Beware of the Beast by Anne Mather Read Free Book Online Page A

pleasure, realizing that the flimsy garments she had felt so unnecessary at the time of their purchase would no doubt find a use in conditions like these. She had not realized it would be so hot.
    During the short flight, Alex and George Constandis spoke to one another through headphones. There were only two sets of these and although George had offered a set to Charlotte ,
she had refused, knowing that he would have more to say to
her husband than she would herself.       
    About half an hour after take-off, the helicopter began to descend over an island situated on the rim of the group and shaped not unlike the letter C. Two curved headlands sheltered a bay which was almost landlocked, with only the narrowest of channels between the two. Charlotte could see now how impossible it was for any boat to land on the island, except perhaps a launch piloted by someone who knew the rocky channel and the currents present there.
    The helicopter came in low over the bay and ahead of them Charlotte could see a sickle-shaped beach with sand that was bleached white by the sun. Tussocky grass surmounted shallow cliffs and then lying directly below them she saw the house. She guessed it was Alex's house. It was much bigger than the several cottages that clung about the headland at this side of the island, and its long low lines looked cool and inviting. There were trees close by, firs and cypress and olive trees, and beyond the immediate environs of the house came the sharp scent of a lemon grove.
    The helicopter landed on wide lawns out back of the house, and the distinctive roar of its motor and the whine of its propellers brought several people out of doors to greet them. Three women in white aprons and a man dressed entirely in black stood shading their eyes against the glare of the sun, and Charlotte felt a tightening knot of nervousness inside her. Of course, these people looked after the house. Foolishly, she had not considered servants.
    The propellers slowed, and Alex took off his earphones and unfastened his seat straps. Then he slid back his door and climbed out, extending a hand to assist Charlotte to alight. She accepted his help reluctantly, putting her-hand into his with some misgivings, but the pressure he exerted was cool and indifferent.
    To her relief it was slightly cooler here, the breeze off the water giving the air a deliriously salty tang. She looked away to her left where the gentle undulation of the land gave way to deeper water and couldn't suppress a surge of pleasure at her surroundings. She had never seen anywhere more delight ful, and the island at least lived up to her every expectation.
    Then Alex was walking forward towards the small group gathered on the terrace beneath cool white columns of stone, and his expressive backward glance sent Charlotte hurrying after him. Of the women, two were young and one was elderly, while the man was of middle years. They greeted Alex warmly, shaking his hands and chattering away in their own tongue. Nevertheless, their eyes, particularly those of the younger women, strayed often in Charlotte's direction and embarrass ment swept over her again.
    Then Alex drew her forward, his hand firm at her elbow. "Charlotte, I'd like you to meet our staff here at the Villa Lydros ." To her surprise he turned to the man first, standing to attention before them. "This is Cristof , our - chef de cuisine." The man bowed and he turned to the three women, the oldest first. "And this is Maria - and Sophia and Tina." The younger women bobbed and Charlotte glanced helplessly at Alex, but he was not looking at her.
    " Er - how do you do?" she managed awkwardly, and the two girls exchanged giggles.
    Maria, probably the housekeeper, Charlotte thought, gave them a quelling glare. Then she extended her hand to Char lotte. " Kalispera , Kyria Faulkner," she welcomed her politely. " Parakalo . Embros ."
    Charlotte glanced at Alex once more and this time he encountered her gaze. "Maria is asking