It felt like a no-win situation. Even if he gave in, who was to say Brenda’s demands would stop there. Didn’t blackmailers always come back for more?
Rufus’s yapping interrupted Nate’s thoughts. “It’s far too early for this.” Nate sighed, deciding it wasn’t the hour to be considering whatever options he did or didn’t have. If pushed, he’d just have to insist on more time to think things through.
Continuing on his way, he found himself thinking about Flick, wondering what kind of a morning person she might be. Was she like him? Lacking immediacy? Or a whirlwind like Rufus? On the move the second her feet touched the bedroom floor? If she were staying, he would have liked to have found out.If…a predicament that seemed to rest on his shoulders.
The woods began to clear, finally revealing the chateau. Making his way round to the front, he couldn’t believe he was doing this. He let out a wry laugh, wondering if his aunt would have volunteered his services to help Pete had she known the predicament Brenda had put him in. Then again, taking in the vehicle he was confronted with, he began to question how she could offer his services at all. Even she had to see that helping Pete squeeze furniture into the back of a hearse was only encouraging him. He just hoped his friend didn’t expect him to accompany him to the tip so he could assist in unloading it as well. He could feel the embarrassment. Pete might not have any shame, but he certainly did.
With the chateau’s front door wide open and no sign of Pete, Nate hesitated, wondering what he should do. Realising he couldn’t just stand there, he approached the entrance. “Hello,” he called out, tentatively stepping inside. Chatting sounded from down the hall. “Hello,” he repeated.
Brenda appeared at the far end, beckoning him forward with the wave of a hand and a welcome smile. “Nate. Lovely to see you.”
I bet it is,he thought, determined to get in and out of there as quickly as possible.
“Come on in,” she continued.
He took a deep breath before doing as he was told and making his way down the hall, following her into the kitchen.
“Glad to see you could make it,” Pete said.
Nate smiled, trying to mask the awkwardness he felt. “Think yourself lucky I’m here at all,” he replied, a message meant for Brenda as much as it was Pete.
He turned his attention to Flick. Thanks to her mother, he knew he should distance himself, but just the sight of her seemed to lift his spirits.
“Morning.” Nate watched her put her hand up to her hair and quickly tuck a few rogue strands behind her ear. She appeared as self-conscious as he felt, although as far as Nate was concerned, she needn’t be. Even in her dressing gown, she looked stunning. However, she obviously didn’t agree, leaving Nate a tad disappointed when she suddenly rose to her feet.
“If you’ll excuse me,” she said. “I think it’s time I got myself showered and dressed.”
“Not on my account, I hope.”
She blushed. “Of course not.”
Nate smiled as he watched her go, forced to stop himself from laughing out loud when she suddenly paused in the doorway to wiggle her hips. Payback for when he’d done it to her, no doubt.
“Would you like a coffee?” Brenda asked, thankfully, like Pete, oblivious to Flick’s action.
Coming from his blackmailer, Nate knew better than to accept. He needed to get the sofa loaded up and then he could leave.
“Of course he does,” Pete said, jumping in before Nate could decline. “It’s not like we’re in any rush.”
Cheers, mate!he thought. With no other choice, Nate tried to ignore his discomfort, telling himself he’d be fine. After all, with his friend in the room Brenda wouldn’t dare press him for an answer, that would mean giving her game away. Reluctant, he took a chair at the table as she placed a mug in front of him, although as he savoured the rich aroma, he had to admit he was ready for this.
Pete suddenly plonked his empty cup on the table and rose to his feet.
“Oh, come on,” Nate said. Being left alone with his blackmailer was the last thing he wanted. “Seconds ago, you said we weren’t in a rush.”
Pete put up a staying hand, signalling that his friend should remain seated. “We’re not. I’m just gonna get started on sizing up the sofa,” he said, pulling a tape measure out of his pocket.
“Good idea,” Brenda replied.
Nate flashed her a look.Shewould say that.
“There’s no point even trying to move it if it isn’t going to fit,” continued Pete, heading out into the hall. “Honestly,” he called back. “You take your time. We’ve got plenty of it.”
As Brenda took the seat opposite, Nate felt cornered. Cautiously taking in her demeanour, she had a determination about her and seemed to be waiting for him to speak, her silence making him feel even more ill at ease. Fidgeting in his seat, he wished he’d just gone with Pete, regardless of any protests and glancing around the room he tried to come up with a suitable conversation, one that didn’t involve her blackmail attempt. “I’m impressed,” he said, keeping his tone casual as he took in all the changes. “You’ve done a great job in here.”
At last, Brenda seemed to relax. “Flick did most of the work,” she replied proudly. “I mainly kept her fed and watered while she got on with it. But I agree, it does look good, doesn’t it?”
Nate took another drink of his coffee.
