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“When Richard told me you’d be coming here, it sounded as though you were just looking to try something different for a while?”
“Yes. Honestly, I thought it would just be for a short time, but now I’m not so sure.”
She thought of the sketches she’d made of the golf course. If she wanted to stay and take over running the place, she probably wouldn’t have a tough time convincing her dad. Besides, she had majority shares in the club, so she technically didn’t even need her dad’s permission. If she wanted to, she could stay and implement any changes she wanted – including redesigning the entire course if she felt so inclined.
“Daisy works hard,” she remarked, changing the subject. “She seems to be a permanent fixture on the front desk.”
“She’s a good worker,” he said breezily.
“I was just saying to her how incredible it is that her grandad works on the whole course on his own.” She kept her focus on her coffee, hoping she sounded innocent and unassuming. “I always imagined it would take loads of people to keep the course looking so good.”
“He has help with some of it. The bigger jobs, like cutting back the trees.”
Allie shrugged. “Is it normal, though, to just have one person doing the bulk of the work?” She glanced up to find Kevin’s gaze boring into her and knew she was pushing it too far. Hopefully, her sweet smile would limit the damage.
“I wouldn’t say it’s normal. It always depends on the size of the course and the experience of the greenkeeper. We’re very lucky to have Ron.”
Allie kept her smile fixed, despite Kevin spouting absolute rubbish. Experience had little bearing on how much work a person could physically get done in a day. The fact was, there was too much work here for one person. Daisy and Freddie secretly helping Ron out was a testament to that.
But it made no sense. If Ron needed extra help, why would Daisy keep it a secret? And why didn’t Kevin know what was going on in the club that he was supposed to be managing?
Concerned that her questions were making Kevin suspicious, she finished her coffee and wandered back to her place, intent on tidying up.
She’d get to the bottom of the staffing issues another time.
CHAPTER 22
Hugh released Allie’s hand to check the directions on his phone. “Apparently, we should reach a stone wall soon.”
“There.” Allie pointed, enjoying how the walk felt like some kind of scavenger hunt. She didn’t know what they were looking for, but Hugh’s friend Caitlin had insisted they follow her instructions and not ask questions.
“At the wall we have to stop and look to the east.” Hugh frowned at the phone. “That’s the end of her directions.”
“Exciting,” Allie said, upping her pace to reach the crumbling stone wall. “Do you know which way east is?”
Hugh appeared beside her, extending his hand to point into the valley. “I’m guessing that way.”
Grazing by a cluster of small trees and scattered rocks was a herd of ponies. “They’re gorgeous,” Allie said. “Do you think we can get closer, or will we scare them off?”
“I don’t know.” Hugh looked suspiciously at his phone. “How did Caitlin know they’d be here?”
“Maybe they always stay around the same area.”
Hugh looked dubious as he tapped on his phone. Peering over his shoulder, Allie watched him type a message to Caitlin.
Are they always here? he asked.
No, Came the instant reply. Just in spring.
Hugh glanced up at Allie and they exchanged a baffled look before he began typing again.
Ponies have seasonal homes?
Where are you?
Near the wall. Looking at the ponies.
Are you looking to your left?
