The Destruction Of Icarus Park

By A. D. Rogers

Jez Cooper considered himself to be a lucky man. A former member of a famous rock band, he had written and performed some of the most memorable songs ever created. He had a lovely wife and two great kids – he even owned his own island!  Everything was great – until suddenly, his luck began to change…
From the strife-torn streets of Ulster in the eighties to the storm-battered main stage at Glastonbury, Icarus Park quickly grew from humble beginnings into a worldwide phenomenon.  For almost ten years they rode the wave of success – but then the cracks began to show….
It had now been many years since the four members of Icarus Park had spoken to one other, but when they reluctantly decide to reconnect - in the Vatican, of all places – disaster strikes. With an unknown enemy on their tail, the band, united by a shared survival instinct, flee Rome and head for a remote Scottish island.
But someone is watching, biding their time, waiting for a chance.
The scene is set for a final showdown.
At stake? The survival - or the destruction  - of Icarus Park.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
• Release date: Sep 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781838597047

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 A. D. Rogers

The moral right of the author has been asserted.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, with the prior permission in writing of the publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside those terms should be sent to the publishers.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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Matador® is an imprint of Troubador Publishing Ltd

This book is dedicated to my wonderful granddaughter Evie, who fills our life with Joy.

I’m sure that one day she will take the time to read this – unlike her Father and Aunt Becky who still haven’t picked up any of my books!

Contents

Acknowledgement

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Epilogue

Acknowledgement

I would like to mention a few people who helped me during the planning, creation and editing of this book. First of all I would like to thank my two youngest nephews, Joe and Robert. They gave me a different perspective and provided much-needed feedback. Robert was also the first person to really get excited about the story and I’m very grateful for his enthusiasm.

I also need to mention the usual suspects – my wife Jane, her sister Clare and Lesley Gorham. They all took the time to help in different ways and as always I’m very grateful. And without the support of Jane, my daughter Becky and the rest of the family, I would never have got this far.

If I hadn’t had the help of Megan and everybody else at Troubador I would have been lost. This is the fourth time we have worked together and they have been fantastic – as usual. Thank you so much.

Finally, I would like to thank my best mate Keesha who has been beside me every step on my literary journey. As I type this she is lying on a cushion near my feet and seems to be chasing rabbits in her sleep. I reckon I have written around half a million words in the last few years and she has been at my side for every one of them.

Tavelay is an imaginary island – not based on any existing place but perhaps a combination of a few different locations. Icarus Park is a make-believe Rock group – with no connection to any existing band. This is a work of fiction which occasionally mentions real places and events – but we have done our very best to ensure that all characters are fictional and have no connection to anyone in the real world.

Thank you.

Prologue

Glastonbury 1998

Scott Flanagan appeared to be struggling to hold it all together. This should have been a defining moment. This group, his creation - stood on the brink of greatness. But it was all falling apart. During the last few years, Icarus Park had grown into one of the top groups in the world and today should have been their crowning glory – headlining at Glastonbury. Sadly, once again, the weather had blighted the festival.

The main problem was the mud. It grabbed cloyingly at everything, slowing everyone down and causing countless, niggling little problems. However, everyone somehow seemed to cope and all the bands went onstage more or less to plan. Unfortunately, as Icarus Park had taken to the stage in front of almost one hundred thousand delirious fans – the rain started again. But the wet weather didn’t worry Scott too much. His primary focus centred on the distant horizon where he noticed flickering tendrils of lightning. That sight caused his already queasy stomach to flip.

Standing on a platform made of steel and playing electrical equipment, surrounded by water and lightning, presented the perfect recipe for disaster. Scott started to feel more and more uneasy. He tried in vain to light yet another cigarette – but the wind and rain thwarted every attempt to strike a match. Snarling, he threw the soggy tobacco to the ground and took a deep breath. Maybe this was a sign. No matter how much he attempted to ignore it, he had reluctantly accepted that there were big problems within the band. Perhaps this storm was divine intervention to emphasise what he already knew, confirmation that Icarus Park were not exactly a group of saints. Scott finally forced a smile as he began to wonder how long he had been so superstitious. He needed to get a grip.

It hadn’t always been like this. For many years Icarus Park had been a close-knit unit. Four friends who had grown up together, they achieved the teenage dream of forming a successful band. Even better than merely successful, they had soared. Until recently, Scott had counted himself lucky to work with them as their manager. He looked back with fond memories at how easy they had been to deal with in the early days. Polite, hard-working, open to suggestions and more than anything – they were genuine and level-headed. However, over time, as their success grew, problems started to appear. Successful people inevitably attracted leeches who try to turn their heads. This group was no exception but Scott managed to warn off most of the worst offenders. Worryingly though, a few snakes slipped through the net and they dripped their poison into the ears – and more importantly into the bodies, of some band members. Drugs and jealousy were now equal threats – and Scott was running out of ideas. He also began to accept that he didn’t really care that much anymore.

But the most pressing problem at the moment was the approaching storm. If it came any closer, he would have to insist that the boys left the stage – and he these days he never knew how they would react. He watched them carefully and as expected, he realised that they were all behaving differently. Jez Cooper, the lead guitarist and main singer, remained oblivious to everything but the music and the crowd. He simply seemed happy doing something he loved. The same couldn’t be said, however, about the other three band members.

Karl Tanner, the drummer, focused all his attention on the stormy weather. Both he and Sam Lawson – the bass player, had obviously already made their minds up and they screamed at Scott and the road crew. The audience accepted this as part of the show and shouted along with them but Scott realised that Karl and Sam were on the verge of abandoning the performance. The fourth member of the group – Cam Kingson – seemed to be lost in his own world. He attacked his keyboard in a passionate frenzy – appearing to embrace the oncoming thunder and lightning. The crowd loved his enthusiasm; you needed to be almost stood next to him to realise that he was as high as a kite.

Scott made his mind up.

Give them one more song. he yelled to a nearby roadie. Then move them away from the stage as soon as possible. If the weather improves, we can try to get them back on later.

The roadie nodded his head and raced to other members of the crew. They moved quickly and unobtrusively across the auditorium and tried to speak to each band member – with varying degrees of success. Karl and Sam shouted and bawled – they demanded to come off straight away and Scott had to move to the side of the stage to order them to stay there for just a few more moments. Jez looked to be the complete opposite – he wanted to carry on and seemed angry that they were being closed down. No one knew what was going through Cam’s mind because, as usual, no one could get through to him. He swayed along, dazed by drugs and noise.

The next song finished and chaos ensued. Karl and Sam stormed off the stage without speaking to anyone. Jez reluctantly walked away after apologising at length to the distraught crowd. He promised them that the group would return soon. Cam had to be carried off by three roadies who pretended it was all part of the act!

Jez took his time travelling back to the dressing room. One of the crew threw a towel over his head and he muttered his thanks. He paused outside the door – knowing what he would find inside and not wanting to be involved. Finally, accepting he could not delay any longer, he squared his shoulders, sighed and pushed through the entrance. As expected, a scene of utter chaos greeted him.

Sam and Karl were screaming at Scott.

We could have been killed out there! Karl shouted. All you’re interested in is making money – you don’t care about keeping us safe!

For once I agree with this moron! Sam snarled. In fact, I’m sure we are worth more to you if we are dead!

Scott did not reply or argue. He studied the glowing tip of his cigarette before glancing across at Jez. This was just the latest in a growing tide of arguments and accusations. He wanted to see how Jez reacted before he replied.

Every other group has performed their full set. Jez said calmly. The storm is still miles away. If you two hadn’t been so pathetic, we could have carried on. We owe it to the fans.

Karl and Sam dived across a table and pushed aside chairs to attack Jez. Immediately a wall of roadies and security guards moved between the three of them. Scott had been expecting something like this to happen so a few minutes earlier he warned everyone to be prepared. Jez stood with his arms folded whilst the other two fought and struggled. Both men had their own supporters in the room and they were trying to get involved. Punches and accusations flew in equal amounts.

The only person who didn’t seem at all concerned appeared to be Cam. He lay draped across a large chair in the far corner with his eyes closed. A tall, blonde young lady stood behind him – silently massaging his temples. Amidst the madness Jez glanced at Scott. They shared a small, sad smile and then Jez mouthed the word Sorry. He slowly turned and walked out of the door.

He didn’t look back.

Chapter 1

Present Day. The island of Tavelay, off the Western Scottish Coast.

The battered old land rover rolled down the road towards the village. The driver whistled tunelessly as he drove, looking forward to reaching his destination. It was only a few minutes before a cluster of buildings appeared ahead. After negotiating through a few narrow streets he swung into an open space behind a large stone building, jumped out of the car and stretched. If a visitor to the island had happened to catch sight of him at that moment, a couple of things could have popped into their minds. They may have wondered why anyone would be wearing sunglasses on such a miserable day. Perhaps the more observant would also question why he looked so familiar. To be fair to the ones who didn’t recognise him, his former trademark long locks had disappeared. In their place was an almost shaved head. In addition, his famous clean-shaven face was covered in so-called designer stubble. But the ubiquitous dark glasses were still there. Apart from that he cut a fairly anonymous figure these days, average height and fairly slim but he still seemed to have a confident, cocky air about him.

The driver strolled from the land rover – not bothering to lock the vehicle and went through a small door at the rear of an annexe. He followed a narrow corridor until it opened out into a more spacious opening. Even to the untrained eye it was obvious that the space was part of a hotel or perhaps a pub. Filled with a few tables and comfortable chairs, the room seemed cosy but also dim and slightly dismal.

Morning ladies! he called.

Get stuffed! replied an elderly man from near the fire.

Two other occupants sat nearby, they spluttered with laughter.

He says the same thing every time he walks through the door. a younger man pointed out.

Not an original bone in his body! the third person agreed.

The visitor ignored them and strode across to the small bar in the corner. Before he could ring the bell, an attractive middle-aged lady appeared, drying her hands on a towel.

Good morning Laird! she laughed. Could it be that the reason you are so happy today is that once again you managed to give your wife the slip?

The Laird chuckled.

You know I hate that title. he said. You only do it to wind me up. It’s Jez to all of you. Except for that grumpy old sod over there. It’s Mr Cooper to him!

Everyone laughed again – especially the older man next to the fire.

So you didn’t manage to dodge Asta? The lady behind the bar asked again with a twinkle in her eye.

Jez puffed out his chest. Actually Megan my love, the reason I’m in the village today is because I am officially helping my wife! She has sent me to pick her friend up from the ferry.

But that isn’t due for another hour? Megan pretended to be confused.

Jez played along. Oh dear, he said, I didn’t realise I was so early. What am I going to do until she gets here?

Everyone else in the room shook their heads in bemusement.

The young man spoke up. You are so transparent!

They all nodded in agreement.

It’s a well-known fact that you escape here at every opportunity to fill your face with one of Megan’s famous breakfasts! Plus - you drink as much full-strength coffee you can handle!

Jez waited a few seconds as if to consider his words before he replied.

I love my wife. he said seriously. And I fully understand she has my best interests at heart. he hesitated once again – before he laughed out loud. But I hardly eat enough to keep a small child going! Muesli and wheatgrass! And don’t get me started on decaffeinated coffee! That should be banned! So occasionally I need to recharge my gastronomic batteries. And of course – what Asta doesn’t know – won’t hurt her will it? he stared around the room.

Once again everyone chuckled.

Your secret is safe with us. the elderly man by the fire announced. But you must be dafter than you look to think that Asta doesn’t realise what you are up to!

You leave Asta to me Donald. Jez smiled. Are you ready for a refill?

Donald McKay grinned. At last! he said. As I’m officially the oldest person on this island it’s about time someone showed me some respect and bought me a drink. The usual please.

No you don’t! Megan called from behind the bar. Irene has left strict orders on your whisky consumption! At this hour of the morning it’s strong tea only for you!

That daughter of mine ruins all my fun! Donald grumbled. Ah well, never mind, thanks for trying.

Jez shrugged apologetically and turned back to the counter. I hope Asta hasn’t put any restrictions on me? he asked with a gleam in his eye.

Megan chuckled. What would be the point? she said. The usual?

Jez nodded enthusiastically.

Sit down. she ordered. I’ll bring it through in a minute.

He moved to the other side of the room and sat across from the youngest man.

Duncan, would you be able to do me a favour?

Sure, Duncan replied, what can I do for you?

Jez paused as Megan brought him a large steaming mug of coffee.

Just how you like it. she grinned. Strong enough to stand a spoon up in, full fat cream, no sugar!

He sniffed appreciatively before lifting the drink to his lips, then he sipped the piping hot brew and sighed happily.

I suppose I should thank Asta. he said. If she let me have this all the time at home, then I wouldn’t appreciate this as much.

I’m glad you are appreciating it. It’s not any old blend, those beans cost a fortune! The other man at the table spoke. That’s an expensive Ethiopian brew.

Worth every penny Archie. Jez replied with a big smile on his face.

Archie smiled. As the pub landlord and Megan’s husband he took great pride in the food and drink they supplied to their customers.

Ah well, he said, that’s my break finished. I’m surprised that my better half hasn’t already reminded me!

With perfect timing, Megan popped her head around the bar.

I realise it takes you longer to get moving these days love, she smiled sweetly, but those pumps won’t clean themselves!

Archie chuckled to himself as he left the room – the remaining three men enjoying the banter between the landlord and landlady.

Anyway, Duncan spoke up, about the favour you need?

Oh aye. Jez remembered. As I said when I arrived, I’ve come here to pick up Asta’s friend. The problem is, even though the main tourist season is over, it can still be hectic out there on the quay sometimes. I don’t mind signing autographs and posing for selfies but some days it gets slightly too much. If you could pick her up for me and bring her here after you’ve sorted the boat out, I would be very grateful.

No problem. Duncan said. I’ve finished my breakfast so I’m back off to the harbour in a few minutes. I’ll look for her and make sure she returns to the right place.

Thanks Duncan, Jez replied, There’s a picture on my phone if it helps you to recognise her?

No need. Give me her name; her details will be on the passenger manifest. A crew member will point her out. Being the Harbourmaster gives me a few perks.

Jez smiled. It’s Dana Fineman. he said. She and Asta go way back. To be honest – I’m not sure exactly how old she is; all I know is that she is an American! I suppose she must be Asta’s age. Asta’s been trying to persuade her to visit us for ages and I think she finally wore her down. I hope she stays for a while because if my wife is tied up with Dana that means more free time for me to escape!

Duncan laughed. Don’t kid yourself, he said, Asta won’t let you get too happy!

He pushed back his chair and stood up to return to work. Megan bustled into the room with a very large plate in her hands.

Sausage, bacon, fried egg, beans, mushrooms, black pudding, fried bread, hash browns and grilled tomatoes. Plus toast. she announced. Did I forget anything?

Not a thing! Jez grinned happily. I’ve been so looking forward to this!

Duncan continued to shake his head in amazement.

I don’t mean to be personal, he said, but you obviously aren’t short of a bob or two. You could have this whenever you wanted it! In fact you could have any kind of food you want!

Jez smiled. That’s true but we’ve already established that Asta doesn’t like me eating this sort of breakfast every day. She seems to have some idea that she wants me to live to be as old as Mr Grumpy over there! he nodded jokingly towards Donald.

Donald simply made a rude gesture in reply. Jez ignored him and continued.

And even if Asta did allow me to take care of my own menu planning, he explained, a full cooked breakfast would soon lose its appeal if I had it every day. But for today, I’m going to enjoy this!

Duncan clapped him on the shoulder as he passed.

Fair enough, he agreed, I see what you are getting at. I’ll leave you to it and get ready to meet the ferry. We won’t be long.

Jez thanked Duncan and for the next few minutes, silence reigned as he ate his breakfast and Donald read the morning paper. Finally, he mopped up the last of his egg with a piece of toast and with a sigh of satisfaction he sat back happily in his chair. As if by magic, Megan reappeared to remove his plate and pour him another cup of coffee.

Everything OK? she asked.

Perfect, Jez almost purred, absolutely perfect.

Megan laughed and started to go back to the kitchen. Suddenly she stopped.

Do you think your friend will need anything to eat before you head home?

No idea. he replied. She may want a drink – best to wait and see.

Megan nodded and bustled away. The room that Jez had been eating in was a private space at the back – accessible to only a few select guests. The majority of customers were taken care of at the front of the pub. Most of them weren’t even aware that another room at the rear existed. It may have been quiet where Jez was sitting but in the main rooms there were hardly any free tables. Megan and the other bar staff were very busy. Summer was over but they still had frequent day-trippers and quite a few people who were staying for longer periods.

Is this the first time Asta’s friend has been to the island? Donald suddenly spoke up again.

Aye. Jez replied. They actually met at college in the United States and have been best friends since. But they both lead busy lives – so they don’t meet up very often.

It’s sometimes a lonely place, the modern world. Donald shook his head sadly. Everyone rushing around trying to get on in life – and before you know it, life has passed you by. Take it from an old man – we need to make more effort to spend time with the people we love. I’m glad Asta is catching up with her friend.

Bloody hell, that’s a bit deep Donald. Jez squirmed in his seat. It’s just two old mates meeting up for a gossip – this is hardly a long-lost reunion! But I do understand what you mean. We struggle too much in working towards something rather than actually enjoying it.

Donald nodded. Anyway, he said, I thought you told us that Asta was from Norway – what was she doing at a college in the USA?

She got an art scholarship. Jez replied. That’s where she met Dana. They became best of friends – she spent most of her free time with Dana and her mother and father. They really looked after her. After they graduated they both came back to Europe for a while – they’ve always been close. But eventually work and everything else arrived so they mostly speak by phone these days.

Does she have a family of her own? Donald asked.

She was married but her husband died nearly three years ago. Jez said quietly. In fact that was the last time we saw her. We went out to New York for the funeral and Asta has been pestering her to come across to stay with us ever since. They didn’t have any kids. Apparently Dana hasn’t done much painting in recently. Asta is encouraging her to get motivated again.

Donald nodded as if he understood and then sat back as if he was digesting everything Jez had told him. Jez picked up one of the spare daily papers that Archie left out for his friends. He spent the next twenty minutes drinking coffee and catching up on the outside world. Lost in his own thoughts he was startled when the door opened and Duncan reappeared carrying a pair of matching cases.

Here you go Dana, he announced, I’ll officially hand you over to the Laird!

Jez scowled as a petite, slim woman with startling red hair appeared in the doorway.

Jez, she smiled, I hope that grimace doesn’t mean that you aren’t pleased to see me?

Of course not Dana! Jez cried. It’s lovely to catch up with you again. But if Duncan will insist on reminding everyone that I own the island then I probably need to remind him about something else. One of my many obligations as Laird is to employ the harbourmaster! Perhaps it’s time for a review meeting!

Chapter 2

Dana laughed nervously – slightly unsure if Jez was joking or not. Duncan just grinned.

Good. he replied. We are long overdue a career review meeting. Perhaps we could talk about a pay rise?

Both men chuckled.

Touche! Jez answered. On reflection, you aren’t doing too bad a job. Let’s leave it there!

Duncan turned to walk away – still shaking his head.

Lovely to meet you Dana. he said. We hope to see a lot more of you during your stay.

Thank you for meeting me, Dana said gratefully, and thanks again for carrying my bags.

No problem. Duncan replied. Will you be in tomorrow for the footie Jez?

Jez nodded. We’ll be here. Around the usual time.

Duncan smiled and turned to leave, moving aside to let Megan and Archie through.

Dana, Jez said, this is Archie and Megan McKee – they do a fantastic job of running the pub here.

Dana flashed them a smile and greeted them warmly.

I was wondering if you wanted anything to eat or drink before you continued on your way? Megan asked.

Dana looked across at Jez. I would rather get on and meet up with Asta if that’s OK? she said.

Fine by me. Jez said. I’ll put your bags in the Land Rover.

Archie helped Jez with the cases, leaving the ladies alone with Donald. Megan introduced him to Dana and enquired how her journey had been.

Not bad, thank you. Dana replied. Although I only arrived at Prestwick early this morning and didn’t sleep at all on the overnight flight. I got a taxi from the airport and caught the lunch time ferry. That may explain why I’m just about worn out! And that’s the only reason I won’t take you up on your kind offer of refreshment. I really need a shower to wake me up and make me feel human again!

Megan laughed. No problem. she said. Hopefully we’ll see you down here again soon with Asta. How long are you staying for?

Dana shrugged. We’ve left it fairly open-ended. she admitted. I’m a painter – like Asta. I’m here mainly to catch up with her but I might start work on something and who knows what could happen!

Megan laughed again. Well – we hope you have a lengthy visit – we are sure you’ll enjoy yourself. It’s a special place.

Dana nodded. That’s what Asta keeps telling me.

Jez returned after getting rid of the cases.

Ready whenever you are! he announced.

With that, Dana said goodbye and Jez escorted her to the Land Rover. Dana stopped for a second and looked suspiciously at Jez.

Is that your car? she asked.

Yep. he grinned.

Are your other cars in the workshop? she curiously.

Nope. he replied. This is the only vehicle I own.

Dana seemed confused. Perhaps it’s the jet lag. she said. But I don’t really understand. You are – to all intents and purposes, a very wealthy rock star who owns his own island – but you drive around in a beat up old wreck? No offence intended. she added hurriedly.

And none taken! he smiled. Come on, let’s get you up to meet Asta and once you have settled in, we’ll talk more about the car and the island. OK?

Perfect. Dana replied. I’m so looking forward to seeing Asta again!

Jez helped her into the Land Rover and they set off out of the village on a very smooth single track road. He started to point out certain landmarks as they began to climb steadily higher towards the distant cliffs. After only a few minutes Jez turned a corner and suddenly there was a large structure nestled in the side of one of the approaching hills. As they drew near, Dana initially thought that the building almost seemed to be part of the surrounding hillside. She also marvelled at how beautiful the house was as it wound around the landscape.

It’s gorgeous! she gasped.

Jez grinned. Everyone seems to have the same reaction when we turn that corner. he admitted. In fact it still gives me a bit of a buzz whenever I return home. Asta and I invested a lot of time, effort and love into this place – this is part of us.

Jez drew up in a large courtyard and before they could open the car doors, a tall, slim blonde woman flew out of the house towards them. She screamed as she wrapped Dana in a bear hug and soon both girls were fighting back the tears.

It’s so good to see you again! Asta almost shouted. It’s been far too long!

I know, I know. Dana agreed – squeezing Asta tightly.

They finally parted and both took a step backward to examine each other.

Wow. Dana exclaimed. You look amazing! Your skin glows and – well you just look fabulous!

It’s this place. Asta gestured around her. This island is good for the soul and healthy eating and living takes care of the rest. She glanced at Jez when she mentioned the healthy living.

Whatever you are doing, Dana went on, seems to be definitely working!

Asta studied her. You on the other hand – look terrible! she said. Underweight and you seem really run-down!

Dana laughed. I’ve missed you terribly Asta! she said. No one else just tells it just as it is!

Jez didn’t seem surprised at Asta’s apparent rudeness. He sighed.

Over the years I have come to realise, he said, that Asta can be spectacularly blunt when it comes to dealing with people she cares about. However, I also know from experience she is capable of being extremely diplomatic when necessary. So I guess that must prove you obviously mean a lot to her.

Both women laughed and Asta began to lead Dana towards the house.

Don’t worry, Asta announced, after a short time with us you will feel like a new woman! Jez, would you bring the bags in please?

Jez shook his head and muttered under his breath but he smiled to himself as he carried the cases through into the house. He caught up with the girls just as Dana was admiring the large entrance hall and magnificent sweeping staircase.

OK, Asta asked, "what do you want to