Settle Down Now: Revised Part Four (Serialised)

By Leenna Naidoo

Part Four of the serialised version of the novel.

Ten years on from the events of Unsettled, Charmaine Donnet, now a billionaire, is in the spotlight in the most humilating way. Her search for Mr Right is turning into a media circus, and Robert Hart is not far off in the horizon...
Part Four reveals the true-colours of our heroes...and a villain in a tense race. Charmaine and Rob must confront their feelings for each other, and prevent another crime being committed. But can they succeed if they don't work together?

Set in South Africa and the Indian Ocean, with echoes of Rob and Charmaine’s previous life in Scotland, Settle Down Now moves from Durban to Richards Bay to the yacht The Sunflower.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leenna Naidoo/Learning To Surf Publishing
• Release date: Mar 27, 2019

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Chapter Fifteen

I stayed in the saloon with Joss. It was the best way to keep an eye on the comings and goings on the main deck.

We sat in silence at first. Nathan soon excused himself. Jacques, the camera man, wandered in a short while later, backpack and huge flask in hand, in search of coffee and sustenance for the crew. He told us the camera crew were playing a mean hand of poker.

A sudden thought struck me then. Jacques, I wondered if the cameras on the masts and the rigging might have caught Melvin on deck.

He gave me a thoughtful look, then smiled. I wondered, too. I dumped an extra copy for the authorities for when we make port. I haven't had the chance to look through them, though. But, I put in new cards for today and tomorrow.

So there's no live streaming from the boat? asked Joss.

Not without a good signal.

But I thought... protested Joss, as Jacques took a mouthful of his sandwich. Only, your director told me the challenges were to be streamed live off this yacht.

When we're close to land or in the satellite's footprint. Otherwise, no signal no streaming. And now I've got to go. He left with his provisions.

I caught Joss's eye. What's the next challenge?

I don't know that I should tell you.

I stared her down.

It's not at all dangerous. They have to win a kayak race, steer this boat through a course of markers, and tell you a story.

Tell me a story?

"Ja, with props and stuff if they want. After all, your prince must be able to entertain your guests. The rest is just for fun and to show how quickly they can adapt."

Does Rob know they are going to be piloting his pride and joy?

Oh, I'm sure he won't mind. After all, he let you take the wheel when he adjusted the sail with Nathan. And he doesn't even trust you.

He doesn't? It wasn't that I didn't know. It was just...disappointing that it was so obvious to others.

Well, yeah! Why should he? And he keeps giving you that look!

What look?

The one that says that he doesn't dare trust you but he so wants you. That look.

He does not want me!

He does too!

Does not!

She shook her head. Oh, Charmaine. What are we going to do with you? You can't even tell when a guy is lusting after you.

He does not! I muttered.

Joss sighed hugely. She looked towards the wheelhouse. Okay. I think you're about ready to let a nice guy—like Nathan—into your life.

I opened my mouth.

She stopped me with an upheld finger. "Don't deny it. You feel something for that fireman,