If it was just him living here alone, he’d be able to handle it, but he didn’t. There was Emma to consider. How would Anika react to another woman, albeit his housekeeper, living under his roof? He imagined Emma opening the door to Anika and a chill ran over him, knowing how jealous his ex-girlfriend got. Poor Emma wouldn’t stand a chance looking like she did. Anika was hardly likely to assume she was the housekeeper. At pains to admit how irrational Anika clearly was, and also taking into consideration her foul temper and vindictive streak, he became even more wary. As well as involving the police, he had to warn Emma.
He ran a bath and climbed into its soothing water. Sinking below the surface, he wanted to block out all the hassle. He rued the day he met Anika Genness. Everything about the woman was superficial and false. Rising up, he swept his hair back and rested his arms along the bath sides. He narrowed his eyes in contemplation. Maybe it was time to retaliate and give an interview of his own? After all, he knew enough about her to do some damage, didn’t he? Her outbursts of anger were notorious within the modelling world, perhaps he should make it public… Just disclosing her real name would be enough to injure her. Anika hated the fact she’d really been plain old Ann Jones. Then the voice of reason kicked in. Was he really doing himself any favours by stooping to her level? He could hear what his mother’s wise words of wisdom would be, ‘Do not lower yourself my son’. And she’d be right. If he started mudslinging, God knows where it would all end. No, he needed to keep calm and inform the authorities.
After bathing, he dressed casually in a white T-shirt and faded jeans and made his way downstairs into the kitchen. Emma was just taking a lasagne out of the oven when he entered.
‘I’ll have it ready soon,’ she said, surprised to see him.
‘I was thinking of having dinner in here tonight, with you?’
‘Oh, right.’ Emma was taken aback. Usually she’d either set up the table in the dining room, or a tray for him in the drawing room, in front of the TV, depending on his mood. Tonight he obviously wanted company.
‘Is that OK?’ Felix asked with a small frown, suddenly worried he was intruding on her downtime.
Emma smiled. ‘Of course.’ In fact, she’d like to enjoy his company for a little while; once filming was done for the day and everyone had left, she often found the silence and emptiness of the house quite lonely.
‘I’ll set the table,’ he offered, surprising her further.
‘Thanks. Cutlery is in that drawer.’ She pointed to the dresser.
‘I’ll get the wine, more importantly,’ he grinned.
‘Be careful, the cellar steps are steep,’ warned Emma.
Soon they were sat eating cosily at the kitchen table. Outside a storm was brewing and the wind whistled through the windows, but the heat of the aga protected them against the cold of the draughts. With the kitchen lamps on the walls blanketing the room in soft lighting, it was immensely comforting to be hunkered down inside, whilst the elements battled outside. Emma had the radio on in the background, tuned in to an easy listening station.
Felix poured them both generous glasses of wine. It felt good to relax as he sipped his drink taking in Emma. She had a hearty appetite which he liked and reminded him of his mother, who always appreciated her food too. No fussy picking away, just enjoying what was on her plate.
‘So, what brings you down here tonight?’ asked Emma. It wasn’t said with any rudeness, but genuine curiosity.
That was another thing he appreciated about her, thought Felix. With Emma there were no hidden agendas or silly mind games. She just came out with it.
His face turned serious. ‘Emma, there’s something you need to know,’ he started in a sombre tone, making her look up sharply.
‘What?’ she asked, alarmed.
‘Where to start?’ he answered resignedly, putting down his knife and fork before sitting back and gulping a mouthful of wine.
‘At the beginning is usually best,’ said Emma, suddenly feeling sorry for him. He looked so… defeated.
‘OK.’ He nodded and proceeded to tell her everything. At the end of a detailed account of his and Anika’s relationship and her present-day vengeance, Emma sat motionless.
‘I’m… stunned,’ was all she could say.
‘Here.’ He reached inside his pocket and passed her Anika’s letter.
Emma read it then faced him with wide eyes.
‘Felix, this isn’t normal.’
He let out a bark of laughter. ‘I know that, Emma.’ Then, after pausing, added, ‘But besides ringing the police, what can I do?’
‘Nothing. You’ll have to leave it in their hands,’ Emma replied gravely. ‘Keep the envelope, the police may want to see the post mark,’ she advised.
Felix nodded in agreement. How had it got to this?
‘I’m sorry, Emma,’ he apologised quietly.
‘It’s not your fault, Felix.’ She covered his hand with hers on the table.
The weight of her hand was solid, warm and inviting; the complete opposite to how Anika made him feel. Looking into her amber eyes, his heart melted.
‘Thank you for being so understanding. Many in your position would run a mile.’
Hmm, thought Emma, looking into his extremely handsome face, I don’t think so.
