involved in more than just the bookshop incident. ‘Can we take your car, Kat?’
‘Actually, I’ve walked over here. My car’s in the garage.’
Undeterred, Heidi pulled out her phone. ‘Then we’ll just have to call a—’
‘Why don’t I give you a lift?’
All eyes swung towards the doorway of that taverna where a tall, dark, and very attractive guy was standing, dressed in a smart powder-blue shirt, its cuffs rolled back to reveal tanned and toned forearms, his hair styled with a smidgeon of gel and exuding a delicious aroma of spicy cologne. Suzie recognised him from the day he’d paid a visit to the gallery looking for Katerina, but this time his nervousness had abated, and he looked relaxed and in complete control of his emotions.
‘Sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing. I’m happy to drive you over to Perissa.’
‘Leo? What are you doing here?’ Katerina took a step towards him, then paused.
‘I thought I might find you here. I was hoping to persuade you to have a drink with me before I fly back to Thessaloniki tomorrow. I think it would be good if we could talk, clear the air.’
‘I—’
‘But it seems you have other plans, and if you’re in need of a vehicle, then my hire car is at your disposal.’
‘Great,’ said Heidi, pushing past them and heading towards the car park. ‘It means we don’t have a wait for a taxi. ‘Which one’s yours, Leo?’
‘The red Jeep.’
‘Cool. Come on, everyone. We need to get over to the Atlantis – that is, if Nathan reallydoeswork there. You know, I’m having trouble getting my head around why he would do such a childish thing. I mean, it’s not as though the bookshop is some kind of commercial threat to the hotel or anything, is it?’
***
