In Too Deep by Samantha Hayes Read Free Book Online Page B

Hannah continues, a frown on her face. ‘If they thought this booking was for you and Dad, then why have we got twin beds and not a double? And why are there two sets of female robes and pink slippers in the bathroom?’
    I frown before going to look. I emerge from the bathroom clutching a soft robe under my chin. ‘Perhaps Susan decided to make a last-minute switch to a twin room when she saw we weren’t a couple.’ I smile weakly.
    But I know that’s not true. She has just told us that the hotel is full, and that Rick personally chose this room.
    ‘Maybe,’ Hannah says, looking as puzzled as I feel.
    ‘It’s perfect though, isn’t it?’ I add, trying to make light of it. I go to the window, staring out across the beautiful grounds, realising it must be the same window at which I saw the woman’s face when we arrived.

Gina
    My phone rings while I’m in the bath. Even submerged beneath the bubbles, my revving heart sends ripples through the water in case there’s news. Hannah answers it for me.
    ‘It was Steph,’ she calls through the door a minute later. ‘Something about work. She wants you to phone her back.’
    After that I can’t relax. Not with everything that’s been going on at the office. And besides, Steph knows I’m away so it must be important. After Rick disappeared, work allowed me time off, and I didn’t go back until the new year.
    ‘Did she say what it was about?’ I sit up and reach over the side of the bath for the towel.
    ‘Something to do with a rental property,’ Hannah replies.
    I can’t help the groan. It’s bound to be that place we took on recently, an empty Victorian terrace in a large village north of the city. It’s been nothing but trouble ever since. The landlord, who’s rarely available, promised he’dget it renovated in order for us to show prospective tenants around. But, predictably, he didn’t, and all we’re left with are the keys and several annoyed neighbours who complain to the police about the build-up of rubbish and people breaking in. I see their point, but it’s the last thing I need to be dealing with right now.
    ‘Do you fancy a game of giant chess, Mum?’ Hannah says as I emerge into the bedroom feeling warm and sleepy. The bathrobe smells of lavender. ‘Some people are playing on the lawn, look.’ She stares out of the window, her long sleeves pulled down over her hands, nibbling one cuff idly as she looks on wistfully.
    ‘Isn’t it a bit chilly?’
    I draw up beside her. The late-afternoon sun fans across the expanse of green below. A couple of kids lug huge pawns and knights across the grass, while their parents watch on, drinks to hand, grins plastered across their faces. It reminds me of my family, of when things were OK. Of when Rick was still here and Jacob was alive – a real, living little boy with feet that would never keep still, and a grin that stretched his face wide. All I have now are decaying memories. Sometimes I wonder who’ll be next to go: Hannah or me? I pray it’s me.
    ‘Did you notice if there’s a minibar?’ I say, looking around the room. My eyes scan for a little fridge, but before Hannah answers I’ve found it, tucked behind a lattice door. ‘Want anything?’ I ask, in the hope it will disguise my guilt. I pull out a small bottle of wine. ‘There’s juice, beer, Coke. Or chocolate?’
    ‘Isn’t it a bit early?’ Hannah asks, ignoring my question.
    I shrug. If I’ve ever fancied a drink during the day these last few months, then hiding it hasn’t been a problem with Hannah away at university. I tell myself I shouldn’t feel bad, that I have a bucketload of stress, so an occasional early glass isn’t the end of the world.
    ‘Half past four’s not so bad. And besides, we’re on holiday.’ I settle down on the bed to phone Steph back. The quilt is soft and thick, and the scent of fresh laundry wafts around me. I sink back into the pillows.
    ‘I’m going out to explore then,’ she says, giving