A glance through her kitchen window showed a light in Flynn’s own and she realised that she needed to warn him of her decision.

  She wouldn’t mention he’d even been in the tower when she had dropped the glass. It would only complicate things.

  Things were complicated enough.

  She drank a cup of tea and forced a slice of toast down to give her energy for the ordeal ahead. Now all she had to decide was when. As Fiona had said, their days were so busy, but Lara was sure if she told Fiona that she had something important to say, her boss would find time.

  She started typing a message to Flynn, but her decision and reasons were too complicated for a text. She could call him – or she could go across to his place and tell him in person. He deserved an explanation – just as long as he didn’t try to dissuade her.

  After throwing on a coat, she headed across to Flynn’s, but hadn’t even knocked on his door when Jazz hurtled from the archway that led to the castle courtyard.

  ‘Lara!’ she called. ‘Have you heard?’

  ‘Heard what?’ Lara asked, meeting her a few yards from Flynn’s door.

  Jazz heaved in a breath. ‘It’s Henry. He’s been taken to hospital! They think he’s had a heart attack.’

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  ‘Lara? What’s the matter?’

  Flynn opened the door of the cottage to find Lara and another woman on his doorstep.

  Lara looked up at him, pale with shock.

  ‘It’s H-Henry. He’s been rushed into hospital,’ she said slowly. ‘Jazz just told me.’

  Flynn pushed his hair out of his eyes. ‘Shit, no. How is he?’

  ‘We haven’t had any further updates,’ Jazz explained. ‘I don’t live on site, but I was here super early and saw the ambulance drive off. It had the blue lights on … Selwyn, the night porter, was around when Henry was taken ill in the early hours and said Henry had bad chest pains. The paramedics had him wired up. Selwyn said Henry looked in a bad way as they loaded him into the ambulance.’

  Lara sat down heavily on the sofa. ‘What if he dies? I’ll never forgive myself if—’ she bit back her words and Flynn guessed she’d been about to blurt out something about the chalice.

  Flynn would have comforted her had Jazz not sat beside her and hugged her.

  ‘It’s not your fault, lovely,’ she said.

  ‘No, it isn’t,’ Flynn said hastily, realising why Lara might, in the shock of the moment, feel a degree of responsibility for Henry’s illness. He was almost sure that Jazz, while clearly a good friend, wasn’t privy to the chalice incident. ‘Come inside, it’s freezing out here. I’ll make us all a cup of tea.’

  In the end, Jazz didn’t stay for a drink because she had to get back to supervising a business breakfast. It was now 8 a.m. and Flynn’s own meeting with his new team was scheduled for half-past. Fiona had been going to introduce him, but that was now obviously out of the window. While Jazz said her farewells, he made a quick call to Carlos, the deputy maintenance manager, to postpone the meeting for an hour.

  Seated at his breakfast bar, Lara sipped her tea. ‘Did you put sugar in this?’

  Flynn leaned against the worktop, mug in hand. ‘Yeah. I thought it would be good for the shock. This isn’t your fault, you know,’ he added, before she could object to the sugar.

  ‘I know – and of course I don’t believe in the supernatural, but what if? What if there really is something in the legend? Henry collapsed less than twenty-four hours after I broke the chalice.’

  ‘Henry’s illness is just a terrible coincidence. Henry is – what? Seventy-five? He’s responsible for a big estate and he likes to enjoy a few drinks and feasting from what I can see.’

  ‘Seventy-seven. It’s true he does live life to the full.’ She sipped from the mug and didn’t seem to mind his being rational.

  ‘The castle is a huge responsibility and he said he didn’t feel that great last night. He attended a big event, he was on show the whole time, and I imagine up late. I’m very sorry to hear he’s been taken ill, but that has nothing to do with a chipped glass,’ Flynn said gently but as firmly as he dared.

  ‘No. You’re right …’ Lara glanced up, seeming lost. ‘When Jazz broke the news, I was on my way here to tell you I’d decided to confess about the chalice, but now … there’s no way I’m going to add to Fiona and Henry’s troubles. Sorting it out myself is the lesser of the evils. I’ll call my restorer friend and see what I can do. Somehow, I must have it repaired without them knowing.’

  ‘I think it’s a good decision, but you don’t have to sort everything out on your own. Please let me help in some way.’

  ‘I – I’ll see. Although I think the best thing you can do is carry on with your job. Ravendale needs us both more than ever now.’

  Flynn nodded, relieved that Lara had decided not to confess in these circumstances. ‘That’s true for sure.’ He was also glad to see a hint of pink begin to return to her cheeks, now that she’d decided on a course of action.

  ‘I’ll phone my friend and try to find out how Henry is, and then I’ll come with you to the maintenance office and introduce you to the team myself. Let’s just hope that Henry will be OK.’ Her voice was steadier and, once again, Flynn glimpsed a steely core. You didn’t become manager of a place like Ravendale without resilience and determination. However, he also wondered how much of Lara’s cool professional demeanour was a defensive shell.

  He still recalled her reaction when he’d kissed her cheek and bid her farewell that frosty November morning. She’d seemed … bereft, as was he. He had also been unsure if he’d ever return, and uncertain that, if he did, it would be the right thing for either of them.

  She put the mug down, a fresh resolve in her eyes. ‘Belle likes to start work early. I’ll call her now.’ She picked up her phone from the breakfast bar.

  ‘I’ll give you some privacy,’ Flynn said, leaving her in the kitchen while he went into his bedroom, where he’d set up a makeshift office on a dressing table.

  He found the task list he’d written the previous evening, both for himself and his team. Later he had meetings with the lighting contractors and he’d have to be pretty full on with them so they knew that he wasn’t going to be messed about. As Lara had said, it was now even more vital that the Christmas programme at the castle went smoothly, so that Henry could focus on recovering – if, Flynn hoped, he did.

  He sent an email to his deputy and, once he’d stopped tapping at the laptop, he could hear Lara on the phone. While he couldn’t make out all the words, he heard relief in Lara’s voice and several ‘thank you so much’es.

  It was clear she was genuinely fond of the Penhaligons, just as he had been of the family who’d owned the theme park where he’d worked. He’d been sad when they’d had to sell up, and hell bent on seizing the moment to see more of the world.

  However, wanderlust hadn’t been his sole motivation for taking off in a new direction. It hadn’t been that long since he’d been involved in a tangled romantic web back in Cornwall that had left him feeling betrayed and hurt.

  What Lara didn’t know was that it had been barely a year since Flynn had ended a relationship with a woman he’d met at a seaside pub. The break-up had stung, in so many ways, but mainly because he’d had no idea she was married until her husband had turned up in Cornwall out of the blue.

  He’d had no inkling she was in any kind of relationship at all, and that, against every desire and instinct, he’d ended up the unwitting party in an affair. Having experienced the same kind of treatment in the past, and knowing how much it hurt, he would never have cheated on anyone. Ever.

  Now he was truly free and single, though it was ironic that he’d absolutely not been looking for any entanglements. His road trip – seeing the world – had been his only focus until his Halloween visit, meeting Lara, and now this job coming up.

  He still wasn’t entirely sure why he’d gone and done the opposite of what he’d planned, though that was life, he supposed. It had a way of pulling the rug from under your feet when you least expected it.

  ‘Oh! Thank goodness. That’s such a relief. Though horrible for Henry.’ Lara’s voice had become raised and animated. It now sounded as if Lara was on the phone to Fiona. ‘Please give him my best wishes. No, don’t worry about a single thing.’

  Some of the tension eased from his body as she continued and he listened harder.

  ‘You just take care of Henry and yourself. We are absolutely fine.’

  He walked into the sitting room, where Lara met him, shoulders slumped in relief. ‘That was Fiona. Apparently Henry hasn’t had a heart attack. It’s gallstones. Apparently the symptoms can be similar.’

  Flynn winced. ‘I’m relieved it isn’t his heart, though one of my managers at my old job was taken ill with gallstones and they’re nasty. Poor old Henry. Is he staying in?’

  ‘Fiona thinks he’ll be kept for another couple of nights and then he’s got to take things very easy and watch his diet. He might need an operation at some point in the future, but she said she feels confident enough to pop home for a change of clothes and a rest later this morning.’

  ‘Well, I’m very glad to hear he’s out of danger and being treated,’ Flynn said.

  Lara heaved a huge sigh, but her brief smile of relief melted away. ‘I called my restorer friend, Belle. She said she might be able to look at the chalice the day after tomorrow.’

  ‘That’s good.’

  ‘I’m lucky she said yes … I hate to do it, but it’s probably a good idea if she comes to get it while Fiona and Henry are away. She said she could come over from Hawes tomorrow to collect it.’ Lara swallowed. ‘This still feels so wrong.’

  ‘That’s understandable but I think it’s the right thing to do for everyone. Life doesn’t need to be any more complicated for anyone at the castle at the moment,’ Flynn said, hoping Lara wouldn’t think his approval was only because he also felt partly responsible for the breakage. ‘Like I said, I’m here to help in any way I can.’

  ‘Thanks.’ She seemed lost in thought for a moment before squaring her shoulders. ‘Right. We have a lot to do. I told Fiona I’d introduce you to the team. Shall we meet in the estate office in ten minutes?’

  ‘Absolutely,’ said Flynn. ‘I’m itching to get on with the job I came here to do.’

  Flynn was grateful to Lara for introducing him to the staff he’d be working with. He could tell that they respected her. Her calm, quietly confident manner went some way to reassuring them that he might actually know what he was doing.

  However, he still had a long way to go to win the trust of a team still shaken by the news of Gerald’s early retirement and now Henry’s illness. Gerald had obviously been well-liked – almost revered by Carlos – although his frequent absences in recent years had put pressure on the rest of the staff.

  Flynn could tell they were wary of ‘the new boss’, with his funny accent and his direct style, and fully aware he had a hard act to follow.

  After Lara had left, he spoke to them as a group, briefing them on what needed to be achieved. He also intended to speak to everyone individually over the course of the next day or two.

  There were ten staff in total, covering all aspects of building services, including a painter and decorator, plumber, and two general handymen, all of them men older than Flynn, as well as two apprentices in plumbing and electrical work, both of whom were women.

  Carlos was the most experienced, and had been acting as deputy to Gerald. A sharp-featured skinny guy around Flynn’s own age, he sprawled over an old armchair in the corner, one leg crossed over the other, scrolling through his phone. Flynn thought he was letting Flynn – and everybody – know that this was his domain and he didn’t like being usurped by some bloke with a country bumpkin accent.

  ‘So, I know how well thought of Gerald was and is. I’m sorry he’s had to leave but I’m ready to work with you and learn from you.’

  Carlos snorted. ‘I doubt you’ll have anything to learn, boss.’ There was an unmistakeable emphasis on the ‘boss’.

  ‘Flynn will do,’ said Flynn coolly. ‘This isn’t CID.’

  One of the apprentices, Holly, sniggered.

  Carlos glared at her.

  ‘Anyone else have any questions?’ Flynn waited purely for effect, because he was damn sure no one would have any questions while Carlos was watching over everyone like a Rottweiler.

  ‘OK? Great to hear you all know everything, then. But if you do want to ask me anything, you can come to me anytime.’ He grinned. ‘Send me an anonymous text if you need to.’

  The junior electrician smirked and Holly gave Carlos a death glare. There was no love lost there.

  Carlos huffed and went back to his phone.

  After the meeting, Flynn was left alone in the office, mulling over the scale of his task. He’d already realised Ravendale came with a unique set of challenges: as a Grade I-listed historic building, sourcing materials and planning any kind of work would take far longer and be more involved.

  Gerald had planned to move the fire alarm control room from a damp former dungeon to a purpose-built building. There were other urgent jobs on the list too: the replacement of the antiquated lift used to convey supplies and equipment to the upper floors, for example. The fire safety system itself also needed an upgrade. All of those would have to wait until New Year.

  His immediate concern was the Spectacular, which was due to start in less than a week.

  At lunchtime, Flynn walked out of his office while munching a bacon roll from a paper bag when he bumped into Lara.

  ‘Lara. H-hello.’

  ‘Hi there. Working lunch?’ She had an amused glint in her eye, which heartened him, although it quickly faded.

  ‘Literally. I’m taking it with me to the Ice House. The contractors have come to fix up the reindeer display on the roof. I might have been quite firm with them.’

  ‘That’s a relief!’ Lara replied. ‘I can’t wait to see it up and running. We have so many bookings for the grotto already. It’s my worst nightmare that it goes wrong and the children are disappointed – let alone the parents.’

  ‘Don’t worry, I’ve made it a priority.’ He dropped the remains of the roll back in the paper bag and grinned, then became more serious. ‘How’s Henry – any updates?’

  ‘Fiona says he’s not in pain now, but he is being kept in for more tests and monitoring.’

  ‘He’ll hate that, surely?’

  ‘Oh, he will, but Fiona is just relieved he’s being treated. She also insisted the “show has to go on” and asked me to pass on her thanks to you and everyone for managing everything while she and Henry are away.’

  ‘No need. The last thing they need is to worry about the Winter Spectacular not going ahead or some maintenance issue. It’s the job I’ve been hired to do and I am going to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.’ Tendrils of her hair had escaped its ponytail and she was pink-cheeked, as if she’d been hurrying. ‘But you must be even busier now that Fiona and Henry aren’t around.’

  ‘You could say that …’ Lara said. ‘The group tours are in full swing from now until Christmas, and there are a string of corporate events. For the next few days, it’s just me in charge.’

  ‘Not alone?’

  ‘No. There are four permanent guides plus half a dozen seasonal ones, and we’ve taken on a team of temporary stewards for the Winter Spectacular. How did you get on with Carlos and your new team?’

  He thought before answering, picturing the dubious-looking faces when Lara had left him alone. ‘They were polite – perhaps too polite, and a bit quiet.’

  ‘They were probably scared of you.’

  He chuckled. ‘Carlos wasn’t.’

  ‘I think it’s possible,’ Lara said cautiously, ‘that he feels a bit put out.’

  ‘Ah, so he’s upset that I took Gerald’s job? Or the job he’d hoped to have?’

  ‘Both, probably. He can be a spiky customer, but he’s actually quite insecure.’

  ‘Insecure? That’s one word for it. I’m going to have my work cut out winning him over.’

  ‘You’re more experienced than them. You’re used to a bigger set-up and you’re the one with the degree in live event tech.’

  Flynn frowned in surprise. ‘Has someone shared my CV?’

  ‘I went on LinkedIn as soon as I heard you got the job. Impressive.’

  He wasn’t sure if she was being sarcastic or not. It was sometimes hard to tell with Lara.

  ‘Most of what I learned came on the job. I had a screwdriver in my hand from the age of four.’

  She smiled. ‘I can actually picture that.’

  ‘My parents ran a hotel in Newquay until they retired a couple of years ago. I grew up learning to be a jack of all trades, helping them fix the endless stream of maintenance problems that used to crop up on an almost daily basis.’ He folded his arms. ‘What else does my CV say? Or did you get bored and nod off?’

  ‘Not at all. I know that you trained as an electrician after you left school and did the part-time degree. Then you worked at various places in the south-west and London and eventually you ended up as technical manager of Kernow Park.’

  He mimed applause. ‘Well done.’

  ‘So, you were born and brought up in Cornwall – but you have connections up here?’

  ‘Yeah. My mum’s parents lived in Whitehaven. Sadly, they’ve both passed away. I have a mate who lives near Keswick too – he’s the one I stayed over with the night before I arrived here to start the job.’ He broke off when his phone buzzed with a message. ‘It’s Carlos. He needs me to OK a decision on something that I know he’s been managing perfectly well up until now.’

  ‘Like I said, he can be tricky to deal with at the best of times, let alone now that his mentor has quit and a strange southern bloke they’re in awe of is in charge.’

  ‘You’re not in awe of me,’ he said with a grin.

  ‘Ah, but I know you better than them.’