Page 27 of Someone For Everyone

‘At last, I thought, someone who can confirm his existence. Do you know the legend?’

‘Er… no, I don’t.’

‘Then let me enlighten you.’

Kate wasn’t sure she had much choice.

Rowan held his cane aloft. ‘The Highwayman legend tells of a roguish womaniser who met his gruesome end whilst robbing a member of the local gentry on the road past Fright Corner. The unsuspecting victim turned out to be an accomplished swordsman and a fight ensued.’

Kate checked her surroundings, fearing Rowan’s loud voice might invite onlookers. Or at least, scare off the cows in the neighbouring field.

‘The clash of battling swords can still be heard at the fatal scene where the Highwayman’s life came to a sudden end.’ He lunged forwards, making her step backwards.

She did not want to be stabbed, thank you very much.

‘So, too, can the agonising scream arising from his lips as his assailant’s blade pierced his body, pinning it to the trunk of an old hollow tree and sending the birds flapping manically into the night sky.’

She couldn’t fault Rowan’s enthusiasm, even if it was a little intense.

He advanced on her, making her back away even further. ‘Did you see it?’

‘Did I see what?’

‘His dark shadowy outline lingering close to where the tree once stood.’

‘Can’t say that I did.’ Kate was now backing away at speed. That was, until Calvin’s voice startled her.

‘Here you are,’ he said behind her, making her jump.

‘Jesus,’ she said, swinging around to face him, almost relieved that she had a valid excuse for her flustered state. ‘What is it with you people? You gave me such a fright.’ She rubbed her chest, trying to ease her racing heartbeat. ‘You’re as bad as him.’ She nodded to where a grinning Rowan was taking a deep bow, congratulating himself on his performance.

‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to sneak up on you,’ Calvin said, with a half-hearted shrug. ‘It’s not nice when someone catches you unawares, is it?’ His head tilted to one side and she wasn’t sure whether the slight edge in his voice had a hint of amusement or accusation.

Either way, it shamed her into a blush. ‘I’m really sorry about that. I had no idea it was your room.’

‘Maybe knock next time?’

Next time?There wasn’t going to be a next time. She’d be steering well clear of his room in future.

Calvin turned to Rowan. ‘Have you been telling scary stories again?’

‘Nothing that isn’t true, dear boy.’ Rowan tipped his hat.

Calvin rolled his eyes. ‘Try not to scare her too much, I need her.’

‘So I’ve heard,’ Rowan said with an exaggerated wink. ‘Esme’s been filling me in.’

‘I’ll bet she has.’ Shaking his head, Calvin turned to Kate. He was fully dressed now, looking warm and cosy in his hooded jacket and dark jeans. His hair was tied up, but it was still damp from the shower. It seemed to have expanded in size, looking all soft and bouncy, and for a fleeting moment she wondered what it would be like to touch. ‘I’m heading into Ashford to pick up supplies. Will you be okay for a while without me?’

Embarrassed at where her thoughts had been headed, she shook away the image, and nodded. ‘Sure, no problem. I just came out here for some air… you know, after I… well, after I couldn’t get a phone signal inside.’

‘So you said.’ If she wasn’t mistaken, his cheeks were slightly flushed. She wasn’t the only one embarrassed. ‘See you later, then.’ He hesitated, before walking off.

‘Right. Yes, bye.’ She could relax… and then she remembered her conversation with Beth. ‘Calvin!’ She ran after him. ‘Would it be okay if my cousin came to stay for a while? His accountancy skills are better than mine and I could do with the help. I’ll pay him out of my commission, obviously. I don’t expect you to cover his costs, but it would definitely speed things up. Would that be okay?’

‘Sure, whatever you need. Let me know when he’s due to arrive and I’ll make up a room for him.’

‘Thanks… See you later, then.’ She backed away, almost tripping over a raised tree root. What was it with this place? ‘I’d better get back to work. Nice to meet you, Rowan.’

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