37
Tobias made his way through the woods on the Treweham Hall estate to Keeper’s Cottage. He had arranged to meet Daniel there, to discuss the renovation works. On arriving he noticed a campervan was parked up under the trees. He frowned, then saw Daniel come out of it and walk towards the crumbling stone cottage.
‘Hello, Daniel.’ Tobias joined him. He was initially a little shocked at the sight of him. Daniel clearly hadn’t slept well, with bruised-looking bags under his eyes and he badly needed a shave.
‘Hi,’ Daniel replied, then turned to look at the dilapidated building. A part of him wasn’t sure about this anymore. Since the court hearing, all his enthusiasm had been sapped from him. All the desire and eagerness of making a fresh start and a new home for him and Emily had been extinguished – the fire had simply gone out of him. His parents had endeavoured to reignite a spark of hope, telling him to stay strong and positive for the pending appeal, reminding him that he still had Emily at weekends and holidays; but what good was that when she’d be in Liverpool?
Jenna was planning to move with JonJo that very week. She certainly wasn’t letting the grass grow under her feet, he’d thought scornfully, clearly confident that he wouldn’t have a hope in hell regarding the appeal. It all seemed pretty pointless now, pouring time, money and energy into a project that wouldn’t be his child’s full-time home.
Then again, the voice of reason within him advised,youneed somewhere to live, and where better than Treweham? The place certainly ticked a lot of boxes. For a start Christie was there. Christie, the kind, supportive strength he so wanted and needed. She had showed nothing but care and sympathy when he had called at The Templar late that morning. Daniel had outlined the whole sorry event at court and she’d sat listening with tears in her eyes. There was nothing she could say – what could anyone say to make him feel better? It was futile; instead she hugged him hard and let him cry. Christie had encouraged him to continue with the plans for Keeper’s Cottage, maintaining it would still be a home for him and Emily, even if Emily was to be based in Liverpool.
He knew it made sense and would give him something to focus on, but right now all he could contemplate was his beautiful daughter being driven up the motorway and away from her family, to a place that was totally alien to her. He wanted to scream his objections. For the first time ever, he felt real violence towards both Jenna and that dickhead boyfriend of hers. He fully understood crimes of passion and what drove otherwise decent people into cold-blooded murderers. Right now he’d shoot the pair of them – no problem. He hadn’t slept, he hadn’t eaten, he couldn’t think straight and was functioning like the living dead. No wonder Tobias Cavendish-Blake had looked slightly alarmed by his appearance.
‘Well, you’ve certainly got your work cut out here.’ Tobias nodded towards the derelict building. Daniel just stared at it. ‘You still want to do this?’ he asked quietly. Daniel turned to face him. It would be so easy to simply say “no” and walk away, but his inner strength refused to let him. Grit and determination surged through his veins.
‘Yes. I’ll show you the plans I’ve done so far.’ He went to the campervan and took out a folder. Then he pulled out the drawings he had drafted. Tobias eyed them carefully, listening to Daniel’s proposals. He was pleased that although Daniel was slightly extending the footprint, the design was still in keeping with the original build, using the same stone and materials. Tobias nodded in agreement, as Daniel talked through estimated time schedules and costs.
In short, he’d been impressed with what he had seen and didn’t doubt that Keeper’s Cottage was in good hands. Tobias sensed a lack of keenness though, especially compared to Daniel’s previous manner, when he was bursting with gusto. After hearing all the plans, Tobias smiled.
‘Excellent. I think you’ve just about covered everything, Daniel, and your vision is spot on.’
For the first time Daniel smiled and seemed to lighten up a touch.
Tobias pointed to the campervan. ‘I take it you’re camping here during the works?’
‘Yes, I’d prefer to be on site.’
Tobias suddenly felt a pang of sympathy, picturing him all alone here in the woods, with only a pile of stones for company.
‘Come for dinner this evening. Megan would love to hear your plans.’
Daniel’s head shot up in surprise. ‘I…’ he stammered, seeming unsure and taken aback by the invite.
‘Really, we’d enjoy your company,’ insisted Tobias.
Daniel’s shoulders relaxed. ‘Then yes, thank you.’
‘Great, just call up at the Hall when you’re ready. We usually dine about sevenish?’
‘That’s great. Thanks.’
*
Christie was relieved to see Daniel in slightly better spirits when he entered the bar. Although still looking somewhat dishevelled, he had a bit more spring in his step.
‘I’m invited to dinner at Treweham Hall,’ he’d told her, whilst gulping back a well-earned pint. He’d been clearing all the overgrowth surrounding the cottage, in particular the ivy covering the outbuilding. He’d been pleasantly surprised at the size of it and thought it would make an ideal work studio, especially with added skylights in the slate roof. Daniel couldn’t help but be encouraged by what he’d seen and the potential of the whole place. It was going to be exactly what he’d wished for, despite Emily not being there full time.
‘Well, you’d better scrub up then,’ said Christie with a wry smile.
Daniel laughed. ‘I suppose so. Any chance I could use your bathroom? The campervan has a shower, but I’d love to soak in a hot bath.’ His muscles ached from all the bending, stretching and carrying he’d been doing for the last few hours. Adrenalin had pumped through his blood whilst replaying the court hearing in his troubled mind. Now his body was crying out for a rest.
‘Of course, help yourself.’ Then she gave a sly grin. ‘You know the way.’ Those pale, blue eyes looked into hers, making her chest thump uncontrollably.
‘I sure do.’ He smirked.
Within an hour, Daniel had returned looking more like his usual self, freshly shaved and with that sage aroma she’d grown to love.
‘Have a good evening,’ Christie said, whilst still serving behind the bar.
