Falling for you

though it would have been to witness in person Kerr having the living daylights scared out of him, Den’s presence would spoil the surprise.

Pushing through the swing doors into reception, Marcella’s eye was caught by the clock up on the wall. Ten to three. Back in Ashcombe everyone would be gathering at the cottage, getting ready to welcome Tiff home.

Anyway, never mind about that now.

Behind the desk, a plump girl looked up and smiled welcomingly at Marcella. ‘Hello there, can I help you?’

‘I hope so.’ Since Den had Kerr’s car, Marcella was rather counting on him being here. ‘I’d like a word with Kerr McKinnon.’

‘Do you have an appointment?’

‘No, but I’m sure he’ll see me.’ Primed by Den, Marcella peered down the corridor on the left.

‘Is that his office, along there?’

‘Er, why don’t I give him a buzz?’ Apologetically the receptionist said, ‘I’m not really supposed to let people in without an—’

‘I’m Maddy Harvey’s mum,’ Marcella confided. ‘Maddy from the Peach Tree. Trust me, it’ll be worth it.’

This captured the girl’s attention. Eagerly she leaned across the desk.

‘Is it about Kerr and Maddy? Oh, fantastic! Something’s going on between those two, isn’t it? I knew there was, I knew it, but Kerr just wouldn’t admit anything, and for the last few weeks he’s been so grumpy. Hang on.’ The receptionist faltered, belatedly taking in the fact that Marcella was black and Maddy wasn’t. ‘You can’t be Maddy’s mother ...’

Marcella said with pride, ‘I’ve been her mother since she was five years old.’

‘OK.’ Rising to her feet, the girl said, ‘You can go and see Kerr. But you have to let me come too.’

The door to his office was closed. The receptionist, having introduced herself as Sara, knocked and said, ‘Kerr, it’s me.’

From the other side of the door a male voice called out, ‘Come in,’ and Sara stepped to one side, gesturing to Marcella.

‘After you, Maddy’s mum.’

‘Why thank you so much.’ Marcella flashed a mischievous smile at her before opening the door.

Kerr McKinnon was sitting behind his desk talking into the phone. Better looking than his brother, Marcella judged;

then again, he hadn’t had to go through what Den had been through. Still, she could appreciate what Maddy saw in him.

In a purely dispassionate way, of course.

She watched the expression on Kerr’s face change as he realised who had just walked into his office. Unsmiling, Marcella stood there and regarded him in silence, exuding menace.

‘Er, sorry, I’ll have to call you back,’ Kerr muttered into the phone. Slowly he replaced the receiver. Marcella couldn’t see his hand shaking, but she wouldn’t mind betting he was quaking inside.

And now ... Oh, this was fantastic, the colour was actually draining from his face! If only she’d thought to bring a video camera.

The silence lengthened. It was like High Noon. Finally M a r c e l l a s p o k e .

‘Scared?’

‘Yes.’

‘Good. I’d hate to think I was losing my touch.’

A muscle flickered in Kerr’s jaw. ‘Does Maddy know you’re here?’

‘No.’

‘Right.’

‘Your brother does, though. He’s downstairs. We’ve just had a long chat,’ said Marcella.

‘Everything’s been sorted out. I went to see your mother this afternoon, too.’

‘You what?’ Kerr shook his head in disbelief. ‘She actually told you ... ?’

‘The whole story, but we don’t have time to go into that now. I’m sure you know how I feel about your mother. As for Den, well, I’m just glad the truth’s come out. Better late than never. Now, about you.’ Marcella paused to check her watch. ‘How do you feel about Maddy?’

Lost for words, Kerr said, ‘Er ... er ...’

‘Come on now, we don’t have all day.’ Marcella widened her eyes enquiringly at him. ‘Still interested? Or no longer interested, that was weeks ago, you’ve met someone else far better since then—’

‘Stop,’ Kerr said hurriedly. ‘Still interested.’

‘Good.’ Marcella’s expression softened.

‘I knew it.’ Behind her, Sara was triumphant. Nudging Marcella she said, ‘Didn’t I tell you?

Ha, nothing gets past me!’