‘Really, Cass, you haven’t got the sense you were born with!’ said Caroline. ‘Surely you know better than to get in a car with someone you don’t know.’
‘I did – do know him,’ said Cass calmly. ‘And I wanted to catch a plane. This man wanted to catch it too. It was a mistake because there was a hurricane brewing—’
‘Surely the hurricane had happened by then,’ said Caroline, confused.
Cass laughed, thinking of Delphine and her reply to this question. ‘Hurricanes aren’t like Christmas, you know,’ she said to her older sister. ‘You don’t have one and then know there won’t be one for another year. There’s a season for them.’
Caroline didn’t like being wrong so she didn’t comment.
Then, unexpectedly, James spoke up. Younger thanMartin and Caroline, he was the nearest in age to Cass. ‘It seems you’ve done some pretty brave and exciting things, kid,’ he said. ‘Why don’t you tell us everything?’
For once, Cass’s siblings didn’t interrupt and let her tell her story, which included sewing up Ranulph’s leg. Although this wasn’t really part of the narrative, Cass couldn’t resist adding it. She was proud of her achievement.
‘Well, I must say, you do seem to have done the family proud,’ said James.
‘Agreed,’ said Martin. ‘Never thought you would.’
‘Although she did lose Howard’s camera,’ said Caroline. But then she obviously felt she’d been small-minded and gave Cass’s arm a pat.
‘So, who’s for pudding?’ said their mother. ‘It looks delicious, I must say.’
‘Have you learnt to cook as well as do first aid?’ asked Martin.
Cass smiled and shrugged. She had every confidence in her crumble.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
The days passed and Cass realised she loved her new job. She loved the customers, the busy, vibrant shop and being surrounded by artists’ materials. Sarah was an appreciative, if somewhat vague boss. But as her wages were basic, Cass also got a job in a wine bar a couple of nights a week.
As she explained to Rosa, ‘I want to earn as much as I can and I love being busy.’
It was Cass’s first night working at the wine bar and Rosa had come in early, so she and Cass could chat when there were only a few customers.
‘I thought you said your dad had given you money?’ said Rosa.
‘Yes, but I want to get his camera back. Bloody Austin might make me buy it and he could charge me a fortune. Besides, I want to go to art school, and I would really like to pay for at least some of that myself.’
Rosa was still focused on the camera. ‘It’s as if he’s kidnapped it and is demanding ransom money.’
Cass nodded. ‘Exactly like that! And currently I’m the desperate parent waiting for the kidnapper to get intouch.’ Cass paused in her wiping of the counter. ‘I don’t want to have to use Dad’s money if I can avoid it. I lost the camera and I feel it’s up to me to get it back.’
Rosa took a breath to protest and then let it out again. ‘Have you got a nice pale rosé? Something from Provence?’
Cass smiled. ‘Certainly, madame. What size glass would you like?’
‘A small. Can you join me?’
Cass shook her head. ‘Not while I’m working; plus Mum has lent me her car so I’m driving home.’
Free art classes for employees being one of the perks of the job at the art shop, Cass had been very excited, and had intended to sign up for everything she could.
Annoyingly, when she had asked Sarah how to join the classes she received disappointing news.
‘Most of our classes start in September. We don’t have very much over the summer.’
This had been a bit of a blow. She had been hoping to cram as many classes in as possible, so, come September, she could apply for some sort of full-time art course.
‘But we do have “Flower painting in watercolours”,’ Sarah had said, obviously seeing Cass’s disappointment. ‘That any good to you?’
