Closing In

Sue Fortin

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www.harpercollins.co.uk

Copyright

HarperImpulse an imprint of

HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd

1 London Bridge Street

London SE1 9GF

www.harpercollins.co.uk

First published in Great Britain by HarperImpulse 2014

Copyright © Sue Fortin 2014

Cover images © Shutterstock.com

Sue Fortin asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins.

Ebook Edition © May 2014

ISBN: 9780007556588

Version: 2017-10-05

Digital eFirst: Automatically produced by Atomik ePublisher from Easypress.

Dedication

To The Romaniacs for eternal encouragement, sublime support, words of wisdom and lashings of laughter.

Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

About HarperImpulse

About the Author

Also by Sue Fortin

About the Publisher

Prologue

The bag had been hidden at the back of the loft for several weeks now. Packed and ready to go. Helen checked the contents. The all-important papers were there. Deed poll, change of name. New bank account. New bank card. New passport. She ran her finger over the gold-embossed coat of arms of the little red book before flicking through the green pages, pausing at the photograph. The face that had stared back at her all these years was the same; shoulder-length blonde hair, hazel eyes and fair complexion but the name betrayed the picture. Helen Matthews was no more.

‘Hello, Ellen Newman.’ It was a whisper. Helen barely dared to say her new name out loud. The past twelve months had taught her caution at all times. She had been waiting for this opportunity for what seemed like forever; like a sleeper cell, her escape plan could finally be activated. Her hand shook at the thought of what lay ahead. A mixture of anticipation and fear. She took a moment to calm her breathing and bring the rush of adrenalin under control. She needed to keep a clear head and not panic. She had rehearsed this over and over again in her mind for several months. The anxiety passed, allowing the control to take its place. She closed the passport and stuffed it back into the holdall. ‘Come on, Ellen, let’s get you out of here.’

‘What do you mean, you don’t know where she is, Kate?’ He squeezed his mobile phone tightly, feeling the frustration rise but fought to keep it in check. ‘You’re her best friend. Surely she told you where she was going?’

‘Look, Toby, I honestly don’t know where she is.’

Toby didn’t miss the guarded note in Kate’s voice. She wasn’t going to tell him anything. He took a deep breath and forced a conciliatory tone. ‘I don’t even know why she took off. I got back from a weekend away clay-pigeon shooting and found a note. I’m worried about her. That’s all. Please, Kate?’ Jesus, was he going to have to beg?

‘Okay,’ Kate relented. ‘If I hear from her, I’ll tell her to ring you or something.’

‘Thanks. I really appreciate it. I feel lost without her.’ Finishing the call he dropped his phone on to the sofa and picked up the note Helen had left.

Toby, by the time you read this, I will be gone. I am leaving you for good and not coming back. Things between us have become too bad. Please don’t try to find me. It’s over between us. Helen

P.S. Please remember to feed Scruffs. I’ve stocked the cupboard up with cat food so you don’t need to buy any more for at least a week.

He looked at Scruffs stretched out on the sofa next to him. Toby reached over and ran his fingers up and down the cat’s neck. He could feel all the tiny bones of its skeleton beneath the fur and skin. Scrawny little thing. Helen adored that cat and, yet, she had left it. This was all so out of character for her. Running out on him, on the cat, on their life together. It was the last thing he thought she would do. How had he not seen this coming and where in God’s name could she have gone? He was sure Kate knew. In fact, he’d stake his Square Mile bankers’ salary on it. Scooping the cat up, Toby continued to stroke the tortoiseshell fur as he walked over to the full-length window. He stood looking out over the Islington skyline.

His finger and thumb massaged the back of the cat’s neck, before sliding all the way around, meeting under its chin.

‘You’re out there somewhere, Helen.’ He dropped Scruffs to the floor, ignoring the squeak of protest at the rather unceremonious dismissal. Toby pressed his forehead against the glass, the palms of his hands following suit. ‘I’m not letting you go without a fight, that’s for sure, sweetheart.’

Chapter One

Six months later

Ellen checked the address on the piece of paper in her hand. The Lodge, Sea Lane, Felpham, West Sussex. She looked up at the flint-built house, with its imposing black front door, flanked each side by two sets of Georgian-style paned windows. Her gaze followed the building up to the roof, where a pair of dormer windows looked out like eyes peering across the rooftops. Ellen wondered if you could see the beach from up there. It would be nice if that was going to be her room. Her eyes travelled back down the building, locating the circular brass bell embedded in the flintwork. She pushed it in for a couple of seconds, hearing the buzz coming from inside before releasing it. She took a polite step back from the door. Ellen felt uncomfortable and self-conscious as she waited. A little bubble of nerves bounced around her stomach as she heard the lock being turned from the other side, shortly followed by the door being opened.

‘Can I help you?’ A woman stood before Ellen. She was probably in her early forties, hair tied back neatly and she was wearing a business-like skirt and jacket.

‘Hello, I’m Ellen Newman.’ Ellen hoped she sounded casual, as if she’d being saying her name all her life, rather than just the past six months. Choosing a name so close to her original one, Helen, had made the transition easier. There hadn’t been many times when she had missed someone addressing her as Ellen. She forced herself to exhale slowly. The woman said nothing but cast her eyes over her. Ellen pushed on. ‘I’ve come from Cherubs Nanny Agency. Mr Donovan should be expecting me.’ She tried a smile.

‘Oh, yes. That’s right. Come in.’ The woman opened the door wider and stepped back to reveal a spacious, almost square hall, black and white tiles covering the floor and a dark oak staircase sweeping up and round. ‘I’m Mr Donovan’s PA. Carla Grosvenor. But we just call him Donovan. No need for the Mr.’ Ellen nodded as the PA continued. ‘Do you have a letter of introduction from the agency? I have your file with your photo ID; I need to confirm you are who you say you are.’

Ellen took the letter from the agency out of her bag and handed it over. She was relieved to see her hand was steady, even though her heart was racing. Carla read the letter.

‘That all seems in order,’ she said. ‘If you follow me, I’ll show you to your room. I’ll leave you to sort your things out and then a bit later I can give you a tour of the house.’

Ellen nodded. She was about to ask after the child she was going to be nanny to, when a movement caught her attention. Ellen looked around the PA down the hallway. A little dark head bobbed behind a doorway out of sight and then, after a second or two, slowly looked around the corner. Two big brown eyes met with Ellen’s before once again disappearing from view.

‘Oh, that must be Izzy,’ said Carla. ‘She’s very shy. Izzy! Izzy! Come and meet your new nanny … err,’ she looked at the letter in her hand. ‘Ellen.’

‘Don’t worry about it now. I can meet her in a little while,’ said Ellen. She didn’t quite like the sharp tone of voice Carla was adopting.

‘Izzy! I said, come here. Now,’ continued Carla without acknowledging Ellen at all.

‘Please, it’s really not a problem,’ said Ellen. ‘Don’t force her. There’s plenty of time.’

Carla let out an impatient sigh. ‘No, I’ve asked her to do something. She shouldn’t ignore me.’

At that moment, another woman appeared from around the doorway. She was in her late sixties, Ellen estimated.

‘Come on Izzy.’ The woman gently pulled the child out into the hallway and led her to where Ellen and Carla were standing. ‘Hello, I’m Mrs Holloway. Housekeeper.’

She extended a hand to Ellen. ‘Pleased to meet you,’ said Ellen, shaking the pudgy digits of the housekeeper.

‘This, here, is Izzy.’

Automatically, Ellen crouched down so she was level with the little girl and hopefully would seem less intimidating. ‘Hello, Izzy,’ she said. ‘My name’s Ellen. I’m going to be your nanny.’ She waited for a response but wasn’t particularly surprised when none was given. ‘I’ve just got here, so I’m going to go up to my room and unpack my things and then later perhaps we can do something together. Yes?’ Still no response.

‘Don’t be rude, Izzy,’ said Carla. ‘Say hello.’

‘Really, it’s okay,’ insisted Ellen.

After sending Izzy on her way back to the kitchen with Mrs Holloway, Carla proceeded to show Ellen up to her room.

‘You’re up on the top floor. Your bedroom is next door to the playroom. Izzy sleeps on the middle floor. She doesn’t usually wake up so it doesn’t matter that you are sleeping on a different floor.’

Ellen’s room did indeed have a sea view, albeit a glimpse through the trees and rooftop of the house on the opposite side of the private road. All the houses on the Sea Lane estate were individual affairs; some more subtly designed than others, but all very expensive-looking. Her room itself had a double bed, covered in a pretty flowery, very French-looking eiderdown, next to a dressing table and a wardrobe on the opposite wall. A further door led to a small, but modern, shower room.

Ellen began unpacking her case. It didn’t take long. After all, her life had only begun six months ago. If it had been Helen Matthews standing here, then there might be a whole lot more stuff to unpack. A little flutter of unease flew through her but she fought it down. She’d been safe for the past six months. The longer the time passed, the more distance she put between Helen Matthews and Ellen Newman, the safer she was. If anything was going to happen, surely it would have done so by now. She unzipped her handbag and took out the little brown bottle of tablets; they rattled against each other and the plastic bottle as she shook out one small white pill. She popped it into her mouth and swallowed, the film coating making the journey to her stomach easier. Ellen replaced the bottle in her bag, taking deep breaths, allowing the moment of fear to pass over her. She noted with satisfaction that these anxiety attacks were becoming less frequent and passing quicker. She was still safe.

Chapter Two

An hour later, Ellen was following Carla around the house for her guided tour. The middle floor comprised bedrooms for Izzy, Donovan and for Carla.

‘I don’t stay very often,’ explained Carla. ‘I prefer to go home these days. Things to do.’

The house was immaculately kept, noted Ellen, as they trawled through the rooms. A formal dining room led off one side of the entrance hall and a large sitting room on the other. Halfway down the hall on the right was Carla’s office, which had an interlocking door into the sitting room on one side and on the other, another door, which led into Donovan’s office.

‘Donovan has consulting rooms he uses. They are over at Chichester. If he’s not there, then he’s down at the police station. I’m based either here or at the consulting rooms, depending on whether he has a clinic that day or not.’ Carla paused. ‘Did they tell you what he does?’

‘He’s a psychologist, I think they said.’

‘That’s right. A criminal psychologist for Sussex Police. Hence the reason for spending a lot of time there.’

‘Is that where he is now?’ asked Ellen.

‘Yes, they called him in earlier. I don’t know what time he will be back; these things can drag on for hours. You will probably have to wait until tomorrow to meet him.’ Carla strode down the black and white-tiled hallway to the back of the house where Ellen had first seen Izzy that morning. Ellen followed her down the corridor and into the kitchen.

Izzy was bent over a mixing bowl at the kitchen table, attempting to knead a piece of dough about the size of a tennis ball.

Mrs Holloway was standing on the other side of the table doing the same with her much larger piece of dough. She looked up as Ellen and Carla entered the room.

‘Hello,’ she said, smiling at them. Then she spoke to the child. ‘Izzy, you’ve got visitors.’ She nodded towards the doorway.

Izzy gave a quick glance in Ellen’s direction but then immediately turned her attention back to the piece of dough. Ellen sat down beside her at the table. ‘Hello, Izzy,’ she spoke gently and with warmth. ‘What have you got there? Dough? What are you making with that?’

Izzy shrugged and let the dough drop into the bowl. She began picking at her fingers. Ellen carried on, understanding that it was going to take a while before she earned the child’s trust

Ellen picked up the dough ball. ‘Eww, it’s all sticky. Look, if we sprinkle some more flour into the bowl and roll the dough around, it will stop it being so gooey. Here, you do it.’

Izzy hesitated for a moment before putting her hand into the bag of flour and taking a handful, sprinkling it into the bowl. Ellen dropped the dough ball into it. A puff of flour ballooned into the air, showering them both in white dust. Ellen made an exaggerated yelp of surprise, followed by some spluttering noises.

It had the desired effect. Izzy giggled. ‘Oh my word,’ said Ellen. ‘What a mess I’ve made.’ She wiped her hand across her face, purposefully leaving a trail of flour over her nose and her cheek. This was rewarded by more giggling from Izzy.

‘You’ve got it on your face,’ said Izzy.

‘Have I? Where?’ Ellen wiped her face, knowing full well she was making it worse.

‘There!’ Izzy laughed out loud, pointing at Ellen’s chin.

‘Here?’ More flour on her face.

‘No! There!’

The two of them were now laughing together, as was Mrs Holloway. Only Carla remained immune to the fun. ‘Don’t make too much mess,’ said Carla. ‘It will be your bedtime soon.’

Immediately, Izzy’s face fell and she lapsed back into a subdued silence. Ellen bit down the urge to say something to Carla. Now wasn’t the time, not in front of Izzy and certainly not in the first few hours of her new job.

‘Doesn’t she stay up to see her father?’ said Ellen instead.

‘Izzy needs routine,’ explained Carla. ‘Donovan likes it that way. And truth be told, the child does too. In fact, while I think about it, there’s a folder up in the nursery I should have told you about. It’s got Izzy’s routine set out. When she has her meals, how she spends her time. If you can acquaint yourself with that, then it will make the transition easier and create minimum disruption for Izzy.’

Poor Izzy, it made her sound like some sort of Stepford child. Every minute of her day planned out. Where was the fun in that?

‘I’ll have a look. It may be that I make a few changes once I get used to everything,’ said Ellen, trying to keep her voice casual.

‘Not too much. We like things to run smoothly around here.’ There was a distinctly challenging tone to Carla’s voice.

Once again, Ellen resisted the urge to argue but nevertheless, she resolved to make changes as she saw fit. Carla could take a running jump with her timetable. Ellen contemplated her new employer. Was he a stickler for routine as well? Maybe that was why the previous nanny had left; too much control? She shuddered to herself as this idea nudged painful, not too distant memories, to the fore. Control like that was never a good thing. She couldn’t help but wonder if that’s why there was no Mrs Donovan. The agency had said that the mother had left three years ago but had offered no explanation as to why. What would make a mother leave her young child? It must have been bad. Was it as bad for Mrs Donovan as it had been for herself? A slither of mistrust towards her new employer coiled itself in her stomach.

The French Marseillaise sounded out on Donovan’s phone; the tune he had specifically assigned to Amanda, his soon to be ex-wife. As he drove into Felpham village, he flirted with the idea of ignoring it. However, previous experience told him this would be futile. She would simply keep ringing. With much reluctance, Donovan hit the accept button for the hands-free kit.

‘Amanda.’

‘Donovan.’ Their usual minimalistic greeting. ‘I’m in the UK this week. In fact, I’m going to be in the UK a lot more. Sebastian and I are relocating to London.’

Donovan’s eyes snapped to the handset as if it would confirm what he had just heard. ‘London? Permanently?’ He tried to keep the surprise out of his voice. It never did to let Amanda think she had the upper hand on anything.

‘That’s right. Now, I expect to be able to see Isobel far more often. In fact, it’s something my solicitor will be writing to your solicitor about. I envisage joint custody, Isobel to spend equal time with both of us and in the long term, I’m looking to her living with me.’

Donovan brought the car to halt worthy of emergency-stop status. ‘What?’ He managed to grind out. Joint custody. Izzy living with Amanda. No way.

‘It’s really quite simple, Donovan,’ replied Amanda, her tone clipped and matter of fact. ‘I’m Isobel’s mother. I’m going to be back in the UK and I want her living with me. It’s how it should be. An eight-year-old girl living with her father may be nice now, but as she grows up she will need her mother for all sorts of reasons. You’re an intelligent man, Donovan, use your brains.’

‘Wait a minute. When did you decide all this? What’s wrong with France and lover boy’s chateau all of a sudden? You can’t just announce you’re coming back and Izzy is going to live with you. As I have sole custody I don’t think it’s a case of simply handing her over. She’s with me for a very good reason.’ Donovan manoeuvred his car over to the side of the road.

‘All that’s in the past now,’ snapped Amanda. ‘I’m not going to get into an argument with you, Donovan. I’ll be in touch about seeing Isobel soon.’

The line went dead.

Donovan cursed out loud. Amanda back on the scene. Great. Exactly what he could do without. He pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes for a moment. Then taking his usual pragmatic approach, Donovan decided there was little he could do about it tonight. He needed to get home. It had been a long day and he was shattered. However, Amanda’s words refused to fade from their continuous loop replaying in his mind.

Chapter Three

Toby squeezed the remote key to his Audi TT, the clonk of the central locking reassuring him it was secure. As he approached Kate’s front door, he caught sight of his reflection in the glass panel. He looked dishevelled, his hair was ruffled and his tie dragged to one side, where he had snatched at his top button to undo it. He hated looking a mess. The front door swung open before he reached it.

‘Toby. What are you doing here?’ Kate’s voice was wary. She stepped into the doorway and pulled the door tightly to her body. Entry most definitely denied.

‘Hello, Kate. How are you?’ His voice sounded lifeless.

She gave him a quizzical look. ‘I’m fine, thanks.’

He nodded and cast a downward look, shuffling from one foot to another. ‘Good. That’s good.’

‘Are you all right?’ she asked.

Toby shrugged. ‘Yeah. Well, no. Not really.’ He looked up, raking his hand through his hair. ‘It’s Helen’s birthday next week and I … er … I wanted …’ He threw a glance down the road. ‘Oh, look, I shouldn’t have come. Sorry to bother you.’ He turned and began a slow retreat down the path, shoulders slumped.

‘Toby! Wait.’ He paused to give himself time to keep his composure. Facial muscles under control he returned to the front door. Kate had the door wide open now and was standing on the step. ‘What’s up?’

‘Helen.’ Even to his own ears, he sounded monotone. ‘I thought I’d got over her leaving but I can’t stop thinking about her. I’m worried about her, Kate. Really worried. I thought she would be in touch by now. I know the police told me she was okay and that she didn’t want to be contacted but …’ He sniffed and wiped at his eyes. ‘I miss her. I need to speak to her. I want her back, Kate. So badly.’

‘After what happened? She didn’t run away without a reason.’ He winced at the incredulous tone in her voice and took a moment before answering.

‘It wasn’t like she said. You know that.’

‘Do I?’

‘Yes, you do.’ He looked her straight in the eye and held her gaze. She broke away first. He pushed on, sensing she was faltering. He pulled out an envelope from his jacket pocket. ‘Can you give this to her, please?’

Kate kept her arms folded and eyed the envelope. ‘I can’t.’

‘Please … It’s a birthday card and, here, a small present too.’ He took the slim brown box from his other pocket. A solid-gold bangle with Italian Murano glass beads. Blue ones. Her favourite colour. He pushed the case into Kate’s hand.

‘I can’t give these to her because I don’t know where she is. I don’t see her and that’s the truth,’ insisted Kate.

He believed her. It was what he suspected. He also suspected that she did keep in touch, even if they didn’t actually see each other. If he could just get into Kate’s house and have a poke around, he’d be sure to find something. Drastic times called for drastic measures.

Making it seem as though he was indecisive and didn’t know whether to stay or go, Toby schooled his face into the bleakest expression he could muster, looking at Kate, then down the path and then back to her again. He went to speak, stopped and then ran his hand down his face in what he hoped looked something like desperation. Sensing Kate’s resolve weakening, with a flourish he flung his arm up against the wall of the house and buried his head in the crook of his elbow. This was followed by a loud and drawn-out exhalation of air, which morphed into a groan.

‘Why don’t you come in for a moment,’ said Kate. He felt her tug at his sleeve and allowed himself to be taken indoors. Her voice was softer. The ice maiden was thawing. ‘You can’t stand out there in that state. Mrs Howard, next door, is already twitching at her curtain to see what’s going on.’

‘Sorry, Kate. Really, I don’t want to be any trouble.’ He followed her into the lounge.

‘Sit there, I’ll make you a coffee but then you’ll have to go.’

He nodded and sat down on the sofa. The TV was on and although Toby had no interest in the soap, he feigned interest. Out of his peripheral vision he noted Kate hastily scoop up an envelope from the coffee table. He pretended not to notice. He gave it a couple of seconds before turning to look over his shoulder. His timing was perfect. Kate was just placing the envelope between two hardbacks on the bookshelf. A look of guilt swept over her face and she hurriedly pushed the novels back into place.

‘Sugar?’ she asked as she went into the kitchen.

The bookcase was by the side of the doorway to the kitchen. Toby got up and leaned against the door frame, making small talk with Kate while she made the coffee. It wasn’t going to be easy getting hold of that envelope but, with a bit of luck, he should manage it. He took out his phone, and whilst pretending to check for messages, he switched the camera on and muted the sound, all the time continuing to bemoan the loss of Helen. He placed his phone on the bookshelf and while Kate was pouring the boiling water into the cups, he reached out and gave the envelope a quick tug so it was sticking out further from the books.

Kate passed his cup to him. Right, this was it. Time to sacrifice a good suit but it would be worth it. Toby fumbled with the cup and dropped it onto the tiled kitchen floor. Obligingly the cup broke and coffee spewed everywhere, splashing his trousers in the process.

Kate gave a small yelp and hopped back out of the way.

‘Oh shit! I’m so sorry,’ said Toby, surveying the broken china and the rapidly spreading brown liquid. Kate grabbed some kitchen roll and began tearing off sheets and laying them on the floor, first as a dam and then to soak up the mess. ‘Here, let me.’ Toby offered. Fortunately, Kate refused.

‘No, it’s okay. I’ll do it. Don’t worry, it’s only a cup.’

While she was distracted, Toby moved back into the living room as if trying to stay out of Kate’s way. Standing at the bookcase, he pulled the card out from between the books, laying it flat on the shelf. Checking Kate was still preoccupied, he picked up his phone and took a couple of shots of the address on the envelope. He didn’t have time to study what it said, but if his hunch was right, this was something to do with Helen. ‘I’m so clumsy,’ he said as Kate retrieved a dustpan and brush from under the sink. ‘I’m like it all the time now. A bundle of nerves. This business with Helen, it’s really getting to me.’ He turned away from her, so she couldn’t see his face. Glancing at the envelope, he slid it back between the books and then dropped his phone into his pocket. He wanted to get home. All thoughts of coffee were relegated. ‘I’d better go. I’m sorry about the mess.’ He fashioned a regretful smile, which was met by a nod.

Once sitting in the safety of his car, Toby looked at the photos on his phone. Shit. The first one was a bit blurred and the second one had completely missed the address. He flicked to the final one. It was slightly out of focus, but he could make out the writing. A frown folded across his face.

Ellen Newman

The Lodge,

Sea Lane,

Felpham,

West Sussex.

It wasn’t the name he was expecting. He’d got it wrong. What a waste of time and a good pair of trousers. He thumped the steering wheel in frustration.

Chapter Four

Donovan parked his black Range Rover outside his house. He looked up at the top-floor windows. All was dark. Izzy would, of course, be fast asleep by now. He let out a long sigh and promised himself that he would make time to take her out at the weekend. Entering the house, he was greeted by Carla.

‘Good evening, Donovan.’ She smiled, taking his coat from him and handing him the day’s post. ‘Have you had a good day?’

‘It was okay, thank you.’ He turned to Carla. ‘How is Izzy?’

‘She’s fine. The new nanny arrived today.’ Carla followed him into the study. ‘Ellen Newman.’

‘Great, she turned up then. That’s good. And what do you think of her?’

‘Too early to say yet.’

Donovan didn’t miss the coolness in Carla’s voice. He wondered if they were going to regret taking on a new nanny without actually interviewing her and purely going on the recommendation of the agency. He sat at his desk, dropping the unopened envelopes onto the lacquered walnut. ‘You don’t sound very convinced.’

‘As I say, it’s early days. Now, I’ll get you a coffee and see what Mrs Holloway has left for supper. Would you like to eat in here?’

Carla was fussing too much. He didn’t want to offend her, he’d be lost without her most of the time. She was a fantastic PA and a loyal friend but, sometimes, he felt as though he was married to her.

‘I’ll sort supper and coffee out for myself. Thank you, Carla. I don’t think I will be doing much work this evening, I’m too tired. You go home now.’

‘As you wish, Donovan,’ replied Carla. ‘Just one thing, the new nanny. When would you like to meet her?’

‘Where is she now?’

‘She took Izzy to bed and said she was going to her room afterwards.’

‘Okay, don’t disturb her now. I’ll see her in the morning at some point.’ Donovan smiled up at his PA. ‘You look tired, Carla. Let me call a cab for you.’

‘Thank you but I can do it.’ Carla went to leave, but paused in the doorway. ‘You should get some rest too, you look very tired yourself. I’ll see myself out. Goodnight.’

‘Goodnight,’ he said as he flicked through the pile of letters. He went to open one, then changed his mind and tossed it back onto the pile. He was too tired for all this tonight. It was past ten o’clock. Far too late to be reading referral letters and police reports. He lent back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment, letting the thoughts of the day drift to the back of his mind. He needed to stop thinking about Amanda. He breathed deep and slow, concentrating on relaxing his mind, body and soul. Relax. That was better.

Donovan wasn’t quite sure how long he had sat in his chair for and suspected he had probably drifted off into a near-sleep. He checked his watch. It was almost eleven and his stomach was complaining at the lack of food.

‘Right, something to eat,’ he said out loud, as he loosened his tie and undid his top button.

Stopping in the hallway, Donovan thought of Izzy asleep in her room. Slipping off his shoes at the foot of the stairs, he began the ascent of the oak staircase.

Reaching the landing, he padded lightly down the hall to the first door. It was slightly ajar.

Izzy was fast asleep, as he’d expected. Her toy teddy, Mr Snuggles, was on the floor. Donovan picked up the well-loved bear and slipped it under the cover. Izzy stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

‘Daddy?’

‘Yes, it’s Daddy,’ whispered Donovan. He leant over and dropped a kiss on her dark hair. ‘Go back to sleep, angel. Daddy loves you.’

Donovan stayed for a minute, just watching her, drawing on the feeling of contentment to soothe away the sourness of the day.

Less frayed, he made his way back downstairs to the kitchen; his appetite piqued now he felt more relaxed.

He hadn’t expected anyone to be in there and was startled to see the back of a woman at the sink. It didn’t appear that she had noticed him, his stocking feet making no announcement of his arrival. He took the moment to cast his eye over the slim figure, encased in jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt, with fair hair resting on narrow shoulders. The new nanny, he presumed. Donovan gave a subtle cough.

Startled, she spun round.

Donovan smiled, held out his hand and stepped forward. ‘Good evening. I’m Donovan. You must be …’

‘Ellen Newman.’ She quickly wiped her hands on a tea towel.

With her sleeves pushed up to the elbow, Donovan couldn’t help but notice several reddish circular marks on her right forearm. Eczema perhaps?

Ellen withdrew her hand and pulled her sleeves down. ‘I was just making myself a coffee. Would you like one?’ Her voice was calm but her eyes were anxious.

‘If you’re making one, that would be great. Thank you. Black, no sugar,’ Donovan replied, moving over to the oven and lifting the lid on a saucepan. ‘Ah, butternut squash soup. Mrs Holloway’s speciality. Would you like some?’ She seemed to hesitate. Donovan sensed she probably wanted to say yes, but was too polite. He took two bowls out of the cupboard. ‘It really is delicious. You’ll love it, I promise. And I’d be glad of the company. It will give us a chance to get to know each other, seeing as you’re working for me now. ’ Without giving her a chance to say no, he set two places at the table and ladled the creamy orange liquid into the bowls.

Getting out some bread and buttering several slices, he sat down at the table and was satisfied to see Ellen sit down opposite him.

‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘It does smell lovely.’

‘I’m sorry we haven’t had the chance to meet before,’ said Donovan. ‘I usually like to interview staff myself but it was an emergency and I know Cherubs Nanny Agency is very thorough with its checks. You came with very good references.’

Ellen nodded. ‘Yes, I must admit it is a little unusual not to meet the parents first, but as you say, it was exceptional circumstances. The agency said your previous nanny left because of a family bereavement back in Scotland, is that right?’

Donovan nodded. ‘Yes. She didn’t want to come back, said it was too far away from her family. I suppose the bereavement made her take stock of things. You haven’t come quite so far, have you?’

‘No, only from London. I’ve been here, well, West Sussex and the south coast, before. When I was a child, but not for a long time. You know, family holidays.’

‘And your family now, where are they?’

He watched as she hesitated and toyed the spoon in circular motions through the soup. ‘My mum died when I was young. I’m an only child. My dad is remarried with his own young family. I don’t see him much.’

He sensed she wasn’t comfortable talking about it and, not wanting to make her feel uneasy, he let the subject drop. ‘How long have you worked for Cherubs?’

‘Seven years, now. They have always placed me with very good families so I had no reason to doubt them this time, despite not having met you beforehand.’

‘And is your room okay?’

‘Yes, it’s really nice. Thank you.’

‘I know you’re a bit out of the way on the top floor, but it’s nice for Izzy to have the run of it. Downstairs isn’t quite so child-friendly. I don’t want her to have to creep around all day simply because I’m working.’ He watched her face take on a slightly surprised look.

‘Oh, right,’ she said. ‘It’s nice she has a big playroom on the top floor.’

‘Exactly. And you’ve met Carla, my long-suffering PA of over ten years?’A nod and what Donovan suspected was a forced smile. Ellen had obviously already felt the brusqueness of her colleague. ‘Carla can sometimes come across as a little starchy. Please don’t take offence. It’s just her way.’

‘Okay. I’ll bear that in mind.’ Ellen pushed her empty bowl away from her. ‘You were right, the soup was lovely.’

She looked as if she was preparing to leave, but Donovan wanted to question her a bit more, call it a post-employment interview. Okay, it was probably a bit late now, but he would feel better if he knew a bit more about her.

‘Ellen, tell me, how was it you were able to start here at such short notice?’

‘I’ve been working abroad for the last six months. I’ve had a spell in France at a campsite, running their children’s club. Now the high season has finished, I’m back here in the UK. The timing couldn’t have been better.’

It was a simple and very plausible explanation. ‘Where were you working before in the UK? Were you live-in? Sorry for all the questions.’ He smiled at her.

She smiled back, although he still sensed a slight unease. ‘It’s okay. I was working for a family in London and, no, it wasn’t a live-in position.’ He didn’t say anything but looked encouragingly at her, allowing the silence to give a sense of expectation. A technique he often used with his clients to get them to speak. Invariably it worked. Ellen was not immune to this tactic. ‘I had a flat in North London with my boyfriend but we split up. That’s how I ended up working abroad.’

She stood up and took her bowl and cup over to the dishwasher, clearly not wanting to pursue the conversation.

‘Any chance you’ll get back together?’

‘No.’

The reply was out almost before he had time to finish his sentence. She sure was definite about that.

‘Amicable break-up, was it?’ Donovan knew he was verging on the point of being nosy but he felt his questions justified. He was, after all, entrusting his most precious thing, his daughter, in her safe keeping. She was facing him now and looked as if she was contemplating telling him to mind his own business. He felt compelled to explain his questioning. ‘Look, Ellen, I don’t mean to pry but it’s just I like to know who is looking after my daughter. I don’t want you running off back to your boyfriend if you suddenly decided the grass wasn’t greener after all.’ For a moment he thought she was going to take offence, the indignation clear on her face. He watched as she visibly reined in her emotions, letting out a breath before speaking.

‘Of course, you’re absolutely right to ask. I understand.’ Her voice was calm. ‘I can assure you, there is absolutely no chance whatsoever that I will be going back to my boyfriend. That was all over six months ago and I haven’t been tempted once since then to reconsider my decision. This job is a new start for me and I am fully committed to looking after your daughter. I have her best interest at heart. I really do.’

‘Thank you,’ said Donovan. ‘That’s what I wanted to hear.’

‘Good. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to bed. Goodnight, Donovan.’

Ellen firmly closed the door to her room and sank down onto her bed, her legs suddenly feeling weak and her shoulders heavy. She ran her fingers over the circular marks on her right arm. They were rough under her fingertips but no longer hurt. The physical pain had gone. The pain she felt inside, in her mind, was not so eager to leave.

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