Perry clearly hadn’t expected that reply, judging by his expression.
‘Honestly?’ he asked, bemused.
‘Honestly. Believe me, I’m in no hurry to go back to London,’ confirmed Felix.
Perry seemed pleased with Felix’s answer. Emma looked from one to the other, feeling a touch more relaxed. She caught Bunty staring at her and smiled. Bunty gave her a wink back, as if reading her mind.
After several more drinks the ambience lifted to a more jovial tone. Once they were all sat in the dining room eating and talking easily, as agreed with Emma, Felix chose to tell Perry about the events surrounding Anika Genness. Both Perry and Bunty listened in shock. When Felix had finished talking, a deadly silence followed. Emma’s eyes moved sheepishly around the table.
‘Why didn’t you tell me, Emma?’ Perry faced her, his lips grimly pressed tight.
‘I didn’t want to worry you, Dad,’ she tried to explain.
‘Good God,’ he whimpered and closed his eyes. Bunty put a reassuring hand over his.
‘Rest assured, Anika is behind bars and likely to remain so for some time,’ Felix cut in, eager to console Perry.
‘I should hope so,’ said Bunty indignantly.
Once the difficult conversation was over and a few more bottles of champagne were drunk, the taxi Bunty had booked arrived. They didn’t want to outstay or cramp Felix and Emma’s hospitality. As they said their goodbyes in the hall, Perry couldn’t resist having a quiet word with Felix.
‘Can I ask, what are your intentions towards my daughter, Felix?’ he asked bluntly, feeling the right to do so. He was at pains to know his daughter was in safe hands. It was also blatantly clear their relationship ran deeper than just employer and employee.
Felix looked him in the eye, unfazed. ‘Entirely honourable, you have my word, Perry.’
‘Good,’ replied Perry, before adding, ‘because if you break her heart, I’ll break your legs.’
Felix blinked, thrown by his words, whilst admiring the old boy’s spirit.
‘Come on, Perry, taxi’s waiting!’ called Bunty.
After kisses and further handshakes, Perry and Bunty sped off down the coastal path into the dark night.
‘Well, that went well, didn’t it?’ Emma’s eyes searched Felix’s face. He smiled, leant down and kissed her lips.
