The Face in the Shadows

By Wendy Jane Collins

Lucy and Ben Reid and their children Jake and Emily are about to change their whole lives and move away from their family home at Primrose Hill. After Ben's Great Aunt Maud dies and his parents mysteriously disappear without a trace, they decide to move away to continue running Maud's shop, Bartons, in Frank and Janet Reid's absence.

Follow their journey and see how they navigate their new lilfe living at Hilltop Manor. You will meet the staff who reside there with them, lots of new friends, and maybe some people who are not so nice along the way. Be prepared to face plenty of dramatic twists and turns throughout and, when Lucy is alone in the study (or so she thinks), near the big bookcases and filing cabinets in the darkest corner of the room, someone else joins her, but there is one big question... who is the face in the shadows?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Nov 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9781665580748

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© 2020 Wendy Jane Collins. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 10/05/2020

ISBN: 978-1-6655-8075-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-8076-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-8074-8 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

About the Author

Chapter 1 Goodbye Primrose Hill

Chapter 2 Hilltop Manor

Chapter 3 Bartons

Chapter 4 Morph Joins The Family

Chapter 5 The Plot Thickens

Chapter 6 The Butterfly Tattoo

Chapter 7 Lucy Brings Everyone Up To Speed

Chapter 8 Lucy Breaks In

Chapter 9 The Truth About Phyllis

Chapter 10 The Unwelcome Visitor

Chapter 11 Dci Fields Explains

Chapter 12 Lucy Goes To See Phyllis

Chapter 13 Aunt Maud’s Will

Chapter 14 Happy Birthday Lucy

Chapter 15 Not Again!

Chapter 16 The Wedding

Chapter 17 Rose Pays Lucy A Visit

Chapter 18 You Never Know Who You Can Trust

Chapter 19 The Trials Begin

Chapter 20 Where’s Phyllis?

Chapter 21 Judgement Day

I’d like to

dedicate this book...to the two people in my life

that have kept me going through some very tough times...

My daughter Courtney-Lee. You are my driving force, my rock and

quite simply my best friend. Nothing is ever too much trouble for you

and your every thought is always for others. You are a true inspiration.

My daughter Kacey-Lee. Despite all your own difficulties,

in a non verbal world of autism. You never fail to make

me smile...you are the sunshine in my day.

I love you both with all my heart Xxx

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wendy Jane Collins was born in Orsett, Essex on June 12th 1968. She was an only child, but went on to have six children of her own. She has four daughters, but sadly her identical twin sons were born early at 26 weeks and only survived a short time. Wendy has been blessed with three beautiful granddaughters.

Today, Wendy lives in Aveley, Essex with her husband and two youngest children and spends her time organising charity events with her family, donating to many worthwhile causes thanks to the support of generous people far and wide and volunteering her time whenever possible to help and befriend those in need.

Wendy has always had a love of writing, starting at a young age and enjoys writing both stories and poems. She really hopes you enjoy her first mystery novel, The Face In The Shadows.

CHAPTER 1

GOODBYE PRIMROSE HILL

Ben, will you be much longer? Jake and Emily are getting restless Lucy Reid called to her husband. Yeah, I’m coming Lucy Ben replied, taking one last look around Number 7 Primrose Hill. Ben had been born there and spent many, mostly happy, years growing up in that house. It seemed so empty now that the removal men had taken the last of their belongings. The rooms, once filled with the sound of children’s laughter, seemed to echo an eerie silence. Primrose Hill, in its day, had been an extremely sought after area, full of very affluent people, seemingly leading very comfortable lives. All had nice cars and lavish houses, full of all of the latest mod cons. When Ben was born, the house had been owned by his late Great-Aunt Maud, an elderly spinster, set very much in her own ways. Maud never made any secret of the fact that she had no time for her flighty neighbours. She would often watch the ‘goings-on’ of the street, as she called it, tut-tutting at how, if one neighbour got a new car, the others would soon follow suit.

Ben remembered, one weekend, the Baileys over the road held a big party, and the very next weekend, every other family in the cul-de-sac had a party, apart from his great-aunt. She would watch from behind the curtain, chuckling to herself about them being sheep and having to follow the flock. Ben had only fond memories of his great-aunt, from when she used to chase him round the table leg on her hands and knees when he was small, to playing darts in the back garden just weeks before she died. Great-Aunt Maud clearly declared, often to her neighbours’ faces, that they had far too many airs and graces and that life was for living to the full, not wasting time pretending to be someone you’re not.

When Maud passed away, the house remained the Reid family home.

Ben had chosen to stay put when his parents had decided to take early retirement, to run Maud’s shop, over 100 miles away. It came as quite a shock when Mr Benson, Great-Aunt Maud’s solicitor, told them about it, because they didn’t even know she had one! The appearance of the shop seemed very odd, but all questions about it were met with his mother doing everything possible to stop the conversation flat. She would quickly change the subject, whilst his father shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot in the background.

That was 6 months ago, and it should have been a happy ending, but it was far from that. Frank and Janet Reid had decided to take a last minute holiday. Ben didn’t know too much about it, just that it was a deal ‘too good to be missed’, offered to them by a customer at the casino where his father worked. Ben had waved his parents off from the private airstrip a few miles from his home, but they had never returned. His father had just gained his pilots licence and said it was part of the fun, being able to fly to the destination himself.

The first Ben had heard of his parent’s disappearance was while watching the television one night with Lucy. The newsreader had announced that a light air-craft had come down in the trees just after takeoff, and the bodies of a male and female had been found nearby. Frantically, Ben had continually rang the incident line number provided, until he eventually got through to the police control room. Once he had explained who he was, and that he suspected that the stricken plane may have been carrying his parents, he was told to hold the line. The operator returned seconds later, saying that they would need to arrange for a car to come and collect him. As much as Ben tried to ask questions about the accident, the operator calmly kept telling him to try not to worry, only serving to make him worry more.

While Ben had been on the phone, he had been watching his wife gather a few things together for the children, who were going to stay with Bob and Sue next door, and their two children Adam and Laurel. Jake loved Adam, he was 8 and played for the local under 9s football team and according to Jake, Adam was ‘way cool’. Emily was equally smitten with Laurel, who even though turning 13 this year, spent ages trying to teach her ballet steps in the garden. She and Laurel were going to dance on the stage together one day, Emily often declared.

A short while later, Ben carried the children next door, both still sleeping soundly, then joined Lucy in the waiting police car for the short journey to the station. The two officers barely said a word in the car and once there, lead them to a small room just off to the left at the bottom of the main corridor. The elder of the two policemen told them someone will be with them shortly and quietly shut the door. The room was sparsely decorated with a small sofa at one end and coffee machine and tv at the other, but strangely enough it still had a homely feel.

After a few moments, a tall, slim man with dark hair greying at the temples entered, introducing himself as Chief Superintendent Rob Jeffers, one of the senior officers on the case. Chief Superintendent Jeffers explained that the male and female occupants of the plane were in no fit state for their bodies to be viewed. Lucy squeezed her husband’s hand, she had visibly seen the raw pain in his eyes at that comment.

Rob Jeffers showed them a small silver tobacco case, although well worn and battered, they could still make out the faint initials ‘B.D.R’ on the lid. The case had been found on the body of the plane’s male occupant. Although the last initial was correct, Ben was certain that it didn’t belong to his father as he had never smoked. All the officer could tell them about the lady was that she had deep blue eyes. Lucy heaved a sigh of relief as she knew that her mother in law had the darkest chocolate brown eyes that she had ever seen. All this had still left one very important question unanswered. If this couple were not Ben’s mum and dad, who were they, and where were his parents? They seemed to have disappeared without a trace.

As the weeks passed with still no news, crash investigators were at a loss as to what had happened. The only vague explanation they could offer was, as the accident had happened near a river, Ben’s parents’ bodies had been washed out into the open sea. But that didn’t explain to him why they hadn’t been found. The bodies found near the plane had been identified as a middle-aged Swedish couple, who had gone missing from a cruise liner some weeks earlier, and had been washed ashore. A guy called Tom Baker was running the shop, which Ben and Lucy found out was called Bartons, during the weeks when Ben’s parents were arranging their relocation. Tom had become his father’s right hand man. Ben knew that with his parents not being able to take charge of the business someone had to, and he was equally aware that the responsibility lay with him. Bob next door had suggested rather tentatively, only yesterday, that maybe they should consider selling the shop, but Ben wouldn’t hear of it. He would not even entertain the thought that his parents would not be returning and always positively insisted to Lucy that it was a matter of when they returned, not if. He and Lucy had talked long into the night and eventually made the decision to move to Blackville Meadows to run Bartons. The house was a lot bigger, with far more space for the children to play, and with the business, at least there would be a regular income.

They also needed an extra bedroom, as Nick, Ben’s 18 year old son from a previous relationship was moving in with them. Nick’s mother had remarried and he didn’t get along with her new husband very well it seemed. Ben had thought this quite odd as Nick was such a happy-go-lucky lad. Nick and Lucy, on the other hand, were very close and shared a love of art. Both were very competitive, each always choosing things to draw in the hope that the other one couldn’t. Lucy treated Nick like her own and despite the age gap between herself and Nick’s mother, he clearly thought of her like a second mum.

Ben, came Lucy’s voice again from the driveway. Are you ready chip? Ben smiled at his wife’s pet name for him, she always called him that when she was worried about him. As Ben took a final glance around his parent’s bedroom, he recalled how he had gained his nickname 8 years ago. The new fish bar opened in town and the first time Ben went in there with his friends after work, he was smitten. The pretty redhead with the gorgeous eyes behind the counter took his breath away. For the next 3 weeks, Ben became an avid chip fan, until one night when he was sitting at the table, staring wistfully at the assistant, his friend Nigel could take no more. He walked over to the girl behind the counter and asked if she had a pen and paper. She obliged, smiling, and Ben watched as Nigel began scribbling something. When he had finished, he handed back the pen and then the paper, informing her that this was his friend on table 5’s number and to please put him out of his misery, then promptly turned and walked out. Ben was horrified, he hid his head in the menu, even though he had finished eating over an hour ago. Err, excuse me, can I get you anything else? Said a voice, and Ben looked up into those deep brown eyes he had spent so long admiring. I’m Lucy, the girl said, holding out her hand and then sitting down. I’m Ben he replied, smiling broadly. At that moment, Ben was hooked, and he and Lucy had been together ever since.

Ben closed the front door with a heavy heart, and turned to face his future. His new life with his wife and children. Jake was 5 with blonde cropped hair, that he insisted on having spiked on top like his dad. Emily was almost 4 with emerald green eyes, blonde curls tumbling down onto her shoulders and tiny pink rosebud lips. Lucy couldn’t help but smile every time she looked at them, both children had her mother’s beautiful blonde locks. Ben and Lucy had only been married 6 years, but they had been the best 6 years of his life.

As their old home disappeared from view, Ben settled back in his seat and closed his eyes to think as Lucy drove. He missed his parents so much. His mum was a really down to earth woman deep down, she was everybody’s friend and couldn’t walk down the road without being stopped at least half a dozen times, he remembered fondly. His father, on the other hand, was totally different, kept himself to himself and only seemed to go out when he went to work. He started late and returned home well into the small hours. This caused numerous problems between his parents, and apart from not being able to see them as much, this move would probably have been a good thing.

Ben must have drifted off to sleep as he woke to the sound of the engine being switched off. I’m sure this is the place that Nick wanted us to meet him, said Lucy. Ben looked around, they appeared to be stopped at some sort of road side cafe. This place looks like one of those American diners you see in the films Lucy laughed, voicing what he was thinking. Ben turned to look at the children in the back seat, who were starting to get very restless. Shall we take the kids in for a drink while we are waiting? Nick will see the car anyway he asked Lucy. Yes! Came a chorus of little voices from behind him. Okay he laughed, as him and Lucy got the children out of the car.

Just as they reached the door of the diner, Nick! Screamed Emily excitedly, trying to wriggle free from her father’s grasp. Ben turned to see Nick running towards them, Emily flew into his arms with Jake not far behind. Nick hugged them both tightly to him, he hadn’t seen them since his grandparents were reported missing. Let’s go inside and you can tell us what you’ve been up to said Lucy, smiling warmly. Ben grabbed Nick’s rucksack while he carried Emily and Jake, one in each arm.

The inside of the diner had booths along each wall, just like they had imagined, and at the far end above the bar, a large neon sign flashing ‘Pineapple Diner’ in a vivid purple glow. They all sat in a booth, Emily and Jake on one side with Nick, and their parents on the other. How come you chose here for us to pick you up Nick? Lucy asked. It’s on route to Phil’s mum’s, so they dropped me off on the way Nick replied. Phil was his mother’s new husband. How does your mum feel about you moving out now? Ben asked his son. She seems okay as long as I promise to visit often Nick said quietly. Are you sure? Ben pressed. Ouch! He said, stopping suddenly as Lucy had just given him a swift kick in the ankle. As he glanced in her direction, her look said everything he needed to know to warn him to shut up. Luckily, the waitress arrived at that point, which broke the rather strained silence. Something was clearly bothering Nick, but this just as clearly wasn’t the right time for him to want to talk about it. Nick was a lovely lad, bright, honest and hard working. He done well at college, gaining high marks in maths and science, and he was now taking some time out before he began university. Everyone made small talk whilst waiting for the food to arrive, discussing everything possible apart from the two people foremost in their minds.

Ooo, look! Squealed Emily, as the waitress returned carrying a tray laden with juicy looking burgers and chunky chips. Everyone tucked in hungrily. Can I have ice cream with chocolate sauce please? Asked Jake when he was finished. Of course you can mate laughed Ben, reaching over and ruffling his son’s hair playfully. Do you want the ice cream with marshmallows honey? He said, smiling at Emily, who was busy trying to wipe a dribble of thick red tomato ketchup off her chin with a tissue. Yes please she nodded happily. Half an hour later, everyone sat back in their seats sighing contentedly. I think everyone should use the toilet before we leave, as there is still a fair way to go said Ben. I don’t need to go said Jake. Try anyway said his mother, expertly leading a protesting Jake off by the hand, with Emily skipping along behind.

A short while later, Lucy returned with the children. He wouldn’t go, she said. Once everyone was loaded back into the car, with Ben taking the wheel, they set off. They had only been travelling for about 10 minutes when a little voice piped up, I need a wee!. Oh Jake, sighed Lucy, are you sure?. Yes he replied, squirming in his seat. We’re going to have to stop again Ben, she told her husband, but I don’t know where. There’s a store just up here, said Nick. It has a toilet as we have stopped there before. Right, hold on mate said Ben, as he pulled into the parking area and they all piled out again. Ben had thought it was a good idea to get some milk and bread, as they didn’t know what was going to be at the house when they got there. Tom had told them he would get a few things in, but he didn’t want to take any chances.

Where’s Milky? Said Emily. Milky was Emily’s cuddly toy, a grubby looking white rabbit with the longest ears imaginable. Emily never went anywhere without him. Has he fallen on the floor sweetheart? Asked Ben, bending down to look under the seats. Oh no! Exclaimed Lucy. What’s up love? Ben inquired, looking at his wife questioningly. She put him down to wash her hands at the diner, and what with all the fuss Jake was making about not wanting to use the toilet, I don’t remember her picking him back up again Lucy said. I want Milky! Said Emily, starting to wail. I’ll have to go back and get him said Ben. You go in with Nick and I’ll be back before you know it, it’s not far Ben said, giving Lucy a reassuring hug. Before Lucy had time to answer, Ben was back in the car driving out of the carpark, waving out of the window as he drove away.

Lucy, Nick and the children went into the store to get a few essential items, then came out to sit on the grass and wait. I want Milky, said Emily sadly. I know princess, daddy should be back at any minute said Lucy. He has been gone a while hasn’t he? Said Nick uncomfortably. Yes, Lucy replied, looking her watch and frowning, nearly an hour. I’ll try ringing him, said Nick, reaching for his mobile. hmm, it says his phone’s switched off Ben never turns his phone off, said Lucy, her voice anxious, try it again please. Just the same said Nick, putting his phone back in his pocket. I’m going back into the shop to see if they might have the number to the diner, you hang on here with the kids for a minute. Lucy nodded, cuddling Jake and Emily to her, she had a really bad feeling something was wrong, very wrong indeed.

When Nick didn’t return after 10 minutes, Lucy took Jake and Emily back inside to look for him. Nick was on the phone at the counter. Are you sure? He said in a strange voice. Okay, thank you. We’ll come and pick it up as soon as we can. Nick replaced the receiver and turned to Lucy with unmistakable fear in his eyes. What’s going on Nick? She asked, her voice trembling. I spoke to the manager at the Pineapple Diner. He remembers dad coming in and asking if anyone had handed in Emily’s toy. When they hadn’t the manager sent a female staff member off to check the toilet while dad waited at a nearby table. The manager said three men in suits approached dad, and after a brief conversation they all got up and left. He said he couldn’t hear what they were saying, but he saw through the window that all four men drove off in dad’s car. What he did say though is two things struck him as very strange, dad didn’t wait for the toy, and one of the other men drove dad’s car while he got in the back. Finished Nick. Oh my god said Lucy, sitting down hard on the chair by the counter. What on earth is going on and who were those men Nick? I’m calling the police. He said, picking up the phone again.

Come through to the back room lovey, you don’t want to be sitting out here. Lucy looked up into the kindly face of the store owner. Thank you she said, taking the children through the hatch after her. You look after the lady and the nippers, I’ll be fine here said the elderly man behind the counter. Lucy sat on the sofa in the cosy living room, with Jake and Emily playing by her feet. I’m Gladys, said the lady. Please try not to worry too much, I’m sure your husband will be fine I hope so Lucy whispered. 20 minutes later, the door opened and Nick walked in, followed by two policemen. This is Sergeant Walker and PC Jenkins he said. I’ve told them everything we know and now they would like to speak to you. They’ve sent colleagues back to the diner as well. Hello Mrs Reid, we’ve heard from your son what’s gone on, but could you tell us again in your own words please? Said Sergeant Walker. Lucy told them what she knew, she just couldn’t believe what was happening, couldn’t take it in. It was as if it was happening to someone else. The radio crackled and PC Jenkins went to the far side of the room to take the message. Err, I’m sorry to interrupt but I think you should take this he said coming back over to the chair where Sergeant Walker was sitting. Okay, please excuse me said Sergeant Walker.

As he walked away Lucy watched him, listening intently to whoever was on the radio. A couple of minutes later he came and sat down opposite her again, his face grave. I don’t want to alarm you Mrs Reid, but my colleagues have found your husband’s car abandoned just down the road from the diner. His doors were all open, so we suspect the occupants left in a hurry, he said. Oh no… said Lucy, her face crumpling as she promptly burst into tears. Nick put his arm around his stepmother in an attempt to comfort her as she sobbed. CID officers are on the way to talk to you Mrs Reid said the sergeant softly. Shall I take the children into the garden? Asked Gladys. Yes please, replied Sergeant Walker, You go with them please PC Jenkins, we don’t know what we could be dealing with here yet. What do you mean? Asked Lucy, You think something bad has happened to Ben, don’t you? She said, looking at Sergeant Walker. He was spared having to answer that question, as the door opened again and two men entered the room.

I’m DCI Fields, Mrs Reid, this is my colleague DS Roach the taller man said, We’ve just come from the Pineapple Diner and having reviewed the CCTV footage, it certainly appears your husband left of his own free will. You hadn’t had a row or anything, had you? He questioned. Mr Reid seems to have been under a lot of pressure lately. Is there any way he may have wanted to get away and take a break?. No! exclaimed Lucy, horrified, Ben and I rarely argue, we’re very happy together. Yes, he has had a lot of stress lately, but there is no way he would ever leave us. Never. She finished firmly. We have to ask these questions Mrs Reid. said DCI Fields sympathetically. The forensic team are on the scene at the moment checking for fingerprints on the car. Yours and the children’s bags are in our car outside. I’m sorry we had to open them, we have to check every available avenue. My colleagues will be here shortly to take you the rest of the way to Blackville Meadows. He concluded I’ll be in touch first thing tomorrow morning to let you know the results of our initial enquiries.

At that moment, Gladys brought Jake and Emily back inside, They want their mum she said kindly. Oh, I nearly forgot said DCI Fields, turning to Emily, I believe this little guy might be yours he said, pulling Milky from his pocket. Emily reached up and took him, smiling shyly. Thank you she whispered. Lucy clutched the children to her, she still couldn’t believe what was happening. It was just like her worst nightmare. Mrs Reid…Mrs Reid… Lucy was vaguely aware of someone gently shaking her shoulder, and looked up to see a blonde woman smiling down at her sympathetically. Er yes, oh sorry, I was in a world of my own Lucy replied weakly. My name’s Cathy and this is Jill, said the woman, gesturing to her colleague. DCI Fields has asked us to take you all home. Come on Lucy said Nick, taking her arm lightly.

Lucy thanked Gladys and her husband for all their help and kindness. The old lady hugged Lucy telling her it was a pleasure, but although her eyes were smiling, Lucy couldn’t miss the pity in them. Cathy and Jill lead them all outside to the waiting blue people carrier. For a second, Lucy thought it was Ben’s car and that he had come back to tell her it was all a big mistake, but it wasn’t. There was a man in the driving seat, he didn’t say a word, just smiled as they got in. They drove for about 20 minutes, leaving one town behind and entering another. As the car rounded a bend, Lucy noticed a sign saying ‘Welcome to Blackville Meadows’ on the grass verge. ‘Some welcome’ Lucy thought sadly, she should have been making this journey with Ben beside her.

As the car started to climb the hill on its way out of town again, there didn’t appear to be much in the way of scenery…in fact, there didn’t seem to be anything around at all, apart from a huge house at the end of a long, sweeping driveway. Lucy thought it looked more like a mansion, far bigger than anywhere she had ever lived before, she couldn’t take her eyes off of it and had been admiring it all the way up the hill. Suddenly, the driver turned right toward the large black gated entrance. ‘Maybe we’re lost?’ Lucy thought, but to her surprise the gates opened and they began to drive towards the house. Where are we? She asked, puzzled. Home Cathy replied. Who’s home? Lucy asked, growing more confused. Your home, Mrs Reid, said Cathy. Lucy gasped in amazement, This place is mine?. She knew Ben had said it was bigger, but he hadn’t told her it was this big! You have a lovely house Mrs Reid, the children will love it here, said Jill. Thank you was all Lucy could mutter, unable to believe what was happening.

As they got out of the car, Lucy stared in awe at the beautiful dwelling. Suddenly, the huge oak door opened and a tall, well-dressed man with neat dark hair, came hurrying down the marble steps to meet them. Hello Mrs Reid, I’m Tom Baker he said, shaking her hand. Your father in law has told me so much about you Hello Lucy replied. I’ve made sure you have all the essentials you should need for the next few days Tom continued. Thank you, you’re very kind. Lucy said. This is Jeff, your handyman and gardener, he said, introducing the dark haired man to his left, I have taken the liberty of employing a nanny as well, Tom went on, when I spoke to Ben the other day he said you would be needing one, as you would be spending a lot of time at the store initially. I have of course looked through all of her references, but they are available for you to double check. Ahh, here she is now he said, turning to greet a pretty young woman with dark hair that fell loosely round her shoulders.

The woman took a step forward and approached the family, This is Amira Bentley Tom said. Hello Amira said, smiling broadly at Lucy.

Oh! And you must be Jake and Emily she said, bending down to the children who immediately hid behind Lucy’s legs. So you’re Jake and you’re three, and this is your big sister Emily? Amira continued to Jake. No I’m not! Said Jake indignantly, I’m five and she’s three! He said, pointing to Emily. Silly me, of course you are! I can see what a big boy you are now said Amira, offering Jake a high five. You must be hungry, would you both like to come into the kitchen with me and see what we can find? That is if it’s okay with you of course, Mrs Reid? She asked, looking at Lucy questioningly. That’s fine, and please call me Lucy she replied.

Once Amira and the children were gone, Tom turned to Lucy with a much more serious look on his face. I didn’t want to say anything in front of the children Mrs Reid - sorry, Lucy, he said, remembering her request, the police called before you arrived and explained what happened. I am very sorry to hear about your husband, but I am sure he will be home before you know it. I really hope so Tom, I really hope so said Lucy, biting back her tears.

CHAPTER 2

HILLTOP MANOR

Shall we go inside? Asked Tom, in an attempt to break the awkward silence. Lucy and Nick followed him up the stairs to the front door, while Cathy, Jill and the driver brought the bags in. As Lucy entered the house, she gasped in amazement. They were standing in a large oak-panelled entrance hall, high ceilings festooned with sparkling crystal chandeliers hanging like frozen raindrops way above their heads. A striking staircase swept upwards to her left, with an equally striking display of artwork adorning the highly polished walls in every direction. Welcome to Hilltop Manor Mrs Reid said a voice from the top of the stairs. A small, extremely well kept woman came briskly towards them. I’m Margaret Armstrong, your housekeeper. she said, offering Lucy her outstretched hand, Please come and take a seat in the living room and I’ll bring tea and sandwiches through, I thought you might be hungry said Mrs Armstrong, smiling. Lucy and Nick followed her down the hallway to a door, somewhat concealed by the grand stairway. Inside, Lucy inhaled at the plush sofas and shiny floors that resembled something from an expensive country magazine. When Mrs Armstrong returned, she was carrying a large tray, heavily