I must glide back into reception with the look of the besotted because Diana grins when she sees me coming. “I see the retreat lived up to its reputation.”
“Is it that obvious?”
She leans on the desk and says in a low voice, “Well?”
“What?” I grin impishly and she rolls her eyes. “How did it go? Did you move your relationship on and if not, what’s the matter with you?”
“We talked.”
“I sincerely hope that’s a euphemism for something else.” She groans, making me laugh.
“No, really, it was nice.”
“If that’s how you get your kicks by, um, talking, then good for you.”
Shaking her head, she says quickly, “Anyway, I’m desperate for a comfort break. Are you ok to hold the fort here? I’ve checked in the new arrivals already. Mr and Mrs DeVere. Extremely posh and dripping in designer brands. I hated them on sight.”
“That’s harsh.” I laugh as she shrugs. “One day I’ll check in here as a guest. I’ve got ambition, you see, and if I don’t meet a super-rich husband here, then I’m relocating my search.”
“Is that why you’re here?”
I’m a little surprised, and she laughs. “Bien sûr, ma chérie, je ne me contenterai pas de moins que ce que je mérite.”
“Your French is coming along well.”
“It certainly is, and to be honest, I am so relieved.”
“Why?”
She winks and taps her nose. “All will be revealed at the opportune moment. Wish me luck.”
She heads off and I think about Diana. She appears to have everything worked out, and I wonder what her plan is. She definitely has one, and as soon as she returns, I’ll question her some more.
Now I’m alone, I cast my eye on the oracle and start flicking through the pages. It appears that Catalina Island is always relatively full, if you count occupancy of twelve rooms as full capacity.
They could fit so many more in and I wonder who devised their business plan. The fact they enjoy the best food, drink and facilities tells me it isn’t cheap, but some of these people don’t look as if they have the sort of money that’s required to check in to such a luxurious resort.
I jump out of my skin when a deep voice behind me says, “Are you finding everything you need?”
I look up and see Chester smiling at me. Hoping to God I don’t look guilty, I say quickly, “I was just familiarising myself with things. How many guests you usually have, how long they stay, that kind of thing.”
He moves beside me, and flicks open the book and says pleasantly, “Do you have any questions?”
Swallowing my guilt, I say quickly, “I was going to ask Diana about the meetings in the chat room. It appears that all guests are booked in for that and I wasn’t sure how it works. I suppose I’m just curious in case any of them ask me.”
I’m babbling a little and he nods, seemingly not put out at all by my question.
“Call it a welcome chat. You see, Katrina, our guests are not the kind who enjoy a package holiday and travel en masse. They require a more bespoke kind of holiday and it’s up to me to find out what their expectations are. As the general manager, it’s important that I welcome them all personally. Not always when they first arrive, but certainly within a couple of days.”
He points to the latest entry, Mr and Mrs DeVere. “They are booked in tomorrow after breakfast. They need to unwind first and unpack and then once they’ve had a chance to settle in, I can tell them what’s on offer. Standard procedure in most resorts.”
I feel a little stupid now, thinking it was something more sinister than that and now I’m second guessing everything I heard last night. This can’t be anything more than above board and I’m sure Matty must have got the wrong end of the stick when he spied on Nate through the binoculars. Chester also seems normal and quite charming, and I’m not sure I want to associate with Adam and Matty anymore, filling my head with stories of wrongdoing and murder.
Chester smiles. “I’m looking forward to our dinner tonight.”
“Yes, Nate told me. I hope I’m not intruding on your family time.”
“Not at all. It will be good to get to know you.”
He looks concerned. “So, how are you settling in? It can’t be easy after what you’ve been through.”
“It’s fine. To be honest, it came just at the right time. I was lost after my… well, what happened and on top of that, losing my home was brutal. I’m just glad Madelaine rescued me and offered me this lifeline. I am so grateful.”
“That’s good to know.” He looks thoughtful. “What about when the six weeks end? Have you thought any more about that?”
“Not really. I suppose I’ll save my wages here and rent a room in the college. Get a job at the local pub or supermarket to pay my way until I graduate.”
“What do you want to do?”
“Medicine.” I feel my face light up. “I’ve always wanted to help people and luckily seem to achieve the grades required. It seems a good fit.”
Chester looks thoughtful. “Maybe you should take a year out. Let the dust settle and spend it here. We could extend your contract.”
“Really.” I’m surprised because I never thought of deferring before. “But I only have one more year of my course left. I should at least finish that.”
“I’m not saying you won’t. I’m just saying maybe you can study it remotely.” He leans against the desk and smiles. “I like to encourage learning here, Katrina. Most of the time the staff have time on their hands, and it could get tiresome for them. So I allow studying during the day. Diana studies French when she’s not occupied with business. Nate is studying further math with a view to accounting and Sven is doing a teaching degree. You could finish your course remotely and then study medicine online. Put in the groundwork at least, which will make it easier when you move on.”
He smiles kindly. “You’re young and there is no rush to do everything now. Take some time and a deep breath. A lot has happened to you lately and it would be good to take a moment and reflect. This is the perfect place to do that, so think about it.”
He looks at his watch. “I should go. Madelaine will be arriving shortly, and I need to be on the dock to welcome her home. Think about what I’ve said, the offer’s there.”
As he heads off, it strikes me that there was nothing weird about that conversation at all. In fact, it all made perfect sense and now I’m even more confused than ever. After last night’s rendezvous, I thought I was in Bates Motel. Now, in the bright sunlight of the day, I feel like a fool. Maybe I should reserve judgement and collect the facts because my imagination is running away with my common sense, and I need to get a grip.
* * *
It must be thirty minutes later that I look up and see Madelaine Covington walking towards me, holding Chester’s hand. They are laughing together as Nate wheels her cases behind them.
She looks up and throws me such a sweet smile I think I fall in love with her. She is certainly impressive. She was both at the funeral and when I met her in town. Super stylish and oozing confidence. A woman who makes the effort in all aspects of life and her immaculate appearance, perfect make-up and styled hair make it look as if she’s stepped fresh from the shower, not an aircraft.
“Katrina, how lovely to see you. I hope things have settled down and you’re feeling happier now.”
“Thank you. This is an amazing place.”
She smiles, revealing a perfect set of veneers which makes me feel shabby and unworthy in comparison.
“I hear you’ve hit it off with Nate.” She laughs softly, and says in a stage whisper, “I may be biased, but he’s the greatest guy on this island.”
Chester pulls a face and coughs, which makes her laugh. “Other than you, darling, of course.”
It’s a little embarrassing as he lowers his lips to her eager ones, and they share a very inappropriate kiss while Nate rolls his eyes and gags behind them.
It makes me giggle and as they pull apart, Madelaine blushes adorably. “Sorry, what must you think of us? It’s just that we really miss one another when we’re apart.”
She looks lovingly at her husband, partner, I’m still not sure what they are, and Chester smiles. “Come on, we need to be alone.”
I don’t know where to look and Nate grins at my obvious discomfort and whispers as they leave, “Cringe. Do you think they realise that?”
“I don’t think they can think of anything but each other.”
“And you, Kat, what are you thinking?”
He leans on the desk and looks deep into my eyes and, to be honest, I can’t think of anything but him right now.
“Work.” I laugh softly as I flick the book in his face. “So much to learn, so little time.”
He pretends that I’ve wounded him and staggers away with a loud, “I’ll give you something much more interesting to think about tonight. I promise you that.”
He heads off with a cheeky smirk and once again, I push the doubts away. Murdering psychopath? I’m just not feeling that right now and as I return to my investigations, it’s with a huge smile on my face.