‘I can’t slow down! If I do, we’ll stop and you’ll fall off. I’ve got some momentum going. Just hold on.’
With a racing heart, Bea held on for dear life. Although she was protesting, she was enjoying every second of it.
‘What I want to know is: how do you not know how to ride a bike?’
Ten minutes earlier Bea had confessed just that. It wasn’t something that she’d learned as a child and she’d never had reason to think about it since.
‘There’s no point when you can have a seat and let someone else do all the hard work.’
‘Cheeky!’ Nolan began to swerve in a zig-zag pattern, causing Bea to scream some more and squeeze her eyes shut.
‘Stop it!’
As they raced along the river path Bea reflected that the scenery and company were just perfect. People were out walking and she shouted good evening to all of them as she and Nolan rode past. She always felt so happy and safe in Nolan’s company.
Turning up the lane towards the B&B, Nolan applied the brakes and brought the bike to a gentle stop outside. Lowering her legs to the ground, Bea steadied herself with Nolan’s help. They both wore wide smiles.
‘I have to say, I loved every second of that – even though my bum is a little sore.’
‘Not as sore as my ears with you screaming,’ replied Nolan, handing her the crutches. ‘Right, I’m going to carry on with our investigations, and if there is anything to report shall I call back in on my way home?’
‘Er, yes! You can’t keep valuable information from your partner. Good luck.’ Without thinking, Bea leaned towards Nolan and placed a swift kiss on his cheek.
‘Hemingway and Fernsby are about to crack the case!’ Nolan swung his leg over the bike, pushed off and rang the bell as his legs turned the pedals. She watched him all the way to the end of the lane, where he waved above his head before disappearing around the corner.
Bea turned around to find Julia watching her through the open window of the reception area.
‘Isn’t the first flush of love a wonderful thing?’ She made a heart shape with her hands and placed it against her chest.
Bea grinned as she rolled her eyes and pointed to the door with her crutch. ‘Would you be kind enough to open the door for me?’
Julia was immediately up on her feet. ‘Of course, but silence speaks a thousand words, or so the saying goes … or something like that.’
Bea hadn’t denied it, because she agreed with Julia, but she knew she was going to have to keep hold of those feelings, otherwise in a few weeks’ time her heart was going to be smashed into smithereens when Nolan left Heartcross.
ChapterTwenty
Nolan cycled up the long drive of Foxglove Farm. The magnificent farmhouse stood in front of him and he could see the appeal of living here. Checking the signpost, he followed the path to the right and immediately saw the vintage caravan, which was just as Bea had described. There was no sign of life. As Nolan propped his bike up at the side of the van, he suddenly felt nervous.
‘Who goes there?’
He nearly jumped out of his skin.
Martha had opened the door without him noticing and was peering through the beaded curtain.
‘Hi, it’s Nolan. We met briefly the night of the storm.’
‘We did. And what can I do for you?’
Nolan wasn’t sure but thought it seemed as though Martha was a little on edge. ‘Have you got time to do me a reading?’ he asked, unsure whether he actually wanted her to look into his future. But he needed to engage Martha in conversation if he wanted to see the painting inside the caravan, and this seemed the only way.
Martha parted the curtains and Nolan made his way past the potted cherry-red geraniums.
‘Money in the bowl. Five pounds.’
Rummaging in his pocket, Nolan pulled out a five pound note and stepped inside the caravan. It was exactly how Bea had described it. Immediately his eyes were drawn to the paintings on the wall.
‘Take a seat. It’s very unusual I get a man wanting to know their fortune.’ Martha was watching him closely. ‘Usually, they think it’s a pile of claptrap.’
