Twenty minutes later, I’d browsed most of the library’s shelves, but there was still no sign of Sarah. That was unlike her. She was usually punctual and when I saw her yesterday afternoon, she made a point of reminding me that we’d be filming today at ten sharp.
Sarah had told me that Jane had left a tripod and some other equipment for us because, along with Jackson, she’d be going on a double date with Jess and Theo for the whole day, so we’d have to do everything ourselves.
I pulled out my phone to check for messages, but there was nothing. I tried dialling her number, which she’d reluctantly given to me a few days ago.
The phone went straight to voicemail.
My chest tightened.
I didn’t like this.
Something wasn’t right.
I contemplated calling Jess to ask if she knew anything, but I didn’t want to disturb her, and anyway, Sarah was only staying across the road at the B&B, so it’d take all of five minutes to check on her.
I hurried out of the library. Once I’d locked up, I crossed over to the B&B and rang the bell.
‘Oh!’ A woman with short dark hair and white skin who was probably in her late fifties appeared in the hallway. ‘I thought you were my guests. They just called to say they were around the corner and offered to pay extra for an early check-in. It’s Ben, isn’t it?’
‘It is indeed!’ My eyes widened as I wondered how she knew who I was. ‘And you are?’
‘Sorry! Where are my manners?’ She laughed. ‘I’m Glenda.’
‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Glenda.’
‘Oh, the pleasure is all mine.’ She fluttered her eyelashes. ‘Goodness, you’re just as handsome as your lovely brother!’
‘Onlyjustas handsome?’ I smiled. ‘Sounds like I need to go to bed earlier so I can work on getting more beauty sleep.’
‘Give over!’ She laughed. ‘If you get any more beautiful, you’ll give all those male models a complex! If I was thirty years younger and single, I’d definitely give you my number!’
‘And I’d take it in a heartbeat.’ I grinned. ‘I bet you were a heartbreaker in your heyday and I wouldn’t be surprised if you werestillbreaking hearts now. Look at your gorgeous smile.’
‘Oh, I don’t know about that!’ Her cheeks turned pink. ‘Such a charmer,’ she giggled. ‘So, apart from brightening up my morning, how can I help you?’
‘I came to ask if you’d seen Sarah today. We were due to meet at the library half an hour ago and she didn’t turn up, which is unlike her.’
‘No, I haven’t and you’re right. Normally I’d at least hear some movement in her room if I hadn’t seen her go out forbreakfast. Let’s go and check.’ She picked up a bunch of keys from behind the reception desk, then started climbing the stairs.
I followed a few steps behind her. I was sure that Sarah would hate me coming to her room, but I needed to make sure she was okay.
‘Sarah?’ Glenda said as she knocked on the door once. There was no answer. ‘Maybe she got up early and I didn’t hear her.’ Glenda faced me.
‘Would you mind trying again, please?’
‘Course,’ Glenda said before rapping her knuckles against the door.
‘I don’t think she’s there,’ Glenda said.
‘Wait.’ I put my ear to the door. ‘I think I can hear something.’
We both fell silent as we listened.
A groan or a whimper sounded from behind the door.
‘Did you hear that?’ I asked. ‘Sounds like she’s hurt!’ My heart thundered against my chest. ‘We need to get in there.’
‘Oh!’ Glenda said. ‘Sarah, love, it’s Glenda. I’m going to open your door. We’re worried about you. I hope you’re decent.’
