‘Hmm.’ I fold my arms and stare her down.
With a cagey gleam in her eyes she says, ‘And the future is… time share.’ She lays the flyer on the counter, smoothing it out. There’s a photo of a gleaming glass apartment block on a sunny island. ‘I happen to know someone who knows someone and can get you in on this deal for a fraction of the cost. You’ll have a sumptuous apartment to holiday in, full use of the mod cons, everything an independent woman needs. Let’s start with your email address?’ She takes a pen from her tote and clicks it.
‘I don’t think so, Doris.’
Her face crumples as if she’s genuinely upset. Ooh, they’re good, these crafty expats. Got their performances down pat. ‘I’m not asking you to hand over any money! I’m merely inviting you to an information evening. Knowledge is power.’
‘No thanks.’
The cagey look is back. ‘Fine. You’re missing out on this wonderful opportunity to get in on the ground floor.’
‘It’s a risk I’m prepared to take.’ I purse my lips.
Her gaze narrows. ‘Mariola warned you about us, didn’t she?’
‘Wouldn’t you like to know?’ I can’t help but smile, the little deviants.
Doris’s bracelets jangle as she stuffs the brochure and pen back in her tote. ‘I would. She’s the only one who can’t be bought, and trust me, we’ve tried.’
‘Well, now there are two of us.’
‘It’s early days.’
I give her a ‘try me’ stare.
She glares back.
I jiggle her new book and say, ‘Did you know this author also has a book titledSubterfuge? I overheard the three Lucys talking about it. It’s supposed to be full of card and sleight-of-hand tricks. Maybe I should order a few copies in for them so they can heighten their skills.’ Two can play at this game! My job is to sell books; even better if I can out-con these con women.
‘No!’ she says sharply. ‘Order it for me and don’t breathe a word of it to them. It’s three against one with that lot and how is that fair? I’ve got to always keep my wits about me when we’re playing mah-jongg or pinochle. Wily as foxes, they are.’
‘I suppose I could do that. But I’m going to need more information about Gus.’
‘What else could I possibly tell you? He’s on Mahé and that’s that.’
‘He didn’t retire then?’
She gives me a look that implies I’ve got bananas for brains. ‘No, of course he didn’t retire. He was forced to leave. And honestly, I don’t think he’ll come back. Not after the way things played out.’
‘How did they play out?’
She lets out a long sigh. ‘Dramatically, Harper. Keep up! Now order me that book and wrap it when it arrives, please, so that crafty trio don’t see it. I’ve got to keep on my toes with the three Lucys. Whatever you do, don’t let them fool you with their innocent old ladies act. Sharp as tacks, they are.’
‘And you’re not?’ Pot, kettle and all that.
‘No, of course I’m not. I’m simply studying them and their tricks so I don’t become a victim too.’
25
The next day, I’m having a lie in (10a.m. starts and no commute!) with a book and some M&Ms when there’s a knock on the door. I groan, hoping it’s not Xavier catching me in my PJs. It would be a little odd if it was Xavier. Is some subliminal part of my brain hoping it’s him? I really need to put away the billionaire romance reads for a bit.
I wrench myself from bed, slide on a robe and answer the door.
‘You’re not Xavier.’
Mariola frowns. ‘Were you expecting him?’
Why am I like this? ‘Absolutely not!’
