23

 

Cal arrived at the cottage at the usual time to find the key under the mat and a note on the kitchen table. Gone to work. See you tonight. ‘Auntie’ L. Short, sweet and to the point, and typical Laurie. He headed into the den and looked around. He’d have to try to work quieter this morning. Unless Hattie was already up and gone in with Laurie.

Although if so, he would have hoped she’d sign the note as well. He whistled as he mitered a length of baseboard. Thoughts of Hattie floated through his mind: Hattie working beside him, dancing with him, bringing him coffee. The way she wanted to help, to get involved in every aspect of his life. He’d never had a woman get under his skin and affect him the way Hattie did.

He was definitely blessed to have her in his life and to always, God willing, have her there. Jess had laughed the previous evening and told him he was rushing into things, marrying so soon. But he didn’t care. It was the right thing to do. He loved her. Nothing else mattered.

He fixed the new skirting boards to the walls, pausing only when he heard the front door open and close. Heavy footsteps crossed the hall. Hmmm, too heavy for Laurie and definitely too heavy for Hattie. He stood and wiped his hands on his jeans. “Hello?”

The footsteps stopped.

Cal moved to the door. “Who’s there?” There was no answer. He grabbed the hammer and pushed open the door. “Identify yourself.”

The figure turned. “Cal, are you trying to kill me?”

“Rob, you sneak up on me again and I just might. How did you get a key?” He lowered the hammer, his heart pounding fit to burst.

“Laurie gave it to me. You wanted a hand with the coving according to the job book.”

“Ah, yes, thank you.” He headed back into the den.

“Are you OK? You seem distracted.” Rob paused. “And what’s this I hear about you getting married?”

Cal grinned. “The tribal drums at work again I see.”

“It’s all over the village. Jess told Alba in the corner shop…”

“And that’s better than taking an ad out in the Courier. Yes, it’s true. I asked Hattie before Carter’s accident, and she said yes yesterday.”

Rob slapped him on the back. “Congrats, mate. When’s the big day?”

“Three months.”

“Wow. You two aren’t hanging about. Why the rush?”

“Long story, but it was that or elope.” He paused. “Though I still think the latter’s a better option.”

His cousin’s face creased. “Elope?”

“Long story.”

“Then you can fill me in while we do the coving.” Rob grinned. “But seriously, coving? That’s so old school.”

“It has to match the rest of the house.”

As they worked, he filled Rob in with all the details, grateful for the help and support as they finished the gently curved surface that transitioned from wall to ceiling.

“For what it’s worth, I think you should elope. Keep the church date and get married twice. I mean, it doesn’t have to be in a church to be in God’s sight, does it? A beach or the blacksmith’s shop in Gretna Green would work just as well.” Rob grinned as he held the coving in position. “Or Vegas. You could have an Elvis wedding.”

“Uh huh.”

Rob howled with laughter. “You just had to do that, didn’t you?”

Cal shrugged his shoulders and tossed his head back. “Uh huh.”

The door opened and Laurie came running in. “Cal, has Hattie rung yet?”

The blood in his veins froze, the humor of the moment dying as he took in the look of utter panic on her face. “No, why? I thought she was with you. Isn’t she?”

“No. Steve called to say they were headed back to Headley Cross for the rest of her things. She was going to call before she left there to come back.”

“I haven’t seen her. I thought she was with you.”

Laurie looked at him. “She didn’t come home last night. I said Steve rang. They drove back there after dinner.”

“How’s she getting back?”

“Steve said he’d put her on a train, and then she’d get a cab over from the mainland once she got to the coast.”

“When was the last time you spoke to her?”

“Last night. I said goodbye when Steve picked her up.”

“Have you tried ringing the lodge?”

“There’s no answer. Hasn’t been all day.” She paused, fear in her eyes. “What if he’s hurt her? If he wants the money back and she refuses…”

“He does. He also wants her to marry Markus. He told her that several times.”

“I knew something was wrong yesterday. Steve wasn’t acting right.” Laurie wrung her hands. “What do I do? Should I call the police?”

“And tell them what? Her brother might have abducted her?”

“Might be an idea.”

Cal looked at her and took a deep breath, trying to calm the worry filling him. “Not yet. I’ll drive up to Headley Cross now. It’s a two hour drive, three at the most. I should be there before they lock up tonight.”

“But if they’re not answering the phone…”

“I’m going.” He hugged her. “And I’ll find Hattie and bring her back. I promise. You’ve got my mobile number. If she rings or turns up here, let me know. Likewise I’ll keep you posted when I find her.”

 

****

 

Cal drove like a madman to the mainland and then up the dark motorway to Headley Cross. He prayed the whole way that Hattie would be all right and there was a simple explanation. Fear knotted his gut and sat like a choker around his throat. Had Steve done something to her? Had he and Markus conspired and hurt her or worse? Or was there a simple explanation? Whatever it is, Lord, keep her safe.

He pulled up outside the guest house. Lights shone from most of the windows and he locked the car before heading up the path. He pushed the door open and rang the bell. Part of him hoped Steve was there. More than that, he hoped Hattie was.

The internal door opened and Penny came out. “Oh, Mr. Trant. Hello.”

“Hi. I’m sorry to arrive unannounced, but I’m looking for Hattie. I was told she was here.”

“No, she’s not I’m afraid. I can get a message to her if you like.”

His spirits lifted a little. “Do you know where she is? It’s really important that I speak with her.”

“She’s on holiday.”

Cal held her gaze, but didn’t want to give her too much information at once. He needed to know what she knew. “She told me she’d quit. We’ve talked a lot the past few weeks.”

“Then you probably know she’s been staying with her aunt.”

“I’ve just come from Laurie’s house. Steve was there last night. He said he was bringing Hattie here. It’s imperative I speak with her.”

“Has something happened to Laurie?”

“Other than being worried about Hattie, she’s fine.” He lowered his voice, aware of the guests in the lounge. “Look, Steve turned up yesterday, demanding in no uncertain terms that Hattie return all his money. He then took her to dinner. No one has seen or heard from her since. Now if you know anything, or know where she is, I suggest you tell me. Laurie is talking about calling the police.”

“I haven’t seen Hattie in weeks. Steve left here on Saturday morning to go and see her. He was on the island during that huge storm. I was so worried.”

Cal frowned. “I’m sorry? He rang yesterday to say he was coming up. It’s a two hour drive.”

“He left here on Saturday.” She whispered the words, her brow furrowed. “I haven’t seen or spoken to him since.”

He pulled out his mobile and dialed quickly. “Laurie, it’s Cal. Is Hattie back yet?”

“No. Is she not there?”

“No she isn’t and nor is Steve. I’m on my way back. We’ll decide what to do then. Try not to worry.”

“Easier said than done.”

“I know. I’ll be back in a couple of hours.” Cal hung up and pulled out a card. “When you see either of them, ask them to call me or Laurie, please. It’s urgent.”

Penny took the card. “It sounds like Hattie means a lot to you.”

Cal nodded. “She does.”

She sucked in a deep breath, worrying her bottom lip. “Is Markus missing too? Maybe they left together.”

“What?” The lump in his stomach tightened and it was hard to breathe.

“Well, they are getting married. Markus said so himself.”

“No, she’s marrying me in three months. Markus asked, but she turned him down several times.”

“Markus said they’d been engaged since she got to the island.”

“What?” His heart stopped and sank. Now he knew Hattie was in danger. Markus was obsessed with her and obviously didn’t take her “no” as an answer. But why was Steve encouraging the man’s delusion?

“Aunt Laurie knows about this, right? Hattie would have told her at least.”

“Like I said, Hattie is marrying me. Laurie knows all about that. So do Hattie’s parents. They’re happy for the both of us.”

“Oh, but Markus was so sure about this. And Steve seemed really happy for the both of them.”

“Yeah, right. If Hattie does come back here, or when you speak to Steve, tell him to come and see Laurie.” He turned and headed slowly to the car, his footsteps heavy and his heart in his boots. “Now what do I do, Lord?”

The instant answer came. Save her.

He got into the car and started the engine. He’d head back home and see if she was there. If not he and Laurie needed to do something.