Page 13 of Reckless Kiss

Archer suspected why, two weeks ago was when they’dgot notice to leave the island, and he’d organised a meeting with his aunt. He’d spent most of his youth in the pool, and so had Jason, Luke, and Daisy. His dad had lectured them they needed to be able to swim if they lived on an island. He hammered home the point that they needed to be able to swim better than anyone because they never knew when someone might need help.

His dad had always worked on the oil rigs. Archer had never known him to do anything else. As children, they’d grown used to seeing him for three weeks and not seeing him for another three. He’d learned to swim in the swimming pool. They all had.

Their dad wouldn’t let them swim in the sea until he was satisfied they could handle the ocean, currents, and riptides. He’d taught them to recognise the dangers of the sea. Demystified it, but at the same time respectful of mother nature.

“Good to know it can be used. I might take a dip later,” Archer said.

“Of course, Mr Turner. I live in the town, so if you want to go for a beer, let me know, and I’ll bring you up to date with what’s happening.”

Archer took in the man, he looked familiar in his green overalls.

“Thanks, Ralph. Please call me Archer. Have you worked here long?”

“A few years. My father and grandfather worked here as gardeners. My grandfather is long passed, but my father is still alive and cantankerous. He’s retired but can still tell me what I should be doing on the grounds.”

That was why he looked familiar. Archer remembered his father and grandfather.

“My advice? Write it all down. Record him, absorbeverything you need to know. You never know when you’ll need to know something, and he won’t be there to ask.”

Ralph dropped his chin, and Archer silently begged him not to say it. “Yes, I will. I’ll bear that in mind. I never met your father, but I hear he was a fantastic man.”

And there it was. It was the kindness that brought a lump to Archer’s throat.

“Thank you, he was amazing. I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather. He was fabulous with all us kids running over his lawns. I’ll see you around.”

Archer nodded and walked away, instantly regretting pointing out that life wasn’t forever. Just because his dad had died early, he didn’t need to remind everyone else. Sending a group message to his siblings, he arranged to have a family call in an hour. Hopefully, the time differences wouldn’t be too hard on them. As far as he knew, Jason, Luke, and Daisy were all in Europe.

Archer couldn’t find an obvious problem with the electrics in the cottage. The shower didn’t trip the second time he switched it on. He changed into his board shorts to take a dip in the pool, hoping his aunt would permit it. She would never directly come out into the grounds to tell him off, but she would send someone to advise him. At least now, she had the excuse of age and the extensive grounds, but back when they were kids, there wasn’t any reason she couldn’t come and tell them off personally.

Archer checked in with Bailey and Maggie to be on the safe side to ensure it was okay. He swam laps until he was worn out thinking about his aunt’s condition. The far end of the pool neared the edge of the grounds overlooking the cliffs and out into the Atlantic Ocean. Swimming up to the edge and hauling himself up, he looked out to sea. Working on the rigs seemed so long ago, even though it was only aweek. He knew in his heart he would agree to his aunt’s deal, but he still needed to hear what his siblings had to say.

Climbing out of the water and snatching up a towel, he dried his skin and walked back to his cottage.

Setting up his tablet on the table in the rear of the cottage, he sank into the outdoor armchair and logged into their online meeting room.

Luke was already online.

“Hey, where are you?” Archer asked.

“Barcelona. How’s Copper Island?”

“Interesting. I haven’t been into town yet, but the house hasn’t changed at all since I was last here.”

“Doesn’t surprise me. Is she going to give us the business to run?”

“That’s what I want to talk to you about. Where are the other two?”

“Physically, Daisy is in Rome and Jason—” Luke said.

“Is here. Keep your pants on,” Jason said as his voice came through before his live feed flashed up.

“You look like hell, Jason,” Luke said.

“Let’s just say it was a good night. But, cut short this morning by this meeting. A bit formal, isn’t it? Turner Hall rules already rubbing off on you?” Jason said.

Daisy came into view, and the screen split into four squares. “Hey, guys, how are you all?” she said.

She grinned wide when Jason gave her an eye roll. “It’s been a week Daisy.”

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