Chapter Fifteen
Wednesday, Papakura
Herbert strode into the motel office late afternoon, striking it lucky with the last room. It was the same unit the girl had occupied, which answered one question. She’d checked out after her clown scare.
But where had she gone?
An older Maori woman checked him in, her light eyes freaky with their intensity. Her nostrils flared and her gaze locked with his. He shook himself because it felt as if she were looking inside his mind. She slid the key over the desk. “Enjoy your stay.”
He blinked, instinctively going for polite. “Thank you.”
A young woman entered as he left. Bingo. This one was the other’s friend, and eventually she’d lead him in the right direction. She’d know Cassie Miller-Pope’s location, and once he found the woman, he’d keep her off-balance enough that she wouldn’t worry about anything happening on her land. She’d be frightened of her own shadow.
* * * * *
Hotel at Matakana
Sometimes Cassie made mistakes. Most people did, however picking up her phone without checking the caller identity—right up there amongst the big ones.
“Cassandra, I expected you to call me,” her mother said. “You’re twenty-six and should have outgrown this childish behavior.”
Cassie tapped her finger against her leg and awaited her mother’s next salvo. When it didn’t come, she said, “Mother, I’ve been busy, and it’s only been six days since I arrived.”
“I can’t believe you intend to live in your grandfather’s house. If it were me, I’d sell it to—”
“I own the farm, Mother. Granddad left it to me. Please, we’ve had this discussion. Let’s agree to disagree. How are you? How is Dad?”
“We’re fine. Thank you.”
“What do you want for breakfast, Cassie?” Hone called from the doorway. He’d gone for a run along the beach while she dallied with a coffee and the newspaper.
“Who is that?” Her mother’s sharp tone peeved Cassie.
“A friend.” Less said the better.
“A male friend?”
“Yes.”
There was a pause, a huff of air. “I hope you’re having safe sex.”
“Mother, I am not having this conversation. It’s good to hear from you, but I’ve been taking care of myself for a while.” Thank goodness her mother wasn’t in the same room because her cheeks had bloomed scarlet. Judging by Hone’s grin, he’d caught the conversation.
“I suppose you’re spending time with that girl?”
“If you mean Emma, then yes. She’s my best friend.”
“Who is the man?”
“Hone works with Emma.”
“I see.”
Cassie doubted it. “Mother, you might not approve of the way I live my life, but I’m healthy and content. Why can’t you just be happy for me?”
“With your educational qualifications, you could be doing much more than working as an assistant to a singer.”
Cassie grit her teeth until compulsion tell her mother exactly how much wealth she’d amassed had passed. “Mum, I’m going to say this for the last time. I love you, but since I am an adult, you can’t make my decisions for me. I am taking a break from my job for one month. Once that time has passed, I will make a decision as to what I’ll do next.”
